10 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You

Mountain lion, your guide for 10 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You

 Mentors are the people who are a little farther along on the business path than you. He or she will help guide you with the knowledge that has been gained along the way. Mountain lion is a great guide to work with in order to call in a mentor to help you achieve your goals.

A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

The right mentor for you will...

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies with Humpback Whale

I’ll be perfectly honest, and I know this is not a popular opinion, but I don’t like social media. In me, it brings up old wounds, shadows, and feelings of inadequacy, envy, and even overwhelm at times. It can be a HUGE distraction, too. Social media seems necessary if you want a successful business, and yet, there are those who have opted out. It gives this girl pause for thought.

There are beautiful people on both sides of this debate. There are a lot of us wobbling on the fence. What if you feel like running from the Social Media beast, but think you need to stay, or even want to on some level? I can’t deny the beautiful connections that I’ve made that wouldn’t have happened any other way and staying in touch with these Lovelies is way easier on social media. Yet I can't help wanting to make real connections, in person instead of online. What's a Soul-o-preneur to do?

Since I’m one of those on the fence, here is how I cope:

10 Simple Ways to Add Ease & Joy in Your Biz

Why do you need ease and joy in your business? 
It reduces stress, keeps you from getting overwhelmed and worrying about only the small details.

1. Write down anything that is in your head. Keep it all in one place.
2. Keep your calendar up-to-date.
3. Make sure you inbox is completely clear by the end of the day. Use a "Follow-up" folder for emails you don't want to deal with right away.
4. Take a break regularly throughout the day.
5. Set good boundaries on your time.
6. Your business is a way for you to give your gifts, talents, and love away daily.
7. Simplify. Get rid of anything or tweaking those things that aren't useful, beautiful, loving, or joyful. Automate anything and everything that you can.
8. Invest in yourself. You are your best business assets.
9. Play. Have a childlike curiosity about everything going on in your business.
10. Surround yourself with the people who empower, honor, and support you. You are the average of the five people who you hangout with daily.

Less Clutter = More Ease, Joy, and Flow in your Business! 

How do you find ease and joy in your business (and life)? Tell me in the comments below. Curious minds want to know.

8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business

8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business

Have you ever gotten to the point where nothing is working in your business, and you're ready to give up and quit? We've all been there, so don't despair.  I've found that when I get to that point I need a couple of things: 1. Self-care. I've probably forgotten to take some time for me. You can read my thoughts on that here or here. 2. Friends and Family. The other thing that seems to fall by the wayside when I'm focused on my Biz. I'm not saying it's right. It just happens. Both of these are easily remedied. 3. My office has become a dumping ground and is no longer sacred space. This is also easily remedied.

What is sacred space?
An environment that supports your needs, as well as your clients or customers, is sacred space. As the energies of a space mixed and mingle, they can get muddied causing icky feelings and a drop in sales. Yep, you read that right...drop in sales!

Here are 8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in your Biz:

10 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business

10 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business

As Soul-o-preneurs, our lives are directly connected to our businesses. There is no separation, and in my opinion that is how it should be. After all, we are whole beings and our business is the outward manifestation of our inward knowing. Both are energies. Therefore, you could conclude that your energy centers, or Chakras, can and will affect your business.

What are Chakras? Chakras are the energy centers in your body through which energy flows. Most people know of seven. Personally, I believe there are many more, so we'll talk about ten and how those ten affect your business.

4 Things a Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

by Deborah Globus

4 Things A Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

 

When you’re a small, heart-centered business owner – a soul-o-preneur as Heather calls us – it’s absolutely vital to the success of your business that you get yourself out there and “get seen.”  This is what is behind the whole “you are your brand and your brand is you” idea. 

It is challenging since many of us tend to be tenderhearted, service-oriented, humble and full of integrity.  Marketing in the usual way is tough, so here are some do’s as you explore ways of being seen that work for you and your business.

So what’s a tenderhearted soul-o-preneur to do?

The 1 Thing Not to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur

The 1 Thing NOT to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur
Photo by Catherine Beerda-Basso

 
I had a blog post all ready to go, but then something happened that, quite frankly, needs to be talked about. It’s the one thing that we (as women) know as truth, but in the masculine world of business, we ignore, push aside, get through, and don't talk about. That is our moon cycles. As I come to the end of my moon cycles, each blood that does happen is precious to me, but I've not been mindful enough to realize that I wasn't truly honoring it as a business woman, until now.

Not so long ago, moon cycles were honored and considered sacred. A woman on her moon was excused from work because her energies were powerful and no longer about the outside world. She went to a secluded and safe place with other women who were bleeding also. What mattered during this time was the inside world, messages, signs, and voices. It was a strong intuitive time, a time to talk to Spirit for the good of herself, her family, and her community. She would have visions, journey, sleep, and dream. A woman would spend the time interpreting these messages for the good of all. This bleeding woman took care of herself and was adorned and pampered by the Elder women of the community. Some scholars believe that as the patriarchy began to rise, menstrual blood taboos were used to control women. It was no longer something powerful or sacred. It was a disgusting waste product to be ridiculed and laughed about. Modern woman took on these taboos as her own, but there is another way.

