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The Goddess Guide to Business Bliss: A Digital Sanctuary for Women

Written and Edited by Kris Katsuko Oster, Ph.D

Cover Art + Design by Lucinda Kinch

©

Copyright by

KRIS KATSUKO OSTER

2012

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. 3

MAY THIS GODDESS GUIDE TO BUSINESS BLISS BRING YOU MARVELOUS JOY & MONEY, INSPIRED IDEAS & DREAMS FULFILLED. MAY IT BE A GOOD COMPANION WHEN YOU FEEL ALONE & A WITNESS TO YOUR SELF- DISCOVERY. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE A WOMAN IN A SACRED CIRCLE, AN UNENDING HOOP OF CONNECTION AND SUPPORT. TAP IN. TAKE WHAT YOU NEED BECAUSE THE SOURCE IS LIMITLESS. YOU ARE A MUSE. A PROJECT BIRTHING GODDESS.

YOUR IDEAS ARE REVOLUTIONARY & WILL MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. SHARE YOUR GIFTS WITH US. WE NEED THEM & WE NEED YOU. YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND. UNIQUE. WITH LOVE UNENDING,

KRIS 4

Table of Contents

The Goddess Guide to Business Bliss, by Kris Oster

Welcome Goddess. You’re home. 8

Where to Begin + Mini-User Guide 9

When Women Gather in Circle Miraculous Things Happen. Transformations. Healings. Paradigm Shifts. 10

Iansã: Magical + Mythical Female Trickster who Transforms the World 11

The Need for Soulitude, Self-Love and a Stop-Doing List. 14

How are you at celebrating . . . You? 17

Find Your Passion+ 18 Heed the Call to Adventure

Mapping Your Content + Promotion 21

Love up Your Muse: Some Thoughts + Exercises on Branding 22

Newsletters: 33 Content Creation + Best Practices

Create Amazing eCourses and Online Workshops 38

Plot out Your eBook/Book + Just Start Writing! 42

Working with Earth’s Seasonal Energy to get Remarkable Results 47

About Kris Katsuko Oster, Ph.D 49 5

TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A QUEEN + RADIATE. so 7 chicks get into a hot tub… why 51 personal development is profitable, by Danielle LaPorte

If you want success in your business, 53 start loving yourself now! By Aparna Khanolkar

The Queen: An Empowering Model 55 for Midlife Women, by Donna Henes

Success from the Inside Out: 57 How Radiant Health + Vibrant Energy will take Your Business to the Next Level, by Lisa Beck

Goddess Yoga Sessions + Chakra Awakening 59 Exercise, by Charlotte Cressey

TRUST YOURSELF. LET YOUR SOUL BE YOUR GUIDE.

Your Infinite Victory, excerpt and art from "Luminate Your Life Manifesto" by Lucinda Kinch 61

Illuminating Intuition in Business Decisions, by Lucinda Kinch 62

Working with the Angels, by Arielle Christner 65

Chalk drawing of Earth and Sea Angels by Laura Eliseo 68

Courage: An Unpredictable Calling, by Pamela Lynn 69

You are the answered prayer! By Erin Stewart 73

You Have the Power + Wisdom to 74 Rock Your Biz + Life, by Lisa Beck

Mystical Sounds of the Divine: 76 4 Mantras to Change Your Life, by Aparna Khanolkar 6

VALUE YOURSELF. YOU’RE WORTH IT.

Money Amplifies Your ART–– 79 a micro-manifesto, for scarcity junkies. By Alexandra Franzen

Your True Wealth, by Dr. Rev. Karen Tate 81

Raise your rates in the most elegant 84 way possible: YOURS, by Tanya Geisler

TELL US WHO YOU ARE. SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS.

Your Brand is NOT about YOU. By Shenee Howard. 87

Living in the Questions, by Michelle Ward 89

The Myth of Competition, by Laurel Bleadon-Maffei 91

COLOR PERSUASION 93 How Does YOUR Hue Imbue? By Lucinda Kinch

Branding You, Inc by Tia Walker 96

PLAYFULNESS+ CREATIVITY = GENIUS

Bubbles! By Meg Boone 99

Wonder Child, by Saraphina Oster 100

Wishes for my 8-year old Birthday 101 Girl + one for me, by Tanya Geisler

Journaling for Zest - Unlock your Inner Genius, 102 by Nicky Tillyer

Buddha Angel Painting, by Laura Eliseo 104 7

ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. AND GET IT.

Money: Asking for More, by Azizen 106

Methodologies + Sales Strategies for 111 Business Goddesses, by Danielle Seraphine

TECHY + FOUNDATIONAL STUFF. NUTS+BOLTS

Wordpress 101, by Francesca Marano 116

Trademarking My Vision, by Diane Feingold 120

Mission, Vision, and Values: What are 123 they, and why do they matter? By Michelann Quimby

EPILOGUE 128

CONTRIBUTOR BIOS 129 [in order of appearance]

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Welcome Goddess. You’re home.

I am so grateful that you’re here and that you will be able to apply some lessons learned and implement sound advice about how to work your business plan from the inside out.

This book is about meeting your Muse and hearing what She has to tell you.

Your Muse comes in her own form and you need only be open to receive this big, paradigm-shifting energy. Just listening before planning and taking action will make the difference between outstanding or mediocre results.

Let’s banish mediocrity!

“If you don’t have a Viewpoint, then you don’t have a business, much less a Revolution.

(Come on, guerrilla girl, I know you can lead a movement. Your offerings are powerful, instigate change, kick ass and take names. Don't just launch your product; market your Revolution!)”

–Erika Lyremark, Daily Whip

This book is written for you. Yes, the luscious, juicy, fabulous, sexy and wonderful YOU. There is no one like you anywhere, in any space-time continuum. You are a unique emanation of Goddess. How you express and embody your essence is your unique blueprint for healing Mother Earth and all of her children.

You have big dreams and goals and lots to accomplish. Sustain and nurture yourself as much as you can.

The more you relax, laugh and have fun, the more clients, money, time and resources you’ll gracefully attract.

“Consider that you radiate. At all times. Consider that what you're feeling right now is rippling outward into a field of is-ness that anyone can dip their oar into. You are felt. You are heard. You are seen. If you were not here, the world would be different. Because of your presence, the universe is expanding.”

–Danielle LaPorte, Daily Truthbomb, daniellelaporte.com 9 Where to Begin + Mini-User Guide

With so much goodness you’re probably “TELL US WHO YOU ARE. SHOUT IT FROM wondering where to start, or how to find what THE ROOFTOPS” is the branding section you’re looking for. I suggest scanning the Table compiled from the contributors. Starts at page of Contents and get a feel for what’s here first. 86. Or for more on branding and some great ways to brand your content, see page 22. From there you may want to check out a few of your favorite contributors to see what they have to say. Topics by Section

And then, read a whole section. For example, TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A QUEEN + who doesn’t need a reminder to “TREAT RADIATE. Topics: Self-nurturing; self-love; YOURSELF LIKE A QUEEN?” Take a whole self-care; radiant health/body. section and just read through it. And savor. TRUST YOURSELF. LET YOUR SOUL BE Here are a few more clues to help guide your YOUR GUIDE. Topics: Spiritual and soulful journey through The Goddess Guide to side of business; using your intuition; prayer + Business Bliss. mantras.

Need comfort? Start with pages 3, 8 and 10. VALUE YOURSELF. YOU’RE WORTH IT. Topics: Money + wealth + prosperity; raising Need to know how to create a Wordpress site or prices. blog? Jump to page 116. TELL US WHO YOU ARE. SHOUT IT Need to ask for more money? Start on page 105. FROM THE ROOFTOPS. Topics: Branding; identity; uniqueness; color. Need to stay radiantly healthy while killing that eBook or 1-on-1 service launch? Check out page PLAYFULNESS+ CREATIVITY = 58. GENIUS. Topics: Play; journaling; children/ inner child. Also, many of the articles give you helpful homework assignments and implementation ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. AND GET advice. Do the work. Take what you learn and IT. Topics: Negotiating pay scales; getting a create amazing newsletters, eBooks, online raise; non-sleazy sales. classes and eCourses. Make the customer experience on your website impeccably easy TECHY + FOUNDATIONAL STUFF. and engaging. Each business goddess, NUTS+BOLTS. Topics: Wordpress/blogs; including me, in this book will tell you that trademarks; mission/values statements. taking action is the key to lasting business success. (But hey, sometimes you need to rest, If you want quick access to the worksheets, regroup and/or reinvent. In those instances videos and audio files, go to your Digital check out my article on page 14 entitled “The Sanctuary for all of the goods. [password: Need for Soulitude, Self-Love and a Stop-Doing GoddessUniteNow]. Happy exploring! List.” 10

When women gather in circle miraculous things happen. Transformations. Healings. Paradigm shifts.

Women’s Wisdom. Connecting to our Deep Feminine Mythological Lineage. Money. Vision. Self-Love. Self-Trust. Saying “No.” Desire. Voice. Heart. Power. Go for it! Rise. Radiate. Now.

Women have been circling for to move forward fearlessly. millennia. We are the center of Since the beginning, women Proudly be who you are at the our family’s universe. We are have been meeting in council to core of your being, in your the heartbeat of our connect, tell stories, heal the fullness, bigness and communities. We are the glue. sick of heart. Council has brightness. We are Her. almost always taken place in circle: the symbol of eternity, Cultivating presence is a And, we are POWERFUL! wholeness, cycles, powerful path to finding connectedness, Earth, Moon your authentic voice. This book is all about engaging and Womb. ourselves directly and potently The first 48 pages of this book with our deep creativity and What if we tell our stories? were written by moi, however, powerful capacity to build How will that shift humanity? once I completed everything I wealth and a legacy. Now is the Perhaps even more powerful, knew there was a lot missing: time. what if we can just be our self-nurturing, health, self-love, stories and drench ourselves in playfulness/creativity and My personal belief is that that strong feminine essence sales/negotiation were not my women have been ruling the that moves the planets and areas of expertise. marketplace for millennia. stars? We are the Music of There are too many ancient the Spheres. The root of the I gathered 20+ women stories told to discount the word “music” is muse. entrepreneurial experts to help influence of women on the you out in ALL areas of your marketplace. I’ll talk more This book is intended to help business + life. Voila! You now about this when we get to the you get to the heart of your hold the definitive guide to stories about West African story. Get the clarity you need business bliss in your hands. Goddess Oya/Yansan. 11 Iansã: Magical + Mythical Female Trickster who Transforms the World

Being a Goddess woman is a gift. No matter more modern attributes that relate to an what our spiritual affiliation is, we are aspect of the beloved and often maligned Creatrixes with the immense power to give archetype, Trickster. birth, both literally and figuratively. But before that, a little more about Trickster We are ancient and postmodern. We come and in particular Female Trickster. from a long line of priestesses, mothers and shamans. We are healers, revolutionaries and In Mythical Trickster Figures: Contours, transformers. Contexts, and Criticisms, William Hynes outlines six characteristics he claims are We come from a a rich lineage of universal to most trickster figures: mythological women who have shaped the (1) Ambiguous and anomalous: I refer to this face of the marketplace for as long as we can characteristic as “liminal”; (2) Deceiver and remember. trick-player: “theft” is one form of trickery that Iansã engages in; (3) Shape-shifter; (4) One goddess in particular that comes to mind Situation-invertor. Iansã is a mythological is West African Oya (“swift” or “agile”), also situation-inverter because as she challenges know as Yansan (“the mother of nine”). authority, she innovates and transforms her [in Brazil she is known as Iansã - I use this society; (5) Messenger and imitator of the spelling throughout the rest of this essay.] gods; (6) Sacred and lewd bricoleur––Hynes defines “bricoleur” as one who “is a tinker or Iansã is most commonly known as an ayaba, fix-it person, noted for his ingenuity in a “queen,” in her mythological and religious transforming anything at hand in order universes. However, I’d like to point out her

Oya by Francisco Santos Oya by Hrana Janto 12

to form a creative solution” (42) and Lévi will not be room for creativity and innovation, -Strauss claims “the ‘bricoleur’ is still and progress will cease. The trickster figure someone who works with his hands and imagines a new reality and then finds a way to uses devious means compared to those of bring it into being, usually through deception a craftsman” (The Savage 16). because the old order will not give in without a fight. A parallel characteristic, humor, can replace the word “lewd” in our model of Trickster. Ricki One story that illustrates Iansã’s Female Tannen, author of The Female Trickster: The Trickster aspect is the tale of her theft of the Mask That Reveals, Post-Jungian and power to create lightning and fire from her Postmodern Psychological Perspectives on second husband Xangô (pronounced “Shango”). Women in Contemporary Culture, views humor As an aside, I love that she has had more than as an important aspect of the Female Trickster one husband. It makes her all the more real. archetype when she points out that “humor and irony with movement results in a boundary- The film Orixás da Bahia produced by Lázaro crossing process-oriented, postmodern Faria, highlights Iansã’s transgression and Trickster” (176). Tannen is referring to humor ingenuity in an animated version of the myth: as an act to reclaim power. At the beginning of time Xangô sent Iansã, Iansã is a dynamic figure and powerful agent of mistress of winds and storms, his most change in her mythology who transcends her important wife, to bring him a potion that roles as mother and queen. The act of re- would let him breathe fire from his nose and imagining her as Female Trickster transforms mouth. her relationship within the orixá (the gods in African mythologies) and human spheres: for, if Iansã disobeyed him and tasted the potion on Iansã is a trickster, she is functionally capable her way back, so that she could breathe fire of dissolving boundaries and rules in order to too. recreate the balance of power in her world. This made Xangô furious because he had Re-ordering the world is the trickster wanted to keep that power all to himself. archetypal energy in action. Without Iansã, Xangô cannot make fire. One way this is accomplished is through the imagination. Xangô is inseparable from Iansã. (Orixás 13:50-14:28) The power of imagination is highly valued in the worldview of a trickster, and this trait marks In a different version of the story, Iansã steals why it is so important to business, technology the secret of fire from Xangô after he begins to and marketing. Corporate bodies cling tightly to dally with another female orixá, Oxum. Even their hierarchies and rules, even when these are though their marriage was not exclusive–Xangô no longer beneficial. Without the trickster is married to two other orixás–Iansã becomes figure to question the existing structures, there 13

Xangô’s primary female counterpart because . . . create wealth. without her he cannot produce lightning or fire. Iansã is jealous of Xangô’s affair with You’re paving the way for our Oxum, so she spies on them and gets upset. daughters and our grand- Instead of wallowing in self-pity or even turning against Oxum, Iansã steals Xangô’s secret to daughter’s daughters to enjoy a life creating lightning so he can never be parted with more affluence, freedom and from her. Iansã’s actions demonstrate how the self-expression. female trickster is set apart from the jilted wife: “[…] to move psychologically beyond identification as a victim to identification as your own unique self utilizing your wit as the process which transforms pathos into pleasure is postmodern Trickster” (Tannen 179).

Like all classic Tricksters, Iansã crosses many boundaries. She is a psychopomp (one who carries souls over the threshold of death to the Otherworld), the bringer of storms, destroyer of anything old and outworn, the patroness of independent and outspoken women and the ruler of the marketplace.

Whether or not you want proof of your birthright as a Queen and Transformer of the marketplace, this should pretty much cover it.

As a woman, you belong to a powerful lineage of magical and mythological female figures who have transformed the world around us.

Stand up and claim your power to:

. . . tell your story.

. . . share your gifts.

. . . value yourself and your offerings. 14 The Need for Soulitude, Self-Love and a Stop-Doing List.

I encounter many women who have a tendency to Ah, Love. What is love? With so many colors of the overdo; their pattern is to over-extend, again and word l-o-v-e we need to define what we're talking again, only to find themselves completely depleted about and get on the same page. Let's begin with physically, mentally and spiritually. I was one of self-love. It's the core of where all love comes from. those women and I still fall back into this behavior The Divine, Universal Source, is the wellspring of all from time to time if I let my guard down. We cannot love that emanates through us. We are a miracle of do it all! To get to those activities that mean the love. When we love ourselves, we are loving Goddess most to us, and often mean the difference between and all of life. Perhaps I can get more philosophical success and failure, we have to let go of something. about this, but I want to try and keep it simple.

The royal road to creativity eruptions + physical, Always remember that you are Love in action. mental and spiritual radiance relies on those dips under the surface of our day-to-day lives to Self-love is not conceit, selfishness or narcissism, as daydream, journal, paint, compose music, meditate many often misunderstand it to be. People filled or just enjoy a cup of tea. with self-love often are a lot more helpful and ironically more loving than someone who thinks I call this soulitude. they are selflessly helping others while their own needs are completely overlooked. We know these Soulitude is often “solitude” that is fulfilled and people and perhaps have been them from time to soul-filled, not reclusive and lonely. There is a time (yep, I'm raising my hand here). The difference. overworked, unappreciated bedraggled mother; the friend who says "yes" to everything, even when they Think Greta Garbo: “I vant to be alone.” feel a "no," and then gets rundown and sick; the girlfriend/wife/mistress who squelches all of her No need to be so melodramatic. A retreat into your own desires and goals to make sure her boyfriend/ soul is the first step to inner peace and ecstatic husband/lover succeeds. That is not being of service creativity. or being loving. That's self-sacrifice. Actually, it’s self-murder. You're telling yourself, the world and Simply choose to add soulitude time to your weekly the Divine that you and your dreams are calendar. My daily recommendation is one hour. I expendable. How sad and tragic. hear a "But..." beginning to enter your mind. Do you want to thrive and be a fabulous Goddess? Or True love comes from a place of overflow, perhaps worn-out, deflated, bedraggled is more your enoughness, plentitude and joy. Sometimes we need speed? I don't think so. to help someone at an inconvenient time because of an emergency. However, this should happen once in The next step is to schedule one 1/2 day soulitude awhile, not daily, not even weekly. You know that retreat once a month. I know how difficult this can person in your life who always has a drama, is like a be, being a Mama Goddess. What I do each month is whirling tornado that seems to suck the life energy schedule my 1/2 day retreat while my gorgeous little from you even when you see their name show up on Goddess Saraphina is in preschool. Can't fit caller ID or in your inbox. Love them enough to say childcare into your budget? Try talking to another "no" when you need to and you will be more helpful mama and doing a daycare swap. That way you both than you realize. get your monthly dose of blissful, solitary retreat time. It makes you a happier and more effective When you show up for anything, show up with love. mama. If you can't do that, then stay at home, have a hot bath, drink a soothing cup of tea. 'Nuff said. 15

So what’s on your stop doing list? reading up on what your friends are doing and choose 1 or 2 blogs to read for the other 15 minutes. One of my favorite projects to do each quarter is my If you spend time marketing on social media use an stop doing list. It’s also the first or second project I additional 30 minutes. But this 30 minutes is assign all of my one-on-one clients. At first they strictly for your marketing. Don’t start browsing or groan. (Maybe you are too.) You will learn to love getting distracted by lovely pictures, inspiring this project. No kidding. Your stop doing list will quotes and other shiny objects that others are become your best friend. marketing.

When you do your first one you will write it, scratch For the love of Goddess, buy a timer. You may things off the list, then realize how much you can already have one, like the one on your iPhone, that resist letting go of things. You have to clean out your can play pretty harp music or tibetan bowl sounds. closets at least once per year, right? You declutter Set that timer for each activity, especially social your home daily, weekly and monthly. You declutter media or checking email, and when it goes off close your mind with meditation. Your priorities and that window/program! And, get up from your schedule must also be decluttered. computer to refresh, clear your head. Take a walk in nature. Take a hot bath. Make a cup of tea. Just get A stop doing list is a sacrificial ritual: it tells you up and move. This is an instant signal to your brain what you need to let go of so you can do the work that you are switching gears. that you were born to do. Leonie Dawson took Leo Babauta’s cue and creates a You may cry when you see this list, or laugh. Both list of her 3 M.I.T’s (Most Important Tasks) each have a cleansing and releasing factor. The more morning. I find I need 4 M.I.T’s. Sometimes my emotional you are about your stop doing list the laundry (if it hasn’t been done for a couple of weeks) better. It’s a sign that you are going in the right becomes M.I.T #4. Limit it to 5 max. The goal is to direction. stay focused on what’s most important to you right now. Stay Zen and clutter-free in your livelihood What goes on your stop doing list you ask? and marketing activities. Peace, calm and joy will follow. For starters, stop checking your email every 5 minutes. This is the one distraction that will keep Leonie and Leo (funny how they both have the same you from accomplishing quickly and easily. Have a first three letters in their names) also advocate few projects that never seem to get done? Observe single-tasking. Isn’t that a relief? I remember how often you’re reading and sending emails. It reading that and feeling a huge weight lifted of my could be taking up HOURS of your day. You can’t shoulders and chest. get time back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Take a deep breath. Now take another. Stop reading I’ve tried to stick to checking it 2-3 times per day. this for a moment and just breathe. that didn’t work at first. So, I checked it once every 2 hours. Lately, I’ve been back to just keeping my Welcome back. You just took a moment to single- email open constantly. Recommit as often as task. possible and keep the list at your computer. That’s where most of your goodies get done. Multi-tasking was highly overrated for too long. In fact, I remember reading a business report Reading other people’s blogs and of course somewhere about how women were so much better the black hole of time known as Facebook. than men at multi-tasking. It was “how our brains Limit your social media indulgence to 30 minutes naturally worked.” I don’t care how natural some per day. Yes, it can be done! Spend 10-15 minutes bloke said it is for me to multi-task. I refuse to do it. 16

If you find yourself so busy that you could fall over doing, practice how you’re going to tell that person, and sleep for a year, check yourself. Get a notepad like Barbara whose passion in life is beading, no. It and spend one day logging everything you do. And I can be as easy as saying, “I have some new mean everything. At the very end of that day think commitments that I need to spend time on.” It’s no about what you completed. Not partially completed. one’s business what those commitments are, but Totally done. Delivered. Can cross off your to-do every now and then you’ll get that pesky person who list. When I did this exercise I was amazed at how wants a reason. You can be as honest as you need to few things were able to be crossed off my list. be. Or not. I’m giving you permission to spend time alone reading Cosmo if that’s what you need to do to And, then think of everything you’re grateful for in find momentary peace and joy in your life. If that that moment. Your best friend, lover/spouse, child, means you don’t read any more of this book or don’t parent. Your health, great legs. Gratitude lists help read my blog posts ever again that’s fine too. I’ll us keep everything in perspective and our eyes on miss you, but I understand. what’s most important to us. Do the things that you love and bring you joy. So, during your day of multi-tasking did you call/ email your best friend, lover/spouse, parent? Scrap the rest.

Did you spend time nurturing yourself, cooking And guess what? You are entitled to change nutritious meals for yourself and/or your family. your mind about which things you love doing too. Did you move your body, exercise, do yoga, meditate? Maybe you did, but most likely you wish you had.

Even when I fall into the bad habit again and again, I remind myself that multi-tasking is unnatural for me no matter my gender and bad and increases my A.D.D. factor. If you need to remind yourself, put it on your stop doing list. I even found myself multi- tasking in my head as people (like my husband) were talking to me. Listening is so important that it needs to be a single-tasking activity.

Concentrate on one task at a time.

Listen deeply when someone is speaking.

Reward yourself every time you complete a task, no matter how small.

Write your stop doing list. Now. Make a list of 10 specific things you can stop doing. “Stop saying yes to everything” can be “Say no to Barbara about going to that beading class I really don’t enjoy.”

Creativity Coach Michelle Ward talks about practicing saying “no” in one of her blog posts. When you anticipate an activity you want to stop 17 How are you at celebrating . . . You?

Sometimes it's hard to keep up. So many Here is a list of inspired celebration gifts you wonderful things to do, see, dream up and can dip into when you run out of ideas: achieve. Create a Win Book. Got this one from When I realize how much I've accomplished over the I Grow up Coach Michelle Ward: past year and how little time I've spent acknowledging and celebrating all of my “A Win Book is a place where you store all the achievements. compliments you received about your product/ service/work (whether you have your own biz So, right now, I welcome you to stop reading or not), everything you’ve been thanked for (after reading the upcoming steps) and DO the regarding your product/service/work, and all following exercise: the things that come your way that give you the Warm Fuzzies.” Think about all that you have done, the big and the little victories, and write This is the self-gift that can also double as your every one down. cheerleader when you’re feeling down.

Write down one gift next to each item to Throw Yourself a Gratitude Ritual. help you celebrate: it could be signing up Solitary or do a group gratitude ritual with your for a yoga or dance workshop that you've friends. Write or speak about all of the always wanted to take; a small shopping accomplishments you wish to commemorate. I spree; dip in a hot springs; solitary walk like to hold an object, like a rock or another on the beach; night out with friends. object found in nature, as I’m doing this and then I bury it in the earth or give it to a stream IMPORTANT STEP. DO NOT SKIP! or Mother ocean. Schedule each of these items in your calendar over the next few weeks--yep, if After the ritual enjoy a luscious meal or your you don't schedule in your celebration favorite dessert. time it won't happen. Give Yourself a Mini-Retreat. Here are a Savor your accomplishments. When you few that Goddess Leonie Dawson dreamt up: complete a project, take the time to find reasons to celebrate and take at least three days to bask A blanket bath - fill the tub with blankets and in the glow of achievement. (Take as much time pillows instead of water. as it takes to refill your well.) Make a fort or cubby you can crawl into or Don't just jump to the next project on your to- under. Journal, finger paint or nap. do list. Go for a picnic. How do you savor and celebrate your accomplishments? Whatever you do, celebrate you! 18 Find Your Passion+ Heed the Call to Adventure

I want to feel opulent, grounded, enchanted, thrilled and helpful in my personal life and in my work.

