5 Creative Planning Tips for a Joyfully Successful 2010

A couple of weeks ago in December, I offered five Creative Planning Tips for a Joyfully Successful 2010. In case you missed them, here they are again in one place. If you like these tips, check out the sale on the Joyful Business Guide at the bottom.

Tip #1: Schedule a creative planning day on your calendar
This time is important. It isn't an urgent fire you have to put out, but it will be some of the most important time you will spend on your business. This time will shape the success of your business, your focus, and the outcome for your entire year! It can be a half day, whole day or a weekend. It will be worth it to focus on what's possible.

Make sure you spend the time planning. Don't use it as a clearing house for all those daily to-do's. Use it to actually plan 2010.

Tip #2: Get out of your home office
I find that creativity, sparks, ideas, and inspiration don't usually come when I'm sitting at my desk. Going to a new environment like a café, a friend's retreat house, the lobby of a beautiful hotel, or even renting a lovely space for the day will shift my energy. What does shifting energy mean? Instead of having a "head down - what needs to be done next" focus, I'm able to have a "heads up and looking at the horizon" type of perspective.

By shifting your location, you are able to shift your perspective, and then you shift what's possible. New ideas come to you. Just the act of planning to go on a creative retreat outside of your office will subconsciously start pulling new ideas and thoughts toward you. Suddenly you will find that you are making notes of ideas to explore when you have your retreat time. Your commitment will cause your creative momentum to start moving in that direction.

Tip #3: Bring creative supplies
You don't want to develop your marketing strategies, creative ideas, and inspiration with a boring yellow legal pad. Pack your favorite markers, pens, or pencils, add some colorful, fun sticky notes to capture spontaneous free flowing ideas, bring paper or a tablet for making mind maps of ideas (a great way to access your right-brain creative thinking before your left-brain logic kicks in).

Do you have stickers or a favorite pen that you love writing with? Do you have cool big planning calendars or pads that you can't wait to dive into?

I find that the more I can support my creativity around planning for making more money, rolling out big marketing campaigns, or committing to a big project or that new platinum program - then the more tapped in I am to my creative flow, ideas, inspiration… And it's so much easier this way!

So - whatever makes you giggle with delight - bring with you on your creative planning day.

Tip #4: Set the stage for inspiration
I find that inspirational ideas don't always just happen when I say it's time. It's better to prime the pump. When I go on creative retreat time, I bring an inspirational book. Something by Wayne Dyer or Marianne Williamson works well when I want to be called into my purpose and passion; SARK books work well when I really want freedom to express my joy.

Bring along your favorite magazines like O, Ode (an entrepreneur type magazine which will help you get you sparked), Inc Magazine (with stories of other entrepreneurs and small business owners). Read a few pages to get the creative juices flowing and ideas moving.

I also find that connecting with my mastermind group or a coach will open up my inspiration in all new, big ways that I would have never thought of on my own!

Tip #5: Bring your Joyful Business Guide™ system
The Joyful Business Guide system provides the smart business tools you'll need - for getting clear about your ideal client, marketing system, team planning, and vision story, along with the attraction tools for setting your intentions and focusing on your projects.

I hear stories all the time from entrepreneurs all around the world using their Joyful Business Guides in cafes, libraries, cabins in the mountains, and at oceanside retreats and having a surprisingly wonderful time planning for their business. (It's like they are breaking all the rules! Planning and joy working together!)

And to help you more joyfully plan your successful 2010, I'm offering $50 off the Joyful Business Guide system.

The Joyful Business Guide usually sells for $249. Through Friday, January 8, you can get it for only $199. Use coupon code JOYFULLYCREATE to save $50 off the Joyful Business Guide. Click here to learn more and get your Joyful Business Guide.

Do you have the tools you need to plan an amazing 2010?

En-joy

Laura
 
P.S. This isn't just a product I sell.... The Joyful Business Guide is a system of tools for right-brain creatives, and I use it myself - everyday. It's helped me grow my business and double my income in 2009. What can it do for you and your business?

