Are You Passing Judgement on Your Clients?
by Ask Coach Kate on June 22, 2011
in Business, Business Coaching, Home Business, Life Balance, Life Coach, Mamapreneur, Marketing, Marketing for Coaches, Motivation, Solopreneur, Transition
P.S.
Inspired Women Inteview
by Ask Coach Kate on May 23, 2011
in Business, Home Business, Life Balance, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Solopreneur
Awhile back, I receive a unique opportunity to participate in a book project with 39 other women, to share our stories of triumph over hardship on our journey to success. It is very exciting to have my piece, “Inpsired Women Relaunch”, published along side these amazing ladies. Today’s blog post, I share an interview with Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore, the authors of
Inspired Women Succeed:
Christian Entrepreneurs Cunningham/Fore Redefining Success
Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore have crafted a “Chicken Soup for the Soul®-spirited book that takes readers on an inspirational journey; a journey which teaches women how to entrust the hard spots of life to a sovereign God who has a plan.”
From the back cover: “What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts? Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we measure success greatly impacts our lives. Inspired Women Succeed cuts through the spoils of cultural expectations and uncovers genuine success.”
Inspired Women Succeed (www.inspiredwomensucceed.com) released May 18th. Today, we talk with Diane and Jo Ann to get the story behind this life-transforming book.
What was the catalyst for Inspired Women Succeed?
Diane: We all face obstacles. And we wanted to share the true stories of women who overcame huge obstacles and uncovered success. As the founder of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, I am honored to know many of the women featured in the book—I had a glimpse into their stories from what they shared with me in emails, conference calls, and our private forum. I felt called to invite them to share their stories of triumph with the world, to encourage them to help other women on a larger scale.
Jo Ann: Diane ignited the passion within me. When she initially approached me about writing the book, I declined because of the time involved. But anyone who knows Diane Cunningham knows she is persistent. And she returned—this time armed with examples of the stories that would be told. Like Diane, these stories sparked a flame.
In some ways, each of these stories is a piece of our own. Maybe the fallout or the circumstances aren’t quite the same, but the lessons learned are quite similar. As Christian women, our success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by our loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome. This book would prove true success is defined by who we are, what we believe in, and our willingness to step out in faith. It was a story that deserved to be told.
What part did your personal story play in the creation of this book?
Diane: My story is an unfolding tapestry of inspired action steps. Readers see into my deep places of grief, challenge, and miracles that arise from showing up when God tells you to go. An amazing thing happened as we were finishing the book, and my story of survival is including in the afterward. Each of us have a story to share and I wanted to give women courage and hope by sharing some of my secrets; I wanted to offer them a blanket permission to step into and examine their own stories.
Jo Ann: Life is messy sometimes. Mine sure was. And all of our attempts at explanation eventually fall away, leaving us with the sole responsibility of right perspective. I learned the hard way that emotional healing is a choice. A choice of trust in a sovereign God. Much like Diane, I believe that when we tell our stories other women find the courage to face their own. And I believe that as we invest in the lives of each other, we can redeem painful life experiences. I brought my story of transformation to the book as a pinion of hope and redemption. I’ve endured some horrific hurts. But over the years, redemption has become much more important to me than explanation.Do you have an “end goal” for the book?
What do you hope Inspired Women Succeed accomplishes?
Diane: My goal with this book is that it will show women that no matter what they are going through, God will take them to the other side. I hope women pass this book around as a gift, an inspiration that continues giving. I pray it provides much-needed healing and hope, and that each reader is willing to keep moving forward as God opens new doors.
Jo Ann: My hope is that women will truly learn to surrender to God. That they will, once and for all, release the hard patches of life to a God who loves them, who wants them whole and well, and successful. And that readers will never allow the pain of the past to block the purpose and joy of the future.
What was it like working with 40 other women to create this project?
Diane: What a wild adventure to connect with women from all over the United States and Canada on the writing process. This was a bigger challenge than we imagined it would be with the logistics and details. I am much more of a big picture thinker, and a visionary.
Jo Ann: (Grins sheepishly) I don’t know that the number of women involved was as much a challenge as the short amount of days we worked on the project. The women’s stories were inspirational. Heartfelt and life-changing. And everyone was receptive to the necessary edits and constructive feedback that it took to turn the project into a book that readers would use as a regular resource. It was a demanding project, yes, but the heart of each brave-hearted woman who was willing to use her life experiences to sow into the lives of others made it worthwhile.www.inspiredwomensucceed.com. Each person who downloads a copy of the first chapter during our release week (5/18-5/25) will be entered in a drawing to give away two free copies of the book.