I want the life I’m passionate about to extend into everything I do. And, I want to give something of great value.

Each creative project I contemplate and vision is first put to the five word test. If I don’t feel at least three of those feelings, I don’t do it.

Simple. Authentic. Focused.

Elite = The Best = You.

You are your own leading edge. There is no other being like you in all of space and time, that can do what you do, in the same way you do.

I want you to feel fabulous.

I want you to shine, to radiate. I want you to kick-ass and make s**tloads of money.

Prosperity starts with generosity.

Generosity comes out of the desire and passion to give all of yourself.

Generosity must be sustainable. Value yourself, charge what you’re worth and you’ll have lots of money and time to share.

The great adventure of your life and livelihood begins when you, the heroine of your own story, feels a longing to move into the unknown. The call to enter the dark forest or the labyrinth or the underworld comes after you realize exactly what you are wishing for.

A desire is the beginning of the call to adventure.

What do you desire in this very moment? Connect with your heart and you will see that you’ve been traveling your Royal Road to bliss all along. Every experience, every U-Turn has brought you to your own magnificent self. Celebrate that no one could ever remotely walk your path.

Play around with the exercises on the next page for crystal clarity around your passions. 19

1. Passion Words Brainstorm enchanted, thrilled and helpful. Here’s what I Begin by writing down words that describe suggest you do. Post these words at your how you desire to feel. Set a timer for 10 computer, in your journal and anywhere else minutes and with pen in hand just write you will see them constantly. Before taking whatever flows through. When the timer goes action on anything, whether it’s to call off stop. Study your list. Which words pop off of someone, pitch to a local business, sign up for a the page? Begin to circle those words, but only class or workshop, walk into a new restaurant, allow yourself five minutes this time. Do you write that book, or start a new project, ask notice a pattern emerging from the circled yourself, “does doing this fulfill 3 or more of my words? Can some of these words be enfolded desired feelings?” If the answer is “YES!” than into each other? Now, choose 3-5 of the circled by all means jump on it! If you get a definite words to become your magical desire potion. “NO!” than steer clear. It’s the most efficient These words should give you a satisfied feeling, system I’ve ever used to make decisions quickly like that cigarette after a great orgasm feeling in all aspects of my livelihood. And, the (without the cigarette hopefully). Don’t feel you ambiguous “maybes” that show up will not keep can’t change these words down the road; you you stuck in indecision. Instead a “maybe” can can and you will. I do this once a year, around become a “not now, maybe I’ll get back to it New Years and they become my resolutions. It later.” Keep moving forward! Track your sure beats having a huge list of to-dos that just progress in a journal each day as you use your weigh down my spirit. In the words of Danielle passion words to drive everything that you do. LaPorte, “I think we have it all backwards in our culture, that we come up with our to-do lists, 3. Your “cocktail line,” “elevator pitch.” and our bucket lists, and our strategic plans, This exercise is more useful than you can and our business plans, and our ambitions imagine. For one, you’ll get supreme clarity on when really—if we just got clear and got what you’re really doing, how you’re doing it anchored into how it is that we want to feel in and why. (By the way, why is the most our career, our vocation, in our wealth building, important question to answer any time you in our livelihood—then we could just do create a marketing piece). Secondly, you can use whatever we needed to do to generate those it for your bio on blogs, on your website, in your particular desired feelings.” Amen Sister! So, direct mail/email. I have used one version of figure out the feelings you want to feel and do my pitch as the bio on my website. Have fun the next exercise. with this and also practice in the mirror saying it to yourself and to friends and family who are 2.Passion Action supportive of your professional growth. There’s so much you can do with your fabulous 1. Begin by writing down your official (and list of desire words! I used mine in the first not so creative) job title: CEO, VP, Massage paragraph of this booklet: opulent, grounded, Therapist, Singer, Writer, Web Developer etc. 20

2. Write what you really do: Inspire, Create, scribing a novel, and recording my second Heal, Soothe, Communicate, Teach. Can any vision journey CD. of these be translated into a title/noun: Where are you NOW on your life’s journey Inspire=Muse; Teach=Mentor; and what would you like to manifest from your Create=Artisan or Creatrix; Heal=Healer. experience? What you do is interesting and finding a unique way to express it creatively will help Most likely you’ve already developed one of these three: relationship building, otherwise known you tell your story quickly and increase your as getting your customers in the door; creating listener’s interest. content, products and services; and setting up 3. Who is your audience and what are they marketing channels and promotions to attract more customers and sell your content. looking for. For example, What do you get paid for and/or what do people thank you for? We need these three pillars all intact and as (great insight from copywriter extraordinaire highly developed as possible to possess a healthy business. We can be as creative as we want. We can Alexandra Franzen) be as specific and complex as we can. Use humor, 4. What values do you share with your great offers and fantastic copywriting. audience? What will help people connect to Now, I’m going to state the obvious: what you are doing? without customers your business will die; if 5. What are you working on right now that your content isn’t amazing you will drive away customers; if you don’t promote they should know about? yourself with effective marketing your 6.Finally, close with a question that you are customers won’t have the joy of finding you. truly interested in knowing. This will elicit an Your customers buy your product or services opening conversation that can lead to an because they like you and what you stand for. They opportunity for a business engagement. love your BRAND. Defining your brand simply means defining yourself. Many, if not most of your customers, are like you or want to be like you. Isn’t Here’s my cocktail line as an example: that grand? Create products and marketing that I’m a marketing muse and creativity authentically reflect your passions, values and personality and you will win the hearts of many. midwife bent on uplifting solopreneurs. I believe all the cycles of your life’s journey are Not all of your potential customers will be like sacred and telling your unique story can help you, or heck, they may never want to be you in a million years. But, they have friends who will. Never you bring in clients, customers and magic. underestimate the importance of influencers in your These days, I’m harnessing my various field. If they ( a non-customer or even a healthy competitor) think you’re the real deal, they’ll send talents by creating the upcoming Elite + you loads of customers that they think you can woo Fabulous Marketing Lab, preparing to launch and serve. Makes both of you look good. an online magical manifestation toolkit, It’s alchemical. Magical. Fabulous! 21 Mapping Your Content + Promotion

One of my favorite workshops from the past year was the Elite+Fabulous Marketing You love what you do and you excel at your Lab. It was a place for entrepreneurs to game. You’re passionate about being of service. brainstorm and meditate the content and Put yourself out there already so people can promotional aspects of their inspired business. find you.

We spoke, ate, meditated, connected with our Download the Promo Workbook. inner Muse, practiced our cocktail lines and danced together for 4 hours. It was blissful and bombastic!

I offer an online version of the Lab in the Fall and will come to your office or living room to facilitate this heart-pumping workshop for up to 10 people. Drop me a line if you’re interested.

To follow are the worksheets from the Labs. Let these workbooks be your guide to create beautiful things, both free and profitable.

Be warned: going through these exercises will powerfully excavate your unconscious desires.

Allow these discoveries to fan the flames. You can type directly into the pdf and then print, or print out the sheet first and write longhand. Try both ways. You might be surprised at the different avenues that reveal themselves in each medium.

Content Workbook Looking for some ideas and inspiration? I have lists of Muse-filled content suggestions in this little gem.

Download the Content Workbook.

Promo Workbook Many of us find ourselves feeling insecure about promoting ourselves, i.e., “I’m worried I’m bothering people,” “I feel shy,” “It feels unnatural,” “I feel like a HO,” “I feel like I’m bragging.” I love Danielle LaPorte’s answer to this - “Radiate and state the facts.” 22 Love up Your Muse: Some Thoughts + Exercises on Branding

Something happens when you allow your authentic, passionate self to rise. Give yourself permission to shine. If that feels too hard, I can make it easier...I now give you full permission to express yourself always. The truth is you’ve ALWAYS had permission to shine and be your biggest, boldest self.

Funny as this sounds, I find that one of the most common remarks people make during my retreats/workshops/one-on-one sessions is that they feel like they’ve been waiting for someone to give them permission to really do what they feel passionate about.

I love allowing the space for YOU to discover that you have permission to ...

Stop doing things that don’t light you up inside. Be a revolutionizer. Be true to your calling.

This idea workbook is one of many permission slips that I’m happy to deliver to you.

Step one... Give yourself permission to shine. Always. No exceptions!

Step two... Take the time to go within and listen to your Muse. assist you in various methods of relaxation and vision journeying to connect to your inner muse/mentor/counselor. These journeys are maps of your inner realms. As you begin to discern the interior of your body/ mind, you will recognize the terrain and how to quickly reach your wisdom counselors anytime you need guidance, direction or inspiration. Ultimately, it’s all about love.

Step 3... Love yourself first. Love your projects and creations.

Loving your Muse is the most direct path to blissfully living your ideal life.

Get your imaginative juices flowing and connect with your inner guides through these guided meditations: Returning to your Inner Divine Feminine (11 minutes) - From my CD Magical Imaginings Meeting your Inner Divine Child (9.54 minutes) - From my CD Magical Imaginings Communing with your Inner Beloved (19.38 minutes) - From my CD Magical Imaginings Affirmations and Imagineering Meditation (15 minutes) 23

Loving your Muse is re-membering, re-storing, or as I like to say re-storying, the aspects of yourself that have been hidden, denied or forgotten.

Very often, these lost shards of the self are the radiant jewels we have to offer the world.

Tell your unique story and you will restore the world.

(I’ve heard again and again, stories about people finding my website in a random Google search and being touched and healed by a story I shared on my blog. Words can heal.) 24 Muse Branding Worksheets

Create weeks or even months worth of Use a timer. Facebook posts, Tweets, Blog posts and As you do each exercise in the workbook start newsletter topics. Right now! off with only 10 minutes or less to complete. By going through the exercises in this Brevity breeds clarity and creativity. workbook, you’ll come up with actual content you can use for writing marketing materials like Print out the workbook. emails, Tweets and Facebook posts. Let the This is not a typable pdf. I want you to write questions direct you in content creation for your longhand. It changes the quality of your work. blog, books, eBooks, speaking gigs, workshops In fact, I think it will deepen and improve the and retreats. quality of your ideas and insights.

First get uber clear about how you help people One of my dear Mentors, Dennis P. Slattery, doing what you love. I call these descriptive talks about how the spiral is the blueprint of all actions your plot lines. Start with the most creation and is reflected in how we create loops profound, or top, three (like the Muses). You as we draw the letters of our alphabet. can add more later by just turning that page Longhand slows things down and evokes over and continuing to write on the back of it. memory. Nothing helps to define your brand better than seeing the actions you take in the world. You Keep one blank copy of this workbook to make can say, “My brand means ____,” but really copies from for revisiting the exercises each you tell the world what it means through your time your business transforms. Everything is behaviors and actions. always a work in progress.

After you draft your plot lines (aka the story Most importantly, have fun! about how you help people), you will be directed come up with a list of at least 5-10 The worksheets begin on the next page, or you questions that are directly connected to your can download the workbook separately by world-altering, helpful ways. The questions can clicking here. be used as your headlines for Facebook posts, email subject lines and blog entry titles as questions, or you can turn them into statements.

Think of questions that are directly related to your values. Often these are the reasons your tribe seeks you out in the first place. 25

My 3 Plot Lines (aka BIG Ways I Help My Peeps)

#1:

#2:

#3: 26 My BIG Questions

Brainstorm a list of questions. What questions emerge from the top 3 ways you help your tribe? Frame the questions as if you’re asking your ideal customer. Example: Plot line = I help my tribe feel confident and excited about promoting themselves and to overcome any guilt or negativity they have for pursuing their deepest desires. Matching question = Do you ever feel ambivalent about putting yourself front and center in your life? Your business? Or your relationships? 27 Instructions for creating your content

Now that you have your plot line and questions... Look for any recurring themes and archetypes in your story. Jot some notes now:

In the next 4 pages you will create content for both marketing purposes and your offerings. Use the questions you’ve created and turn them into headlines for blog posts, email subject lines, book titles, you name it. You don’t need to make every headline or title a question. Turn them into statements of desire.

Inform and infuse your content with the essence of your brand. The themes and archetypes are clues too.

Let your Muse whisper some ideas in your ear.

Ok, fire away! 28

4 Headlines

Headline #1 Headline #2

Headline #3 Headline #4 29 4 Facebook Posts

Facebook Post #1 Facebook Post #2

Facebook Post #3 Facebook Post #4 30

4 Tweets

Tweet #1 Tweet #2

Tweet #3 Tweet #4 31 4 Blog Post Briefs/Topic Ideas (also good for newsletters) Blog Post Idea #1

Blog Post Idea #2

Blog Post Idea #3

Blog Post Idea #4 View the recorded workshop for Branding Your Content on Learn it Live. Directions: When you get to the page, click on the button that says “View Recording.” If you don’t have a user account for Learn it Live yet you will be prompted to create one. Go here to register and view the recording: http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2243/Quickstart-Online- Workshop-Branding-your-content This recorded class is $25 to the general public, but FREE for you! Enter the discount code VRKTZUQ4 and get access for 100% off. Newsletters: Content Creation + Best Practices

Why Email Newsletters? Truthbomb (short inspirational Email newsletters are one of the easiest and phrases) and 3. Weekly or more updates most effective pieces of content you can create. and blog posts. They are great tools for communicating and building a relationship with your audience. The key word to remember when planning and Ideas for newsletters: writing the content for your newsletter is ~ Start a themed series. One of mine is NURTURING. Not SELLING. Of course you let “Authenticity=Transparency.” I talk about your readers know you have wonderful things working with my clients and the aha moments they can buy from you. But that should only be and bloopers. It’s a mutual love-fest because I 15-20% of the newsletter. demonstrate how much they love me and at the same time I promote them. A win-win. If you’re doing something that’s mainly for Interviews are fantastic and work in a similar promotional purposes, make sure that at least way. 70-80% of your content is useful, inspirational and applicable so people will actually engage ~ Tip of the week. Marie Forleo does a great with it—don’t just sell your stuff or talk about job on this one with her expert advice for what’s new in your business. women entrepreneurs. And, she spends a lot of her time on video; the article is only 2-3 Consider frequency (1 - 2 times per month, or paragraphs long. more if you have the writing bug or a backlog of lots of material) and be consistent. Send ~ Q&A. Send out a question on Facebook and around the same time each month. You can try post the answers in your newsletter. a newsletter and a feature article that go out ~ Seasonality. Try sending an April Fool’s every month. Some people email something newsletter. That one got more opens and once per week. Most people don’t have the time Facebook comments then anything else I’d sent to read a weekly email anymore and they will for one of my clients. They’ve been doing it now most likely unsubscribe or just ignore your for 6 years and it’s still their top performing mailings after awhile. email for the entire year! Consider the life cycle of your customers. More ~ If you’re a writer, why not try to pen your frequent mailings to new subscribers seems to next novel via newsletter? Each week can be work well because they’re in a “honeymoon” another chapter that you share with your phase with you and your work. Give people readers. Don’t worry. If they love you and your different options for frequency so that when writing, they’ll buy the whole book/eBook. they’ve been around for awhile and don’t want to get every single email from you they won’t ~ Love to travel? I do and since I can’t get out unsubscribe. You want to keep all customers much these days I travel vicariously through engaged, no matter what their life cycle, as bloggers like Sarah von Bargen. I enjoy her often as you can. newsletters. As far as tone, match your authentic voice and style. Even if you’re more on the serious side Danielle LaPorte offers 3 kinds of throw in a little humor. Tell a story and share email subscriptions with different your experiences. Give people what they want frequencies and content: 1. Monthly (great tips and tricks), but also give them what roundup of her blog posts, 2. Daily they need (a good laugh). Ideas for cookie content: people and potentially more newsletter ~ Sample chapter of your book/eBook subscribers. ~ Recipe (only if your focus is nutrition or Never, ever buy or rent an email list no health related) matter how “safe” or “legit” the sales ~ “How to” person tells you it is. Very risky. (Can you tell I’ve had an experience with ~ “My Top 10 favorite...” this?) ~ “Best of...” Even if the list was gathered legally, such as people opted in for a company’s Fun Tricks to Try: newsletter and checked the box, “I want ~ Contests. Ask your readers to help you come to receive partner offers,” you will have up with the title of your next book. Giveaways. a very cold list with many unsubscribes Groupons (I’ve used Wildfire). and spam complaints. And, worst of all ~ Try polls: send out a question to your email no one will buy anything from you. list and ask them to respond on your Facebook page. You’ll get new signups and great coverage. Headlines. Please inspire us! “April 2012 Newsletter.” Flat, boring, nondescript. Doesn’t stir the blood or inspire an Building your email list. open. Try posing a question and use the title of your featured article: “Is ‘sexy’ a bad word?” (By Create something of value in exchange for that the way, anytime you use any version of the email address. A valuable thank-you gift tilts word “sex” in your blog or social media, your the balance back in your favor and puts the performance will increase by leaps and bounds. relationship in the right psychological space. Try it and see.) When your customer opts in to your email newsletter, you need to reward her/him with a Note: Some words like “free” and “sex” major treat. The free gift could be a sample of in an email subject line can set off spam your product, an eBook, mp3 of your music or filters. “Sexy” seemed to make it through meditation, a beautiful graphic wallpaper for for me. Use sparingly or don’t use at all. the desktop or a cash-off coupon ($50 or 50% off for higher end products and services). User-Friendly Design. Design specifications for optimizing emails is Build generosity into all aspects of your something you can test and will vary from business model. company to company. There are some general rules of thumb for designing user-friendly, high-performing emails. Another way to build up your email list is to ~ Keep it one column. Maybe 2 at the most. comment and guest write on other people’s Simple. blogs who have a similar audience. This worked wonders for so many people I know and I’m ~ Go for 550-750 pixels wide. Should help avoid finally starting to do it as well. a lot of scrolling. Scrolling is not good. Look for opportunities to have guest writers on ~ At least 12 pixel font size. your blog/website too. They’ll bring in more ~ Link all images to where you want people to Email Service Provider List - start with a go. Often, they will first click on an image that free service if you don’t have an email list yet or catches their eye, not the “click here” link. it’s at 100 people or less. These are the most popular. ~ HTML emails tend to perform better than text only. You can still keep your email mostly text, iContact - www.icontact.com (has a free version few or no images, and still use HTML. for under 250 subscribers, but will need to downgrade to get it) ~ And test your emails on multiple platforms. More and more people are reading their emails MailChimp - www.mailchimp.com on iPhones, iPads and Blackberrys. Namaste/Namaste Light (free version) - www.namastelight.com Editorial Calendar and Idea File/Folder. Constant Contact - www.constantcontact.com I placed a simple worksheet on the next page AWeber Communications - www.aweber.com that you can print out and fill in up to six months of content for your newsletter and blog/ website. I also keep an idea file in my Google View the recorded workshop for docs for cool stuff I find and any content that I Newsletters: Content Creation + Best think will work for my newsletters and blog. Practices on Learn it Live. For a really amazing set of editorial calendars + tools, check out Stacy at Directions: When you get to the page, click on EthicalLaunch.com. the button that says “View Recording.” If you don’t have a user account for Learn it Live yet Resources that I love. you will be prompted to create one. Go here to register and view the recording: Sonia Simone’s Remarkable Newsletter Checklist. She’s wonderful! Sign up for her http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2246/ stuff. Quickstart-Online-Workshop-Newsletter- http://www.remarcom.com/ Creation-Content-and-Best-Practices RemarkableNewsletterChecklist.pdf This recorded class is $25 to the general public, but FREE for you! Enter the discount code Email Marketing Benchmark (Excerpt) - VKTALKDA and get access for 100% off. Marketing Sherpa http://www.marketingsherpa.com/data/ members/benchmark-reports/EXCERPT- There’s a recorded course on getting started PLAIN-BMR-2012-Email-Marketing.pdf with email auto-responders that you can check out on Learn it Live: Mail Chimp Resources Page. Full of great http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2251/ stuff you can use even if you’re using a different Quickstart-Online-Workshop-Create-an-Email- email provider. Auto-Responder-Series http://mailchimp.com/resources/

The discount code is XQZHHSUT. 36

Editorial Ideas + Notes

Post/Send Date Newsletter Subject Line Description Call to Action

6/15/12 Finish your novel in 8 weeks Free tips on how to stay on track with download pdf writing your book. 37

Ideas for Cookie Content - try to match up with the newsletter topics as best as you can.

Post/Send Date Media Type Title Description

6/15/12 pdf How to write your novel in The first two chapters of my eBook. 8 weeks 38 Create Amazing eCourses and Online Workshops

This workbook has my notes on best Facebook, Ning or Big Tent group? Will it practices and ways to approach creating include audio or video segments? How will you online workshops. I’ve been doing these give homework and what would the since 2006, so I have a few things to assignments be? share. PLUS, I added notes from researching other marketing guru’s methods and provided them pretty much Tips for successful online workshops/ verbatim. There will be some points that eCourses: we intersect on so you may see the same 1. Always record your online sessions. More tip more than once, or you may find that people will sign up knowing that they can the voices contradict. And, of course, access the information at their convenience. you’ll find YOUR WAY in all of this. 2. Keep the length of a series from 3-5 sessions, Have fun! 6 sessions max. These can be weekly or daily. Before putting together your first online More than this and fewer people will buy in workshop, think of your skills and special because they feel like it’s too big of a knowledge you have first and base your course commitment. Another approach is to have an from here. Second, think of the ways that your ongoing virtual circle or “coaching” group knowledge helps others. What will they gain where people sign on for a subscription. It from your experience, stories and wisdom? could be weekly or monthly. 3. Encourage success + be a good cheerleader. What I mean here is that you solicit feedback Use the worksheet that follows this article to and success stories in week 2. Are you finding begin brainstorming ideas for online workshop people have a lot of challenges too? That’s and course content. great! Talk about it in an email to the enrollees, or if you sense someone is feeling insecure and needs a little hand-holding The next step is to outline the course. Make it email them directly, privately. Most people like the outlines you created for your essays in fall away after the second class meeting. I’ve college. Not detailed but just the main points seen this for years. It’s natural and it happens you want to hit. If you’re doing a bigger topic to everyone from what I can tell by my split it into 3-5 separate weeks. The Roman research. Think of ways to keep people numerals of the outline would be the main engaged and coming back to the live sessions. topics each week and the Arabic numerals and It’s more dynamic and consistent for alphabetical points would be the detailed everyone involved. breakdown of the information. 4. Stuff to try: fun projects that they can share with the group; having a check in every time Take one or more of your topic ideas from the at beginning of class; having a guest speaker worksheet and outline one or more on a Word on class #3; share the success stories you’ve doc or other word processing tool. received and see if people want to tell that story in class #2, #3 and #4. 5. Live vs. Email and Forum Digital Courses. I Link to Brainstorm Online Workshop/ love live courses and I think they are more eCourse Ideas Worksheet engaging. I believe you can also charge more When you have chosen your topic and outlined for them. If you just plan to create an email it, begin to think of how you want to deliver series to send to your participants along with your workshop. Will it be live along with a workbooks and other recorded materials 39

Next Planning Steps: Marketing your online workshop/ eCourse: Now that you have chosen your workshop idea, outlined it and have decided on a format, it’s This is one area where I’ve varied a lot. time to pick a date and the medium in which Probably not such a good thing. My sense is to you will deliver it. start marketing at least one month before your launch. I’ve done three weeks, two weeks, even Give yourself 3-4 weeks to prepare your one week, before. Four weeks or more seems to materials. Don’t need to overdo it, and besides work the best for me and most other marketers. you can update and improve your courses each year or every other year. You’ll get repeat I’ve never tried creating an affiliate program for students! It’s awesome. any of my courses. I eventually will and many other people are already successfully doing this: Choosing the medium for your online Leonie Dawson, Marie Forleo, Shenee Howard. workshop is a little more complicated. There are so many options out there for collaboration and Give a free “tasting” of your course as a way to meeting software. I love GoToMeeting and market and generate more signups. Danielle GoToWebinar (www.citrixonline.com), but as of LaPorte gave away the first chapter of her Fire this writing neither has recording capability for Starter Sessions digital eCourse to her email Mac users, so you’ll need to have a back up subscribers. She made something like $11,000 recording device. No fun. And both are in the first announcement! (She also had an relatively pricey. That said, their ease of use and insanely large mailing list. Hence the simplicity and reliability for live workshop/ importance of list building.) meeting tools are second to none. They also have free 30 day trials. What three other experts say about I just started using Learn it Live digital workshops + eCourses: (www.learnitlive.com) and I love it because it Michelle Ward and Bryce Longton at SXSW records consistently and saves it on their server. 2011. “DIY Workshops: Best Practices and You don’t have to worry about how to upload Worse Mistakes” something to your server or have enough storage space on your own hard drive. They also You're brilliant, and you have something to take payments for you for a minimal fee and say, damn it. This presentation will discuss the have great messaging tools and lots of ways to ins and outs of starting your own online upload course content. workshop/class/seminar -- how to market it, what to charge for it, and how to make a Vokle (www.vokle.com) has a nice interface super-charged kick ass course that people will that you can embed directly on your own want to take. We'll discuss the different ways website and also archives the online workshop to deliver amazing content in a workshop recording for you. I don’t think other people can format, what kinds of interaction works best, speak to you during the session. They can type and we'll give you tips on how to parlay your their comments and questions in a chat box or online course into an in-person gig (if that's the submit video snippets. It records and divides sort of thing you're after). your presentation up into chapters. Pretty cool! You can also have multiple guest hosts. The Link to recording: only thing I noticed with the recordings is that http://schedule.sxsw.com/2011/events/ they are freely displayed after. I can’t find a way event_IAP6880 to make an event password protected or to take payments after the recording is on their site. I’ll I love this recording, it’s so packed with look into this more and report back. goodness. Get ready to take a lot of notes. 40

Shenee Howard, "How to Write and Launch http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2252/ Your Own Digital Course" Quickstart-Online-Workshop-Create-Your- "A lot of people think that creating a digital First-Online-Workshop course takes a really long time. I wrote, designed and launched HBA in about 4 weeks. This recorded class is $25 to the general public, I didn’t know ANYTHING about developing but FREE for you! Enter the discount code courses, I didn’t have a fancy camera or even a JSX3RLG2 and get access for 100% off. fancy membership site. I just went in and figured it out. This is the post I wish existed when I was working on it and hopefully it will help you too." http://heyshenee.com/how-to-write-and- launch-your-own-digital-course/

The big takeaway for me: "Create CLEAR and measurable goals to make the class more enjoyable to for you to write and sell. ...every week has a goal. It could be a bio, a manifesto or even a editorial calender. Goals bring focus to the class. I thought about what my people would want to HAVE by the end of the course first and then I built content that would help get them there. So many classes end up being less enjoyable because hey are more about “learning” and way less about creating. For example, if you are teaching a meditation class, a goal could be to create a mediation for a part of their life they need clarity around every week and share it with the class. People want to know what is really in it for them as soon as possible." Thank you Shenee!