What's Possible in 2010 for You?

I wanted to let you know about a special program I'm launching, SpiritRICH™ Platinum Group Coaching and Mastermind Program. I designed it with what *I* wanted in a mastermind and coaching program - including what I know you need to grow your business with grace and in alignment with who you are. This is an affordable, accessible level to work with me one-on-one as well as to get the rich power of like-minded women entrepreneurs.

Here's a snapshot of what the 7-month program looks like:

Bonus Launch Call (for people who have signed up before November 11) November 11, 12:00 p.m. EST

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Official Launch Call December 2, 12:00 p.m. EST

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Monthly Private Coaching Calls w/Laura (six 30-minute calls) 1st Wednesday in January, February, March, April, May, June

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Attraction Marketing and Money Mindset Topic Calls (five) 3rd Tuesday in December, January, February, April, June, 12:00 p.m. EST

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Two-day SpiritRICH™ Platinum Group Retreat - with an extra bonus ½ day session - Your Guide to Authentic Financial Success January 28-30 in Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Monthly Group Mastermind Calls led by Laura (five) First Monday of every month (December, January, February, March, April), 12:00 p.m. EST

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Weekly Group Mastermind Calls Every Monday at 12:00 p.m. EST

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Open Q&A Calls (two) January 19, 2:00 p.m. EST; May 11, 3:00 p.m. EST

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Virtual Creative Retreats (two) December 29, April 22

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Spirit Doll Virtual Creative Retreat with Thea Sheldon February 26

With the private, one-on-one coaching, the weekly masterminding, focused marketing calls, an in-person retreat, and still more features, it's a full, robust program that will launch your business and your life into 2010.

You won't find this much personal coaching and mentoring anywhere else. You might find group masterminds or private coaching, but nothing that combines the power of the two.

One of the primary areas we'll be focusing on is premium and platinum-style programs for your business. Think about all the things you can do (and that you want to do - that you know you need to do to really launch your business to successful heights):

• One VIP day a month
• Virtual Business Retreats
• Premium Programs
• One Private Platinum Client

If you're drawn to these ideas for your business, but you're unsure of how to get there, that's what the SpiritRICH™ Platinum Group Coaching and Mastermind Program is all about - giving you the support, guidance, and mentoring you need.

To read more and to send off for the SpiritRICH™ Platinum Group Coaching and Mastermind Program invitation and application, visit www.joyfulbusiness.com/spiritrich/.

And if you get your application in by Friday, November 13, you also save $1500 off the deposit AND you get an extra 1/2 day workshop, Your Guide to Authentic Financial Success, at our in-person retreat.

Looking forward to working with you to make your business LEAP,

Laura
 
PS: Is your business is ready for something bigger? Are YOU ready for something bigger? Is 2010 your year? Get the support you need with my SpiritRICH™ Platinum Group Coaching and Mastermind Program - join us now! We already have 4 SpiritRICH™ business owners in the program – make sure you get one of the 8 spots left! It’s an intimate group for maximum coaching!

Don’t Miss It: SpiritRICH Business Teleseries!

The world is shifting, and there's a different way to do business than what we've been taught or modeled.

Traditional business has been built around a model of "get it done & get it done quick." It very much requires a lot of masculine action-oriented energies and strengths. That has served us well in the past, but now, especially for women (and honestly, for men too), it’s time for business to change.

It's the idea that both the feminine and masculine energies have a place - and should have a place - in business and life. That your business is one nourishing part of your life, not an energy-drainer or all-consuming. You want a business that is an outlet for your passion, a business that helps you change the world or makes it better in some way. And your business should provide you with financial success so you can continue to do your world-changing work.

As women, we can't continue with the current way of being in business. As women, we can't continue to drain our energy trying to do it like someone else who doesn't understand our natural strengths, our individual rhythms and our lifestyle priorities.

It's a brand-new way of doing business--and there aren't many models out there and certainly not a map of how to go about running such a business.

