Connect with Your Tribe - An Event for Inspired Entrepreneurs

Bring in the Reinforcements

June 23, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Networking + Happy Hour FREE entrance and refreshments.
11900 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 214 Minnetonka, MN 55305 RSVP

We have a lot on our side right now as we grow our entrepreneurial endeavors: sun, green growth and the sounds and energy of Spring.

No matter what season it is, there's one constant in our worlds that we all have access to -- people. Whenever want to do better in our lives and businesses we need a boost from people.

Real-life reinforcements who remind us why we're doing this, that we are making progress and that business can be fun when we help and inspire each other.

Please join me, Emily Hanka, and my co-hosts...
Stephanie Robeck, InnerSourceSolutions.com
Alice Barry, EntertaininingTheIdea.com
Mary Rugani, BuyersRealestateGroup.com

...on June 23, 5PM-7PM, in our beautiful office suite and deck surrounded by nature for a happy hour and networking event that promises fun, relaxed, supportive connections from business owners just like you.

Alice will be there leading a networking mixer or two to ensure you leave with new entrepreneurial friends, and there'll be plenty of food and refreshments to keep you fueled and energized.

Please RSVP for this event by Noon on June 23 so we are certain to have enough refreshments just for you.

Spring Cleaning - Article & Resource Series

This spring, do some cleaning!

Photo: "Ah Spring!" by Laurie York

· Clean the clutter out of your mind and off your desk
· Dust off those professional and business goals,
· Take inventory, personally and ask yourself,
o "This spring, what do I want to clean up in my personal life?"
o What am I wanting to pursue NOW to plant the seeds that will
grow and help me reach my goals in the future?"


Whether you are someone looking to start your own blog and get some practical business tips, find money and motivation to make a major shift in your life, learn how to meditate, or increase your personal and professional effectiveness - there's an article, event or link for YOU in our Spring Resource Series:

--Teleclasses and calls for Small Business People
--Financial Alchemy: Create a New Relationship with Money
--Worried about the Economy? Get out and speak!
--Get Your Small Business Blog Going
--Five Ways to Nuture Your Inner Fire
--The REAL way to results in your REAL Life.
--Open the Door - Workshop for Women
--Learn to Meditate


To your continued success, wherever you are on your Journey,
Emily

Tele-classes and calls for business-people

Nicola Bird, of Fingertips Coaching has been hosting and posting tele-classes for small business-people. I've just finished the call with CJ Hayden on her 3 favorite ways to get clients now. It was packed full of information and ideas on:

• how to use referral partnerships,
• speaking and writing and
• hosting groups to get more clients - already I've had some fantastic feedback.

Buy the call with CJ Hayden

FR*EE Registration for upcoming classes

Financial Alchemy: Create a New Relationship with Money

Photo: Money by TW Collins

Are you exploring your patterns and relationships with money? Try this article from Morgana Rae, who says, “Your current financial situation is a direct reflection of your inner relationship with Money.”

If you don’t like your finances, something needs to change in your relationship. This is where Alchemy comes in. Click below to read about 3 guidelines from the aclhemist’s tradition to create a new relationship with money.

Click here to read more…

Worried About the Economy? Get Out and Speak!

By Lisa Braithwaite

Here's an understatement: the uncertainty of our current economy is making people tense. As an entrepreneur, you might be a little more anxious than those who are getting a regular paycheck. You're independent, self-reliant and self-motivated, but the feeling of not having control in times like these can lead to worry and stress about keeping your business strong and profitable.

Click here to read Lisa’s article about adding speaking and in-person networking to your marketing mix.

Click here to read more Speak…

Get Your Small Business Blog Going! Five Keys to a Great Start

Part of Caroline Melberg's marketing strategies

Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur who would like to have a blog to get the word out about your business? Check out Caroline Melberg’s post to read about five keys to getting your blog off to a great start.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend 6 hours sharpening the ax.” In other words, preparation makes a hard job easier. It’s no different when it comes to creating a small business blog. Here’s a few tips to help you get your blog off to a great start.

