Posts Tagged ‘inspiration for women’

If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.  If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.

~Nora Robertsw

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Although I’ve heard this saying throughout my childhood, it still rings true in my life as a business owner.

It’s tough to be an entrepreneur!   Either you will bend and break at the strongest blow of the wind, or remain rooted, grounded, and upright!

Two of the most valuable qualities of successful solopreneurs are tenacity and perseverance.

Make the decision today to be unbreakable and stay the course.

If today is a challenging one – here’s ALOT of inspiration to keep you encouraged.

http://www.carolroth.com/unsolicited-business-advice/?p=5087

Check me out at #126!

Feel free to add your favorite quote(s) under comments.  Hope to hear from you.

I am currently reading the book,”The Power To Prosper:  21 Days to Financial Freedom,” by Michele Singletary.  I am enjoying this book because it outlines in practical terms how to uncover hidden monies to repurpose for your highest good, break your overspending habits, handle money with your spouse, get rid of debt, save for your future, and finally…stop worrying about money.

The financial fast invites you to take a faith walk with the Divine to confront and correct the poor money mindset, choices, and habits that have blocked you from manifesting more abundance and prosperity in your life.   It is a process that pushes you to be a better steward of the financial blessings extended to you, so that you can live a life of greater purpose and freedom, instead of financial bondage and duress.

I am inviting each of you to join me in a 21 day money fast BEFORE Black Friday.

Yes, tomorrow will be exactly 21 days before one of the biggest shopping days of the calendar year.  By taking some time to cleanse your thinking about money (e.g. what is represent in your life, how you see money, how you manage finances, etc), it just might reframe your spending choices during this holiday period…for the better. 

Are you ready for the challenge? 

You may be thinking, “How in the world is this relevant to me as a solopreneur.”Simply put, the way that you live personally will be reflected in your business as well.  The reason for this is because your solo business is an extension of you – who you are, what you value, what you believe, who you are becoming.

So if you struggle to manage finances in your personal life, the same will probably be the case in your business.  Poor money management can lead to insufficient cash flow which ultimately leads to business failure.

The bottom line:  if your interaction with money is  fundamentally sound,  financial prosperity will manifest itself in greater abundance in all aspects of your life. 

However, in order to step into real prosperity you must also develop self discipline and a keen self awareness so that you can guard against vulnerable places in managing your finances and formulate healthier money habits. 

The author coveres the following topics to move you from where you are to where you want to be in improving your relationship with money:

Day 1:  21 Days to Financial Freedom (The Beginning of a Journey)
Day 2:  A Promise of Prosperity
Day 3:  God’s Generosity
Day 4:  Tithing Today
Day 5:  The Evils of Entitlement
Day 6:  Coveting Vs. Contentment
Day 7:  The Providence of Preparation
Day 8:  The Salvation of Saving
Day 9:  Diversification Delivers
Day 10:  Matrimonial Money
Day 11:  The Impact of an Inheritance
Day 12:  The Devil Is in the Debt
Day 13:  The Curse of Credit
Day 14:  The Stupidity of Surety
Day 15:  Greed Will Not Bring Grace
Day 16:  Financial Fornification
Day 17:  Perpetual Peace
Day 18:  Broken Bonds
Day 19:  Strengthen Stewardship
Day 20:  Relationships Rescued
Day 21:  Financial Freedom

Each of these topics have a corresponding principle and pledge associated.  I will be sharing this information with my Facebook fans; you are welcome to uncover this information as well.    If you want to follow along these next 21 days, become a FAN now. http://bit.ly/successtransitions

I wish you multiplied success, prosperity and blessings.

I was reading Carol Roth’s blog today and saw an interesting (and a bit controversial) entry about how your greatest passions in life are better suited for hobbies not entrepreneurship.

She opened by stating, ” I am a little bit tired (and by a little bit, I actually mean really tired) of hearing about how you should create a business from your greatest passion in life. Well, you can really screw up your passion for something by having to earn a living from it. So, here’s the other side of the coin- six key reasons why you may just want to keep your hobby a hobby.”

Click below for the complete article

http://www.carolroth.com/unsolicited-business-advice/?p=3236

What are your thoughts?

Should passion be narrowly confined to a hobby?

Can passion for your life’s work and business ownership mix well or are they more like oil & water?

I once heard someone say, “If you LOVE what you do, you’ll never “work” a day in your life!”  I believe that  wholeheartedly!  Without passion for “the reason why,” what will sustain you when challenges with the business come your way?

I  remember when I started my practice as a business coach, I didn’t have a clear idea who I wanted to serve.  “Come one, come all” was my motto.  I was open to helping anyone with their business as long as they were willing to pay me.  Sound familiar?