Why is your story, and the stories of contributors, special? Why should women look to you for inspiration? My story is no more “special” than any other in the book, but it is mine. It is my gift from God, even the parts that caused me the greatest pain. I firmly believe that we need to find inspiration all around us. I am inspired by each story in the book, including my own. We are women of victory, overcomers, sharing how God has moved in our lives. Each woman in this book gifts us with authentic vulnerability, her heart, and a courage that comes from trusting God.
Diane:
Jo Ann: I’ve heard it said that your passion often evolves from your greatest point of pain. I am passionate about helping hurting women because of what I have walked through. What happened in our past or the deep hurts we’ve experienced aren’t nearly as important as what God wants to do in our future. That’s hard theology for some. And I believe as readers connect with my story, they will understand why I’ve earned the right to say that. The same with the other women featured in the book. Sometimes there are no answers for the rough patches of life, but these stories prove that God wants to redeem every ounce of our pain—if we will surrender it to Him.
For your free download of the first chapter, and a chance to win a FREE copy of Inspired Women Succeed visit
About the Authors:Diane Cunningham is a Business Therapist, whose calling is to help women grab hold of their dreams and make them happen. She is the founder and president of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (www.nacwe.org), an organization with more than 165 members across the United States and Canada.
Jo Ann Fore (www.JoAnnFore.com) is an inspirational author, Writing Coach, and certified Life Coach who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her faith-filled messages, Jo Ann mentors both emotionally-wounded women and budding writers.
Picking Up Where I Left Off…
by Ask Coach Kate on May 23, 2011
in Business, Business Coaching, Communication, Home Business, Life Balance, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Solopreneur
It’s been a while since I have posted and I bet you are wondering where I have been…well, let me tell you.
Part of my 2011 goals included reforming my business structure to include the different aspects of what I offer clients and to grow my speaking and writing. As a life balance coach for women entrepreneurs and a skilled business strategist it made sense to “house” those offerings on one site that linked to other sites specific to that offering while having the space to incorporate my speaking and books.
My plan included stream lining the back end of things by having one main newsletter through the Kate Powers parent site while continuing to offer business strategy offerings through my Small Business Success Strategist site
It was a good plan in theory and on paper but I was continually blocked in the implementation of it.
Now if you have been following me for any amount of time you know I have an unusual relationship with any and all forms of technology. I love technology! I respect how powerful it is and what it can do for our businesses.
Technology, on the other hand, is not always fond of me. Programs that work perfectly for the rest of the world some how come to a screeching halt in their functionality when I log in. Whatever it is about me and technology it extends beyond myself and onto those who are working on technical tasks on my behalf which my dear friend Alyssa Avant recently discovered as she was putting together my power point for my 7 Steps To Start Up Success presentation last month at the Inspired Women Event for the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs in Dallas, TX.
I have found it frustrating to not be implementing my great plan!
So I had to let go of it… the plan, my expectations, and how I thought things should move forward. Clearly, there was another plan I am supposed to be following. So I stepped back from the technology. I stopped fighting with Aweber and wordpress (usually very easy to manage platforms) and I sat quiet in my business for a bit.
This is not what I would suggest as a success strategy. This is against everything I tell my clients most of the time. I felt unproductive and lazy.
The truth is some very big things have been going on around here such as actively pursuing my writing with the release of a workbook on Tools For Living A Balanced Life and on 7 Steps To Start Up Success, becoming a contributing author in a Chicken Soup for the Soul style book authored by Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore titled Inspired Women Succeed which released May 18th
But guess what happened…
I spent the time I was not “busy” in my business on thinking, planning, learning and giving my mind the quiet space to think beyond my next blog post or ezine blast. I gained clarity and insight into a bigger vision of what my business is supposed to be.
By doing the exact opposite of what I SHOULD be doing, I was able to see where I need to be headed for the big picture.
So I am picking up where I left off…
I am jumping back on this train where i hopped off, chugging along!
My hope is that you learn a valuable lesson from my experience. When things seem to be fighting you, struggle envelops an area of your business, taking a step back and surrendering the struggle might just be the perfect solution!
