How Large is YOUR Joy Container?

I just had to share today’s message with you from my friend, mastermind partner and a Joyful Business Guide owner, Thea Sheldon.  We are so connected…I’ve been thinking over the weekend about how much joy do I actually ALLOW in…how about you….? Here’s a beautiful touchpoint visualization to help you connect to and expand your Joy Container…

From Thea…a masterful, visionary coach,

"The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy it can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?"

- Kahlil Gibran

How large is your joy container?

In what ways do you let joy be who you are? .

Breathing deeply--acknowledge the deep caverns of sorrow within you; observe your sorrow without being drawn into it and express gratitude for each time sorrow has inhabited your soul; Breathing again, let go of sorrow and begin to see the shape of the container that holds your joy; notice its size and marvel at its elasticity and flexibility; feel your joy container being filled, expanding and overflowing into your whole life; allow the bubbles of joy to rise in you like the effervescence in a glass of fine champagne; Carry that effervescence with you as you move fluidly through the activities of your week...

En-JOY!

Laura

Gratitude Adjustment from a Joyful Business Guide owner!

I love to feature successes and stories from Joyful Business Guide owners.  Karen Hughes, Certified Image Professional and Style Coach recently invited me to speak for the Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants.

She also shared with me this great tip...

I was listening to an “old” call of yours on my walk and it was talking about the Gratitude Journal.  One of the ladies on the call talked about being ‘stuck’ and wanted a suggestion how to get into gratitude.  I wanted to share something with you that helped me last summer.

I just went through the alphabet A-Z and wrote down positive words that each letter could stand for.  It helps to put you in a more grateful mood even if you are not in a grateful spirit and may open the door for a gratitude adjustment.

Thanks Karen!  I love the inspiration!

En-JOY!
Laura

Does Your Money Sign Say “Do Not Disturb”?

You’re set and ready to grow your small business: you’ve packaged your product and service offerings, your marketing strategies are rolling out, and you’re excited about the transformation you’re going to help your clients achieve.

And yet, you feel stuck. The money isn’t coming fast enough. You don’t even want to admit this, because “it’s not about the money” – so you hesitate to acknowledge how frustrated you really are. What in the world is wrong here?

It’s possible that your “money sign” – or the money vibration you’re putting out in the world – might be saying “Do Not Disturb.”

I compare this to being in a hotel room. You say, “I’m starving!” and order room service – but then you put out your “Do Not Disturb” sign. No wonder the things you want – the right clients, satisfying work, and yes, MONEY – aren’t rolling in the door!

You’re caught in the “yes but no.”

Money is an area that challenges many small business owners, especially women. You may feel that it’s wrong to mention money, as if it’s taboo. You might avoid talking about how much you make, perhaps you hide purchases or even lie to yourself about how much you’ve spent.

Somehow, you’ve forgotten the most important money principle:

Receiving money is a signal that you are being of service to the world.

In fact, receiving more money is a signal that you are being of more service! I often remind my coaching clients that whether you are reaching more people or charging more for your services, receiving money is another type of energetic exchange demonstrating that you are sharing your gifts in the world. Any mindset that has you believe that receiving money is wrong, bad or you are being too big… only holds you small and has you keep your gifts to yourself. Remember that the world works on the idea of creative expansion. Open up and allow in the flow!

Is it possible you’ve hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of your small business? What areas of your business may be sending these signals to potential clients? Is it easy to work with you? Are you excited about what you offer, but hesitate to charge enough to support a growing and sustainable business? What do your customers ask for that you don’t currently offer? Where is your courage to package your passion. 

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

"Step Into The Spotlight" 5-part Teleseries by Laurie Mandato

I want to introduce you to one of my Magic & Miracles Platinum clients, Laurie Mandato, of Imaging Joy.  She has been experiencing amazing growth and opportunities in her business this year.

The reason I wanted to tell you more about Laurie is that she is an image and style consultant for “Spotlighters” – that’s what I call those of us who have a mission in our business which includes getting in front of the spotlight to speak and be seen.

It’s one thing to finally have crafted your message, you’ve got this great opportunity to speak in front of your most ideal amazing potential clients…you’re feeling great about what you are up and then you start thinking about what you’re going to wear…

All that powerful inner work you’ve done and outer marketing work….comes falling down as you wonder….what really looks good on me…what’s appropriate for my audience and feels authentic?  This is where Laurie comes in. She understands this journey and in fact has put together a 5 part Teleseries specially for you, as someone in the spotlight.