View the recorded workshop for Create Your First Online Workshop/eCourse on Learn it Live. Directions: When you get to the page, click on the button that says “View Recording.” If you don’t have a user account for Learn it Live yet you will be prompted to create one. Go here to register and view the recording: 41

Brainstorm Online Workshop/eCourse Ideas Worksheet

My Special Skills/Knowledge Workshop Topic/Title How it helps my tribe? 42 Plot out Your eBook/Book + Just Start Writing!

What’s all the fuss about eBooks? And, a big benefit to the reader is that they are printable. Besides offering higher profit margins than print books, eBooks help you Advantages: Can build direct establish yourself as an authority on a relationships with your audience. topic, give specific and targeted information that the reader can put into Services like e-junkie work with PayPal action, grow your email list (the and save the email address, name and “download this free eBook” phenomenon) and can help you test out product purchased by each buyer so an idea in order to see if it’s truly you can follow up with them about their sellable. satisfaction with the eBook through a eBooks come in a couple of flavors: convenient messaging system. Plus, you ePub: This format is used by digital can let them know when new editions eReaders like Kindle, Nook, Sony Touch, Kobo (for smartphones) and or similar products are available for BeBook. CreateSpace is a great service them to purchase. E-junkie also syncs for self-publishing and will add your up with MailChimp and AWeber so that eBook to Amazon.com as a distribution service. They offer templates to create when a buyer purchases a product they your eBook with or you can use any are automatically added to your email word processing software like Word or OpenOffice, Pages for Mac ($19.99 newsletter list. The buyer will need to stand alone or $79 iWork bundle) and confirm that they do in fact want to be Adobe InDesign ($699). added. Another big advantage to using Advantages: Wide distribution, format this format is that you keep all of the works across many popular devices. profit (aside from any PayPal fees and Disadvantages: Can’t build direct relationships with your “unknown” the monthly charges of e-junkie ($5) buyers, can’t use to build your email list and AWeber ($19). and profit is lower. Self-publishing I love eBooks, especially the PDF companies such as CreateSpace keep a percentage of your royalties. Fees to eBook. You can think small and still distribute your books - $25 for wide plan for big. distribution and if you just want to be on Amazon.com and in the Kindle store ~ Start with the easy, quick, accessible; I believe it’s free. think small idea with big potential. PDF: This format is cross-platform and ~ Market like a fiend. cross-device (works on smart phones, ~ Make money and expand your tablets and computers.). Pdf eBooks helps the author stay connected to their platform so that you can go for a bigger audience, if that is a consideration. "traditional" publishing deal in the 43

I also plan to offer the popular pdf eBooks I create as print books using CreateSpace to give another option to my buyers (it’s good to have Nina Amir, Most efficient way to write your tangible goodies to sell at your talks, book and build blog readership at the same workshops, retreats and conferences). time. http://writetodone.com/2012/06/18/the-most- Marie Forleo’s book, “Make Every Man efficient-way-to-write-your-book-and-build- Want You,” was originally self- blog-readership-at-the-same-time/ published and sold over 8,000 copies. This caught the attention of a large, traditional publishing house (McGraw- Take away from Nina Amir’s article: Hill) and they signed her on to a deal “Map out your book’s content. Do a huge with a large advance. “brain dump” of all the subjects you might cover in the book. You might consider using a mind map for this project. Here are some great online resources to check out on the subject of self- Take the topics you “dumped” and group related subjects into chapters. In other words, publishing: pick 5-10 main themes from the different subject areas; these become chapters. Leo Babauta, Why (and How) I Decided to Self- Group the other subjects by relevance into Publish ‘Focus’: these chapters; these become content for the http://writetodone.com/2010/11/01/self- chapters. publishing/ If you are writing fiction or a memoir, you will want to map out your story arc or do a timeline of events you plan to include in your Kelly Diels, How to Get a Book Deal: Part 1 – book. Then create a content plan delineated by Printasauraus Rex Vs. The Blog: Publishing chapters. 2.0: Your content plan should include material that will not appear on your blog. http://writetodone.com/2009/11/27/how-to- Having a few chapters, parts of all your get-a-book-deal-part-1-printasauraus-rex-vs- chapters or some sort of extra content that will the-blog-publishing-2-0/ only be available in the printed version or ebook version of your blogged book offers an enticement to your blog readers and to a How to Get a Book Deal: Part 2 – Get Thee A publisher to purchase it.” Blog (a Big One) http://writetodone.com/2009/12/04/how-to- Approaches to Content Creation get-a-book-deal-part-2-get-thee-a-blog-a-big- Look at your eBook as a stepping stone to larger one/ offerings. Try and test different ideas first with shorter length eBooks before going for the 44

When you look at topics that you want to try 5 Tips to Ensure Your Sales Page is Read to the out as eBooks consider the following: End 1. What topics are you knowledgeable and http://ethicallaunch.com/ensure-sales-page- passionate about? Will they resonate with your audience? read-end 2. Can you take a particular aspect or “slice” of your expertise and match it directly to the Stacy points out that headlines are the needs of your tribe? Start by looking at numero uno priority to make sure patterns: what questions and problems come potential customers actually read the up the most? What are your most popular sales page. Please inspire us! blog posts, the most viewed and most commented? “Check out my new eBook!” Boring, nondescript 3. How can the topics be expanded to create and sounds self-serving instead of helping to higher value content like eCourses, fulfill a need or resolve a problem. workshops, retreats, coaching programs, TV programs, film? Try posing a question and use the title of your eBook afterwards: “Is ‘sexy’ a bad word? My ~ Outline your eBook and its sales page at the eBook [Title Here] can help ignite your love same time, even if you plan to sell your eBook life!” (By the way, anytime you use any version via CreateSpace in ePub format. No matter how of the word “sex” in your blog or social media, wide the distribution is, you’ll need to have a your performance will increase by leaps and pitch for the book. What differentiates it from bounds. Try it and see.) other books in the same category or topic area? And, another great resource about writing great ~ Have a dedicated page on your website or headlines: blog that can serve as the sales page. You can always link out to the Amazon.com page if you Adam Costa, The Art (and Science) Behind don’t use the pdf eBook format. Neck-Snapping Headlines Not sure how to create a great sales page? http://writetodone.com/2012/07/13/the-art- Check out these resources from Stacy Stone of and-science-behind-neck-snapping-headlines/ Ethical Launch:

Ask Ethical Launch: How Do I Even Begin User-Friendly Design. Writing My Sales Page? Design specifications for eBooks will vary http://ethicallaunch.com/start-writing-sales- depending on whether you use the pdf format or ePub. If you’re working with a self-publishing page study their guidelines carefully first and download their templates. Most like How to Write Your Sales Page – Step Two – CreateSpace offer eBook design templates free of charge. The Braindump ~ Keep it one column. Maybe 2 at the most. http://ethicallaunch.com/write-sales-page- Simple. braindump ~ Only use two fonts: one for headlines and the other for the body copy. I normally use a non- serif font like Arial or Helvetica for titles and subheads and a serif font like Garamond or 45

~ Only use two colors for the text. I suggest ~ Traditional publishing houses require you to black for body copy and one or two colors for have agent representation. Period. Don’t bother titles and subheads. Sticking with this simple color palette will make your eBook more to submit manuscripts unless you have a cohesive and professionally designed (even literary agent. when you don’t hire a designer). Self-publishing only requires you, your brilliant ~ Good use of white space. This makes any book and marketing skills. eBook so much easier on the eyes! Have white space on the borders of the page, maybe even a ~ And, speaking of marketing. . . whether you little more on the bottom. are living in a big publishing house or self- ~ Use call outs. Pull out text and blow it up to publishing from a coffee house YOU have to do create something that will draw the reader’s eye. Use one of your chosen colors for all call your own marketing. Your publisher may set up outs. some big interviews in magazines and news ~ Research shows that longer may not equal shows, but that’s about it. more value. More sales are recorded for eBooks ~ Traditional publishing deals are lucrative in under 100 pages. 35-50 pages seems to sell the most. The average price hovers around $10. the beginning and once the advance is spent However, I’ve paid as much as $150 for a 300+- you will not make money until your sales have page eBook. It was multimedia and included exceeded the advance amount. As a self- video training, audio clips, interviews with other experts. publisher you keep most or all of the profits That eBook is entitled Your Big, Beautiful, Book from beginning to end. Plan by Danielle LaPorte and Linda Sivertsen. ~ Distribution is the biggest issue for self- It’s worth every penny because it has real-life publishers. If you want your book in brick-and- samples of book proposals by authors who mortar superstars like Borders, Barnes & Noble, landed large publishing deals with big etc. you’ll need an expensive middleman. traditional houses like Random House and However, with self-publishing services like Simon & Schuster. CreateSpace you can be on Amazon.com, which (btw, the link to the sales page for YBBBP is my is more popular than any brick-and-mortar. If affiliate link. Just wanted to disclose that.) you’re publishing with a large, influential house, they will take care of all distribution and get you LaPorte and Sivertsen both have many years of into all of the outlets. experience as authors and editors working with Here are some of the top takeaways agents and large publishing houses. They lay about the importance of creating a out the advantages and disadvantages of proposal for your eBook or book from “traditional” vs self-publishing in great detail, YBBBP: but for our purposes here is my synopsis of the ~ Business plan for your book is the proposal. “You’ll start researching the audience for your information: book. What matters most to them? Who else 46

A whole new set of data for your book bolsters Directions: When you get to the page, click on your stance—and impresses publishers. With the button that says “View Recording.” If you new anecdotes and stories (and fans!), the don’t have a user account for Learn it Live yet value you offer deepens your material and you will be prompted to create one. lengthens your reach. Go here to register and view the recording: [. . .] http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2253/ You’ll consider spin-offs and potential Quickstart-Online-Workshop-Plot-out-Your- for interactivity with your book. It will First-Book-eBook-and-just-start-writing occur to you that a particular chapter would This recorded class is $25 to the general public, make a great group guide, or a beautiful but FREE for you! Enter the discount code companion piece on its own. Perhaps a PFP7M53Y and get access for 100% off. workbook for school kids or adults. Or maybe, what you’ve created is the basis of new business. What if chapter four of your book holds the premise and the promise of your follow up book—and knowing that affects how you negotiate your current book deal with publishers, or how you decide to release it online? [. . .] You’ll think about creating a video to support the how-to principles of your book. Then it hits you: this could be worth charging for. You’re standing on the threshold of your first passive revenue income stream— something that will soon make you money while you sleep.” ––Excerpts from Your Big, Beautiful, Book Plan by Danielle LaPorte and Linda Sivertsen, p. 15.

View the recorded workshop for Newsletters: Content Creation + Best Practices on Learn it Live. 47 Working with Earth’s Seasonal Energies to get Remarkable Results

Working with the earth energies is one of the known as Lugh, is sacrificed to prepare the most effective ways that we can experience earth for Fall Equinox. The word “Equinox” remarkable results with our marketing. When designates equal length of the days and nights. we launch our offerings is just as important as Celebrating a bountiful harvest and getting how we launch them. As we look to the wheel of back in balance are the themes of the season. the year we can see what energies and archetypes are being activated in the collective Samhain follows and is one of the biggest and then tap into that power. celebrations of the year. It’s often referred to as the “witch’s new year” and coincides with other For example Beltaine is the archetypal energy cultural celebrations in October/November: of integration, self-acceptance and self- Navarathi, the nine nights of Durga; Divali, expression on every level and allowing new the Hindu festival of light; Rosh Hashana, the growth. It’s about dancing with our dark side Jewish New Year. Letting go, as in the death of and allowing our sensual and sexual natures to the old year, and welcoming the birth of the fully express. It's the height of spring and the new year with the blessing of the ancestral perfect time to follow your passions, leap over energies are the major themes of Samhain. fears and obstacles in order to expand. Any kind of offering that emphasizes these themes Many souls enter the physical world at the time will be successful during this time; do you have when the veils are thin. Think of how many a product or service that emphasizes people give birth in late Summer~their sensuality, beauty, exercise or sexuality? This is conception dates are around early November, generally a great time for any kind of launch while we are celebrating Samhain. that evokes rigorous physical movement and passionate feelings. Seasonal Themes in Chronological Order: Summer Solstice is all about pushing your energy to the limits, fully in celebration of the Winter Solstice (Dec 21-23): exploring the sun; worshiping the radiance that is all around inner world, quiet the mind, stillness, you, celebrating the longer days. It’s still a integrating the truths and lessons since physically active time, yet we begin to move Summer Solstice. within since the sun is now on the leg of the journey towards the dark. It’s a great time to Imbolc (Feb 1-2): early spring, first signs of review the recent past and launching a product new growth, hope, beginning anew. that expresses that oppositional energy will garner great results. Spring Equinox/Ostara (Mar 21-22): balance, awakening, rebirth, manifestation of seeds The next cross-quarter holiday is called planted in the Fall. Lammas and it’s the first harvest season: the archetypal energies of Lammas are sacrifice Beltaine (May 1): fertility, potent life-force, and gratitude for the fullness and abundance of marriage of the feminine and masculine. food that Earth provides. The god of the light, Summer Solstice (June 20-23): honoring the 48

light, fullness of the sun, while also acknowledging the beginning of the dark side of Celebrate Lammas 2012: Remembering the year. our Accomplishments on Learn it Live. Go here to register and view the recording: Lammas (Aug 1-4): gratitude for bountiful harvest, abundance, sacrifice outer world for http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2504/ the inner world. Celebrate-Lammas-2012-Remembering-our- Accomplishments Fall Equinox/Mabon(Sept 20-23): balance, rest, readjust to less light and growing dark This recorded class is $12 to the general public, hours. but FREE for you! Enter the discount code R4JXMZVX and get access for 100% off. Samhain/New Year(Oct 31-Nov 2): new year, clean slate, release the old and move forward into the new, death aspect of great mother. Workbooks: Summer Solstice 2012 As part of this digital sanctuary, I’ll offer a Lammas 2012 virtual circle for each of Earth’s seasonal moments. I will send notifications with the dates for the live circle and then the recordings will be posted to the Goddess Guide to Business Bliss password protected page.

Circles that have been recorded so far in 2012:

Summer Solstice 2012: Activate Fantasy + Joy on Learn it Live. Directions: When you get to the page, click on the button that says “View Recording.” If you don’t have a user account for Learn it Live yet you will be prompted to create one. Go here to register and view the recording: http://www.learnitlive.com/invite/class/2414/ Summer-Solstice-2012-Activate-Fantasy-Joy This recorded class is $12 to the general public, but FREE for you! Enter the discount code YD7ESTWZ and get access for 100% off. 49 My Story

a department into action — or dive ten fathoms deeper into a marketing campaign.

Entrepreneurs hire me when they need a serious celestial shake-up. Fresh priorities. Vibrant branding. A clear sense of their story — their personal mythology. And more.

When I’m not jamming with business owners, I’m banging on my conga drums, working on my forthcoming memoir, playing in the surf with my 4-year old girl, going on hot dates with my husband, or talking to Mer spirits. Yup. Literally. Photo by r.s.thurston photography. I believe I was put on the planet, first + What do you get when you take the foremost, as a healer. daughter of a ‘70s rockstar … add a dash of supernatural mysticism … I happen to work my healing magic an innate knack for marketing + through marketing (which is really branding … a lifetime of drumming + about storytelling) and branding music … and a fascination with (which is really about personal clarity) mythology + depth psychology? and business development (which is really about fulfilling your destiny). You get something pretty wild, that’s for sure. Whether you’re leading a legion of cubicle warriors, or creating a You get me. business of your very own ... I’m Kris Oster, PhD. I’m a scholar of I want you to shine, like a mythology + classical archetypes, who myth-in-the-making. happens to be impeccably skilled at marketing + business design, who happens to be a writer, musician and entrepreneur. And that's just the tip of the mermaid's tail.

Companies hire me when they need a spark of imaginative mysticism, to jolt 50

TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A QUEEN + RADIATE. 51 so 7 chicks get into a hot tub… why personal development is profitable Danielle LaPorte I was in Santa Fe New Mexico this month phone is ringing off the hook with new

BY for the Transformational Speaking patients.” Intensive with master trainer, Gail Larsen. It was a mind-altering It’s the inner work that’s doing the work. experience that will inform my self- ooooo…ahhhh…hmmm….ya. expression for years. More on that later. CONTRIBUTED On the last night of the workshop Gail; the hot tub cosmic maestro fresh master coach Susan Hyatt; champion of soulful service profitably theory: Jennifer Louden; unabashedly feminine coach, Julie Daley; work more on yourself, clairvoyant (fer real) Naturopath Dr. and the business will Diane Chung; the Muse you dream of, Dyana Valentine; and yours truly were work more for you. hot tubbing in the heavenly hills, talking about…Twitter, cash flow, and dissolve your cosmic consciousness, of course. misconceptions of THE A-HA CONVO: Dyana: I got all these new Twitter deserving, and cash followers this week and, like, I’ve barely flows. been on-line. Don’t know where they’re coming from. it’s all energy, baby. Me: thinking to myself…hmmm…I sold lotsa Fire Starters Sessions, and got We neglected our families and our all these requests this week for one-on- businesses for six days. one clients, even tho’ I just doubled the We moved energy. We pursued answers, fee and haven’t been on-line in a week. we asked ourselves new questions. We cried hard and laughed harder. We Dr. Diane: Whenever I do a workshop spoke little of our actual careers until we or retreat, my receptionist calls me to came out of the zone of inquiry and say, “Um, what’s going on? Because the training. 52

TRY THIS: Move the energy before you make a move for the results. Want to write a killer chapter? Take a bath. Want the check to arrive? Give some money away. Want the love to come? Dance it out in your living room. Want to slam down your to do list? Take the day off.

It’s not always a doing. It’s a new seeing. And people see you back.

Download Danielle’s Workbook O’Fire and videos from her best-selling book, The Firestarter Sessions, here: http://www.daniellelaporte.com/fss-resources/ circleoffire/ 53 If you want success in your business, start loving yourself now!

Yes, if you want to attract more success benefits. These benefits will help your and manifest greater opportunities, business and success.

Aparna Khanolkar Aparna start with you.

Greater clarity of mind. BY What is Self-love? It means loving yourself enough to Deeper sense of peace and rest. make a commitment to your self-care. Putting yourself first. Not in a selfish Physiological benefits including way, but in a conscientious way. There lower blood pressure, slower heart are practical ways to do this each and rate and normalizing of CONTRIBUTED everyday. Call them rituals or tools. metabolism. Regardless, they will help you transcend all the worries and anxieties Stronger intuition for making and give you a great feeling of calm and your business decisions. clarity of mind, from where you can make the perfect decisions for your Eat: Cooking for yourself is one of the business. greatest acts of self-nurturance. There is no restaurant cook or chef that will First and foremost, you are a woman, a nourish you through food the way you spiritual being and then a business can for yourself. Simple is key here. owner. You honor that by aligning with your spiritual source each day. A mind Buying seasonal organic that is free of worry and fear, a heart ingredients and cooking it at that trusts Divine will is destined for home is better for your body and success. Along with that, take care of your budget. your body temple. A body that is healthy gives you the freedom to pursue Eating slowly and enjoying the your highest purpose. The most meal will leave you satisfied and important ingredient is commitment. you will have better digestion. We are so used to committing to our jobs, our children, our families and Skip the ice and go for hot water mortgages and such. Experiment with or tea. This will help maintain a committing to yourself for 40 days with steady digestive fire and help you the following practices. And watch the clean out your digestive tract. magic that unfolds. You really are what you eat. So Meditate: Make this your top self-love favor foods that elevate your ritual. 10-15 minutes twice a day is mood and consciousness plenty. Whatever style of meditation including almonds, saffron, lots you choose, do it everyday. Meditation of cooked greens, spices, ginger, gives your body and mind many fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. 54

Self-massage: Take some warm oil and manifest anything you wish as long as you are give yourself a luscious massage everyday. No truly aligned with your desire. special technique involved. Just get naked and Have a sacred intention for your desire. start with your face and work your way down to the bottoms of your feet. And let the oil soak in Envision it happening. for 10 minutes before you take hot shower. Self massage makes your skin look Write it down and read it many times ageless. each day. It enhances circulation. Firms and strengthens the muscles. Receive. Gives you sense of balance and deep relaxation. Self-love is knowing that you are worthy and deserving of your own love. It is also Sleep: Get at least 8 hours of sleep each having the experience of your own divinity. You night. Sleep rejuvenates you on all levels. honor and respect yourself in ways that allows Your nervous system throws off stresses. you to honor and respect others as your equal. You will look young and radiant. Make self-love your daily ritual. Soak in the Your mind is clear. healing energy you create for yourself. From You will have the physical energy and that place, your life and business will merge stamina for your business. into one and you will have success and satisfaction. Dharma Vs Karma: If your highest purpose is not aligned with how you live, then you are just doing a job. A spiritual entrepreneur like you wants your business and your inner world to thrive. Your business is your highest purpose, or Dharma. Your karma is an accumulation of thought patterns and habits. Your dharma or higher purpose must always come before your karmic patterns. Meditate.

Eat well.

Speak your truth sweetly.

Always have your client’s highest good as your top priority.

Manifest: All of life from being born to dying is a manifestation of desires. Manifesting is the most natural act for you. Fear is the only ingredient that gets in your way. You can 55 The Queen: An Empowering Model for Midlife Women

Aging and changing might be Crones. But these archetypes don’t Donna Henes inevitable, but it ain’t easy. It include me or other women in our BY precipitates in us a great uncertainty. middle years. They do not address our The myriad dramatic disturbances of issues and needs. They do not even modern middle life — menopause, recognize our existence. The old health concerns, career shifts, the stereotypes simply do not apply to us. empty nest, divorce and death — create We haven’t been Maidens in decades, an overwhelming crisis of identity and we are no longer Mother material, and CONTRIBUTED purpose for each of us. we are definitely not old Crones. Where are the archetypal role models for us? Who are we supposed to be at this stage of our life when we are less likely to be We midlife women today desperately bound and identified by our kinship need a new body of role models, ideals, connection to someone else — as a examples and teachers to encourage us daughter, a wife, a mother, a lover? to create new and joyful ways of being What exactly is our role as older than in charge of our own destiny. In the young and younger than old women absence of a traditional mythic example who are still active, attractive and more to spur me on and sustain me through effective than ever? my own midlife changes, I perceived the need to invent one. And so I did, Ever since I first started introducing thus providing me and other women of The Queen as a helpful archetype for my generation with a recognizable role midlife women in my workshops and model for our middle years: The Queen. articles, I have received thousands of requests for detailed instructions on Was this hubris? Who am I to conceive how to become a Queen. “Dear Mama an archetype? Well, I am in fact, a Donna,” women would write, “I want to proud member of the pioneering Sixties be a Queen, too. How do I access my Generation, and consequently, I have a power? How can I feel good about certain modest amount of experience in myself? How do I change my life? How rebelling against the status quo of old do I find magic and spiritual wisdom? systems and beliefs and striving to How do I know what to do? How do I replace them with new, more inclusive learn how to rule?” and relevant ones. Bereft of affirming depictions of our lives, today’s women- Indeed. How are women supposed to of-a-certain-age are more than ready, know how to own our own sovereignty? willing, and perfectly capable of We certainly haven’t been taught. creating our own. World mythology abounds with inspiring examples of beautiful and The Queen paradigm promotes a new adventurous Maidens, compassionate understanding of what it means to be a and nurturing Mothers (as well as some middle-aged woman today who accepts devouring ones) and wise and wily full responsibility for and to her Self. 56

And it celebrates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual rewards of doing so.