If would like to look at how to identify and eliminate the struggles in your business and life email Kate at Kate@askcoachkate.com . I am offering a special Saturday Strategy option this Saturday …click here to see if it’s right for you!
Inspired Women Succeed Press Release
by Ask Coach Kate on May 18, 2011
in Business, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Press Release
CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS REDEFINING SUCCESS
A New Book Shows How You Can Too
Wichita Falls, TX – Today’s success-driven culture often puts a pressure-cooker demand on Christian women in business. Countless women struggle to succeed—to be, do, and have it all.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we determine success greatly impacts our lives, according to the newly published book Inspired Women Succeed by Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore.
As they seek to redefine success, the authors challenge readers, “What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts?”
This Chicken Soup for the Soul®-spirited book features a collection of 40 real-life inspirational accounts that are designed to prove success is an individual experience. “For Christian women, success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by a loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome,” Cunningham said.
Co-Author Jo Ann Fore elaborates, “Inspired Women Succeed leads readers on an inspirational journey; a journey which teaches women how to entrust the hard spots of life to a sovereign God who has a plan. The book is about real women doing real life. Through a vulnerable transparency, the stories of this book offer women a permission to be real; to confront the tough issues of life with a new perspective. We want women to reframe life experiences which may have blocked their progress—those same experiences can be used as a catalyst to success.”
Authors Cunningham and Fore model authenticity, as intimate details about the tough spots of their own lives are woven throughout a book that consistently recounts the transformation of difficult circumstances into a successful life—success on God’s terms, that is.
To arrange for a book signing, interview, or speaking engagement email info@inspiredwomensucceed.com. Inspired Women Succeed is available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com and at most major retailers.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Diane Cunningham is a Business Therapist, whose calling is to help women grab hold of their dreams and make them happen. She is the founder and president of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (www.nacwe.org), an organization with more than 165 members across the United States and Canada.
Jo Ann Fore (www.JoAnnFore.com) is an inspirational author, Writing Coach, and certified Life Coach who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her faith-filled messages, Jo Ann mentors both emotionally-wounded women and budding writers.
For a free download of the first chapter, and a chance to win a FREE copy of Inspired Women Succeed visit www.inspiredwomensucceed.com. Each person who downloads a copy of the first chapter during our release week (5/18-5/25) will be entered in a drawing to give away two free copies of the book.
Small Acts = Big Impact
by Ask Coach Kate on March 6, 2011
in Life Balance, Life Coach, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Parenting, Relationships, Uncategorized
The sweetest thing just happened to me.
I am sitting on the couch, working away on my laptop and suddenly “Little Miss” announces “Mama, close your eyes, I have a surprise for you”.
Now, bed time was half an hour ago, “Little Man” is already asleep and I am trying to not be grumpy at “Little Miss’” attempts at avoiding bed. “Ok, my eyes are closed”, I reply. She scampers in, leaves something on my lap and scampers out. I open my eyes to find a torn out sheet from a composition notebook.
A simple love poem, written from the heart of a little girl – what a truly beautiful token of affection.
This small act made me think about how we can be more giving and thoughtful in our everyday life. Last week I had a special opportunity to make a huge impact with a small act. A group of us ladies pitched in to purchase a much needed item for a friend. This gift will be a blessing to her.
What are you doing that has big impact? Are there any small acts you can incorporate into your routines? Here are a few that I enjoy…
Love notes in lunch boxes – every so often I send a napkin with a note in my daughter’s lunch box. She thinks it is so much fun to find a special message from me every once in a while.
Flowers just because – I love flowers and I enjoy gardening. Every summer I grow quite an array of blooms. Instead of keeping all the beauty for myself I share. Last year, while my Iris beds were in full bloom, I cut buckets full and delivered to teachers, family and friends. It was a small act on my part but brought many smiles.
A word of gratitude – Every so often I will send an email or text message to a friend or family member thanking them for all they do to make my life a better place, a little easier and a lot happier. Just a few words sent off allows your inner circle to know they are appreciated. Couldn’t we all use a little more appreciation here and there?
Make yourself a cup of tea – Don’t forget to give a little love to yourself. Every evening I make myself a big cup of my favorite tea to enjoy after the kids are in bed. This ritual allows me to take a moment, breathe deeply, and relax.
Looking for more ideas on enjoy your days more? Shoot me an email at Kate@askcoachkate.com and we will get your started.