That's what the SpiritRICH™ Business Teleseries is all about. I want to help women entrepreneurs understand that they can grow their business to wildly successful heights while at the same time honoring their whole lives –whether it’s children, parents, travel, hobbies, vibrant health or (and) life purpose.

Join me for three calls (while they can all be listened to individually, they'll be the most powerful when you join us for all three):

• Thursday, November 5: The 5 Shifts Happening in the World For Women Entrepreneurs – and Why YOU Need to Know About Them to Be Successful!
• Thursday, November 12: The 7 Traps that Keep Women Entrepreneurs From Authentic Success
• Thursday, November 19: What You Need to Know To Market Yourself Like a Business Goddess

*All calls are 3:00 – 4:00 eastern

The first call is tomorrow on those very shifts in business. If you want to be successful in your business, you have to know what these shifts are all about! Join me as I encourage you to think differently about how you run your business, and how you show up in your business.

Click to read more and to sign up now!

I look forward to having you on the first call tomorrow!

En-JOY!

Laura
 
PS: Be part of the movement - sign up for the SpiritRICH™ Business Teleseries now!

Revenue Take-Off 90-Day Challenge (early bird ends today)

I am delighted to be a part of this business makeover series. Plus, I am excited that I am able to help you experience training and coaching from top minds in the world of business acceleration and personal growth; Larry Bodine, Stefanie Hartman, William Arruda, Tom Antion, Vickie Sullivan, Jeffrey Fox, Robert Middleton and many more.. without busting your budget . We are coming together to help you ethically and quickly add more revenue to your business NOW!

Register Here

Here is a sneak peak at what I will be talking about on November 13 ...
90-day Challenge Makeover for Boundless Growth: Mindset and Manifestation Strategies That Result in Continuous Revenue Take-Offs No Matter What!

Get Your Early Bird Discount Before it Expires at 11:55pm Central Time TONIGHT 10/27!

EN-Joy

Laura

How Does She Do It? - Teleseries - October 16th - 18th

Join me as I am interviewed along with 16 other successful women so you can get a peek behind the curtain of our businesses. This series is invaluable to any woman who is comparing herself to others and feeling frustrated, doubtful or just plain wondering if other women know something you don’t.

This thought-provoking interview series hosted by Gina Bell exposes the comparison trap as it relates to "success" stereotypes and draws attention to how our knee-jerk reaction to compare ourselves to others or to "model success" the wrong way sabotages authenticity and confidence. This is a unique Teleseries in that it’s not just more marketing tips – you really get to hear how we get it done – you get the peek behind the real curtain.

The series also reveals the top five challenges that women in business online commonly face and directs the how does she do it question to these relevant topics with the intention of protecting your authenticity.

I'm proud to be one of 16 successful women who are speaking up to reveal our own experiences with comparison as well as my real life stories for how I manage my mindset and energy behind the scenes. Our goal is to provide valuable insight, share lessons learned and inspire you to take YOUR next steps all from a caring and supportive approach that ensures your authenticity. Click here to sign up. 

En-joy!

Laura

Are YOU Embracing YOUR Business Goddess?

I've been just about bursting until I could finally give you all the details about this amazing experience I'm offering October 1-3! For the first time ever I am hosting a three-day workshop open to spirit-rich, joy-focused & amazing business owners. (That means you!)

Business Goddess
Marketing Breakthrough
Experience

October 1, 2, and 3

Virginia Beach, Virginia (yes, on the ocean - my favorite place to be inspired!) You might be asking yourself, "Business Goddess? What is that all about?" Let me share what I have noticed for women entrepreneurs, in particular... we have big dreams and visions for our business, but we often don't have the confidence and don't know how to tap into our personal power that is truly necessary to take our business to the next level of success we are yearning for.

And I know you are yearning... I talk with women every day who have a similar story - you are yearning to shift your business into the success you know you are capable of - transforming lives (in your own unique and brilliant way), making more money (so you can enjoy and create life experiences) and all with the freedom, flexibility and fun, yes fun, that you hope is possible.