Becoming a Queen is not automatic. The Queen bursts forth from adversity and previous constraints, actual or imagined, to become a proficient player in the game plan of Her choice. The Queen does not invite hard times and trouble, but She chooses to use them well. Actualized, organized, efficient, self-sufficient, competent, ethical and fair, the Queen has struggled for and earned Her authority and respect. Determined and firmly centered on Her own two feet, She dares to climb, step after step, with nascent surety into the heady realm of Her own highest sovereignty.

This mythic model that I envision is recognizably like me, like us. Not yet old, yet no longer young, still active and sexy, vital with the enthusiasm and energy of youth, She is tempered with the hard earned experience and leavening attitudes of age. She has been forced to face and overcome obstacles and hard lessons including Her own shadow, and in so doing, has outgrown the boundaries of Her old self.

Agitated with the unessential and restless for authenticity, She sheds all attachment to the opinions of others and accepts complete responsibility and control for Her own care, feeding and fulfillment. She is the Queen of Her Self, the mature monarch, the sole sovereign of Her own life and destiny. Here, finally, is an archetype that fits.

“As long as I live, I will have control over my being — you find the spirit of Caesar in me.” - Artemisia Gentileschi 57 Success from the Inside Out: How Radiant Health + Vibrant Energy Lisa Beck will take Your Business to the Next BY Level

These days, most of us realize the importance of radiant health + vibrant Entrepreneurial Rock Star energy in our lives. We feel the

CONTRIBUTED difference between lethargy and Sexy + Brilliant Business buzzing energy. We have days where we Maven feel old + creaky, and days when we feel youthful + energetic. Powerful Manifesting Mama Are you rockin’ your bod or do you desire a boost? Do you know that how Abundant + Awesome Artist you feel in your body translates to how you feel in your biz? Duh, right? Radiant Wellness + Vibrant Energy give us a strong and supportive Landing that dream client and foundation towards success in our lives experiencing success in our business and our business. Period. can be experienced and realized at a much greater and grander pace when This is the secret to true success. It we are living our lives from a place of is an inside job…not only emotionally vitality + energy. and mentally, but physically.

My own journey towards radiant So, how do we begin to step into health + vibrant energy has changed my who we really are meant to be in our life and my career in profound ways, bodies? Here are 4 simple ways to get and continues to do so. It challenges started. and awakens me. It’s a journey of self- love and self-discovery. I have my ups Add new daily self-care + self- and downs, my lazy days and my love rituals to your routine. rockin’ days. It is all part of the journey. Rituals will change your game. We are creatures of habit. This is the most No matter where you are on your important and often most difficult step own wellness journey, I’d like to towards radiant health + vibrant challenge you to take things to the next energy. Choose one or two brand new level, and then notice the changes that self-care rituals to add to your routine. occur in your life + business. This could be a short morning yoga practice, a lunch-time walk in the It is time to further step up and into neighborhood, a 15 min. daily who you are truly meant to be in your meditation, a morning green smoothie, physical body and physical life. a brand new cardio or dance class twice a week with your best bud. 58

Move. Every day. love, breathe in and out deeply and surrender to So we all know that exercise is good for us. But the unknown. some of us HATE it. We loathe going to the gym and getting all sweaty and tired. There is no By making a greater commitment to our health reason for us to torture ourselves. Find and self-care, we tell the world (and ourselves) something physical that you actually enjoy…and that we are… maybe even LOVE to do. Try out some new group classes or bust out that hula hoop you Worthy. bought last year. Valuable. Lovable. Add more greens to your plate. Powerful. Yes, your mama was right. Eat your veggies. I Ready. promise that your body will thank you. Fill at Strong. least ½ of your plate with veggies. Try it for a week. There are so many creative and beautiful Take the reins on your health + wellness. Rock ways to eat veggies these days. Salads can be your bod. Enjoy it, appreciate it and treat it like boring, I know. Steamed broccoli may make you the temple that it is. cringe. Make it your assignment to find a brand new veggie recipe that gets your mouth Your life + business will continue watering and the entire family on board the to soar. veggie train with you! Check out http:// vegweb.com/ for an abundance of amazing veggie recipes, including “Sweet Potato Kale Curry”, “Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas”, and “Quinoa Tabouli Salad”. Yum! Notice your energy soar.

Enjoy your body. It is your temple. We are sensual beings. As women, we are naturally sensitive – physically and emotionally. Use this as a tool towards greater self-love and appreciation of your body. At your next meal, slow down and really taste your food. As you hug your child, notice the flood of emotion and energy that surrounds your heart. When you are speaking to a client on the phone, Order Lisa’s 8-Week Wellness Plan and find a really tune into their energy + vibration and plethora of resources for experiencing more speak to that. Respond with more love, radiant health: awareness and tenderness in all that you do. http://www.LisaBeckLiving.com Revere your body and honor it by enjoying all the fabulous sensations, feelings + emotions that it gives you each moment. When making 59 Goddess Yoga Sessions + Chakra Awakening Exercise

Goddess Yoga Sessions: Chakra Awakening Exercise: There are two chair yoga sessions offered. The first session, "Connect" The chakras are the energy centers in Charlotte Cressey includes a few minutes at the beginning the body. This simple chakra toning BY to connect with breath and Mother visualization will awaken and attune Earth. The shorter "Express" session your divine instrument - your body! launches right in to the exercises. Visualization “Chakra Awakening” Chair Yoga "Connect" CONTRIBUTED click here to listen click here to listen

Chair Yoga "Express" Enjoy!

click here to listen

Two simple chair yoga sessions designed to help you connect with your inner desires, unveil your unique talents, travel into your fertile inner spaces, align with your purpose, and unleash your full potential out in the world. By taking just a few minutes to open and listen to the body's wisdom, you can enhance your effectiveness, happiness, and energy exponentially.

For the chair yoga sessions, you'll need a chair that is of a height where your feet touch the floor. Sit forward a few inches on the chair so that there is space for you to arch and round the spine without the back of the chair restricting your movement. 60

TRUST YOURSELF.

LET YOUR SOUL BE YOUR GUIDE. 61 Your infinite victory

Your bliss has no walls. Don’t wait for “it” ...instead find each moment to be an enlightened one.

Illumination isn’t just about the light, but also in mastering navigation of the shadows. It’s about finding gratitude in the challenges. Never forget your greatest teachers show up in di!cult ways. Burn off the barnacles of karma with daily meditation.

Enlightenment means holding close to your heart the ability to respond to each moment from a conscious place.

Keep your heart open, and let it continuously flow out; you get to decide what comes in through your permeable force field.

Remember always: you hold the power to be the alchemist of your own life.

From this moment on, turn on your inner light bulb of consciousness and empowerment to step up and no longer be a victim. Find freedom through virtue while remembering not to give a worried care to what people may or may not be thinking. What they think is of no consequence to you and there’s no risk in simply being yourself. Step into your birthright of courage and expansion.

Shine your love light, step into your new day, your new dawn. Learn from mother’s earth what each day gives you. Flow like the rivers and sparkle like the stars.

Allow your light to illuminate the darkness around you.

Release resistance and flow into the life that you are creating as a Victorious Goddess.

SpSp!!leriri# i""" flo$ LUMINATE YOUR LIFE | BY LUCINDA KINCH | www.LucindaKinch.com 62 Illuminating Intuition in Business Decisions

I love the juxtapositions and connection which is where the gold of Lucinda Kinch metaphoric fulcrum that living in our our life purpose resides and is available BY

amazing human forms brings to us in to serve always. this world. It is about bringing spirit into our conversations, the cosmos into The left side of the brain is the logic, our kitchens, heaven into earth, and discernment, right and wrong, and the manifesting from the divine into the place where duality kicks in. There is no physical realms. It’s about balance and better or worse part of the intuitive

CONTRIBUTED wholeness. side, because the only place that judges is the thinking side of the brain. When we make decisions in business, Intuition doesn’t understand better or we can access a similar wholeness and worse, it doesn’t understand duality or balance by utilizing both sides of our separation. The right side is where we brain – the left and the right tap into the feelings. In this place, there hemispheres; the logic and reason side, is no logic. It is not spoken in verbal and the visionary, feeling, and intuitive language as this side of the brain side. understands one energy, and one source; a place where there is non- I do this every time I create my duality and the divine decisions reside. visionary art, photography, writing and design. I have a creative burst of vision You may find logical reasons to follow or tap into my intuition, and honor it your intuition, but there is not logic in for what it is. There is one step just intuition as it does not have an agenda. before the execution of a project that That planning part comes from logic happens to make sure it’s aligned with and the left brain. If you replace your my direction in approaching and intuition with logic, then you’re manifesting something. following logic. This is where you hear about the importance and why to trust But there are many places and times that tiny inner voice. where the structure needs to fall away -- the place where we tune into divine Intuition is knowing without thinking. guidance to get answers. As intuition is called your sixth sense, When bigger business choices come up you just need to practice using it, as you such as who to joint venture with, have learned and trained yourself to use directions to head in, and things like your sense of hearing, taste, smell, and price-raising decisions, that’s when it sight. After a while you’ll be more can be essential in business to connect comfortable with trusting your sixth to our divine inner selves, and get sense. beyond what even is perceived as logical. We must go deep into the So, you want to ask the question: “What 63

am I supposed to do?” because if you are, you can’t exist in the present moment to tap into the truth of your intuition. We’ve got to quiet our busy minds in your Your mind in its natural state is intuitive when preferred meditation technique, release the in the present moment, rather than the thinking stories of the day, and tap into your deeper bliss voice. Cancel out “What if it doesn’t work of feeling. Start with a 10 minute meditation so out??” because that is a future voice, not the you begin the connection. Along with your present voice. meditation practice, depending on the technique you use, you will want connect to To make an intuitive decision is to discover the your heart center. The only way to make an feeling that comes from the divine inside of you. intuitive decision is whole-heartedly, and with your deep place of feeling. This feeling is The right brain speaks to you in the language of intertwined with your divine connection that feeling and you see the image and answers you are always lovingly meshed with… the within with your inner eye. That’s your Source of all that is. The gateway of this place is intuition. Intuition sees, hears, and feels from all-knowing, and getting into your heart, you the inside. All the divine communication is connect to Divine Mother. She lives within our happening within. You’ve projected the answer hearts as the energy of love, non-judgment and from the realms of creation on your projector of compassion. your own perception. The more you practice listening to the inner language of divine feeling, From this place, you connect to your higher self. the more you will grow your ability to connect This is the place of manifesting infinite to this. possibilities. When we have calmed the mind down, and are To get of your mind, close your eyes and put grounded in meditation that is connected to the your hand over your heart and feel your heart heart center, we can then tap into to a place of center expanding into the realm of grace and intuition and our deeper business bliss. receiving. Make sure your breath is even and effortless; a round breath, so you can tap into Intuition is in our business is something we can your relaxation. This is the place of forgiveness, do to expand our work in the world, make compassion, non-judgment, and connection to better decisions, and head for the purposeful the love of Divine Mother that’s always inside of place we need to be to live a life of freedom. you. You can connect to the infinite light When you’re following the divine plan, you’re consciousness and wisdom. From this place you not creating new karma, but instead have can receive all the right answers every time. stepped off the wheel of birth and death and This is what self-realization is. into the creation of Infinite Spirit. This is where deep bliss and freedom reside.

We can’t make decisions in a place of fear, or even being solely in the head or intellect, 64

Here are five steps to tuning into your business decisions:

1. Meditate. Center spiritually with your divine stillness and listening. Relax and listen for five to ten minutes, wherever you are. Practice connecting to the earth and getting grounded.

2. Listen with your heart. Surrender your love to Divine Mother and tap into your place of feeling, light-heartedness, gratitude and receiving. Really get into the feeling of it.

3. Relaxation and receive. Pray for ease and grace to be able to be a vessel to receive. Simply be in the moment and breathe.

4. Surrender. Accept that you are not in control but this is about allowing. Don't try to shut down uncomfortable emotions. This is about flow and tapping into your feminine inner knowing. Remember, intuition isn’t about logic; it’s about what already is there and waiting for you to manifest in the ethers.

5. Trust and follow it. Have self-trust for the non-logical. Embrace your divine insight and go with it, act on it whole-heartedly, and know that your intuitive decision is always right.

Breathe and let it flow out of your divine and beautiful heart.

May the infinite spirit bless all of your deeds, decisions and endeavors, and bring you grace, truth and love. 65 Working with the Angels

“Every blade of grass has an angel that for each Archangel is another way you bends over it and whispers, 'Grow! can call upon and work with them.) The Arielle Christner Grow!'”- The Talmud Resonant God/dess Energies listed are BY deities and masters who share similar Angels are universally understood to be fortes, symbolism or other attributes, Divine helpers and messengers. (The and whom you can also call upon to word angel comes from the Greek broaden your heavenly support team. angelos, meaning “messenger.”) Don’t The Resonant Star Essences are flower let that white gown fool you however: and gemstone essence remedies that CONTRIBUTED this does not have to be a formal affair. share vibrational qualities with the Angels are unconditional and non- Archangel and can deepen your denominational in their love and attunement to them and their area of support. Their collective mission is expertise. (For more info see peace in all its aspects, and that www.staressence.com.) includes individual and personal peace- so whether you’re seeking the keys to Archangel Ariel your car or the keys to enlightenment, Aura Color: Pale rose pink your concern falls under their Divine Associated Careers/Life Purpose: jurisdiction. They are also free from the Environmentalism and nature pesky limitations of time and space, so conservation; all facets of animal care, you needn’t worry that by- for instance- communication, healing and asking Archangel Jophiel to be your stewardship personal stylist, you are taking her away Helps with: feminine strength, from more global concerns. empowerment and self-love; Angels are particularly fond of assisting attunement to nature; manifestation of us with our life purpose or meaningful material needs vocation, as they know that unwrapping Resonant God/dess Energies: our fabulous God-given gifts brings the Sekhmet; Freya; Lakshmi greatest level of peace to both ourselves Resonant Star Essences: Nature and the planet. So how does one call on Communion, Regal Amaranth~RA, this heavenly posse of support? All you Gold have to do is ask. It can be as simple as a silent, sincere request or as elaborate Archangel Azrael of a ritual as you can joyfully conceive, Aura Color: Creamy white but the important thing is your Associated Careers/Life Purpose: intention and permission (and counseling and emotional healing, gratitude!) for angelic assistance. especially from grief; hospice care; Now, who does one call on? Below is a spiritual mediumship selection of Archangels and their Helps with: transitions and rebirths of associated careers and specialties. all kinds; healing from any sort of (Hint: visualizing the listed aura color perceived loss; 66

communication with ancestors and spirit interior design and feng shui; dancers and guides others who beautify the world through Resonant God/dess Energies: Kali; Anubis movement Resonant Star Essences: Divine Messenger, Helps with: uplifting thoughts and attitudes; Graceful Shift, High Frequency creating beautiful living and work spaces; transcending negativity; embodying Divine Archangel Gabriel beauty and grace Aura color: Copper Resonant God/dess Energies: Aphrodite/ Associated Careers/Life Purpose: writing, Venus; Oshun speaking and all forms of communication and Resonant Star Essences: Dance, Love of Life, expression, including the arts; midwifes, Purification doulas, OB/GYNs and others relating to pregnancy and childbirth Archangel Metatron Helps with: releasing blocks and anxieties Aura color: Green and pink regarding creative expression; birthing new Associated Careers/Life Purpose: teaching, projects and ideas; balancing creative life and counseling and caring for children, especially motherhood learning disorders, ADD/ADHD and special Resonant God/dess Energies: Brigid; Mother needs; education reform; esoteric healing Mary; Hathor methods Resonant Star Essences: Creation/Focus, Helps with: organization and time Mother and Child ReUnion, Citrine management; prioritizing your dreams and highest work; supporting spiritually sensitive Archangel Haniel children and adults on their life path Aura color: Bluish-white, like moonlight Resonant God/dess Energies: Damara; Associated Careers/Life Purpose: clairvoyance Melchizedek and other psychic/intuitive arts; women’s issues Resonant Star Essences: Divine Child, Clear and advocacy; female physical and emotional Quartz, Fluorite well-being Helps with: opening up to and trusting one’s Archangel Michael intuition and higher guidance; receptivity; Aura color: Cobalt blue surrendering to life’s cycles; getting in touch Associated Careers/Life Purpose: Lightworkers with your inner Goddess and other peaceful earth movers and game Resonant God/dess Energies: Selene; Isis; changers; all areas of truth, bravery and heroic Rhiannon service for the highest good Resonant Star Essences: Divine Goddess, Full Helps with: courage to know and embody your Moonlight, Moonstone Highest Self; finding and taking action on your life’s purpose and innate gifts; protection; Archangel Jophiel clearing away fear; fixing things (spiritual Aura color: Dark pink handyman) Associated Careers/Life Purpose: hairstyling, Resonant God/dess Energies: Athena; Durga; skin care, cosmetics and all aspects of beauty; Saint Germain 67

Resonant Star Essences: Faith and Courage, integrating music and tones into a healing Freedom/Libertad, Blue Sapphire practice Resonant God/dess Energies: Saraswati; Archangel Raguel Apollo; Serapis Bey Aura color: Pale blue Resonant Star Essences: Art of Gentle Associated Careers/Life Purpose: counseling, Communication, Eternal Youth, My Passion especially marital and relationship; all forms of peaceful mediation and justice; pro bono law, Please note that there are more Archangels and charity work and love-based service infinite other angelic beings eager to work with Helps with: attracting the perfect partners, co- you, so if you want to explore further I workers, employees and clients; harmonious recommend Doreen Virtue’s work at interactions and relations with same; receiving www.angeltherapy.com. fair treatment Resonant God/dess Energies: Kuan Yin; Ma’at; Forseti Resonant Star Essences: Cooperative Service, One Heart, Aquamarine

Archangel Raphael Aura color: Emerald green Associated Careers/Life Purpose: healers of all kinds, from allopathic to holistic and physical to spiritual, for people and animals; travel-related work and work that involves travel Helps with: establishing, deepening or expanding a healing practice; guidance and assistance during healing sessions; ensuring smooth, safe and enjoyable travel Resonant God/dess Energies: Asclepius; Jesus; Maeve Resonant Star Essences: Magic Healer, Wise Body, Emerald

Archangel Sandalphon Aura Color: Turquoise Associated Careers/Life Purpose: musicians and all aspects of music: writing, playing, recording, producing, marketing, performing; sound and tone healing Helps with: emphasizing the fun and playful elements of music (stage fright and/or perfectionism); utilizing music positively in healing rooms, offices and other environments; Chalk drawing of Earth and Sea Angels by Laura Eliseo Courage: An Unpredictable Calling

Pamela Lynn Most of the time it comes out of That's what I do.

BY nowhere. The combination of it all is It's unpredictable. my unique way to connect, educate and inspire a sense of hope and It's unrelenting. encouragement in others.

and... Difficult? CONTRIBUTED It often feels damn right uncontrollable. Yes.

You know what I'm talking about, Different? right? Yes. I'm talking about your own personal "calling". Basically no matter which way you look at it, when you're a drummer that Some people believe that we have a doesn't play in a band, you tend to be choice over it. That somehow we can looked at as a bit of a quack. just pick and choose our calling. Did I choose this calling? Yeah right... No. If that was true then why on earth would people like myself pick the most That's my point. obscure, ambiguous, unfathomable, and inconceivably difficult callings to You don't get to choose it. dedicate their lives towards achieving? It chooses you. Let me clarify: I remember the moment when I'm a drummer who doesn't (and my calling kicked into over drive. probably never will) play in a band. I'm I was 28 years old, with two young a World Percussionist, aka: a drum solo daughters, and a unquenchable thirst to performance artist. I also use my learn the art of West African Djembe drumming as a contemplative meditation practice. It's my go-to rhythms. Keep in mind I had started drumming on the traditional drum kit stress management tool. On top of that, when I was 12 yrs. old; and although I spend most of my time with my head the opportunity to continue playing buried under books as a student slipped out of my grasp for many years, researcher. My topic of interest? I still considered myself to be a The Neuroscience of Drumming. Yep. drummer. Thru and thru to the bone. I had been looking for an instructor to teach me I was about drumming, and I explained how it private lessons in order to get a grasp on the meant the world to me, and I that felt that I was complexities of style of playing. I didn't have the born to play the drums. luxury of the internet to support my learning curve, nor did I have the cultural advantage of Then he asked me to play. living in a metropolitan meca. I played my heart out. I was dead broke. I played everything that I could possibly play. and I played as if my life depended on it. I was hungry to learn. When I finished, I was beaming with pride even I saw an ad about an African American djembe though I knew it was far from perfect. instructor who was offering private lessons for V-e-r-y far from perfect. $50.00 hr. Still I gave it my best. After all I was there to It may as well been $5000 because when your learn. broke the zeros don't make that much difference to you. It all feels the same. What more could I possibly do?

Completely, out of reach. And then the unthinkable happened...

But, I was determined. Ready for this one?

My plan was to have one lesson and bank as He started to laugh. much information as I possibly could out of that single hour. and

One lesson. laugh

One hour. and

One chance. laugh and I was that passionate, laugh. and "You are not a drummer!" he assured me in a that naive. lovely condescending tone.

My lesson started off good. "I am a drummer. You sit, play the pulse, and listen to me." He asked me to tell him about myself, and interest in drumming. I explain how passionate Until I was alone...and then Resistance will try to repress and restrain you if you try to follow it. all that I had been holding back, It exists regardless of how hard you try to all that I had been denying myself pretend that it doesn't. Regardless of how obscure it might sound to others. Regardless of all that I had been to polite to say came out of the odds being stacked against you if you my mouth with a vengeance. choose to follow it.

"That no good %@#^ $%& #%&# !!! It is yours for the taking.

AHGGG!!!! If you choose to follow it, be prepared to pay the price. How dare he say that I'm not a drummer! It will push you beyond your breaking point. He has no right to say who I am, and who I'm not!!! It will test every ounce of your willpower,

I AM A DRUMMER! I AM A DRUMMER ! your character,

That was my tipping point. and soul.

It had claimed me. I had accepted it fully. It will demand daily sacrifices, unrelenting commitment, and a massive amount of Either I was going to make it to the top in my integrity. field as a drummer, or I was going to die trying. You will fail repeatedly. You will have My soul was at stake. successes. You will fail repeatedly.

My voice in the world was at stake. If you do have the knackers to answer the This was now mine. call remember this:

My unpredictable calling. It is ultimately a blessing.

My unique passion. A gift. A miracle that needs to be cherished, and nurtured. It is your future. My obscure, ambiguous, unfathomable, and inconceivably difficult saving grace. It

Reflection is

Your calling is something you feel deep in the worthy depths of your soul. I don't doubt that you've at of least felt twinges of it. Or maybe, you've already been hit over the head with it. Either way, you'll your notice when you turn towards the direction it's in it can feel seriously overwhelming. life. Which is good, because that's what it will cost if you answer it.

I can totally understand if you are struggling to answer the call.

The fear of failure sucks.

Nobody want to look like a meathead.

But,

You are being called to greatness.

That's not corny, it's true.

The world needs to hear your voice.

Have the courage to answer the call.

That's why you're here.

That's why it's calling YOU.

"Courage can't see around corners, but goes around them anyway." ~Mignon McLaughlin You Are The Answered Prayer!

All that you seek is already within you. The key word is ‘affirmative’, being that I believe prayer to be one of the most we are affirming and describing the powerful forces we are privileged to nature of God/dess as our very life. Erin Louise Stewart use. We have all at one time or another What is true about God/dess is true BY

prayed or been prayed for. We have all about us. We are one and the same, no benefited from prayer whether we were exceptions. Affirmative prayer is a conscious of it or not. Every thought, celebration for what is already word, and action is a prayer… what are complete. We enter into all prayer not you praying? asking for something but rather giving thanks for what is already so.

CONTRIBUTED I use “Scientific Affirmative Prayer” which is scientifically backed and Most of our good we cannot see with proven effective for making positive the visible eye. Affirmative prayer is the changes in your life. This form of prayer vehicle in which we open our spiritual recognizes that there is only one eye to more good than we have ever Source. It is called by many names and experienced, imagined or dreamed. celebrated in all traditions and May you be blessed and prosper religions. through the power of prayer!