Oh, and if you are in New England, be sure to check out the Women In Business Summit on March 26, 2011. I am joining an amazing line up of presenters and would love to have you join us.
Transition Hangover?
by Ask Coach Kate on March 1, 2011
in Home Business, Life Balance, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Stress, Transition
As you read last week, I am making some changes around here. It is true for me as it is for most people that change = transition and transition causes some unexpected side effects or otherwise known as a “transition hangover”.
The past couple weeks have been full of new realizations, mental shifts and opening my heart and mind. I am seeing the benefits of all this in my life and business on a daily basis and am so grateful for all that is arriving.
Suddenly, last week, I found myself unexpectedly tired. Really tired… the kind of tired that makes you sit down and close your eyes while the kids climb on you so you know where they are. Yes, the kids had been sick and I did not get much sleep for a few days but I had recovered or so I thought.
Now I expect to be hit with tiredness when the kids are sick and no one is sleeping but a few hours. This was not that “mother’s tired”.
This tired seemed to be something else. Then it hit me. I was in transition, good transition but transition none the less. It seems there are certain side effects that occur no matter the type of transition you are going through. So although I am growing, expanding and moving forward personally and in my business I still find I need to be gentle and caring with myself as I move into this new phase of reality.
If you are going through some changes be sure to give yourself some leeway with the tips below.
Don’t overload yourself – we often think we can do everything and none of us wants to miss a good opportunity especially when things are going well but not every offer is for us to say yes to. Sometimes we are presented with opportunities so we can practice saying NO! Evaluate the offer and determine if it is the right time and how you can COMFORTABLY fit the obligation into your schedule. If it doesn’t fit do yourself and your family a favor and gratefully decline the offer.
Rejuvenate – mind, body and soul needs regular rejuvenation especially when we are making changes in our lives. Pay attention to what makes you feel energized and rejuvenated whether that be exercising or taking a hot bath. Be sure to schedule in time each day for rejuvenating activities such as exercise, healthy eating, reading and meditation. In doing so, you will begin to make a habit of taking care of yourself.
Take a nap – when we are in transition, our minds are working overtime to create new thought processes and understandings based on our new reality. This takes up a huge amount of mental energy. This “brain work” does not usually happen during “waking hours”. These shifts usually occur while we are sleeping so if you find yourself extra tired or needing a mid afternoon nap, do yourself a favor and go to bed early and block off some time to take that afternoon cat nap
Transitions can be hard or wonderful – either way you need to give yourself the space to move into your new reality by taking care of yourself.
Need some support to make the shift? Shoot me an email at Kate@askcoachkate.com and we will get your started.
Oh, and if you are in New England, be sure to check out the Women In Business Summit on March 26, 2011. I am joining an amazing line up of presenters and would love to have you join us.
Making Changes
by Ask Coach Kate on February 23, 2011
in Ask Coach Kate, Business, Home Business, Life Balance, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Solopreneur, Transition
It was only 6 months ago that I re-launched my business from scratch. And in those 6 months I have been blessed to work with some truly amazing women. Not only have I gained some amazing clients but I have created a wonderful, supportive community of women for myself through my networking efforts and moving outside my comfort zone.
Once I decided to re-open my coaching doors, I knew I needed to start with some changes on the personal side. I made the decision to move forward with confidence, determined to not let anything stand in my way of success.
I looked at each of the aspects of being in business that I previously had struggled with. I created an action plan to eliminate or deal with each of these areas.
Here are a few of them!
Feeling self conscious meeting new people: I heard this saying and grabbed onto it… “I like you, you like me and we are going to enjoy doing business together. This became my mantra whenever I was encountering a new group of people.
Why not just get a J O B? I got firm in my WHY I was in business and how running my own business allowed me to be the mother I wanted to be to my children.
What makes you an expert? I had to own my personal power and the years of practical experience and hundreds of successful coaching sessions I’ve given. The facts spoke for themselves. There was no ego boost just the reality of the years of experience I had accumulated.
Core Values: I aligned my business with my core belief system. It is hard to fail when you do this since there is no part of your business that is out of alignment.
I am so grateful to YOU!
You are who make my business powerful.
You challenge me to show up fully and share my knowledge, experience and gifts.
Thank you!
Without YOU I would not need to evolve and grow in my business.
As a result of all this evolving and growing going on I have some changes that will be taking place over the next month. I wanted to share with you so you know what to expect.