DETAILS:

Register now for the "Step Into The Spotlight" 5-part Teleseries by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, May 22, and you'll receive a free *signed* copy of Fashion Feng Shui®: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore (a $24.95 value).

If you are ready to step into the spotlight with confidence and style, sign up now at http://www.imagingjoy.com/teleseries.

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

Joyful Business Podcast #27: How to Get it All Done!

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in The Joyful Business Blog for a new interview.

In episode #27, Kim DeYoung, The Metromom gives us incredible insight into how we can use intuition and quick decision making skills to get it ALL done! She brings great tips and her own personal stories, making this episode a must listen.  

Kim DeYoung is the original Metromom—a driven, evolving woman committed to caring for her family, nurturing her career and achieving success on her own terms. Dynamic, creative and eminently entrepreneurial Kim is the founder of Metromom.com and The Metromom Entrepreneurs Association. Kim left a career in the fashion industry to design a work/life balance on her own terms and now helps other women do the same.

Listen Now:

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

En-JOY!

Laura

Joyful Business Podcast #26: Finding Your Wisdom Within

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in The Joyful Business Blog for a new interview.

In episode #26, Rue Hass talks about what an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is and how we can use EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) as a tool to achieve our goals and find your own voice.

 

Rue Hass is an EFT Master (Emotional Freedom Techniques). She fits the temperament profile of Highly Sensitive Person, or “Idealist/Healer.” She has extensive training in psycho-spiritual philosophy and Energy Psychology therapies, and has been in private practice for 23 years as a counselor and Intuitive Mentor.   She works with chronic physical and emotional pain and spiritual life path choices.
 
Her background includes seven years of university teaching, seven years as a staff member of the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland (an international non-denominational spiritual community and educational foundation), being a wife and a mother of two young women now in their twenties. Her teaching style is open, welcoming, clear, grounded, intuitive and flexible.

Listen Now:

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

En-JOY!

Laura

Change Your Chi Speaker Series with Laura West & Stephanie McWilliams

I wanted to tell you about a really exciting speaker's series I'm participating in with my friend, Stephanie McWilliams, host of HGTV's "Fun Shui." She's brought together a fabulous lineup of gifted women speakers -- including me -- and I'd love it if you would join us! This is a wonderful opportunity to "meet" 10 transformational speakers for just $1 each. My teleclass will be Tuesday, April 28th at 8pm E/T. Can't make it on this date? Don't worry-- all calls will be recorded and available for download so you can listen to them any time you wish! For more information check it out here! 

As an added bonus, you'll be one of the first to experience the grand opening of Stephanie's Change Your Chi(TM) Network!

The fun begins Monday, April 20th at 8pm E/T and you won't want to miss any of these dynamic speakers, so I encourage you to click on the link below for more information and to register...
Change Your Chi Speaker Series 

En-JOY!

Laura

Joyful Business Podcast #25: Finding your Joy in Business

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in Cafe Entrepreneur for a new interview.

In episode #25, Suzanne Falter-Barns gives us great clarity on the connection with joy in business.  As a teacher to coaches, authors, speakers and infopreneurs she gives the ins and outs of how to build platform and attract major media and publishers.

After working with Suzanne, her clients have been called cold by CNN, Time, Sixty Minutes, PBS, Self, People and many other major media outlets. They’ve also been offered major publishing deals, and created successful six figure businesses. Suzanne has published two best selling self help books with the world’s biggest publisher, and has, herself, been featured in many major publications and in more than 100 radio and TV programs. She also has a 20-year history in marketing, promotion and journalism in New York City, including work with The New York Times Company, Hearst, and Conde Nast. She knows how major media and publishers think, and how to package your gifts most effectively to attract the biggest audience...Listen in to learn more!

Listen Now:

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

En-JOY!

Laura

Laura West on Thrive Connect Radio!

I had an incredible interview with Jordan Mercedes of Thrive in Balance. What a joy it was to connect with Jordan, she has this great enthusiasm about her. She is definitely a Joyful Business owner in action! Her show, Thrive Connect is right in line with the Joyful Business philosophy - showing entrepreneurs how to get organized and live your most exuberant passionate life. We had such fun talking about how you can create and experience a Joyful Business.

To listen in on this episode and find out more about Jordan click here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Thrive-In-Balance/2009/04/14/Laura-Howard-West-Founder-of-the-Center-for-Joyful-Business

En-JOY

Laura