Click here to read more Small Business Blog…

5 Ways to Nurture Your Inner Fire

Photo: Fire by tina_manthorpe

Do you feel “stressed out” more often than not these days? Are you overwhelmed with the news of the day and with balancing work and life? We know that these factors, and more impact our well-being greatly. With stress-related illness on the rise and toxic news, attitudes, and food affecting our daily-living – it’s time to stoke and nurture your inner fire. Read on, to explore 5 ways to nurture your inner fire, from the Chopra Center.

Given the crucial role of agni to health and well-being, how do we keep our inner fire burning brightly? The essential step is living life more consciously, making choices that nurture the flow of life energy, while minimizing those that deplete it.

Click here to read more Inner Fire…

The REAL Way to Results in Your REAL Life

Are you someone who has tried every “self-help” and “Law of Attraction” method that there is? Do you want to be able to apply all of this stuff that you “know” and get results in your life? Then working holistically with Journey Consulting and Coaching is for you.

Journey offers services professionals and life & business leaders for REAL people – people with REAL lives, REAL businesses who REALLY want to take some action and achieve results in a sustainable way.

You know the learning you have done over your lifetime, is what sticks with you. Journey brings you the methodology and space to do REAL learning and make the BEST decisions about what’s most important in your REAL life and work.

Click here to read more Results…

Top Ten Social Networks for Entrepreneurs

Top Ten Social Networks for Entrepreneurs

Are you an entrepreneur who is using social networking sites to do business directly or indirectly?


If so, check out this this article outlining the top 10 social networks for entrepreneurs. Each helps entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the guidance and resources to setup their company.

http://mashable.com/2009/03/12/entrepreneur-networks/

• Have you tried any of these SN sites?
  
  
• How do you decide how many social networks to join for your business?
  

What do you think all you business folk out there!?

Post a comment or send me an e-mail at emily @ journeyconsultingandcoaching.com



Emily K. Hanka, Holistic Professional Coach, certified Intrinsic ® Coach, Holistic Business/Organizational Coach, Health Coach

Why The Business Coaching Market is Thriving

A Special Industry Report
(from http://www.instituteforbusinessgrowth.com/)

“Why The Business Coaching Market is Thriving In Spite of the Global Recession”

Business coaches see opportunity
to grow their businesses in 2009

By Andrew Neitlich –

Who would have predicted that business owners would still invest in executive level coaching in the middle of a recession? When backed against the wall, smart entrepreneurs know that access to solid, practical advice is more than worth their time and money.

In fact, savvy business owners see economic slowdowns as an opportunity to reconnect with their clients, create new product offerings and position their businesses for success amid an inevitable economic recovery.

In 2009, small business owners will rely on trusted business coaches to help them weather the storms ahead. Already, our IBG coaches are watching their appointment calendars fill up. This puts them on the winning side of a brutal economic rollercoaster ride.

Why Are Business Coaches Thriving?

Certified business coaches from the Institute for Business Growth (IBG) points to the services that they offer their clients to withstand the economic crisis and position them for the recovery. For example, savvy IBG coaches are providing the following services:

• Traditional Business Coaching: one-on-one or group sessions that focus on showing business leaders how to grow their businesses, improve performance and be more effective regardless of the economy.

• Specialized Consulting Solutions: designed to pinpoint revenue and profit bottlenecks.

• Group Training Programs: shows business leaders how to improve bottom line performance while focusing on specific solutions for common client problems and to help business owners get reconnected with a passion for running their business.

• Moderated Leadership Circles: brings business leaders together to share their successes and challenges in a noncompetitive and confidential setting.

• Proprietary information products: focusing on specific solutions for common client problems.

• Specialized Consulting Solutions: Leverage by deploying a team of certified trainers to dominate a marketplace or niche.

This “service diversity” gives the flexibility and nimbleness required to quickly adapt to changing market demands. Even now the Institute for Business Growth is training business coaches to provide “recovery” coaching services to struggling businesses. Adapt or die is the mantra and business coaches have the tools to prosper.

Emily K. Hanka, Holistic Professional Coach, certified Intrinsic ® Coach, Holistic Business/Organizational Coach, Health Coach

Three Hot Ways to Network and Get Clients Now!