I am here to say that it is absolutely possible, but it does take a shift in the "being" and the "doing" of your business. It truly breaks my heart to hear stories (I read them everyday in your emails and hear them on our calls) of struggle, of feeling unsure about what to do next, and of whether you can handle the success that would come your way when your business dream really comes true. All this worry and overwhelm - it's not necessary. The struggle is 100% optional.

By embracing your Business Goddess, you'll step into your personal power of being an Audaciously Savvy Business Owner. This is not some airy-fairy goddess in a Greek gown thing (although that might be fun). It's about making decisions, having confidence, making a commitment to your business dream and growing your business with graceful power and innate knowingness - like a goddess who is sure of herself and clear about where she is going. I also believe that energy flows through us and through our business, and the biggest places where your energy is mostly likely to get bunched up, stuck or overwhelmed is around your mindset about your marketing. When clients first work with me, they usually have been chasing after every marketing idea they have read about, or they are trying to imitate what others are doing even though their business vision and their values look different. They are stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed. Or they know they want to shift their business to a new level and a new model, but they don't want to do it and be stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed! This is not why you started your business is it? If you're like me, you have this place inside of you that knows, that absolutely knows, that the work you do changes people's lives in some way. It betters their lives or their businesses. You know that if you grow your business, then you'll be able to help more people and be proud of the footprint you are creating in the world! And you want to "do good" while enjoying life, making great money so you can treat your family to great experiences (like travel, college, a new kitchen or an even better place to live). A Business Goddess knows that her work matters, and she also knows that she can do it with joy, fun, ease and freedom. Are you ready? Are you ready to shift? Are you ready to bring your marketing into alignment with your dreams and step into your personal power like the Business Goddess you are? Here are just a few of the things you're going to walk away with when you leave the workshop:

1. You will experience what it is like to tap into your personal power and connect with that inner Business Goddess who will help guide you in your business growth and success
2. You will identify your own personal Business Breakthrough - the shift that you want to have that will authentically accelerate your business success. (in alignment with the fun, freedom and flexibility that I know you want too)
3. You'll learn a system for building your Online Marketing Empire - fit for a goddess!
4. You'll create your Marketing Action Plan and know what actions you are committed to in your business - knowing you can tap into your Inner Business Goddess at any moment.
5. You'll have full permission for "Growth with Grace." I don't know about you, but I get tired just reading some of the business mentor e-zines who constantly talk about busting through to $1,000,000. I wonder when they really have time for their family, for adventure, for enjoying the juice of life! Don't get me wrong. I have reaching 1,000,000 women entrepreneurs and reaching $1,000,000 in my business on my vision board. However, I am not interested in growing my business while sacrificing my health or my relationships. How about you?

At this intimate workshop, you'll be in a circle of other like-spirited entrepreneurs who know when to lean into the feminine energy of love, nurturing, collaboration and respect and when to call on the masculine energies of action, commitment, and focus. Imagine how you'll feel after really letting your Business Goddess out to play with your business, while at the same time honoring your whole life. If this message resonates with you and you are ready to "Growth with Grace" with your inner Business Goddess at your side, then sign up for the Business Goddess Marketing Breakthrough Experience workshop by Tuesday, August 11. For signing up early, you'll get an amazing deal! To be honest, I haven't even put together my information page about the workshop yet. I've had so many of you asking for the details that I thought I'd reward you for knowing what you want and trusting your intuition about what's next for you and your business.

 

The Business Goddess Marketing Breakthrough Experience

 

The full value of this transformational experience is $2497.

If you decide to pay in-full by August 11, then your investment is only $997. This is the lowest price for this workshop I will be offering, so you want to sign up now.

 

Or if you'd like an investment payment plan, you can pay a deposit of $597 and then two payments of $300.

 

I will tell you that the price for this workshop will never be this low again. And it goes up after August 11.

Discounted pay-in-full price of $997 (Best deal!)	3-pay option of $597 deposit and 2 payments of $300

And - it gets better! In addition, when you sign up and pay for the Business Goddess Marketing Breakthrough Experience, you'll also have the opportunity to add on a VIP option. I know when you travel, even little things like meals and where to eat in a strange place can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar. What if all those details were handled for you? Like the Business Goddess you are!

