Today is the Best Day of My Life

"Today is the best day of my life..." I read recently on my cousin's Facebook page.  Upon further inquiry as to what happened, she said she was testing it out as her new daily motto.

How cool is that? 

She also said she was stealing it from her sister, who truly lives this "motto" day to day.  Her sister is truly full of joy every day - a natural effervescence that is intrinsic.  I believe that we all have this effervescence, even in times of trouble.

So here's to the best day of my (and your) life.

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi

 

 

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…

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!

Ten Tips for Thriving in this Economic Winter

I've seen many lists of tips for growing through "these times" and I really appreciate this list from James Ray.

Wishing you optimum health, vitality and success,
Emily
________

Well, you asked for some quick, easy-to-apply tips on how to thrive in this economic winter and on how to apply the knowledge you learned during our conversation... So here you go!

1. Clearly define what inspires you.
   There's a big difference between taking action out of inspiration versus desperation. Use this season as an opportunity to hibernate into the recesses of your own mind and define what you choose to create in your next spring.
   
2. Control your focus.
   Energy flows where attention goes. Are you focusing on lack or opportunity?
   
3. Feed your mind.
   What's your constant mental diet? Do you spend hours in front of the scare news or are you reading good books, attending more positive seminars, watching uplifting DVDs and listening to powerful CDs?
   
4. Strengthen your body.
   Your physical health and vitality have a tremendous impact on your performance as well as your mental and emotional fitness. Exercise releases stress as well as strengthen your body and mind.
   
5. Inventory your friends.
   Doom and gloom attracts more doom and gloom. Jettison those "energy vampires" around you and surround yourself with opportunity seekers.
   
6. Quiet your mind.
   Take time to meditate daily and to slow down if only for a few minutes. Ten to fifteen minutes of meditation will relieve hours of stress and increase creativity and resourcefulness.
   
7. Rid your life of escapist activities.
   Overindulgence in TV, sleep and alcohol only accelerate the problems you're attempting to avoid.
   
8. Make a daily gratitude list.
   Focusing on all the good, gifts and God in your life puts you in the right line of thought, feeling and their subsequent actions, which will attract and create more good, gifts and God.
   
9. Change your attitude.
   Realize that everything that's happened in your life thus far is here to serve you, teach you and help you grow. Find the lessons in your past results, forgive yourself for anything you could have done better and apply the lesson to move forward and create a better future.
   
10. Get resourceful.
    For the next three days, go to a place where you can have uninterrupted time... Come up with 20 new ideas to grow your income, create new results and improve your life. You cannot leave your spot until you have twenty. And no editing! All ideas are good ideas. Do this for three successive days with 20 new ideas each day.
    
    Now take your list of 60 unique ideas and pick the three to five most powerful and leveraged ones to put into action. Pick these three to five based on: ease of implementation, rate of return and speed of return.
    

And so during this winter season, remember: It's not about resources... there are plenty of them. It's about resourcefulness. Get resourceful and get busy.

To your continued wealth and happiness,

James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International

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