After much sitting on the proverbial fence, I will be launching a parent site to house all the different aspects of my business. This will allow me to have a central location for people to learn about all the different things I do which is vital as I embrace public speaking again.
Some people start with the parent site and work down while some (me) start where we find ourselves and work our way up to this. Either way it all comes together!
One of the changes I am looking forward to is allowing this site to be the advice column I always intended it to be…Ask Coach Kate. I encourage you to utilize this free resource by emailing me at Kate@askcoachkate.com with any issue you could use some no-nonsense advice on or some savvy strategies for success.
In the near future my newsletter will have a different look and name but still share the quality content you have come to expect. If you are on the list you can begin watching for the changes as I implement the new branding.
I am excited for all the changes coming up and how these changes actually solidify my vision as I move forward with clarity and focus. Change does not come without some discomfort and I thank you for your patience as I go through these “growing pains”.
Struggling with some challenges of your own? Email me at Kate@askcoachkate.com to get the support you need.
Midnight Musings on Love…
by Ask Coach Kate on February 14, 2011
in Divorce, Life Coach, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Parenting, Relationships, Transition
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (New International Version, ©2010)
I have carried this verse in my heart for a long time, for most of my life. There is a quiet truth that rings from it and when you sit quietly and think about what love – pure love – is, you can hear it.
I struggled with knowing this pur love most of my life as do many people. I knew it was out there but could not quite capture it.
Pure love is not to be captured. Pure love flows from within and swells outward.
Following my divorce, I wondered what was wrong with me that I could not find a healthy, pure love. So I started from scratch. I went back to the begining of where all love starts from. I started at the most essential love – God! I have not doubted God’s love for me since I was a young teen and I had a quiet knowing that this part of my journey was needed to fully know pure love.
So I prayed…I prayed to know God’s will for my life, I prayed to provided for my children, and I prayed for my heart to heal. I did not pray to find a man, to feel better through the outward affection of another. I did not seek refuge in this world – in alcohol, sex, drugs, shopping or any number of options to hide from the pain. Instead, I opened my mangled heart to God’s will and by doing so found healing.
Through healing, my heart found forgiveness for myself and others. Forgiveness for this mother’s broken heart that her children would not have the “family” I thought I had created.
Forgiveness came in unexpected waves for wrongs done decades before and another part of my heart opened up. I could now embrace the love my family surrounded me with.
Bit by bit, my heart healed. I found self love. Gentle, kind and caring love for myself. My expectations of how I am treated have risen. There is no room for unacceptable behavior here. I finally hold others to the high expectations I have always held myself to. My life is full of caring friends and family.
My children know love, safety, gentle kisses and warm hugs. Love flows from my heart at the mere thought of them.
And when I am tired and weary, I remember to love my children as God loves me because …
Love is patient, Love is kind.
Snow Days vs. Work Days
by Ask Coach Kate on January 26, 2011
in Business Coaching, Home Business, Life Balance, Life Coach, Mamapreneur, Motivation, Parenting, Solopreneur
Old Man Winter is at it again here in New England as we prepare for another 7″ -12″ of snow tonight after just coming out of first deep freeze of the season with sub-zero temps.
Of course all this snow means lots of snow days!
School has already been called for tomorrow and Friday was a scheduled training day for the teachers. Including this week – the kids will have been home 6 days in the past 3 weeks!
Now that can put a wrench in your work plans!
Many of you are finding yourselves dealing with snow days and keeping kids busy while getting some work accomplished so I thought I would share some tips on how to help yourself .
First, be realistic about when the kids will be home and how much you can expect to accomplish with them house bound. It is probably not a great idea to plan a new project or schedule a full day of client sessions when the forcast calls for a foot of snow.
Secondly, figure out what you can accomplish with the kids help. You may be surprised at how much can get done by including the kids. Don’t forget the power of a paycheck either… your children may become very motivated to assist you if there is a monetary reward attached to the job.
Third, work side by side. This may be you working on your schedule book or planning out your business events for the year while your children are coloring or building with legos at the kitchen table.
Finally, make the kids your business partners. If you have client calls or work that requires your full attention and a quite space while the kids are home, you can explain to the kids that you need this window of time for work. Of course if you have very young children your quiet time is restricted to nap time.