 

I've made that all easy by offering a VIP upgrade. You get:

	Special Goddess Gathering Thursday evening after Day 1 of the workshop. Let the pampering begin!
	Lunch Thursday, October 1, Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3 - no rushing to grab a table - we'll have one reserved just for us and you'll be able to network with these amazing spirit rich entrepreneurs!
	Special VIP seating at the workshop
	Lovely VIP gift bag to nurture your Inner Business Goddess
	The opportunity to network with other like-minded spirit rich Business Goddesses

 

The VIP add-on is only an additional $197!

 

Finally, I understand how difficult it can be to step out into your Business Goddess all by yourself. The value of having someone who supports you and understands what you're growing into with your business is beyond measure. To help you create that support, I've arranged a special Bring-A-Guest option for $99. That means that for only an additional $99, you can bring your husband, partner, best friend, team member, or business girlfriend.

 

Yes, I know it's an amazing deal, but I'm doing it because I know it's important to your success. I know how frustrating it can be to feel alone when you are working on your business. Bring a guest who will support you in bringing your business vision alive! Once you register your seat at the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to register your guest. Are you ready?

Discounted pay-in-full price of $997 (Best deal!)	3-pay option of $597 deposit and 2 payments of $300

I will tell you that there are a limited number of spots in this workshop. We have an amazing room at the Hilton, and it's perfect for a small, intimate setting with plenty of opportunity for time, support, and networking with other like-minded business owners.

 

All right, I'm getting very excited about this! It's going to be fun, connective, inspiring and practical - I'm all about bringing spirit and business together so you'll get the inner grounding work necessary to take action plus the practical how-to system.

 

Doesn't it sound amazing? Are you ready for your Business Breakthrough? I truly can't wait to see you in person on the oceanfront October 1!

Discounted pay-in-full price of $997 (Best deal!)	3-pay option of $597 deposit and 2 payments of $300

See you soon!

PS: This is not a giant workshop with 100's of seats. It's designed to be an intimate gathering so you get personal attention and create lifelong connections. So that means that spaces will go fast - especially with the great option to Bring-A-Guest. Be sure to register now and get the money saving great price and save your spot as a Business Goddess! (don't you love how money and goddess go together!)

 

PPS: Don't forget to pack your walking shoes - we are right on the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. It's perfect for early morning walks to get your energy moving!

 

© 2009 Laura H. West and the Center for Joyful Business. All rights reserved.

Discover Your Unique Presence(TM) in Atlanta GA!

I am super excited to share with you a special live workshop "Discover Your Unique Presence(TM)?" by Laurie Mandato! Laurie is one of my Magic & Miracles Platinum clients and she is becoming well known fast! 

Because I get requests all the time about image consultants from my clients and colleagues, I asked Laurie to come to Atlanta. Laurie designed this speciaI workshop specifically for women who want to step into the spotlight with confidence and style.

Here's what she will be covering ...

• Discover your personal essence and how to use it to dress with confidence and style.
• Start dressing with intention and watch your client list AND your bank account grow!
• Discover how to use color to empower yourself and impact your audience.
• Start achieving your personal and professional goals.
• Start getting noticed and learn how to stand out in a crowd.
• Increase your confidence and motivation.

You can get all the details at www.LaurieMandato.com! Make sure to reserve your early bird spot with special pricing only until July 31st.  Or grab your special 1/2-Day Personal Consultation here and you can attend the 1-Day workshop FREE!

I'll be there - hope to see you too!

En-JOY!

Laura

Repurposing Content: Is it Cheating?

Absolutely not!

Now, allow me to elaborate on that answer. Because it makes no sense to spend your energy feeling guilty about something that’s actually one of the secrets to success in your small business – leverage!

You’ve heard of repurposing. It’s the smart, systematic practice of taking a piece of high-quality content – say, a teleclass – and re-using it in other forms, like blog posts, articles, podcasts, videos, news releases and more.