My gift to you is the “All is Well” prayer from my You Are The click here to listen Answered Prayer CD. You Have the Power + Wisdom to Rock Your Biz + Life Lisa Beck

BY So many of us, myself included, seem to We benefit greatly and make profound be on this never ending quest towards changes in our lives when we invest in “better”. workshops, lectures, conferences, healing sessions, and buy the latest It is in our nature to want to grow and books and dvd’s. There will always be evolve into a better partner, mother, an extremely important place in our

CONTRIBUTED sister, daughter, entrepreneur, etc. I lives for these amazing teachings and believe this is why we are here, to tools, and we run our own businesses evolve as humans, as souls, as pure and share our gifts with great passion consciousness. There is an inner and purpose because of this need! yearning, or pull towards more and more greatness. But remember that your own inner guidance system is connected to the But in this quest we sometimes lose same stream of consciousness + divine ourselves. We think that all of the wisdom that all of the greatest teachers answers are outside of ourselves, and and gurus are. Educate yourself, get we continue to search for the next best inspired as much as you want + need, piece of wisdom or to find the answers but remember that only YOU know the to all of our problems from the so- best way in which to run your life, called “experts”. If we really listen to business, and family. Yes you will screw our teachers and gurus, we will hear up sometimes, you will fall down, but them say that WE have the power and you will get back up, try again, and you the wisdom within. We have the will continue to grow and evolve - not answers. That it is simply about getting by depending solely on the advice of in touch and making friends with our others, but by finding the balance inner “guru”. between “out there” knowledge and “in here” wisdom. Being seekers and being students of this life is important. There have been so Tap into Your Inner Guru. many times when I felt as though I was When you are experiencing a challenge falling off a cliff, and desperately in your life, or perhaps when you seek needed someone to throw me a net. new ideas and new ways of being in And there continue to be those times your business + life, I invite you to tap for all of us, as well as those moments into your own inner “guru”. Meditation, when we are looking for new in my experience, is the fastest and inspiration and new knowledge, new easiest way to connect to that inner ways in which we can better market wisdom within. If the word ourselves and our products, be better “meditation” makes you cringe or feel partners and parents, and find more resistance, then let’s just call it “being joy, happiness and abundance. in the silence.” It is as simple as closing your eyes, connecting to your breath, and relaxing your body. It is here that you can listen.

It is here that you can ask for guidance.

It is here that you can totally surrender to your inner wisdom.

The answers may not come to you right away in this space, but know that they will indeed come if you continue to be open to them and make space for them. And the more you practice this silence, the easier you will be able to connect to that incredible stream of divine wisdom. Your life becomes more balanced; one in which you integrate the knowledge of your teachers and the “experts” with your own inner divine wisdom.

From this place you feel more empowered and stronger.

You feel as though you are completely supported and cared for, and that you, indeed, have the power + wisdom to rock your biz + your life!

Mystical Sounds of the Divine: 4 Mantras to Change Your Life

Listen to the mantra mp3 recordings asking your client for a better included with this eBook. Absorb the rate.

Aparna Khanolkar Aparna divine energy in each one. And begin

practicing your own each day. You can Your goal for removing your BY chant along with the recordings or blocks around creativity. It could create your own practice. Regardless, mean that you want to create before you begin chanting, write down more engaging programs for your desires. your clients, or a more creative eBook or you want to create an For me, it was making a certain level of interactive workshop experience CONTRIBUTED income. A number that I was not for your clients. accustomed to wanting. I don’t know when it will manifest. All I know is that Then pick the corresponding mantra for I’m putting my intention out into the your goal. ethers. The Goddess is always listening! Another desire I had was to unblock the Lakshmi for abundance. obstacles from within. We are so often attuned to believing that our obstacles The Guru mantra for inner are external. Sometimes they are. Often wisdom. they are within us in our emotional and mental patterns. “I am not worthy.” “I Durga for dispelling fear. will never make money like that.” “I will not have such success or Saraswati for greater creativity. opportunities,” are some of our stories. You can practice all of them if you wish. Pay attention to your stories. And then take a small journal or notebook and My mantra practice includes Lakshmi, write down 4 desires. Mahalakshmi, Ganesha and Chamundi. This totals to 1008 mantras each day. Your goal for abundance. It Pick what works for you. could be for income or buying a new computer or paying off debt. What is required is a commitment and devotion to your practice. Mantras are Your goal for inner wisdom. This mystical sounds that have tremendous could be for clarity, wisdom, power. truth or silence. Before you begin chanting, read your Your goal to overcome fear. goal from your journal. Let that idea Fears could be of money, not settle into your mind. Now begin having enjoy money, fear of chanting. Chant 108 times using mala standing up for yourself or beads. Or chant for 10 minutes with a When you finish, take a few minutes to enjoy the Pronounced as: AUM AYM (AS IN AIM BUT deep silence that you have created. In that deep WITH THE SOUND OF Y LIKE MY) SARAS- silence is where all manifestation occurs. WATI-YAY NAMAHA

Sometimes you may not have privacy or space DURGA for this routine. Chant when you are cooking, or Om Doom Durgaye Namaha driving or sitting in the subway. Do it even silently. It is just as beneficial. Pronounced as: AUM DOOM (AS IN DOOM WITH A SOFT D) DURGA-YAY NAMAHA The sounds of mantras resonate in your cells and in your chakras. Patterns of thinking that INNER GURU don’t serve you anymore will be transformed Om Gum Gurubhyo Namaha from within. About 30 days into my mantra practice, my divorce attorney offered me a great Pronounced as: AUM GUM (AS IN GUM) GURU- deal. If I paid him $3,000 within six months, he BHYO (AS IN YO WITH A BH SOUND ATTACHED was willing to erase my $30,000 debt. I had TO IT) NAMAHA never even conceived of such an opportunity coming my way. A dear friend offered me $1,000 towards the greatly reduced debt. Recorded Mantras: Goddess Lakshmi always listens. What do you wish to manifest? Lakshmi Mantra

Mantras are sounds that purify and liberate the Inner Guru Mantra mind. Our minds have created great walls and prisons for us be it from family conditioning or poverty or other social and cultural situations. Saraswati Mantra We dwell in these prisons for lifetimes without realizing that we deserve all the success and Durga Mantra abundance and bliss as children of this Universe. The sacred sounds of mantras will help you to break out of this inner prison. Recording Credits:

The Mantras: Voice/Chanting: Aparna Khanolkar Crystal Bowls/Percussion: Kris Oster Recording Engineer/Mixing: Shaun Oster LAKSHMI Om Shreem Sriyaye Namaha

Pronounced as: AUM SHREEM (AS IN CREAM BUT WITH AN SH SOUND) SHRI-YA-YAY NAMAHA

SARASWATI Om Aym Saraswatiye Namaha 78

VALUE YOURSELF.

YOU’RE WORTH IT. 79 Money Amplifies Your ART–– a micro-manifesto, for scarcity junkies.

“Entrepreneurship is just so If you are unhappy and you have Alexandra Franzen

risky, unstable and HARD.” money, you will become more

BY unhappy because what will you do

with your money?” “There’s just NO AUDIENCE for What, indeed? the kind of art I want to make.” To carry it home: Money cradles + energizes “Believe me, I’ve tried. That’s

CONTRIBUTED who you already are. JUST THE WAY IT IS, in my industry.” If you are artful, money will amplify your art. If you are adventurous, money will give Excuse me while I throw a textual you new ways to be bold. tantrum. AAAARHGHHGGH#$Y% %&&*(*)&&)*%)!!!! If you are kind, money will stretch your (all done.) compassion to the ends of the earth. If you are playful, money is a Good grief, chief! How many times playground you hold in your pocket. have you heard these self-fulfilling declarations bandied about, by crushed If you are romantic, money can bolster friends & colleagues? How many times your expressions of love. have you uttered somesuch nonesense If you are optimistic, money will show yourself? you a world of potential.

How is it — in these extraordinary Repeat after me: times, with infinite role models crossing I am unspeakably affluent – genres, defying conventional logic, and rich with ideas, with resources, with turning art into cash with love. unprecedented ease — that we’re still rutting about in these ridiculous There’s so little I need to consume — notions — like scarcity junkies, and infinite ways to contribute. lookin’ for a fix? I can be a philanthropist, without I am reminded of a lesson, by the spending a dime. Indian mystic Osho: I can raise my own brilliance barometer “If you are happy and you have simply by charging what I’m actually money, you will become more worth. happy. 80

When money is scarce, I do not panic.

I devote myself tenfold to my ART – I ground myself in service. I become impossible to ignore. I tell the world who I am – And money is drawn to my intrinsic richness.

Like gravity. Like providence. Like fate.

I am made of shattered stars. I am elegance, embodied.

Money mirrors my ambition – It is not my definition. 81 Your True Wealth

As Goddesspreneurs we might be more forgotten to water the garden to grow clued in than most out there to our true your true wealth? wealth, but are we? After all, it is a Dr. Rev. Karen Tate challenge in this consumer-oriented Take stock. Right now. Don't wait and BY world to strike a balance and not get don't allow yourself to slip into denial. Ask caught up in society's measure of yourself these questions: wealth. BE HONEST. Are you susceptible to the advertising? Must Do you know your neighbors? you have the latest electronic gadget? Could you call on them if you Flat screen? Does your phone plan needed a ride to work or got sick? CONTRIBUTED include the secrets of the universe? Your co-worker's might! What about How's your love life? Do you have fashion? Are you wearing this year's a partner who truly loves you? hottest designs? How many pairs of When was your last date night? shoes are in your closet? Do you trade in your car every year so it's always What about your friends? Are they loyal, honest, reliable, trustworthy? shiny and new? Is your zip code Can they be counted on in a pinch? famous? Do you own a house? Do you Do they just take? vacation on the Aegean or cruise along the Nile? Do you have a diploma from And the kids? When was the last an Ivy League school? Do you have time you made time to deepen the your stock broker's number on speed bonds with your children? dial? Your community. Do you have No doubt some of the above status one? Does it feed you? Is there symbols might open some doors or reciprocity? might offer some sense of pleasure or security, even a temporary measure of Does your job fulfill you? How's self-worth in our consumer driven, your relationship with your co- materialistic culture, but as long as workers? we're being honest, does it really bring you joy? When you lay in bed at night Have you thought about your do you have serenity? Contentment? relationship to God/dess lately? Do you feel fulfilled? Or do you feel like a hamster on a wheel trying to keep up? Had any meaningful connections?

Maybe it's time for a reality check of Are you feeding your passion? Are your true wealth – and I don't mean the you nurturing yourself? Don't say balance in your checkbook! Have you you don't have time! been so busy growing assets and nurturing your portfolio you've 82

Depending on how you answered these and the desire to control. But we learn in questions you are probably realizing if you've women’s studies, within Goddess Spirituality, been tending to your real riches or if some areas that’s not a healthy definition of power - in fact, of your life need a serious dose of Miracle Grow! we might discuss if power over is bounty at all. What a double edged sword that is. Real And don't underestimate the small things that bounty comes not from having power over, but bring so much beauty and potency to our the confidence in oneself and real power for garden of riches. Maybe it's the warm nose of oneself. This reduces the need to have power your dog who loves you unconditionally and over others or to control them. We don’t have sleeps at the foot of your bed. Or your cat that to diminish others to assert our own strength. curls up on that shelf of your desk so she can be What a bounty it is to know the distinction of near you. Are you taking for granted those this important concept and work toward jousting blue jays outside your window that creating a society using that ideal! entertain you so or the hummingbirds that suckle on the beautiful flowers in your garden? We know that many Goddess temples of the What about delicious food? A fine museum? ancient world were centers of financial power Have you stopped to think about how you value and were presided over by priestesses - even those substantive conversations you have with though today most of the financial institutions friends that challenge you? What about how of our society are still presided over by men. much music contributes to your life or the It’s important to know women once wielded the beauty of your favorite outdoor landscapes? bounty of the people. Barbara Walker cites When you hear the ebb and flow of the ocean or silver and gold coins were manufactured and look up into the night sky and see the full face of were valuable not only by reason of their Luna, do you feel connected? Wonder? precious metals, that came from the earth, Gaia, Mystery? Are you seeking out and soaking in from the body of Goddess, but because the coins the wealth Goddess gives us so freely and in were believed to be blessings of the Goddess abundance? herself which was believed to bring good fortune and healing magic - so money was a And then there's health. If you are fortunate magical invention! Let’s consider the Goddess, enough to have good health, do you appreciate Juno Moneta. It’s interesting that Moneta it? Do you have gratitude for being able to means She Who Gives Warning. That’s a climb that mountain path? Being able to dance perfect segue for the rest of what I want to share to your favorite music? Or smell your favorite with you. perfume? Every breath we take is a gift because we are alive and tomorrow brings the potential Some of you may have heard anecdotal to start anew. evidence for lottery winners being cursed. I know within Kabbalah teachings they believe What about knowledge? Certainly that’s our that because they say something not earned bounty - and especially knowledge that comes cannot bring you long-term good fortune. I’m from Goddess Spirituality: not saying life isn’t easier with money, but again, money is a double edged sword. When For instance, we learn in male-dominated you have a lot of it, you have to wonder if your society we define power as power over others friends and family love you or your money. 83

Look at the care you have to take to keep it and rich, don’t neglect it. If you’re finding yourself grow it and not be robbed. Someone I’ve known a feeling empty, at a loss, poor - then maybe you long time has been a good teacher for me on this haven’t been tending your life’s garden. As we say subject. The man is rich. His father is richer. Has a when we facilitate our monthly Sacred Sunday huge house in Beverly Hills with more solar panels services, what we tend to and nurture thrives. What on it than the apartment complex where I live. My we neglect withers and we’re left with nothing. And friend is so busy running the family business, that’s real poverty. So, to conclude, we are probably keeping the money flowing in, he has no life. I pity all rich. We just have to focus on defining what our him because he rarely seems happy. I would bounty and riches are and what’s the source of our describe him as trapped by his wealth. good fortune.

You might say, well, that’s just what people who Now - while I have you thinking, why not jot down don’t have a lot of money say. They marginalize a list of ten things, excluding money and assets, that money. Well, I think it’s about balance. I think we make you happy and give you joy. Tape that list to need enough money, but we need to know when the refrigerator with the heading “My Real Garden enough is enough, otherwise it turns into greed. of Wealth” so that every time you go into the fridge Kabbalah studies can be very interesting. In their you get a friendly reminder. Then get your personal teachings you learn you should desire more and calendar out and make a plan to water that garden. more, but not for yourself. The abundance is really Make a play date with the kids, a date night with to make the lives of others better. In fact, giving is your beloved and plan a day for yourself, just for your security. Giving and sharing is your “ticket” to you. Maybe read that book that you've been being safe in a dangerous world. Your blessings, thinking about - in a bubble bath with scented your bounty, comes to you when you give to others - candles. in fact, they think if you give until it hurts - your time, your care, the benefit of your skills - you get You probably know, or have witnessed, some people even more bounty or good fortune. who seemingly “have it all” yet they are so obviously lost and their life is in turmoil. It goes What fills your vessel to overflowing? Is it good without saying you can have all the assets and friends? Supportive family? Great conversation? monetary wealth in the world and have a joyless and Making discoveries? Laying in the grass looking up empty life. Diamonds and rubies, vacation homes at the sky to discern the shape of clouds? Maybe it’s and expensive cars do little more than feed our ego learning?. Being appreciated? Helping others? and can leave us feeling unfulfilled. These things Debating a concept? might be a status symbol to tell you if you're keeping up with the Joneses, but consider this: when What feeds you? That’s your real riches and was the last time you asked the Joneses over for bounty. That’s what will bring you good fortune. dinner? Remember Joseph Campbell said “follow your bliss.” Follow your bliss and riches will flow.

And most importantly, when you find what feeds you, Goddess teaches you to nurture and tend to those things that feed you. Just like you tend a garden. Tend your friendships. Nurture the things that fulfill you. Whatever it is that makes you feel 84 Raise your rates in the most elegant way possible: YOURS

Making the decision to raise your Here’s What You Tell Your Clients Tanya Geisler rates is a grade A biggie. There are With respect and appreciation and BY good reasons to keep your old rate clarity, state: “I am raising my rates (everyone will be happy). And there are next month.” consequences to keeping your old rate (everyone will be happy except you… Period. and you know how well THAT usually works out). You could try to explain how your rate

CONTRIBUTED increase means you’ll be working with Once you’ve made the decision to raise fewer clients and providing them with rates, all the negative self-talk and better service etc, but truthfully, when naysaying saboteurs/gremlins/inner I’m on the receiving end of this speech, critics love to show up for a feeding it rarely resonates. I get it. You’re in frenzy. They’re your first obstacle. And business. And you deserve to be they hate nothing more than clarity. So compensated. But as your client, I’d like that’s what you must feed them: a to know: steady diet of straight talk. “What’s the impact on me?” Here’s What You Tell Yourself (and Your Saboteurs) At this point, you have two choices: Say this, loud and proud: 1) Temporarily grandfather the I am raising my rates because: existing rates of your current 1) I know the value of my worth and it’s clients and in doing so give them a time that I was compensated couple of months grace before the new accordingly. (This may mean saying rates take effect. If you do so, it remains “no” to brain-picking too…your call). important that you tell them about the 2) I know what I need to do to grow my increase. If you’re good (and you must business and raising my rates will allow be, you rate-raiser, you) they are me to create more. (More of what is up referring you to others. And if that’s so, to you). you must educate your sales force – 3) I have done my due diligence and I a.k.a “your clients” – about your price. know what the market will bear. No one likes sticker shock. (Because you HAVE). 4) I know the value of my worth and it’s 2) Have your existing clients start time that I was compensated paying your new rate accordingly. (This bears repeating… immediately. If this is the case, I am saboteurs like to pretend they hoping that you have managed didn’t hear you the first time). expectations early in the hiring process. When I start work with my coaching So, that’s what you say to your clients, we typically agree to a three saboteurs…but let me be clear. How month arrangement at a given price you handle your saboteurs is very ($400/month + tax, if you’re curious). different from how you handle In our written agreement, I have your beloved clients. 85

included this caveat: Client and coach will discuss any rate increase at least one month prior to the agreement ending in order to establish a new agreement. People like surprises even less than they like sticker shock.

Will clients walk away? The simple answer is…possibly.

Possibly yes, possibly no.

If you opt for choice #2, then it’s possible they have become quite comfortable with the old rate and they may believe your new rate is outside of the perceived threshold of what they can h a n d l e . D O N O T T A K E T H I S PERSONALLY. You can either try to convince them the work you’re doing together is every bit as valuable as it ever was (feel the energy drain?), or you can invest that energy in finding new clients that are happy to pay your new rate (feel the energy lift?).

And for those who choose to walk away, lovingly hand them a list of people in your field that offer their services at the lower rate. It’s a classy and unforgettable act of generosity. No regrets, no hard feelings. Just expansive growth.

Stand as a model for your clients. Chances are good it’s time they raised their rates too. Show them how to raise rates in the most elegant and masterful way possible. 86

TELL US WHO YOU ARE.

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS. 87 Your Brand is NOT about YOU.

First, a love letter to you: Here is my definition: Shenee Howard Hey Hottie! A Brand: When someone has a BY problem, YOU become the solution. Do you know what I want for you? I When someone wants something, you want you to show up everyday feeling help them get it. With style. like you have everything you need to get WHATEVER you want. I want you to An example: stand tall in the power of what you CONTRIBUTED provide and live in a world where I usually work from home but my competition is nonexistent because you apartment is suffocating me and I don't KNOW you are DA the best at what you think I can work here again today. I want to do. I want you to be an expert in your go somewhere that allows me to do my field. If there is a problem, you become work and be around people like me. the solution. I want you to raise your rates, speak at events and write book What is the first solution that comes to proposals without an ounce of doubt or mind? Starbucks. Is there one nearby? uncertainty. I want you to make money. LOTS of money. I want you to Starbucks KNOWS this and has created a receive every accolade you have ever brand that caters to people with that wanted. I want you to KNOW you are problem. You know what Starbucks wants for you? They want you to write your book da bomb.com. Why? Because I believe in one of their stores. They want you to that through the power of branding, we operate your business on your computer show up as the people we want to be. I with a coffee cup in hand and a smile on believe that when you have a brand you your face. can be proud of, you can take over the world. Think about what you do. What problems do you solve? What do you help people Branding isn't all about you. It's about get? the people you want to change for the better. When we think about branding, Start by asking yourself these questions: we often focus on ourselves. Is our copy right? Does our website represent us in What do I want for people? the best way? Are the colors perfect? Don't get me wrong. This stuff DOES How do I want to change their lives and matter but that isn't where you should why? begin. We start with the people that need what we have. We start with the What do I NEED for them to know about folks that we are so passionate about and believe about themselves? helping. Branding? It's very simple. That is the best place to start. 88

Why? Because if you start providing value to that answers those questions, then you are changing their world, one step at a time. You are branding, baby.

You saw my little love letter to you, now create one for the people you know you want to help. Go into as much detail as possible. What do you want for them? Why? What do you want them to feel and experience?

Let this be your guide. Whenever you do ANYTHING in your business, go back and ask yourself if you are serving the person you are trying to help in your letter.

Focus on that and have a brand. The design, the copy and everything else will come WAY easier if you start there. 89 Living in the Questions

Discovering what you wanna be when together. When I asked why, she Michelle Ward you grow up is a process. There are responded, “I can’t make any money BY

skills to identify, values to name, doing that as a living.” When I asked responsibilities to consider, questions her when she looked into interior to ask & get answered, truths to design as a career, she responded, uncover, false beliefs to conquer, and “About 10 years ago.” Thankfully she tons of self-reflection to, um, reflect on. realized that she might be way out of It’s no quick fix, which is why I touch, & agreed to humor the idea for

CONTRIBUTED encourage all of my career change just a week or so & see what new clients to work with me for 12 sessions, developments have emerged in that or 3-4 months of coaching. For some field. reason, that’s the magic number for most of my clients to not only come to Leave the jadedness at the the conclusion of what they want their doorstep & force yourself to stop grown-up career to look like, but to thinking, “This can never have an action plan in order to make it happen”, just for a week or two or happen. three. Yup, you can even put a reminder in your calendar to “Suspend Something happens, though, around Disbelief” & then “Reinforce Disbelief”, the halfway point, where my clients but for the time in between, let yourself develop what I like to lovingly call “The dream & really ask, “Can this really Itch”. They’ve spent almost 2 months work in my life?” and “How?” figuring out what the pieces of their puzzle consist of, & they’re ready to see Don’t worry – you won’t be The Big Picture. The Dream Career. The committed. Some of my clients Answer. The Key. The pressure is on. confess that deciding to even simply The stakes are heightened. They want research a possible career has them to know, and they want to know now. expecting to be hauled away, forced to work at that career for the rest of their It’s about that time in the process that I lives. “But I still want to explore the annoyingly & purposely ask them to other options,” they’ll say, even though “live in the questions.” But what does that’s exactly what we’re doing – that mean? How can you let yourself do exploring the options. Embrace the that? And why haven’t I been punched word “explore” & “experiment” & give in the face yet? Well, “living in the yourself the space to do just that, questions” is another way for me to say: pressure-free & without fear of jail time. Make sure you have the up-to-date facts & figures. One of my clients has Notice the things you keep coming had a love for interior design for over 10 back to. Many times, my clients will years, yet we didn’t really discuss it as a end up deciding on the career that’s viable option during our first 5 weeks been rattling in their heads for weeks or 90

or months or even – yes – years. For some love, it’ll still be there when you feel more reason, though, they’ve been discounting that secure that it’s the right match for you. option because it’s not “feasible” or “realistic” or what their parents are expecting them to do. I won’t lie. Living in the questions is scary. Take the new optimistic, exploration-filled you When we’ve made the statement that we’re & ask yourself why this won’t be put to rest. ready to find what we’re looking for, and devote What is it trying to tell you, and what are you the time, energy, & emotions to solving that scared of? mystery, we want answers & we want them now. By allowing ourselves a bit of time to live Listen to your gut. It’s really trying to tell you in the questions, we’ll be able to live in the something that you brain might not want you to answer that much more fully, completely, & hear. honestly.

Only consider the here & now. Try to forget So let yourself suspend that disbelief, even for a the past & not worry about the distant future. I while, and give yourself the room to breathe, know it’s tough. We seem to be programmed explore, dream, dig, be optimistic & listen to that way, right? A lot of my clients put the your instincts. Only then can The Big Picture pressure on to figure out The Career of All take shape, The Dream Career becomes a Careers For The Rest of Their Lives. No wonder realistic one, The Answer is shown & The Key they don’t want to commit to even researching unlocks the door you want to walk through. anything! Nobody has a crystal ball, so just consider your next career as one that’ll satiate Until then, live in the questions. It’s a good what you’re looking for now, or the next few place to be. years. Also, take the old voices that told you that your finger paintings weren’t any good & the BONUS: Michelle is offering you her worksheet current voices that are saying that you’ll never Tracking Down Your Tribe as a way to help you retire on a finger painter’s salary & put them to get uber clear on your “uniquity.” bed, too. That’s all in the past, & in the unknown future. Download Tracking Down Your Tribe.