However, what I found over time is that I actually did have preferences, and that I couldn’t help any and all small business owners.  I also learned that it was impossible to formulate my marketing message because I simply didn’t know to whom I was speaking.   And last but not least, there really wasn’t anything that set me apart from other women coaches or made me more client attractive to prospects.

It wasn’t long before it became clear that I needed to narrow my focus and choose a target if I wanted to find clients more easily. 
 
Here are 5 strategies to finding your ideal market and filling your practice:

Define Your Niche
A niche is a cross section between a targeted segmentation of a particular market and your specialty.  For example, if small business owners were your overall market, a segment of this population could be service solo entrepreneurs.  A more targeted audience could be beginner women solo-entrepreneurs. From there you could target only new women coaches, or consultants, or speakers, etc. 

Your specialty, is a blend of your expertise and what you do to help your clients.   So in a nutshell your niche could be:  a systems business consultant who helps new women coaches automate their business to run independently.    

Focus on Demographics
All targeted audiences have specific characteristics that define who they are.  Demographics such as age, gender, income level, marital status, wants/needs/desires, and lifestyle choices are the first level of consideration.  It is also important to understand what weighs on their heart and mind  (e.g. what they value most, what keeps them up at night).  In so doing, you will be able to formulate a compelling marketing message that illustrates your keen understanding of their unique issues and concerns.  

Answer the question, “Does it hurt enough?”
As an entrepreneur, you are in business to make money. So the question of whether your targeted audience has the ability to pay must factor into the equation.  When you provide solutions at different price points for prospects, it’s easier to convert them into becoming a client or customer. However, in the end if your offer doesn’t address a great enough need or benefit, they simply won’t invest in your services or your products.

Determine whether your audience is within reach
The ideal audience would be one you could reach relatively easily and inexpensively.  Otherwise, it may be difficult to keep the pipeline full of prospects and clients.  Sometimes it pays to break ground in untapped or “unknown” markets; it can give you unique positioning, and immediate expert status.  The risk involved, is not yielding the results you are looking for after investing lots of money, time and energy.
 
Choose a market that knows they have a problem
One of the biggest mistakes new marketers make is going after a viable market with a solution they are not seeking.  Your marketing efforts shouldn’t center around convincing others to take action.  Instead focus your energies toward making an authentic connection with your audience and communicate effectively how you relieve them of the pain or frustration they are experiencing and looking to resolve.  

These 5 strategies are essential to becoming client specific and targeted. Once you get clear about your audience, marketing will be easier and you will be able to fill your practice with all the clients you will ever need.

You may be wondering how to begin this process; use the quickest, easiest, cheapest resource around:  the internet.  Click here for a free special report to learn how:  http://bit.ly/a0uh69

What:  Free Teleclass:  5 Strategies For How To Launch While You Work

When:  August 31, 9pm EST

Where:  Via Bridgeline

For More Information & To Register, Go To:

http://launchwhileyouwork.eventbrite.com

Returned home from morning worship earlier today and boy do I feel refreshed and renewed. 

Lately I have been feeling weighed down by the demands of the business.  It’s an exciting time – the launch of my upcoming ebook among other things - but at the same time stressful. 

My pastor’s message was entitled, “ God’s Got It.”  

He outlined 4 ways to demonstrate that God is our source of strength in the midst of challenges and difficulties.   Be inspired! 

Rejoice in the Lord.  We can rejoice because of His omnipresence, the partnership and communion we have with Him, and His promise to never leave nor forsake us.

Represent the Lord.   Choose to respond to circumstances instead of reacting to what comes your way.   Your countenance and actions should reflect God’s presence in your life.  Remember always to exude a spirit of appreciation for all that He has done for you, and anticipate the good that God will  continue to bring forth in your life.

Release frustrations.   Be anxious for nothing.   Remember all the times He’s pulled you through in a lifetime and believe he will do it again.  Relax more and let God do what He does best (and that is bless).

Make your requests known.  In the midst of your tests and trials, ask the Lord to clarify it’s purpose at this particular time in your life.   Seek His provision for what you need, and ask God to give you power and strength to persevere and endure.

Hopefully these tips serve as a powerful reminder to cast your cares unto Him.

Lighten your load today by giving over to God the biggest portion of what weighs you down most.  

Trust in His promise to perfect the things that concern you – and live!

Have a FANTASTIC week.    : )

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:  Write out your vision for a life of freedom. Be specific…include every intricate detail that you can think of.  Here are some questions to get you started:  What does a life of freedom mean to you?  What does it  look like to you?  Your family?  What does it feel like?  What kinds of activities are you engaging in daily? weekly? monthly? And under what terms?   How much time are you devoting toward self exclusively?  With loved ones and friends?  How will ”being” and “becoming” on your own terms  change your life for good?