Nicola Bird, of More Than Your Time (http://www.morethanyourtime.com) recently spoke with business coach, CJ Hayden, (www.getclientsnow.com) on her 3 favorite ways to get clients now, and it was packed full of information and ideas on how to use referral partnerships, speaking and writing and group seminars/coaching to get more clients.

This tele-class talks about coaches getting clients, however the tips are applicable to small business owners and anyone interested in bringing in clients across the board.

Here's the link for you to listen and learn, please do drop me an email to let me know how useful you found the call.

http://www.morethanyourtime.com/audiodownloads/


To your continued success!

Emily K. Hanka, MA
Holistic Professional Coach, certified Intrinsic Coach®, Holistic Business/Organizational Coach, Health Coach

5 Ways to Create Meaningful Experiences With Your Customers

5 Ways To Create Meaningful Experiences With Your Customers

1. Respond Immediately

Celebrate their decision to invest in you. When a customer decides to use your products or service let them know that you are excited to share your wisdom with them. If they make the purchase online give them an immediate thank you and a sneak peak at what they will receive. When I coached individual clients I sent out their prosperity plan, empowering language document, and values list the moment they signed up even though we sometimes would not meet for weeks. It gave them a taste of what was coming and got them involved in the experience of being a coaching client. What can you give your clients and customers the moment they say “YES”?

2. Make It Personal

Personalize your responses to them. Know their names and recognize them. Tell them you appreciate them. Customize your emails to include their names. Call them by name when you speak to them and ask about their children, pets, or a project, whatever you know is special to them. To quote John Maxwell “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

3. Ask Them What They Want

Let them know you care about them and their needs. Ask your customers to identify their biggest challenges, what stops them, what areas do they most need support, and where do they really shine! Not only will you create more meaningful relationships, your customers will tell you what products and services they will buy from you! When you deliver what they ask for your clients will adore you!

4. Give Them Gifts

Everyone loves a little extra gift. I have purchased more than one lipstick or eyeliner to get that “Gift with Purchase” set. Give a little extra bonus when they buy. Giving them an extra info product when they opt in to your ezine or teleseminar is also is a great way to create memorable customer experiences. Send them birthday cards (or write on their Facebook wall) Everyone likes to be recognized and appreciated with a gift.

5. Share your Secrets

My 10-year-old son LOVES to hear stories about my childhood and the activities and antics I was up to when I was his age. The juicier the better! I tell him the secret feelings I experienced behind the story. He lies frozen in time and wide eyed next to me as I reveal my soul. I’m talking about a 100lb linebacker who is tough to stop (other than at meal time.) It got me thinking. If I can captivate his 10-year-old attention, maybe my customers would like to know more about the “behind the scenes” secrets too! Let your clients know how you felt when you were learning what you are teaching them. They will love you for it and feel more connected and less critical of themselves.

The point is… by giving a little extra you will create long-term relationships in your business and personal life. As you give more in the world, the world gives more back to you and in the process everyone is elevated. Our world blooms and transforms before our eyes. This is the path of Conscious Wealth.

©2009 -2010 Patricia Keating LLC

WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE? See Patti’s blog

Mindset Mentor Patti Keating publishes the award winning ezine “Focused Intentions” filled with hot tips and free tools to help you create wealth in ALL areas of your life. If you are ready to increase your income, create your ideal business and experience personal freedom get your FREE tips now at www.intentionscoaching.com

Emily K. Hanka, Holistic Professional Coach, certified Intrinsic ® Coach, Holistic Business/Organizational Coach, Health Coach

New Study Reveals Meaning Trumps Money...Significance for Life and Work?

New Study Reveals Meaning Trumps Money...Significance for Life and Work?
(See also, original post by Barb Reindl)

In the face of transitions and obstacles, large and small, there are some major themes that many of my clients - individuals or businesses - revisit over and over:

• Feeling in limbo/not knowing what direction to go
  
• Wanting to do/be something that matters
• Wanting to make a difference, belong and be important in the world.
  

Out in January 2009, the MefLife Mature Market Institute (MMI) released a new groundbreaking study entitled: Discovering what Matters; Balancing Money, Medicine, and Meaning. MMI applied a market research approach to the philosophical concept of "purpose" based on the work of Richard Leider and his best-selling book with co-author David Shapiro, Repacking Your Bags.