Don’t rush. One of the biggest red flags a client can give me is when they come to our second or third session & declare, “I got it!” Sometimes they’ll have even accompany that declaration with the announcement, “And I just put $1,000 on a certification program to do it!” Oy vey. Usually, that ends with them fighting to get their money back a week or two later. While I don’t even want to discourage anyone from finding The Thing they’re looking for, ask yourself if this is a real, true, honest decision or one coming from desperation or fear. If you can’t tell, let it sit for a while. If it’s your true 91 The Myth of Competition

It’s not uncommon for people to The shadow is a tricky beastie. It succumb to the temptation of buying messes with us on days when we’re into the myth of competition. Trust me. feeling tired, crabby and insecure. It No one can keep you from your destiny whispers about how other people are Laurel Bleadon-Maffei or your divine livelihood. No one. Well, more successful, their web sites are BY

except for you. But that’s not going to prettier, their clients more abundant. happen because you got the memo from It’s all a game based in polarities and your soul and you’re totally on board stories of scarcity. now, right? Good. None of it matters. If it did no one Because sweet friend, you are a unique would ever again write a love song.

CONTRIBUTED glorious messenger of light and if you Why? Because there are already a stay true to your mission and intention, gazillion love songs. Why would we your path will be made clear. possibly need another one? Well, we need more love songs because there are I know, I know, a quick search through an infinite number of expressions of Google will tell you that there are plenty love available in the world and we want of life coaches, healers, cupcake bakers to feel the beauty of it all. and angel readers in the world. Same thing with writers… and But you know what? None of that coaches… and healers.. and cupcake matters. What matters is you. You are bakers. your own secret sauce and people are waiting to experience your services, You have been through so many messages and light. experiences in this lifetime and in others. You are a unique and exquisite The world is abundant. There are being. Messages and products will flow millions of people around the globe through you that cannot flow through who are going through their own another. You are an instrument and awakening. Keep your sacred promise when the breath of God/Goddess flows to show up to meet the people you’ve through you it makes the sweetest come here to serve. They may not know music ever. it yet, but they’re looking for you. Something is whispering awake in them Don’t deny the world your gifts just and they are beginning to put out their because lots of other people are doing feelers for what you are offering. what you do. Don’t believe that your success is so fragile that it could Now, about that pesky topic of crumble because someone else has a competition. It’s all an illusion told similar message. through the veil of shadow and light. The biggest mistake you can make is to 92

is to give credence to the lies the shadow speaks about scarcity and lack.

Life works best when cultivating miracles and grace. Bless everyone on your path, even your so-called “competition” because the truth is, they’re helping create a market for what you do, too. For example, if you’re a life coach, when other life coaches write articles and tweet about the benefits of life coaching, they’re actually helping your potential audience learn about what you do. Pretty cool, huh?

Repeat after me, “There is no such thing as competition. It doesn’t exist in my world. I am abundant. I am blessed and my way is paved with grace.”

Amen.

OK, now go shine your light and share your message. You’re ready. Your people are waiting. 93 COLOR PERSUASION How Does YOUR Hue Imbue?

Color affects us business and open a window for the world to Lucinda Kinch goddesses psychologically + look inside.

BY intuitively, but also in a tangible,

earthly, left-brained kind of a When they take my Brand Revealer way. Align your visual brand by Questionnaire, clients get to answer mastering the use of color. Then this question: “If your brand could put watch your business open to the on an outfit, what would it wear?” sun like a magnificent blossom... Another question that cuts straight to the chase is, “If your brand was a CONTRIBUTED Color is a huge part of the experience, color, what would it be and why?” the emotion, and the SOUL behind your brand. Your brand and its color scheme Since there’s only one of you, use can energize people’s hearts, minds, your personal styling to your and spirits, motivating them to want advantage. The visuals that your what you have to offer. It’s that subtle, brand conveys, from headline graphics and that powerful. to subtle color nuances and emotionally evocative placements, are a bouquet of Color and Your Brand brand synergy. These visuals are like There’s a lot at play in good design— the cloak of your brand, while the from typography choices and other elements within are the threads. Is design elements to subtle visual yours a flowing, semitransparent treatments. But color alone can knock it material sprinkled delicately with out of the park! With the overwhelming elaborately sequined flourishes? Or is it information and digital jive twirling in a hand-woven, crimson-nutmeg wool the collective consciousness right now, shawl that bespeaks warmth and the new revolution in branding is comfort, trimmed with cream stitching offering meaningful, deep inspiration: and adorned with a hood to create evoking a spiritual connection with sacred space? Maybe it’s a charcoal- your brand so they know, at a heart gray leather ruched vest with a thick level, that you can absolutely meet their cloth tailored belt and designer faux personal, business, or life needs. It’s riding boots? Bamboo-canvas Mary time to reach people’s hearts in a spirit- Janes? Some bright-aqua Tom’s? What centered way. Experiential messaging do you see? is birthed here from within the realm of emotion, instinct, and intuition. Color is an integral part of this brand outfit and styling. When thinking about the color for your Your brand color is one of the most Personal Brand, remember that your primal factors that can illuminate what personality IS your brand. Let’s try you have to offer. There are textures something out here: Imagine that your and other nuances that can be woven in brand color is the fabric of your brand’s with the color to heighten the senses, party dress. Can you see that? Your and of course other layers that bring in styling and all the design elements universal elements, like fonts and more. around it are a reflection of the true If your brand visuals and color nature and personality of your offerings aren’t connected to your voice and 94

essence, there’s a subtle but potentially you cool, serene blue with endless cosmic off-putting disorientation that happens depth? Maybe you’re spring green and lively, because things don’t feel lined up on an here to evoke optimism and growth? intuitive level. It all needs to be tuned into your message’s essence and deeper story Together, we’ll unveil that fantastic party dress through your website and all other promotional for your brand. (Or maybe it’s black yoga pants materials. and a simple but spectacular top?) However your personal brand shows up as we work When you get well defined in all the elements of together, we’ll dive into that sparkling world of your brand, including the visuals, your business the full magical spectrum and discover how we is primed to grow and flourish. In short, it’s relate to the world through precious color. ready to rock for you. It becomes the conduit for your business’s growth, as the right people will We have the gift of the five earthly senses. Color be inspired and motivated to buy from you or we can take at face value visually, but it evokes use your services. so much more than that. It reminds us of scents, emotions, and more when we tap into its Your hue can convey subtle but specific shadowy depths and get savvy about the light essences. Depending on where the range of frequencies within. At a soul level, we’re all the hue falls in the color wheel and its buzzing particles of light, made up of tiny brightness, it can convey different attitudes and particles of rainbow prisms. feelings. If the dominant color is next to another it can have different effects, too. Color There is earthly color. combinations can collaborate to present a Earthly color is the stuff we’re made of. The montage of vital but almost subliminal nuances in the dance of light and the power that messages about what you’re offering. color has on our emotions can be intoxicating. It’s easy to get seduced by it as your eyes take it What shade or tint best illuminates your in. You can feel it swirling inside your body if message? Now we’re talking about the sensual you pay attention. This experience connects to side of design, with an emphasis on how color the deeper use of color, with much more than affects you, your target market, and your meets the eye. artwork. Sensuality is the place where inspiration floods in, the message is more There is inner cosmic color. brightly illuminated, and beauty shimmers into My daily meditation practice involves the inner our lives. Through this simple delivery—from journey of recharging the chakras. I picture and the intellectual to emotional to spiritual impacts experience moving through a prism door at the of specific design elements—transformative power ignites with the simple delivery of the crown of my head, cascading down the prana product or services. Your brand and your tube among the glowing spheres. The light personality as a way-seer and luminary hold a beams its glorious rainbow throughout my sacred space in the ways they will affect the being. Kriya meditation recharges the people who will benefit from your offerings. dimensions that are directly related to our emotions and the way we function in our So, let’s get to it. What color are you? Are worlds. You can even use color to heal different you a hot, fiery, magenta goddess who boldly steps into the world with feminine grace? Are parts of your soul. The color doesn’t mind– 95

there are endless, boundless amounts of color. blending more toward the essence of black. THE APPETIZER MENU To get you started, here are some Black – Power. Sophistication. Elegance. succulent little bytes on the psychology Cosmic. Depth. Mystery. behind individual colors: For the slow, fully teased out, going-deep Green – Charm. Youthful. Growth. menu version of each individual color– Abundance. and how they personally affect our Specific values/hue tints: brands, emotions, and lives– click here Deep green – Mystery. Richness. to get my ebook, Color Persuasion. Celery green – Energetic. Lover of In the full version, you’ll get: Nature. Workbook + guide to inspire and Blue – Depth {think the color at the core of a discover YOUR color(s) flame}. Trust. Authority. Calm. Peace. Personal transformational affirmations Red – Enthusiasm. Exhilaration. Desire- for each color fire. Intensity. Passion. Conduit. The full and expanded intuitive Purple – Intuitive. Free-spirited. Aspiring. translation of every hue Dignified. How the chakras and inner prism relates Yellow – Optimism. Cheer. Friendliness. and empowers Energy. Warmth. Canary can be more heart-centered Meditation based on these colors as than its more intellectual sister of cooler lemon spiritual allies yellow.

Orange – Magnetic. Bold. Confident. Eastern spirituality {when applicable}.

Pink – Sweetness. Femininity. Soft. Nurturing. Security. Again, it depends on which tone of pink, as powder pink varies quite a bit from a deep, bold magenta or fuchsia. Brown – Approachability. Organic. Earthy. Reliability.

Gray – Timeless. Solid. Practical. Simple. Humble. However, cool gray is much more Buy your copy of Color Persuasion at detached-feeling than a warm, French LucindaKinch.com/Color-Book today! gray. Charcoal or a darker gray starts 96 Branding You, Inc. Tia Walker Blissfully you! As we create our When you are doing the work BY businesses we have such an opportunity that comes from your souls to let our unique qualities and deepest desire there is a flow, a essence become a beacon of who grace and ease that is felt in your we are. Do you feel called to a certain presence. color? Are you drawn to the warmth of Capturing the words and images that CONTRIBUTED a Tuscan hillside or the energetic heart of New York City? What words do you come to you when you are in that flow hear often when friends describe you? will help you give your brand the Witty, calm, vibrant, soothing? Be still, essence that is uniquely you. If you are take note and listen to your heart’s challenged recognizing your own calling and be guided by that call when unique qualities or seeing what differentiates you, seek help from a creating your unique brand. Let go of the notion that someone else is doing coach or consultant who can add the same thing that you are doing and perspective and assist you with focus on the one thing you can “own.” capturing the words that exemplify Look at the niche, the twist, the unique your brand. proposition that you bring to the world. A part of living in business bliss is That “thing” will become the heart of knowing that we can’t do it all your brand. ourselves! A couple hours of professional guidance can remove the Celebrate the fact that there is no barriers that keep you from upleveling one just like you! Knowing you are as your business and stepping into the full unique as the stars in the sky takes richness of your offering to the world. away all notions that there is any When we’re all living our highest competition. As the divine Goddesses callings in that full richness of we are, it’s our joyful burden to lift each who we are, we are changing other up and to support one another. communities. By returning to the What if we sought out the unique remembrance of our soul’s true qualities and sparkle factor in knowing that we are all one and we are each other and reflected back the all sisters wired to love and support one brilliance we see in one another? another, we can experience If that reflection gave some insight for abundance and bliss beyond our another woman to shine even brighter, wildest imaginations. we have accomplished more than we could ever be paid for. It is through I remember a time when corporate for that bond that we can encourage one me meant fitting in, wearing what is another to live our highest calling. appropriate or acceptable. The signature navy and classic black suit 97

was my security blanket of acceptance. Then I that is not authentically you won’t have staying realized the very acceptance that I desired was power. Incongruence can be detected quite the thing I felt enslaved by. Deep down inside easily. Maya Angelou so brilliantly shared this my soul longed for color, vibrant and flowing wisdom: “Never try to take the manners of clothing that felt good on my body and made another as your own, for the theft will be my soul sing. I focused on the contribution I immediately evident and the thief will appear made to my clients and as I became more as ridiculous as a robin with peacock feathers comfortable with expressing who I am, my hastily stuck on.“ Who would think to attempt clients not only accepted but applauded my such fakery? Branding is your opportunity to expressive clothing. Some were whispering they show the world who you are in your truly wish they could wear bright colors – which of blissful state. Be unique, be you, be brilliant, be course they could but weren’t ready to lean into bliss! that stretch. So, try something new on that feels good; mix things up and do the unexpected. The most important thing is that your brand reflect YOU. Copying someone else or not giving credit for someone who inspired you is holding onto the idea of scarcity and not allowing your radiance to shine.

Understanding that it’s not “all about me” is refreshing for most people. Your target market will want to know that you identify with them and see their needs and wants. If your target market is “mompreneurs,” you may not want the high heeled, sports car driving image to be your mainstay. You’ll want to be mindful To order Tia’s course: A Year of Bliss ~ 8 of how you appeal to your target market and weeks to Living the Life of Your Dreams that your messaging and brand identifies with visit www.ayearofbliss.com them. If you don’t know what your target market wants, ask. Surveys are a valuable way Business Consulting & Coaching to find out if your market is connects with your The Inspired CEO™ www.theinspiredceo.com brand. Carry your brand throughout all areas and outlets. Whether it be business cards, What if... We decided today was the day we website or newsletter, let your branding show committed to being the change we want to see in the world? consistency that allows your clients to identify your brand with you. What if... We became entrepreneurs who used our wealth to improve not only our lives but the lives of When you have given thought to what you do, others who come across our path? who your target market is and how you want that reflected in your brand, check and make What if... TODAY You choose to live in Bliss? sure that you are totally embodying it! A brand I welcome you on the journey -Tia 98

PLAYFULNESS+ CREATIVITY = GENIUS 99 Bubbles! Meg Boone Go straight to the nearest dollar So here is a little bubble blowing BY store, kids store or what magic for ya: have you and get yourself bubbles.

(If you really have an aversion to Happy bubbles!! bubbles go for something else that is childlike, fun and fairylike beautiful. Beautiful bubbles! CONTRIBUTED However if you really don’t like bubbles there might be something Bubble Hijinks deeper going on there)

I keep bubbles in my desk, yes in a In radiant love and sparkling real office in South Tampa, FL and I light, blow bubbles in the office often it is a great stress reliever. Also while waiting in line, don’t be afraid, even if they are killjoy enough to say “Excuse me there is no bubble blowing allowed in this establishment.” It is worth it to just hear someone say that. Don’t discount outdoor sporting events, parks, parking lots, out door seating at starbucks or of course a Dog park, fun, fun, fun!!!

IT’S BUBBLE TIME!!!

Note: while at the store you might want to purchase: some chalk, stickers and note cards. It has to do with future prompts. (Sign up for my newsletter to pick up a copy of all 21 prompts.)

Here's fun trick - put a few drops of scented oil in your bubbles to spread joy AND fun fragrance. wonder sparks of genius

Photo of Saraphina by Shaun Oster Wishes for my 8-year old Birthday Girl + one for me

Dearest L - places beyond your wildest Tanya Geisler

dreams. BY On your 8th birthday, I have eight 7. I wish you could see yourself, as wishes for you. we see you.

And one for me. And for me

CONTRIBUTED For you I wish I’ll always be something like this 1. I wish that you always carry with in your green eyes. you this big heart of yours: the one that wants to be the peacekeeper, inspired by what you know of Marianne. Beautiful as you are, your heart is your best feature. 2. I wish that you retain your capacity for empathy, even when you get charged with being too sensitive. 3. I wish you to hold on fiercely to Oh, I know that it won’t always be your belief that you can be this way. And so, for those years that anything you want. Because you won’t be able to stand my very baby, you can. presence, my final wish is this: 4. I wish you continued delight in every wonder. And that even 8. That you remember this morning: as those big, beautiful wide eyes your bear holding your balloons for become dimmer with the you, the chocolate croissants in bed, the skepticism of age, that your steady stream of phone calls from curiosity lights your way. family and friends, and the biggest 5. I wish you to feel deeply…the worry of your heart being what party highs AND the lows. No dress to wear to school. sense avoiding it, ’cause there’ll be days like this. I know I will. 6. I wish you to KNOW that your voice may be sweet, and it’s still mighty. It will take you to Journaling for Zest - Unlock your Inner Genius Nicky Tillyer

OK, business is great, but that journaling?” BY

wonderful burst of ideas you had in those early planning days has been University of Texas psychologist and replaced by a to do list as long as both researcher James Pennebaker contends your arms and you’ve lost your zest. that regular journaling strengthens immune cells. Other research indicates Where can you go to rekindle that river that journaling decreases the symptoms of dreams? To the pages of your of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. CONTRIBUTED journal! Pennebaker believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to No I’m not going crazy – set yourself a terms with them, reducing their impact goal to find a ‘Momentum Moment’ on your physical health.* every day (preferably more) and journal, journal, journal. What do you need to journal?

What is journaling? Everybody has The journal: find a nice blank book, their own ideas on journaling. To some preferably one that you cannot sneakily it is an outpouring of their soul, others rip pages out if they don’t turn out the use them to catch ideas, some people way you like them – remember that journal to record their achievements or there are no such things as mistakes, set goals. only opportunities to be explored.

The great part about journaling is that Coloured pens: bright colours spark you can do it anywhere, anytime in the page and encourage creative anything. There are no rules and no thoughts. mistakes, only the mistake of not beginning! How liberating is that? Time: first thing in the morning, last thing at night, lunchtime, waiting for You may choose to write about your your coffee…anytime you are alone is day. Rather than simply complain the right time to journal. about work, try to delve into the root of the problem. What exactly don’t you Get momentum! like? What would you rather be doing? A Momentum Moment is a quick Journaling allows you to express and creative burst that is designed to put acknowledge your frustrations and can your mind to work on your business help you to discover why you are feeling again. It helps you rekindle that a certain way and what you can do creative spark that inspired you in the about it. first place.

The increasing evidence that journaling The most useful skill when journaling is has a positive impact on physical well- a basic attitude, a willingness to start being raises the question not of why not with the question "What do I want journal, but “why aren’t you to do?" but with the question "What needs to be done?" Think about the challenges answer.” (Thomas J. Watson) If you’re not in your business. getting the answers you need – ask a better question. Coloured pens in hand, turn the book on an angle so you are not bound by regular thinking. You know, dear goddess, that the answers you Write a few words that sum up what needs to be seek are within you. Acess your subconscious done to move your business forward smack wisdom through the visual:kinesthetic process bang in the centre of the pages – for example of picking up pens and paper and just going for “Cheaper wood source” or “On demand supply” it. You will be amazed at what a clever goddess – really simplify it. you are!

Doodle, squiggle, write random words and I can almost promise you will become addicted think about your problem in its simplest form. to this method of problem solving! Here's to Then when your time is up stop. Close the book Momentum Moments and asking the right and move on with your day. questions!

A few hours later revisit that page and add some *ref: The Health Benefits of Journaling: Maud more words, ideas, and doodles. You will Purcell, LCSW, CEAP: 5 Apr 2001: probably find that your subconscious has been www.psychcentral.com hard at work thinking about your problem and you have plenty to write when you re-focus your attention on it. Stop. Close the book and move on.

The third time, review what you have already written, start a new page, write your problem at the top and fill the lines with words that offer solutions. Write quickly, without thinking and without criticism, let the words flow. Write big, small, off the lines, use colours, drop capitals, anything to juice up your page.

Review what you have written and think laterally to see if there is a workable solution within your ramblings. 9 times out of 10 embedded in there is a gem of an idea. Your job as an entrepreneur is to dig it out and polish it into a business benefit.

If you have nothing, keep going with your Momentum Moments, but change your question. “The ability to ask the right question is more than half the battle of finding the Painting of Buddha Angel by Laura Eliseo ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT.

AND GET IT. MONEY: ASKING FOR MORE Azizen

BY

Let’s get one thing out of the way; this pricing yourself out. But as anyone is hard. Money is an emotional mine with a background in analysis or field, especially if you’ve been raised to statistics can tell you, getting to the believe it’s “the root of all evil.” So I will “number” takes a lot of research. Think give you permission to feel all the about it, though—your career lasts your

CONTRIBUTED uncomfortable feelings that have come lifetime. Your current salary affects up just by even thinking about asking your next salary. It determines your for “more.” You can feel sick to your quality of life and, to some degree, the stomach, break a sweat and shake, you quantity. This is a LIFE DEFINING can even cry. EVENT—like birth, death, marriage or divorce. Doesn’t it deserve the same There. Feel better? Let’s get to work. serious attention we give those other events? The following process removes all the icky emotions and frees you to ask for Now that you are ready to devote the and accept the compensation you appropriate time and energy, here are legitimately earn daily. It’s practical your first steps. and specific, something often lacking in “Get Rich” oeuvres, which are full of The Market: Industry and generalized advice like “Be confident!” Market Comparables or “know what you are worth and then go for it!” These statements always Start with localized salary made me feel worse than before comparison websites like because I WASN’T confident and I www.salary.com , or U.S. Bureau of DIDN’T know what I was worth and so Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/ going for it was simply out of the bls/blswage.htm/. Keep in mind that question. So where do you start if you these are just guides and you will need haven’t a clue? to do some additional research to get a personalized range. THE PREP WORK Determine the company’s market “Your worth,” at least professionally, is position (or individual or collective— a well-researched salary range based on however you roll). This is for the the following things: common sense part of your analysis; if you are going to work for a small, The market privately held company, it makes no sense to ask for the top tier salary, since Your experience it’s unlikely they’ll be able to cover it Their expectations (unless they’ve got big accounts). Likewise, don’t short yourself if you are Cross-referencing these gives you a approaching a Fortune 500 company, clearer idea of what you can ask for no matter how “poor” they cry. without under-selling yourself or Ask other’s opinions on appropriate calculations, you’ll know right away whether or ranges for the role you are negotiating. This is not to pursue it further. often the hardest part, as we are trained from childhood that it is rude to talk about money Once you’ve got all your data, you’ll start seeing and unheard of to ask how much someone a range appear. It may be $15 - $20 an hour, it makes. But there are ways to do this without may be $150k - $200k a year. Whatever it is, breaking the taboo. For example: you need to do a bit more work to determine where your experience fits within this range. Find someone who previously held a comparable role and ask how much they Your Experience: Your skills, talents & were making when they started. Since it’s not certifications their current salary, most people won’t be weirded out by the request, especially if I suggest you work with a friend, mentor or they’ve gone on to bigger and better things. coach on this part since it is difficult to assess oneself objectively and we often under or over- Befriend an HR or top-level Finance estimate our capabilities in certain areas. person. HR folks have access to proprietary market salary surveys as well as general Here are things you need to consider: knowledge of ranges for various functions and experience levels. Finance folks keep How many years’ experience do I have in track of all the high level expenses and have this particular function and/or industry? probably been involved in approving a lot of What other relevant experience do I have, hiring parameters through the years. whether or not it is function or industry Go online and view as many similar job specific? Perhaps public speaking if you are descriptions as you can. There are also going for a sales position or customer confidential forums for particular industries service if you are a trainer. Think broadly in where people anonymously post their salaries terms of the skills necessary to succeed in to create a pool of comp data that allows different roles. everyone to negotiate better such as What degrees or certifications do I have? www.payscale.com or www.glassdoor.com . What relevant quantifiable skills, talents Another option is to purchase a report. or successes can I claim (e.g. For a The best $100 I ever spent was on a cost of marketing exec: 10% increase in overall living comparison report from sales after targeted campaign; For a tutor www.xpatulator.com while considering a or teacher: 86% of my students score in the transatlantic move. I immediately rolled the 90% percentile of state testing; For a +27% COL into my base salary request BEFORE personal trainer: 3x Midwestern I had even calculated what kind of increase I championship swim team coach) would look for from the actual job. What intangible skills, talents or qualities And finally, check if there is a salary do I have that can be a tipping point in range listed for the job you are interested in selling myself? Motivational leader, team or ask for one. Some companies reveal this oriented, customer service specialist, info upfront and it may or may not be negotiable. nerd—many of these are hard to quantify so But if it is significantly different than your it’s a good idea to have some stories to refer to that back up these traits.

Their Expectations: The role parameters, company culture and hierarchy

You also need to know something about the job expectations before you finalize your numbers. If you are a graphic artist with 10 years’ experience and the role only requires 2 years’ experience, it’s likely they won’t pay that much more for the extra 8 years you bring to the table but you can and should push them to the top of their available range.

Questions to ask them and yourself about the role:

Are they expecting someone new or experienced?

Are you making decisions or taking orders?

Are you managing others?

Are you directly or indirectly responsible for the performance of the company, e.g. do your decisions affect customers, shareholders or partners?

What is the company hierarchy? Where do my boss or I fall within it?

Bringing it all together

Now you can determine the nexus of where the market, your experience and their expectations intersect. I recommend excel for this, as it is easier to visualize in table format--and I do love to color-code! DETERMINE YOUR BASELINE Once you start seeing the kinds of increases you may be requesting, you can understand why it is Now that you can objectively look at the job imperative that you build a solid argument. No from all angles, you can decide what your employer in their right mind would agree to baseline is. This is the number that you will not such a significant increase without the go below—and hopefully will be above! necessary back-up to prove the case.

Your baseline should be: For example, in my previous role, I knew I was underpaid for my job and my performance. I An incremental increase over your wanted to ensure that my next role, within the current salary. If this is a promotion, same company, corrected this when I got an consider 20% as a minimum incremental. If offer. My salary request was based on the it is lateral, consider 10%. This should be following: higher if you are not within the appropriate range for your role/experience in your Cost of living increase (COLI) percentage current job. between Los Angeles and Paris.