Explain that you need their help to get this work done – you need them to be quiet and to not inturrupt you. And because you appreciate their good behaviour you will spend time prior to the work time focused on getting them set up with a quiet activity and will spend quality time with them following your work time focused on them. This can be you setting them up with an independent craft project then playing a board game, cooking/baking together or spending some girl time doing nails or hair just for fun.
The most important thing to remember is that you can make both your business and your family cohabitate with a little give and take and a bit of thoughtful planning.
If you would like more information on working your business while being available to your family email Kate@askcoachkate.com or click here to sign up for your free 30 minute consulation.
Work/Life Balance Lessons for 2011
by Ask Coach Kate on January 4, 2011
in Business, Business Coaching, Home Business, Life Balance, Life Coach, Mamapreneur, Marketing, Marketing for Coaches, Motivation, Solopreneur
Guest Post by Allyson Piper of Marketing in Bloom
Does work/life balance really exist? I’ve been asking myself that question a lot lately. Last summer I celebrated my third year as a small business owner. It was exciting and exhausting at the same time. Keeping up with the pace of a growing and changing business is difficult. Add to that the demands of running a household and family obligations and you are left with very little time to have a life, let alone stop and breathe.
I’ve worked as a solo-preneur where I did everything myself and grown my business to a team of two full-time (myself and my husband) with support from part-time virtual team members across the country. But somehow instead of slowing down, even with this extra help my life seems more hectic now than it was before. Go figure!
I keep coming back to the question about work/life balance because I know I cannot continue this way. Not only am I not taking care of myself, but I’m also not serving my clients well if I’m tired and stressed out all the time.
The key – it is all about creating boundaries. In fact, a very wise woman recently said to me “the balance is in the boundaries.”
But how do you create boundaries when your life is ruled by your business? Here are the 5 simple steps I use.
#1 Figure out where your time is going so you can make a positive change. Simply track how many hours each day you’re working and how many hours each day you’re spending on fun, friends, family and yourself. Note: if you’re cleaning the kitchen or picking kids up from school, that’s a third category. Somewhere between work and pleasure. Track that information too.
#2 Assess your happiness and that of the people around you. Realistically, take a good look inside. How are you feeling about your business and personal life? Are you happy? Satisfied? Fulfilled? Now, take a look at your friends and family. Do they feel they’re getting enough of your attention and time? Do they make comments about the fact that you’re always working? Do they seem to resent the time you spend on your business? If so, chances are there’s an imbalance here.
Now that you have both the data and your and your family’s emotions recorded, it’s much easier to see where you can make changes. You can see where you’re spending more of your time and you can see how it’s affecting you and your friends and family. Now comes the tough part – making changes and sticking to them.
#3 Create a vision for your ideal life and figure out what is most important to you. You could create a vision board or write a story about your ideal life. I thought long and hard about what I wanted and I created a mind movie. Now, I watch my mind movie on a regular basis to remind me of my priorities.
I found Kate Power’s information about core values incredibly helpful while creating my mind movie. That’s why I invited her to join me as a speaker during the Your Brand in Bloom Telesummit January 3-7, 2011. If you’re ready to stretch yourself, I hope you register for this FREE virtual event and learn as much as you can from the 11 fabulous speakers on how to create the life you want, the business that supports it and thrive.
#4 Translate your vision into a realistic schedule. Put it on your calendar and stick to it. One of my biggest issues has been working late at night. To combat this, I’ve recently set an alarm on my phone for 7pm each workday to remind me to get out of the office. You can also create lists, prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important, high impact activity first.
#5 Finally, learn to let go. It takes practice but it is possible to focus on what you’re doing right now and to let go of the fear, guilt and stress related to what you think you should be doing. Once you can accomplish that, you’re better able to produce and to enjoy the moment. When you’re with your family, be with them. Don’t think about what you should be doing for your business and vice versa.
You control your life. You’ve created a fantastic business and you deserve the best of both worlds. You can have it. It takes a plan, commitment and an honest look at reality. If you’re living an unbalanced life, make changes. Live the life you want. It’s all in your control.
The New Year does afford a perfect opportunity to start fresh. With that in mind, remember I will be hosting a special Free weeklong telesummit called Your Brand in Bloom January 3-7, 2011 and you’re invited to attend.
About Allyson PiperAlly works with small business owners and mangers to turn napkin notes into marketing plans and bring big picture marketing into focus with achievable steps and results. Learn more about how to take charge of your marketing and grow your business at http://www.marketinginbloom.com.