The study found the "Purpose Matters" " Regardless of age, gender, financial status, or life stage, the majority of people assign the most importance to Meaning-related activities and, above all else, spending time with friends and family. "

However, the study did clearly show that priorities change with age. So, for those of still in midlife, who want work we love, but also want work that financially supports the life we live, it is quite expected that we will wrestle with whether it is still important for us to pursue financial stability first, and purpose second.

The study does suggest otherwise….yes, even for those in mid-life, in-transition and self-empoloyed.

Please sign up as a follower to this blog to ensure that you hear more about this study and those like it!

If you want to see MMIs study summary and related workbook, here is that link!

Please comment to this post!

Three Daily Success Habits that Transformed My Business...and My Life!

I recently read this article from Patti Keating and I want to share it with you!

As you read, pnder the following questions:
-What are you thinking in terms of your own habits?
-What are you wanting for yourself in creating successful habits?
-What is important to keep in mind going forward to implement successful habits FOR YOU?

E-mail me (emily@journeyconsultingandcoaching.com) with your insights and "ah-ha" moments - I'd love to write them up in a future blog entry and share them with clients and colleagues.


3 Daily Success Habits That Transformed My Business...and My Life!


Over the past several years I have immersed myself in personal development. My business is small business development and marketing. So most of the talks I give are on those subjects. But the more I explored personal growth and development the more I saw the connection between those small business owners who really take off a soar and the level of personal work they have done.

Why?

Your business will grow and expand in direct proportion to your willingness to grow and expand. Actually you must work harder on yourself than any other part of your business.

These are 3 Daily Habits I use that I learned on my personal growth path. I want to share them with you because they have helped to catapult my success.

1. Make Decisions Based Upon Who You Are Becoming Rather Than Who
You Are Now.

Once you know exactly what you want in your life, it's time to live from that place. This includes thinking, acting, dressing and most importantly feeling like the person who has achieved what you are intending. Study those who have reached your goal. Notice their confidence, their willingness to ask for what they want and to say no to what they do not want. Notice their generosity. Put these attributes in place in your own life and you will attract to you the very thing you want.

2. Surround Yourself With People Who Are Performing At The Level You
Want To Perform

Jim Rohn says that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. (Yikes!) Are you spending time with peole who are complaining about the weather and how broke they are? Add some new friends and peers to your group. Get out and meet people who are making things happen in the world. The best place to find them is at seminars and workshops. Successful people never settle for mediocrity. They invest in themselves and are continuously learning. You must also,. if you want to reach your goals.

3. Make Sure To Create Your Environments To Support Your Bigger Game

We always adapt to our environments. And our environments are always a reflection of who we are on the inside. This ongoing exchange powerfully creates our results. One quick way to expedite change is to makeover your environment. You can do this yourself with a quick check list or hire a professional organizer to assist you. Here is a sample of the check list I use. Once you have completed this test and cleaned up your environments, do a quick daily check in to make sure you are keeping yourself heading toward what you want!

Physical:
Is my car, home and office clutter free?

Are they a bold expression of who I am and the goals I have set for myself?

Do they pass the "I love it" test?

Consciousness:
Do I carefully filter everything I watch, read and listen to?

Have I let go of my limiting beliefs?

Do I have access to the information I need when I want it?

Self:
Do I know your unique talents and strengths?

Do I use them to reach my goals each day?

Am I authentic and confident about who I am?

Do I consider myself worthy to be loved, cared for and nurtured?

Body:
My clothing, hairstyle, eye glasses look great and reflect who I am.

My physical energy is high.

My body is strong and fit.

I am in excellent physical health.

The combination of these 3 simple success habits will help you stay focused on creating your business success and support you in living a joyful life!


E-mail me (emily@journeyconsultingandcoaching.com) with your insights and "ah-ha" moments - I'd love to write them up in a future blog entry and share them with clients and colleagues.

(c) 2008 Patti Keating
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patti Keating, is a Speaker, Success Trainer, and Mindset Mentor. To learn more about her and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.pattikeating.com


Emily K. Hanka, Holistic Professional Coach, certified Intrinsic ® Coach, Holistic Business/Organizational Coach, Health Coach