Reflective of the market value of your Lump sum adjustment to correct my base job, NOT your current base salary. salary by the amount I was undervalued in my then role based on market, experience Inclusive of any Cost of Living and role expectations differentials if you are moving to a different market. Increase over my adjusted base that would make it “worth my while” to accept Something that makes you feel content the promotion and valued but slightly uncomfortable. If you feel completely at So my baseline was Current base + $20K ease with this number, it is likely you are not adjusted+ 27% COLI + 20% promotion asking for enough. increase.

Let’s use the above spreadsheet to determine The first HR person I talked to actually yelled at what the person in the “Communications me for making such an outrageous request. The Manager” role should request. hiring manager assured me we would “work something out.” ($65K (current base) + $7K (adjustment)) + $7.2K (10% lateral move Guess what? They ended up beating my increase) = $80K (rounded UP) baseline for salary and my bonus was just gravy.

$80,000 is our marketing NEGOTIATING THE DEAL communications manager’s baseline. This is NOT the amount you ask for—it is the You put in a lot of labor and emotional soul- amount you will be happy to take. Now add searching to get to your magic number. And %5-%10, based on what the market will bear, that laborious research is the basis your the desirability of your skillset and the company negotiation. To prepare, take the following you are applying to. actions before you walk through the door:

$84K - $88K is our manager’s ask. Know your back-up data. You likely will be asked to justify your request. Make sure you can environments, just “better” times. comfortably, logically and linearly describe how you got your numberS. It is more difficult for SHUT UP. Most of us talk so much we someone to argue if you provide credible negotiate our way out of our own deal. State information upfront. your key points and then SHUT UP. Let the silence hang in the air. Let it get uncomfortable. Write out and memorize key points and Let them speak first. You will never know how phrases. Lots of people complain of feeling like much more you could have gotten if you don’t let crying or shouting during negotiations when the other person respond to your initial inquiry. they get frustrated. If you have a specific agenda, you can focus on that rather than A FINAL NOTE: WHEN IT DOESN’T GO feelings of discomfort over asking for what YOUR WAY you’re worth. What if you went through that whole process and Role play with a trusted confidant. There got shot down? Well, there are still some are no second chances in negotiations. Make valuable lessons to be learned and a bit more sure it’s perfect the first time through by soul searching to be done. practicing with a forgiving audience. Did I get something different than what I Remember, though, that negotiations asked but it’s still relatively valuable? take place between people. Know your Look at the big picture. Maybe you didn’t get the audience as best you can to tailor your base salary but they offered more vacation time presentation. And always remember to or the ability to work from home or flex time or a acknowledge their humanity by employing the car allowance or an augmented health plan or following notes on etiquette: the opportunity to work on projects outside of your area of expertise. It doesn’t need to have Don’t bullshit. Unless you are a professional an associated cash value to add to your bottom used car salesman, actor or politician, this is line: job satisfaction. likely to blow up in your face. Stick to the facts. Did I set my expectations realistically? Be professional. You are asking to be taken Look at your numbers again. Did you push them seriously. Act the part. to the top of the range, even though you are lacking expertise in some areas? Did you ask for Be kind. You are uncomfortable asking. It is something that was clearly out of the capability likely this person is uncomfortable being asked, of the company to deliver? Be honest with especially since it means he/she will have to go yourself this time if you weren’t the first time. to their boss on your behalf. Thank them for their support and then provide them with the Do I really want to work here? The best data possible so they will want to go to bat negotiation can set the tone for the entire work for you with their boss. experience. A negotiation that goes south even when you’ve done all the right things might just Be firm. Don’t let someone derail you or put indicate that this is not the right place for you. you off or argue you down to a deal that makes Do you really want to work for a company that you unhappy. dismisses a well-researched and validated argument? Time it right. Be smart about timing your ask to ensure your audience is in the best place There are so many legitimate ways to value our mentally to hear you. But also recognize that successes but one of the easiest and most direct there is often no “good” time for these is cold, hard cash. Don’t be afraid to ask for it. conversations in busy, understaffed work You may be in for a big surprise. Methodologies + Sales Strategies for Business Goddesses

Today is your day to take action and ultimate goal of a successful business?” share your dream! Enlightened Once you have envisioned that, work entrepreneurial women are changing backwards from there. This strategy Danielle Seraphine the way business is conducted globally. works for any type of business whether BY

We are bringing our divine feminine you are selling products or services. vision, passion, sharing our knowledge *See suggested reads at the end of this and transforming others in the process. article. This shift is happening rapidly because so many of us want to see change in the What is my product or service, world, and we are taking action to make and will it sell? that happen. I see this transformation It is so easy to get excited about CONTRIBUTED in so many women today, that I’m bringing your dream business into the inspired to contribute what I have world and starting your business before learned over the years and share it with it’s ready for market. #1 Rule: Don’t other divine goddesses, like you, to help spend a fortune on launching your them fulfill their dreams. I bring, and business before you have proven it’s share with you, some business marketable and that people want to buy techniques and tactics that I have your stuff. Many make the rookie learned being in sales for over 20 years. mistake of spending a fortune on a Tactics that can help launch your website, creating an LLC, ordering business, or grow your existing business cards and renting a space business into everything you dreamed it before even testing whether or not your to be. I will give “quick tips” for product or service is going to sell. None mapping your business, tools that can of us ever wants to believe that our automate your business and sales product or service may not sell and we strategies that work EVERYTIME! tend to leap before we are ready. We must learn to crawl before we can walk, Being in sales as long as I have has and walk before we can run. Here are a taught me a few things about what not few quick-tips on pre-market strategy: to do. As you grow your business you will find unique ways that work best for Create a basic website (1 page) you and that share your enlightened on your business and what you ideas. offer.

Mapping your business: Use social media (Facebook, This is one of the most important LinkdIn, Mailers to friends) to aspects of starting a business and introduce your business to missing this step in your planning market and see how people process is one of the key reasons new respond. Ask for feedback. businesses fail before they even get off the ground. Really sit down and think Advertise on Craigslist to see if about all the facets of what you want you can create some sales and your business to look like. Start by interest there. asking yourself “What will my business look like when I have reached my What’s your business story? business map. Create a 12 month plan and set Build a 1-minute “elevator pitch” that describes goals that are directly related to your sales what you do and the services you offer. Make it efforts. Here are a few things to think about positive and uncomplicated. People want to be while doing this: inspired so tell your story. Always separate yourself from your competitors, have a great Who are you targeting? What’s your story that shows people how you are truly target market? different and how you stand-out. Practice your pitch many times, roll-play with friends and Build a target list and work off this list family until you are comfortable saying it and update often flawlessly. Your pitch will evolve over-time as you see what people respond to best. What is your goal for how much you want to make your first year? When I first started in sales, I was terrified. I was afraid I might say the wrong thing, do the How many calls daily do I need daily to wrong thing, or embarrass myself by feeling make to generate and achieve my income completely insecure with the whole process. goal? Note: If you are just starting out, Good news is, we all feel that way in the start tracking this immediately. It’s vital beginning! I’m here to assure you of one thing, you know how much activity you need to the key attribute to being successful in sales is achieve your financial goals. the understanding that people buy from people they like, people that take the time to really How many mailers, emails, thank you understand the challenges they face and how notes, etc. they can help them. If you can help them they will buy from you. Key ingredient for Set goals for building your own referral success in sales; “be you, be curious-ask network through businesses and questions, build solid relationships.” Be a companies that compliment your trusted advisor and help people overcome their products or services business challenges with your products or services. If for some reason your business isn’t Get Out There. the best solution for their needs/pain points, The most important activity you can do to grow always refer them to someone else that is. your business is to get out and meet people! I believe, whole-heartedly that the “customer Sales are not going to drop in your lap experience” is the one thing that actually grows miraculously, you need to get out there and a business. If someone has a great experience make sales happen. Go to networking functions, with you, they will talk to others and you will start your own networking groups, go to trade get referrals. Word of mouth referrals are all shows, have a booth in one…Just do it! In about how you make one person’s experience order to be successful in any business, you must with you remarkable. A business can grow talk to people about your products or services. exponentially just on referrals in a short period If you are cold calling to build business, make of time. You will be amazed! sure you are always educated on whom you are calling on before you ever pick up the phone. Building a Sales Plan. There is always some information to be found It’s just as vital to your success to build a on the internet about that person, go find it so you business plan for sales, as it is to build your know more about your prospect before you make the call. If your potential prospect has a website, revert back to your questioning skills and ask read it! Get a good feel for their core business them to elaborate. THIS IS KEY. competency. See if they have a Facebook page, LinkedIn and/or Twitter page that you can read. Closing the sale. Gain as much information as you can on why your Yes, you did it! This is when it gets fun. One of products or services would best be suited for this the key things to remember is always have a potential prospective customer. This pre-call plan for how you will deliver your products, or research will give you credibility immediately and services to your customers, make the closing of may inspire ideas for your call. It is key to bring a the deal fun for all involved. Deliver what you message to the table that has value to your promised in the sales process and always ask for potential prospect. a referral. The best time to get testimonials and referral business is right when you have closed Asking the right questions always leads the sale. to a sale or a referral. One of the key mistakes people do while Want more referrals? Don’t forget to working with prospects is they ask closed-ended Thank your customers. questions. Closed-ended questions are ones that It so important to thank the people we do yield either yes, no, or one word responses. business with. They are the key to our success. Your customers will never explain their Write a hand written note personally thanking situations or challenges with closed ended them for their business. It is a gesture that will questions. (BTW, read the books below for great win you a customer for life, and yes, more open ended questions). Open-ended questions referrals. Always keep in contact with your help the person you are working with to fully customers via a newsletter or quarterly or explain their situation. BE CURIOUS, ask monthly phone call. questions to learn about their business and when they give you a response ask them to Be organized and consistent with your elaborate on specific scenarios. It is also key to sales efforts. find out how their specific challenges have Don’t slow down once things start rolling. It’s impacted their business. If you can get a critical to have a plan, to follow through, tweak quantifiable dollar amount lost for that specific what you need to through trial and error and challenge, all the better; I guarantee that you REPEAT! Keep your process refined, but will win them over if you can align your services constantly in action. Activity is what drives with their specific areas of need. sales and grows businesses. Lots of activity.

Know where you are at in the sales cycle. The Best Automated Business Tools: It is absolutely critical to know where you are in http://officeautopilot.com/ the sales cycle. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough This software is the only Business Automation questions! If you know where you stand with Platform that allows you to manage your your prospect, you will speed up the process. contacts, build your own website, create online Don’t be afraid to hear “no,” or fears they may smart forms, built in automated email and auto have around committing to buying from you, or email, sell your products/services online and signing up for your services. These are all what I affiliate management programs. This program, call “buying signs;” whenever your prospects once you have mapped out your business, will express a fear or voice an objection, always give you the ability to be completely automated. A must try once you’re ready to launch! GoToMeeting (Visit the learning center) http://www.gotomeeting,com This is the best tool for online web meetings. 3. Smart Selling on the Phone and It’s easy to use, reliable and great for those that Online: Inside Sales That Gets Results want to expand their geographical reach, or be This book is great for anyone who is selling able to do more with less … offer sessions online mostly over the phone and/or utilizing an so anyone in the world can work with you! It online collaboration tool to grow business. has by far the best video conferencing platform http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Selling- I have ever used! Phone-Online-Results/dp/0814414656

Great Books to Read: 1. The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Products that Win http://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Steps- Epiphany-Successful/dp/0976470705 The essential book for anyone bringing a product to market, writing a business plan, marketing plan or sales plan. Step-by-step strategy of how to successfully organize sales, marketing and business development for a new product or company. The book offers insight into what makes some startups successful and leaves others selling off their furniture. Packed with concrete examples, the book will leave you with new skills to organize sales, marketing and your business for success.

2. How to Say It: Business to Business Selling: Power Words and Strategies from the World's Top Sales Experts http://www.amazon.com/How-Say-Business- Selling-Strategies/dp/0735204586/ ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311281381&sr=8-3 This is a great book on how to build your elevator pitch, great open-ended questions to ask your customers and direct objection handling techniques. Most of this book is based on methodologies from Barry Reihn “Selling through curiosity” which I learned through his sales course over 4 years ago. His website offers quite a bit of good information to help boost the creative mind with ideas around sales strategies and methodologies. http://sellingthroughcuriosity.com/ TECHY + FOUNDATIONAL STUFF

NUTS+BOLTS. Wordpress 101

As you’ve probably heard by now, having a blog is one of the best ways to promote your business. Having an active blog will help you position yourself as an expert in your field and will help you put your message/philosophy/credo in front of the millions Francesca Marano

of people who roam the internet every day in search of information on any given topic. BY Since I am all for a soft approach to any new thing that we start in life, let me tell you my point of view: unless you already have a thriving business to promote and/or some money to spare, go easy on yourself and on your finances and open a free blog (Gasp! She didn’t just say that!).

A self-hosted blog (one that you reach at www.yourname.com) will cost you anywhere

CONTRIBUTED from $70 to $150: you need a domain and a hosting (approx. $70/year) and a theme (from free to $80/90). If you are thinking of hiring a designer to do the job, starting price today is about $200 for a theme customization to thousands of dollars for a custom theme.

I always compare free blogs to training wheels: it will get you started in few minutes, with no cost and will get you out of your head and into the virtual world without too many worries.

There are many different free platforms out there, Blogger, Typepad and, my personal favorite, Wordpress.

Wordpress is a powerful CMS: content management system. It does exactly what it says: you put into it content (words, pictures, music, videos) and you manage it through a system that somebody else coded for you. It comes in 2 shapes:

Wordpress.com Wordpress.org

(Why, oh why they didn’t choose a less confusing name!?)

Free blogging site Free blogging software

Your website will be hosted on their You have to install the software on your servers and its address will be hosting server yourname.wordpress.com

Less control Unlimited functionality

100% free WP is free but you have to pay for domain+hosting Even though you have less control, I still think it’s worth trying out the free option before you commit. Today there are so many gorgeous free themes and everyone comes packed with widgets that will really be enough to get you started.

Enough now with the blabbering, let’s get you a blog, what do you say?

Follow these 2 quick videos that will show you how to set up and how to choose a theme and then come back here for a bit of glossary… See you in 5!

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO #1

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO #2 See, that was easy enough! The theme I chose supports 6 widgetized areas: one sidebar, and 2 rows of widget areas in the footer. I know you are impatient to go play with your new Other themes could support different widget areas, toy, but allow me to tell you 2 more things… so look into your theme details when you are looking around (see video #2). Pages vs Posts: How to use a widget

In your dashboard sidebar, among many other Let’s say, for example, that I want to have the settings that I am sure you will explore soon, you categories in my Fourth Footer Widget Area: I will can choose between Posts or Pages. Here is the click on the arrow on the left side of “Fourth Footer difference, in non-techy language: Widget Area” to open it and I will drag and drop the widget “Categories” from the list of available Posts are the articles that you write and they widgets. And that’s it. Easy peasy right? will all show in the Blog section of your You can have a lot of fun with the Text Widget and a website. They can be divided in categories bit of HTML to add texts or images in your areas and you can also tag them so it will be for too! But I don’t want to scare you off with lines of your readers to read all you have to say on a code or overload you with info, so I will only say specific topic – the system will group them this: if you want to add one of those nice share all together so if I click on any of the tags you buttons that bloggers offer, for example check out have at the end of your blog post I will be one of my favorite bloggers Halley Razz Gray at Life redirected to a section that has all posts with of Something New, go to her website and grab the code from her sidebar, paste it in your Text Widget that specific tag. Same for categories. and there you go, you have yourself a badge in your sidebar! Pages are used for static, informational content: about page, contact page… BUT FRANCESCA, I REALLY, REALLY WANT A SELF-HOSTED WORDPRESS.ORG Widgets WEBSITE!

This is where the fun begins! Without going into Ok Lady, I can’t resist your call for help. I am, after technical details, widgets help you control what all, the Social Media Doula and my mission in life is shows in your sidebar or in other areas, depending to help fine creative people like you give birth to on your theme. your online presence and share your talents with the world. So here is a quick video on how to buy a You can find them in your dashboard sidebar menu domain and a web-hosting plan via HostGator* and under the “Appearance” tab and this is what you’ll install Wordpress. see (click here to see the bigger image.) As you can see the dashboard is not very different from the one you saw in Wordpress.com – as you’ll start to explore all the tabs in the sidebar you’ll notice more sections and you soon will discover the wonderful world of the Wordpress plugins: here is, in my opinion, where the big difference lies between .com and .org. Again I don’t want to get too technical with you so I’ll just say this: plugins enhance the functionality of your website. They are programs that add specific features to your website. Some of them work in the background (backups, Google fonts or Google analytics integration), while other are used to display certain information on the front-end of your website (Instagram and Twitter feeds, newsletter signup forms). They are addictive, so beware not to overload your site with them!

At this point I think it is clear that A) you can do it, easily! B) I could talk about Wordpress for hours!

But I’ll stop here. You know have all the basic knowledge you need to start sharing your gifts with the world, have fun and drop me a line with the address of your new blog, it will make me so proud & happy to see what you’ve created! Trademarking My Vision

One of the reasons I chose to skills of each student; 'seeing' Diane Feingold

Trademark WRT Water Release relationship with spirit, honoring the Therapy® as distinguished from intelligence of the universe, the magic BY Watsu® is that it invites an and mystery of divine intervention, extraordinarily deep and profound level attentioning gratitude. There is of therapeutic Release and holds space wisdom found within each one of us; a for potentially very deep healing. heart centeredness within each breath Working in the Aquatic Arts since the enabling us to kindle each our own late 80's both as Therapist and unique flame. Witnessing the

CONTRIBUTED eventually Instructor it was not only intelligence of the mind expressed difficult to explain 'Watsu®' to people through each heart. when asked, I realized that what I was sharing went far beyond the form of It seems that when one creates from Watsu® and into the realms of co- this place after thousands and creation from my personal passions of thousands of Sessions over many years, Yoga, Pranayama (Breath work), a natural progression (esp. in the Stillness, Deep Presence, joy, including Aquatic Arts), is to develop one's Watsu®, WaterDance, Shiatsu, unique 'brand' self reflected in the Somatic Therapy and so much more. flavor that naturally arises and The essence of WRT Water Release expresses itself. And it is respectful at Therapy® is to be with whomever is in the same time to keep clarity around my arms and show up for that person in the particular modalities' lineage. It is ways that really truly meet them in that also of value to discern which Session and in that moment for Therapists and Instructors are the best whatever may arise. Agenda goes out match for each Client/ Student, Resort, the window and deep presence moves Spa and Clinic. A clear distinction is in. It is a learning to be with another in helpful.* this way and to hold a space that moves from will to heart, from ego to essence. Much like Art expressing Life. In Africa And for me, WRT Water Release there is no word for 'Art' it is all life Therapy® continues to grow from without distinction. continued healing to teaching. Always sharing the joys of co-creation along the With regard to money; it is an exchange way. of energy. So for those who would claim 'too expensive' or 'buying in' may When WRT Water Release Therapy® not yet be able to recognize their own grew to extend the sharing and teaching personal internal worth or the value of of these principals with others... it true energetic sharing. Those who became even more about the generalize and claim 'branding' is to foundation of 'Sh'ma' (listening) to the merely build an organizations' coffers' inner intelligence within, awakening is to miss the point and most likely consciousness, recognizing the soul confuse misleading 'new age' models (easily mirrored in the water), nature, with old conditioning and, perhaps as natural laws. And the joy of teaching well, holding displaced resentment. this work celebrates and empowers the That being said, perhaps one's Mastery of skill may not be fully developed and/or old Trademarking Steps: models of 'money' worship and perhaps even being stuck in agenda is reflected. 1. Create a word, a symbol or name that will attract customers to a product. This A realistic consideration is that 'Sustainability' trademark should be unique and intriguing so is an essence rich quality and imparts valuing the product it identifies will have a special place self and the 'other'. in the global marketplace and in the minds of customers. Whether on land or water; pour love upon your own heart and breathe energy into your heart Employ a creative person or team to daily. find the perfect trademark for the company product. An attractive And, now for the nitty gritty . . . trademark will attract customers and last through generations of customers. The Establishing a trademark for a valuable service trademark task force should learn how to or product and establishing a special presence get a trademark and invent the best in the global marketplace. A trademark used in possible trademark for sales success. They business comes in several forms including a should have a keen knowledge of the symbol®, a word or a name with a symbol®. A trademarks that have attracted the most trademark on a product attracts customers and customers in past years. is usually treasured by the company that created and uses it as well as others to help In the case of WRT Water Release distinguish it from other forms, in my case from Therapy®, I chose to go with something other types of Aquatic Bodywork. that sounded like the very thing one would experience vs. 'Watsu®' It depends on whether the mark is registered with the Patent and 2. Consider hiring an attorney to guide Trademark office you and your task force through the process of obtaining a trademark. You can use TM on any mark that you wish to Although a trademark application can be filed designate as a trademark. No registration is by the owner of the product, an attorney will required, and in some states this 'may' give you facilitate the process and guard against any some "common law" trademark rights however problems with the paperwork. I ended up doing it doesn't compare to the ®. both as the process with the paperwork is tricky. You can use the "R" symbol only once 3. Conduct a search to find any official you obtain a federal trademark registration of your trademark by registration from the US Patent and another group or individual using the Trademark Office. The process of applying official website of United States Patent for a federal trademark takes about a year, and and Trademark Office. This service is free of during the application process you may NOT charge. And should be done before step 2. use the "R" symbol (doing so is illegal). You must continue to use nothing or "TM" until the 4. Prepare a professional drawing of the federal registration is issued. trademark or the name in a font solution such as WRT Water Release Therapy®. This This drawing should be an accurate picture of Brainstorm with friends and co-workers the official trademark that will be used on every and make a list of the most original product produced and distributed. trademarks on the product or Service.

5. Register the trademark through the Be sure to clearly define how the Service system established by the country where is defined from other similar products or the trademark is created. The rules and services. regulations will vary from one country to another. In the United States, register the Sources for the US: trademark using the process established by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. http://www.uspto.gov/ USPTO and it will be valid globally.

Use the online application process for *Students of WRT Water Release Therapy® convenience. Double check all have many options, and some may choose to information before submitting the application. Check the status of the continue at a comfortable pace with becoming application periodically to determine WRT Water Release Therapy 'Practitioner' and that the application is on the right track. eventually 'Therapist'. This program may also be a gateway for some to continue the Watsu® Request the necessary and appropriate and Tantsu® paths through WABA. It is forms to file through the postal service if reasonable to assert that becoming a WRT you do not want to use the Internet. Call Water Release Therapy® 'Provider' one the Trademark Assistance Office for becomes financially equipped to pursue these information and the necessary forms for paths if desired for Continuing education and a postal service application. sustain the support through experience 'Giving' File the application for the trademark in in the water and the financial resources that the name of the owner of the product and flow in through becoming a WRT Water Release pay the required fee for the service. A Therapy® 'Provider'. trademark can only be issued to the Owner of a product or service. This requirement is especially important as another person with information on the product could file an application for the product of another owner.

Tips Mission, Vision, and Values: What are they, and why do they matter?

As an entrepreneur, I find it almost company, and describe how I want it to impossible to avoid writing a mission be perceived. Michelann Quimby statement. I need it for my business

BY I propose that we break this concept plan. I need it for my investors. My down into three progressive pieces, or mentors and advisors tell me I need it. core elements: But what is a mission statement, really? Why do we need it? How can it help our Core Values – Who are we? businesses?

CONTRIBUTED Core values identify 3-5 terms that describe the forces that drove you to Just to muddy the waters a bit, let’s form and grow your organization. If you look at Wikipedia’s definition of the are the founder, they are the same as or mission statement: closely related to your personal values. “A mission statement is a brief Your values describe not only who you statement of the purpose of a are as an organization, but also who you company…The following elements can are not. They encompass your ethics, be included in a mission statement. principles, and beliefs about your • Purpose and values of the organization and its relationship to the organization. world. Core values are immutable, • Products, services, or market; or, who values that remain the same for the life are the organization’s primary of your organization. “clients” (stakeholders). Example: “integrity, honesty, openness, • What are the responsibilities of the personal excellence, constructive self- organization towards these “clients”? criticism, continual self-improvement, • What are the main objectives and mutual respect” – Microsoft supporting the company in accomplishing its mission?” Integrity, honesty, mutual respect, and openness speak to how Microsoft wants That seems like an awful lot of to be perceived by the world, and information to cram into a few provide a basic ethical code for sentences that sum up my business. In employees. Personal excellence, reality, there are several elements that constructive self-criticism, and self- encompass the foundation of my improvement are more personal and specific. They communicate to employees the company outlives the industry it started in, but behaviors that are approved (and hopefully it should still tie back to your core values and rewarded), and by extension those that are not. vision.