Here are some reasons why repurposing your content is actually a good business practice:

1. The truth is, people are so busy that they’re unlikely to view this as repetitive. While a reader might miss your latest blog post, they might catch a podcast or read an article. And so on.

2. Even if the information does reach a small, dedicated minority of your community members more than once – repetition is good for retention of your messages. So hooray!

3. Everyone learns and absorbs information differently. Some of us are visual learners, some are audio learners – and some learn best by doing (kinesthetically), like in a workshop. So if you provide good content in a variety of ways, you’re appealing to a variety of people with varied learning styles.

4. Not all repurposing is created equally! Keep in mind that you can vary your introduction, tie your message into a current news event, or put a new twist on it – for example, by incorporating a teleclass participant’s comment into your next blog post.

5. And finally, if you insisted on designing a separate message for each and every video, podcast, teleclass, e-book, blog post, article and news release – imagine the stress, and how that would affect your energy for running your small business. I’m betting that your output would decrease significantly.

Repurposing is a way to keep that energy flowing! More time, more ease.

Have you written or created something you’re particularly proud of (and that elicit great responses from your clients)? Are you sure it’s reached its largest possible audience? Can you rework it into some other formats, to reach new prospects and community members? 

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

Your True Intuitive Potential - Are You Living Your Purpose?

Did you know you might be only harnessing 25% of your Intuitive capabilities?

If so these are signs...

You have dreams that don’t come to fruition.
You sabotage your ability to be prosperous.
You make friends with people who are not aligned with who you are.

Find out more at: http://www.joyfulleadership.com/pii/piipage01.html

Please join us for a free teleclass led by my LPE, Life Partner Extraordinaire, Marc West.  I do believe that to really succeed as an entrepreneur you need more than great marketing ideas and one of those key ingredients is being able to tap into your intuition for decisions, ideas, divine downloads and trusting in your path. 

Marc is truly an Intuitive and is passionate about helping the rest of us deepen our access to our intuition and be able to tap into it with ease and confidence.

I hope you’ll sign up for this teleclass and join us for a wondrous journey!

With training you too can tap into being the abundance steward of
your business. Find out more at: http://www.joyfulleadership.com/pii/piipage01.html

En-JOY!

Laura

“Celebrity with Integrity” Style in Action

To be successful in your business you have to be willing to step up and be a leader.  Many people call this being a “celebrity” or a “rock star”…I fondly call it “Celebrity with Integrity.”

I know as a heart-centered entrepreneur you may not be comfortable with the idea of being a “celebrity” (and some of you are very comfortable so you’ve got that going for you!).  Many of us received messages when we were younger about “not hogging the spotlight”, “who do you think you are” and “being too big for your britches”. These were meant in kindness but now as a growing business owner holding on to those messages can keep you small and definitely keep your business from growing.

You see to attract more clients, who want what you have to offer – you have to be willing to step into the spotlight and be seen.  You have to believe in what you offer and know without a doubt that your services/products/program will help change someone’s life or business for the better.  That takes stepping into your authentic power, creating a powerful and authentic presence and embracing being seen as a successful leader – ie:  a bit of celebrity.

Embracing “Celebrity with Integrity” means that you allow yourself to shine brightly with your expertise, your passion and experience knowing that it will give others permission to do the same.

I’d like to share a great example of “Celebrity with Integrity” through one of my Platinum clients.  Ginger Burr, www.TotalImageConsultants.com, is a successful Image Consultant and a passionate vegan.  She is adding her vegan passion to her business to help vegans dress beautifully while honoring animals.

Here is a great example of authentically sharing her beautiful celebrity self in VegNews Magazine website featuring her vegan style wedding.

What makes this work to well: It’s personal, shares that she “lives this lifestyle and walks her talk,” it’s fun, and it highlights her special event and you get that she is dedicated without having to yell “expert” all over the place.  You have no doubt about her credibility and passion for this lifestyle.

What authentic ways can you share your expertise and highlight your passion for your unique work in the world?

En-JOY!

Laura