Vision Statement – Why are we here? Example: “Google’s mission is to organize the Vision is the reason your company exists. The world’s information and make it universally world changes, technology changes, so your accessible and useful.” vision statement need not refer to your product. This is a great mission statement – it’s succinct, It conveys why you are in this business (and not but it provides a lot of information. If digital another). It ties directly back to your core information changed, Google could change its values. If the market changed dramatically, product and still be aligned. But we can also see your vision should remain intact because it Google’s values implicit in this statement. speaks to what your company represents, not Universal access to information implies that just what it does. Google values equality and knowledge highly, Example: “..to help people and businesses and that it sees its community as the world, not throughout the world realize their full the industry or country its based in. potential.” – Microsoft You may want to combine aspects of these three I like this vision because it’s about contribution. elements into one statement that you use If the desktop computer was no more, and externally and internally, but it’s important to Microsoft’s software became obsolete, it differentiate between them during the wouldn’t affect this vision at all. Microsoft could development stage. completely change its product line and still be The Hard Part aligned with its vision. So how do we go about defining these elements Mission Statement – What do we do? so they are resonant and meaningful? How do While your mission should refer more we avoid Dilbert-esque jargon, or overly lofty specifically to the type of business you do or platitudes? products you sell, it can also encompass what Start with yourself. If you don’t understand you feel your organization’s contribution will be what drove you to embark on the journey of to your industry, community, or to the world. entrepreneurship, you can’t explain it Your mission statement may change if your compellingly to others. I’ve often asked entrepreneurs why they started their or customers. At the very least, I recommend businesses, and the answer is very often “I that you have public mission statement, which wanted to make a lot of money.” This is a cop may include elements of your values and vision. out. There are much easier, less stressful ways Here are a few examples of compelling to make money than starting your own statements from well-known organizations: company. Even if you don’t know what it is, you have a compelling reason behind why you Starbucks: started your venture, why you’re selling the “To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one specific product or service you offer, and why person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a you think you can succeed at it. The key to time.” expressing this begins with your own core values. Starbucks’ statement is very clever – it describes how their product adds to people’s Many people find it helpful to define their own lives, shows their focus on community, and has personal vision statement. There are books, a little dash of humor. websites, and coaches available that can help. However, I believe that defining your personal Nike: core values is a better place to start. Looking at “To bring inspiration and innovation to every my core values, I begin to understand the career athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are choices I made in the past, and recognize the an athlete.” underlying needs and assumptions that I love how this statement defines athlete to compelled me to create my own venture. This include everyone. I’m not so sure about provides a framework through which I innovation – hardcore athletes may be able to understand my motivations, and strengthens define innovation in their products, but I don’t my ability to talk to others about my company’s know if everyone can. Still, it communicates goals. that innovation is a core value. At that point, you may want to utilize an And here is an example of how not to write a exercise from a book, or engage a consultant to mission statement: help you further define your organizational values, vision, and mission. Decide if you want “Apple ignited the personal computer to communicate these elements publicly, or revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reserve them for your employees, shareholders, reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.”

A laundry list of accomplishments is not a mission statement. Mission statements are not Individuals begin by meeting their physical used to promote your products; they describe needs and eventually progress to more your desire to make an impact, in your sophisticated and global needs, but community, industry, or in the world. organizations are different. The more clearly you can articulate your high-level goals from Why do they matter? the beginning, the less time and resources you Values, Vision, and Mission are crucial to will spend trying to fix poor communication, setting a clear, understandable, and easily alignment, employee engagement, and communicated direction for yourself, your unwanted cultural artifacts like destructive partners and employees, and your investors and political networks. When you recognize the customers. It’s not enough to feel passionate guiding force these Core Elements provide, your about your product or service, you have to strategic goals and tactical plans will be more consciously understand what drives you in aligned, streamlined, and easier to order to communicate it to a diverse group of communicate to stakeholders. people. Core Elements can also be the difference Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a framework for between corporate survival and failure during human development, is often expressed as a times of crisis. A well-known example of pyramid, with physical survival-based needs on corporate values put to the test took place in the bottom, and the uniquely human need for 1982, when several people died from taking self-actualization on top. You can visualize an cyanide-laced Tylenol caplets. Tylenol is organization’s goals in a similar way: manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, whose company credo states that their first responsibility is to their customers. True to customers, but has a poor reputation for its their values, Johnson & Johnson responded to relationship to suppliers and employees. By the crisis by pulling 31 million bottles of their contrast, Southwest Airlines has a great product from stores, and offering free customer service record, and is consistently replacements. While the short term cost to the cited is one of the best workplaces to in the company was high, the company’s fast and country. comprehensive response soothed consumer Similarly, internal communications and policies fears, increased investor confidence, and paved need to be aligned with core elements in order the way for future growth. to be effective. Employment and hiring policies, In contrast, the Ford Pinto scandal of the 1970s compensation, training, and ethics must all illustrates a story of corporate values gone awry. reflect the organization’s stated values and When Ford leadership first learned of the faulty vision. Lack of alignment creates cognitive design that caused cars to catch fire when hit dissonance, or confusion and discomfort in from the rear, they decided that the cost of employees who recognize that the organization paying damages to the families of those killed doesn’t “walk the walk.” Employee engagement, was more viable than redesigning the faulty fuel efficiency, retention, and innovation are all tank. Either Ford’s values did not clearly effected by how authentically, clearly, and emphasize ethical concerns, or they were not consistently the organization’s core elements actively in use at the time. The botched are communicated and demonstrated by response to the fires caused lasting damage to leadership. Ford’s reputation. Summary Organizational core elements inform internal Organizational core elements: Values, Vision, and external business decisions. and Mission are vital to your ability to communicate clearly and consistently with your Branding and identity, the cornerstone of customers, shareholders, community, and effective marketing and sales, must be authentic employees. Consciously understanding your and compelling to attract customers. When personal values and goals, helps you articulate branding aligns with corporate behavior, it is a why your brought your company into existence, powerful force. When misaligned, it creates and how it contributes to the world it inhabits. confusion or disillusionment in customers. Wal- Nothing is more compelling to your customers, Mart is known for providing great value to or motivating to your employees than that. Epilogue

So, how was the journey? micro loans through the charity Yoga Gives Back. What did you find? And, I’m grateful for how you empowered me I would love to hear about your experiences of and all of the contributors to create more and the book; what you loved, what needs more love be our biggest selves by spending your hard- and attention, what really helped you in your earned money to support the creation and business and how you were able to implement perpetuation of this work. your new learnings. I can’t wait to see and hear what bubbles up Something you need to know about that wasn’t from you after reading The Goddess Guide to included in this volume? Let me know! Business Bliss. I know you’ll create amazing, wonderful, life-changing and world-healing You can always jump into my inbox at work. [email protected] or if you’re so inclined, I would love a testimonial that we can I hate to sound like the broken record I am, use on The Goddess Guide to Business Bliss but. . . page of my website. I’ll put a sweet picture of you along with your testimonial, business name Implement the “aha” moments. and website. Take action to do what you and Mosey on over to this form and send me the your business needs to experience LOVE Goddess! I heart love letters. BLISS. Would you like to contribute a piece to future editions of the book? I would love to hear from No excuses. Just loving you. I plan to update the Guide each year. compassion towards yourself as you transform and unfold. Email me with your proposed article, art, video or audio workshops . . . we can always use more Keep moving and experimenting. multi-media pieces.

Would you like to spread the word about this book and make some extra cash? Look no Sending you so much love+light further than our Affiliate Love Center, right +prosperity+peace+happiness on here. your path.

Thank you again for your support. $4 from this book you purchased went to help empower impoverised women in India with much needed CONTRIBUTORS [IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE] Danielle LaPorte

Danielle LaPorte is the outspoken author of The Fire Starter Sessions: A Soulful + Practical Guide for Creating Success on Your Own Terms (from Random House/Crown). A business strategist and inspirational speaker, she’s the co-creator of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, and her next online program launches in November 2012, called, DESIRE: The Map to What You Truly Want.

Over a million visitors have gone to DanielleLaPorte.com for her straight- up advice — a site that’s been deemed “the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality”, and was named one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women” by Forbes.

Danielle has been featured in Elle, Body + Soul, Vogue Australia, Better Homes & Gardens, Globe & Mail, The National Post, The Huffington Post, Entertainment Tonight, USAToday and BusinessWeek.com. She was a news show commentator for CBC, and is a former director of a Washington-DC think tank, where she managed a team of analysts studying global trends for the likes of the Pentagon and the World Bank.

You can find her on Facebook and Twitter @daniellelaporte Aparna Khanolkar

I inspire women to be spirited and soft, feel beautiful, soulful and wise. I show women how to be in charge of their own destiny - for health, happiness and peace. What I teach is easy and juicy. I teach women to journey from Karma to Dharma.

I was a chef and culinary consultant for the Chopra Center for Wellbeing where I taught people about the value of food, health and Ayurvedic lifestyle. I've authored and published four books (A Mother's Blessing, Purify and Heal, Happy Belly Happy Soul, and Spice). I teach workshops and facilitate retreats for women using this ancient knowledge. I grew up in India, where Ayurveda became part of me even before I was born. I've studied it, I practice it and I'm living proof of its benefits.

Life is designed for the expansion of happiness. Join my revolution for joy + soulfulness + beauty + health + meaning by subscribing to my monthly newsletter or by following my Facebook pages: Personal page | Grace, Power and Beauty.

Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you! Visit my website at www.themistressofspice.com. Donna Henes

* Unofficial Commissioner of Public Spirit of NYC. - The New Yorker * For 35 years Ms. Henes has been putting city folk in touch with Mother Earth. - New York Times * Part performance artist, part witch, part social director for planet earth. - The Village Voice * The Original crystal-packing mama. - NY Press

Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman, ritual expert, award-winning author, popular speaker and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than 100 cities since 1972. She has published four books, a CD, an acclaimed Ezine and writes for The Huffington Post, Beliefnet and UPI Religion and Spirituality Forum, and serves as a ritual consultant for the television and film industry. Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.

www.DonnaHenes.net Connect with her on Facebook:

Watch her videos: http://www.facebook.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/ MamaDonnaHenes MamaDonnaHenes http://www.facebook.com/pages/The- Queen-of-My-Self/298671597047?ref=ts Read her on the Huffington Post: Follow her on Twitter: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ donna-henes/ http://twitter.com/queenmamadonna https://twitter.com/thequeenbook Lisa Beck

I help people step more into their radiance + excellence through dance, music, self-care and performance.

I lead weekly dance classes, as well as monthly workshops and performance trainings and am the author of "LBL's 8- Week Wellness Plan: 8 Weeks Towards Greater Vitality, Energy & Joy".

My home on the web is LisaBeckLiving.com, a source for inspiration, connection and empowerment.

I believe that each one of us has the power to create the life of our dreams and I encourage my students and clients to connect to that power and celebrate their unique gifts every day. Charlotte Cressey

I’m an animal rights activist, certified yoga instructor, lover of life, and enthusiast for the many benefits of a vegan lifestyle. I believe in the revolutionary power of love and I challenge the notion that the world is cruel. I am a defender of those most at our mercy – animals. I have personal experience of the radically positive transformation brought about by introspection, self-inquiry, and mindfulness techniques. Through my presentations and yoga classes I assist people in unearthing the infinite wellspring of love, compassion, and wisdom that is within.

I am currently presenting about veganism, feminism, animal rights, and living as love. I also craft unique yoga sessions designed to uplift, inspire, and connect individuals with their inner inner wisdom and the natural world. Charlotte lives in Laguna Niguel with her vegan companion animals, Arlo and Teddy.

Learn more about Charlotte on her website www.VeganWellness.net Lucinda Kinch

I energetically supercharge and beautify sacred spaces.

I’m here to activate the powerful visual realms for luminaries, shifters, creatives, and goddesspreneurs: your portrait, your brand, your book, your website header, your domestic sanctuary.

As your co-creating and spirit- centered Brand Luminator, I manifest jaw-dropping website headers, illuminate your next NY Times best-seller cover, and twirl your personal portrait into a one-of-a-kind show stopper. I light up your mission, visually, so it's crystal clear and gorgeous to anyone who may not have known they need what you have to offer. Together, we'll move from VISION to MANIFESTATION. It’s cosmically visceral.

I’m also creating my visionary art to decorate your sacred space with. It is designed to ignite your divine life quest by bringing the Eternal into your physical realms to awaken inner love and light.

On a personal note, I'm currently writing a memoir about the transformations I've experienced and continue to move through. Most days you'll find me in my home office sipping homemade almond milk and black tea between dance shimmys and full-throated OMs. A girl's gotta move when so much inspiration strikes! My two beautiful boys and fine husband bring out my full goddesshood like nobody's business.

Let’s connect:: www.LucindaKinch.com

Facebook/LucindaKinch @LucindaKinch Arielle Christner

Arielle Christner has been playing and working with the angels since birth.

She is a certified Star Essence Practitioner and offers custom essence blends and consultations via her "Flower Power Sessions."

In her spare time she dances, writes, takes a ridiculous amount of pictures and plots her next international travel adventure.

She lives with her partner in rhyme and life Marlon, their Siberian Husky Nakomi, and an assortment of friendly garden sprites. Find her on the web at www.arielleintuitive.com. Laura Eliseo

Angel Arts is a combination of all my passions, massage, facials, healings, readings, dance & art.

I am currently joining forces with another person creating a company called Healthy Beauy Inc. which will have youth enhancing treatments that combine treatments from within as well as externally.

We offer massage and facials using state of the art machines (muscle toning, light therapy, mirco-dermabrasion.) chiropractic services, detox footbaths, homeopathy and more. Pamela Lynn

Pamela Lynn International Where Neuroscience, Personal Empowerment and the Art of Drumming Collide

Pamela Lynn is known internationally as an accomplished World Percussionist, Speaker/ Seminar Leader on the topic of Personal Empowerment. In 2008 a chronic shoulder injury derailed her musical aspirations, and she decided to head back to school. By nothing short of a miracle, she fell in love with the fascinating world of neuroscience.

Her upcoming book is entitled: Stay Empowered! Life’s Lessons from a Drummer in Heels. It’s a transformational story that will inspire, encourage, and remind you of what you are capable of when quitting is not an option, and passion drives your soul! www.PamelaLynnInternational.com Erin Louise Stewart

Erin Louise Stewart ALSP, founder of Clarity Enterprise, is an Agape Licensed Spiritual Practitioner and your “Dreams Come True” Coach.

I am here to remind you that what you desire is seeking you… it is your destiny. My gift of crystalline clarity and ability to see the ‘big picture’ as well as all the steps in between empowers you to live the life of your dreams.

As the creator of the popular “Dreams Come True” manifestation series, “New Story” groups, “Spiritual Fitness Club”, “Power of Tithing” workshops, as well as a thriving practice of private clients, I’m a much sought after motivational speaker.

I have two products available, “You Are The Answered Prayer” CD and “The Power of Tithing” CD. Erin is Kris Oster’s personal “Dreams Come True” Coach! If you are ready for massive movement and expansion in any area of your life, contact me for coaching, speaking, workshops or my CD’s.

Kris’ note: Check out Erin’s 12-Week Transformational Coaching Package - I highly recommend it. [email protected] www.clarityenterprise.com 510-333-9067 Alexandra Franzen

I help righteous entrepreneurs break their own sound barriers, with whoa-nelly webcopy, sales page sorcery, and spooky- perfect ghostwriting. Shortly after landing herself a quarter-million dollar book deal, one self-publishing supernova called me her "secret weapon on the frontier of art, social media, philanthropy and fame." One of the top-10 most influential fashion bloggers on earth called me her "personal supergirl."

My clients span multitudinous niches & industries—from publishing & psychotherapy to digital marketing & mystical arts. I've shared my brainwaves with fire-starter Danielle LaPorte, marketing megastar Marie Forleo, international playgirl Gala Darling, master intuitive Hiro Boga, and a vibrant bouquet of branding and marketing agencies, including Red Slice and d.trio. I've got bottomless love for my radical, rowdy crew. And they love me back.

I think blood and sweat are overrated, but tears? Totally on point. I love making people weep—through powerful storytelling & self-promotion identity pivots. If you're not fiercely emotional about your business, your talents—and the services you're selling— then what the fuck are we doing here? When I'm not throwing neon-green lightning bolts during 1-on-1 VELOCITY sessions, you can find me Twittering away, sippin' on cranberry kombucha and blogging up a storm.

:: [email protected] :: alexandrafranzen.com :: @alex_franzen Karen Tate

An independent scholar, speaker, radio show host, published author, and sacred tour organizer, Karen's body of work blends her experiences of women- centered multiculturalism evident in archaeology, anthropology and mythology with her unique academic and literary talents and travel experience throughout the world. Her first book, Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations has garnered prestigious endorsements, while her second book, Walking an Ancient Path, Rebirthing Goddess on Planet Earth, was a finalist in the National Best Books of 2008 Awards. Tate's work has been highlighted in the Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times and other major newspapers. She is interviewed regularly in print, on television and on national public radio and hosts her own radio show, Voices of the Sacred Feminine considered a treasure trove of insight and wisdom for our time. Her work has segued into writing, producing and consulting on projects which can bring the ideals and awareness of the Sacred Feminine into the mainstream world through television and film.

Karen and her husband, Roy, her life partner for more than twenty years, are the creators, artists, and caretakers of the Isis Temple of Thanksgiving and Sekhmet’s Mountain Grotto. http://www.karentate.com/ [email protected] Tanya Geisler

Tanya Geisler is a certified business and life coach who simply cannot and will not shake her indomitable belief that if everyone knew and lived their values, they’d hold the key to shining in their life, in their work and in their life's work. (Now, wouldn't THAT make for a far more joyous world?)

A catalyst, not a therapist, she wrote The Joy Pages , created Board of Your Life, and speaks with great passion on all things joy, meaning and purpose. http://www.tanyageisler.com Shenee Howard

I am THE branding expert for undeniably mindblowing, awe-inspiring ( profitable) brands. I teach. I strategize. I help you become truly unforgettable online (you are already FABULOUS in person).

I can summarize what I do with a simple analogy: I can say that I am an acrobat. I can put on a stretchy leotard and give myself a fancy stage name but if I can’t do a somersault, I’m not actually an acrobat. That is my approach to branding. Branding is not just about having a great website or polished copy (but you probably realized that already), branding is all about what you do. You gotta do stuff.

I will teach you how to do the right stuff to sell more products, get more clients and have more fun doing the work you love.

If you want a better brand, a more engaged community and more fun in your business every day, let’s talk. http://www.heyshenee.com Michelle Ward

Michelle Ward, CPC, PCC and – most importantly! – The When I Grow Up Coach, has logged over 750 hours coaching creative people to devise the career they think they can’t have (or discover it to begin with)!

A Certified Professional Coach by the International Coach Federation, a musical theater actress with her BFA from NYU/Tisch, and a Corporate America escapee, Michelle has served as an expert source and contributor for Newsweek, Forbes, Psychology Today, Yahoo! and AOL Jobs as well as leading workshops and seminars at SXSW and the sold-out Etsy Success Symposium.

She encourages everyone to claim their uniquity via The Declaration of You and could be found coachin’, bloggin’ & givin’ away free stuff at whenigrowupcoach.com.

Kris’ Note: I have the pleasure of playing with Michelle in her virtual Clubhouse coaching group each day and I’m soooo much the better for it. It’s AMAZEBALLS (her fave phrase, which I adore).

And, she plays a pink ukelele and sings her own musical numbers on YouTube. Laurel Bleadon-Maffei

Laurel Bleadon-Maffei is a Spiritual Teacher and Angelic Channel who specializes in mentoring other soul-inspired practitioners in developing and sharing their gifts.

Her years in corporate America as a successful executive in the entertainment industry combined with her mystical and intuitive gifts make for a powerful alchemy. She has the rare ability to gracefully navigate between the wants and desires of our earth world and the divine calling of the etherial world.

Laurel holds a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology with An Emphasis in Consciousness, Health and Healing from the University of Santa Monica. She also holds certification from best selling author, teacher and psychologist Doreen Virtue, with whom she studied angelic communication and medium ship.

Through classes, angel readings & coaching, Laurel assists you in stepping into your brightest light. She also serves as a direct voice channel for Josephus & the Wisdom Council, a delightful group of higher guides.

Her web site is www.illuminatingsouls.com. Tia Walker

Living the dream...Awake! Armed with more than two decades of business management and marketing experience, Tia founded The Inspired CEO™ an executive coaching and consulting firm. Tia believes that we are each the CEO of our lives and empowered to make the work that we do serve as an inspiration to others. A believer in the vastness of the human spirit, Tia has developed coaching programs that combine personal development, work satisfaction and an element of service.

As an entrepreneur who quickly built her own successful consulting business, she also empathetically helps other business owners and professionals set priorities and create the balance they want between life and work. She simply lights up while assisting organizations and individuals who are interested in becoming catalysts of change. One of her most provocative messages is about living a congruent life, both personally and professionally. Tia has assisted her clients in creating “blissful lives”.

I look forward to playing in Bliss with you!

Tia | Consultant, Coach, Blissologist :)

About The Inspired CEO™

Through coaching and consulting we help you find solutions that assist you in creating a business and life which brings you joy not stress. Our goal is to create a path for you, which allows you the freedom to do the things that you value most in life. We help you grow your business as you become the mobile and global entrepreneur and CEO. www.theinspiredceo.com

A Year of Bliss

An 8 week journey to creating the life of your dreams today! This is an exploration in what it means to live a blissful life while fully embracing all of life’s challenges. Together we explore how to create a Year of Bliss which can continue the rest of your life. www.ayearofbliss.com Meg Boone

Meg Boone is a Happiness Instigator and Creative Coun-SOUL-er.

By using creative and often unconventional techniques she helps people witness their choicest existence revealed.

She believes being happy is fundamental to success and is not above giving stickers to strangers, writing chalk poetry on sidewalks or dancing for no reason in the most unlikely of places.

You can find her at www.megboone.com instigating happiness. Nicky Tillyer

Nicky is passionate about helping people find and enjoy their own particular creative sparks.

Having lived her adult life ignoring the artist screaming out within, but somehow finding herself in creative positions, she finally listened, and now spends her time exploring all kinds of creative crafty artful pursuits and helps other do the same. Especially those who use the "I'm not creative" excuse.

Welcome to the world of the Artful Genius, a world where we all shine as the beautiful Artful Geniuses we are! http://artfulgenius.com Azizen

Azizen is a leader at a global Fortune 100 company, specializing in strategic marketing, process improvement and customer retention.

In her current role she works with thousands of customers and hundreds of employees in 11 countries.

Though trained as a professional Opera singer, she has worked in the Entertainment, Internet, Real Estate and Recruitment industries.

Azizen is available for career development and negotiations coaching. She currently resides in Paris, France.

You can connect with her via email at [email protected]. Danielle Seraphine

I've had fulfilling and successful careers in corporate IT sales, Real Estate and business consulting for over 20 years. Working for two Fortune 100 companies has afforded me the opportunity to learn diverse business strategies and methods of selling from some of the most sought after trainers in the industry.

I have two beautiful daughters named Kaitlin and Sofia, who are my little angels. They are my constant reminders of how important it is to keep the inner child within ourselves alive. I'm truly blessed.

Lately I've been acutely aware of just how precious life is: in 2011, I suffered a minor stroke. It was a wake-up call to slow down and remember what's most important in my life. In spite of countless setbacks, I began the process of healing and practicing Transcendental Meditation. I had never meditated before and as a result I can hear the guiding messages of my soul. One of these messages is to w-r-i-t-e. So, here I am.

I transformed my life of chaos into a life of blissful reunion with my innermost self.

Beaming you big love and wishing you great success. Be courageous. Be remarkable. And, enlighten others with the beautiful gifts you possess! You can find me on Facebook if you want to drop me a line and say, "hello!" Francesca Marano

Francesca is a social media doula, on a mission to help creative types give birth to their online presence. She loves the moment when techno-phobes go “Aha! Is that simple?” on her.

Originally from Italy, she lives in Israel with her husband and son. When she is not obsessing over social media or Wordpress, she knits lace shawls.

You can reach her via email or through her Facebook page. She tweets a lot! Diane Feingold

Diane Feingold is an experienced Watsu®, WaterDance & WRT Water Release Therapist®, Instructor and HED Human Energy Design Life Coach in Santa Barbara, California USA. She learned Watsu® from the founder, Harold Dull and a host of gifted creators of the Aquatic Arts at Harbin Hot Springs where Watsu® was born.

Diane is a powerful healer; Yoga Instructor, Breath work facilitator, Somatic Therapist, Witness (Sh'ma) Grief Work and PTSD Specialist and Life Coach, who has further developed her gifts in Healing Touch and Stillness through the Native American Indian Guides.

The WRT Water Release Therapy®, whether on land or water, is about this profound potential for healing through releasing our issues, shattering our limitations and accessing the potential of living the life of our dreams. http://www.dianefeingold.com http://www.WaterReleaseTherapy.com http://waterreleasetherapy.wordpress.com/ Michelann Quimby

I am an organizational development consultant, and I specialize in helping people become better public speakers. I write and speak about organizational development, ethics, leadership, employee engagement, values and vision, and professional development. I also help people build thier businesses and careers as a coach.

I have a masters degree from St. Edwards University in Organizational Leadership and Ethics. I am also an adjunt professor at St. Edwards. Before becoming a consultant, I worked in interactive marketing. Before that, I was an opera singer.

As people gain a deeper understanding of what drives them, they can contribute their unique talents to the world in a way that expresses their core values. I believe that self- awareness and compassion are key to creating successful, sustainable, and ethical workplaces. http://www.michelann.com