Love Note #2

Success and Failure are not destinations. They are Celebrations!

5 Things I Learned From the Money-makers

5 Things I Learned from the Money-Makers. Buffalo = Abundance

Lately, I have been seeing an over-abundance of promises on the Web on how someone doubled their income, quit their full-time job to blog, made 5-figures in one month blogging, or doubled their page views in two days? I've been wondering: If there are so many people doing this, what am I doing wrong? And not just that, but if there are so many people making that much money, why is everyone still living paycheck to paycheck, or hoping someone buys their product so they can eat next month, or taking all of these classes about making more money or growing your email list. Why isn't it happening for everyone across the board?

Alright I admit, I've clicked on a lot of these promises and taken a boatload of classes. Hell, I want to make 5 figures in one month. There is a lot of good I could do in the world with that kind of moola. However, what I've found in reading their information is nothing. They skirt around the subject, but don't really tell you how they did it or the formulas for "success" didn't work for my business. I don't want to be a Negative Nellie or project anything on anyone, but I'm a bit skeptical. The business owners who are actually making that kind of money aren't telling everyone that they're making that kind of money, even if they are business coaches! Just sayin'.

I'm beginning to think that it's a numbers game, "I have the latest get rich quick scheme." Is it all about the money or the people you serve? Can it be both? I want more real and honest communication around business, especially from a soulful perspective...or am I the only one?


So, here's what I've learned from the money-makers:

Why You Need a Crystal in Your Bra...and other Woo-woo Stuff!

Why you need a crystal in your bra...and other woo-woo stuff!

I know it might sound silly to some of you, but I know many soul-o-preneurs who put crystals in their bras. And I'm one of them. Why in the world would we put a crystal in our bras? These "ta-ta stones" reduce anxiety, calm emotions, relieve stress and worry, and heal the heart, not to mention they can BOOST your business. They positively affect your energy and keep your intentions close to your heart. What soul-o-preneur couldn't use a little of that?

For me, it's a matter of being true to myself. There has been a medicine woman inside of me for years. I've stuffed her down and shut her up for far too long. She wants her time in the sun, so I've incorporated her into every aspect of my life. As a wise medicine woman and business healer, I had to take my own advice and follow my heart. Guess what, it led to poverty. Yes, you read that right. Then I followed my head. That lead to money in the bank, a sickened mental state, and my soul crying out for freedom. Finally, I found the best of both worlds. And you can, too! (Hint: it happened to be a little citrine crystal I put in my bra)

Be true to your soulful self!  Find the medicine that is balm for your soul and helps you shine your light.

Here is my truth:

3 Soulful Marketing Tips for Heart-centered & Intuitive Entrepreneurs

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by Beth Barany

 

Dolphin teaches soul-o-preneurs how to connect with his or her customers

Like many of you, I didn’t step into my work all excited about marketing my work; all I knew was I wanted to help people. I was driven to connect, serve, build a business, and bring my gifts into the world.

Over the years, I’ve absorbed some understanding on how to market my touchy-feely business of helping novelists write, publish, and market their books. I’m also a novelist, so I’ve had to learn how to market products and services. After nine years of running my business helping writers, I’ve found ways to bring in new clients, fill my programs and classes using the tips I share here.

First, marketing is about making a soulful connection.

Second, marketing needs to be done consistently and continuously.

How can you connect to your audience? Where are your customers online and off? How do you clients prefer to be contacted or communicated with?

What Would Happen If You Quit Social Media?

What would happen if you quit social media?

 I've been toying with the idea of quitting social media all together. I've had many discussions with friends and family about the good, the bad, and the ugly, why to stay and why to go. Why am I even considering such a drastic move? Here are my reasons:

1. Other than my business. I don't get much out of social media. Okay, I do enjoy pinning tiny house ideas to Pinterest. You got me!
2. I find myself comparing and judging not only others, but myself as well. That's not cool in my book and not aligned with my values.
3. It feels like an addiction or at least a cage. How many times do you check Facebook? See what I mean!?
4. I'm trying to be more mindful of everything in my life, including my time. Social media is a HUGE time suck.

 I know quitting seems drastic, but I've taken sabbaticals and felt fabulous during and right after. Then all of a sudden, the gremlins of Comparison and Judgment creep back into my day-to-day life. I hate when that happens. And if I add the verbal attacks that I've witnessed on social media, why would I want to be a part of that world? It all seems odd and definitely against my values.

Passion is a One-Night Stand

"Passion is a one-night stand." ~Elizabeth Gilbert

Recently, I heard Elizabeth Gilbert talk about passions and purpose. They seem to be the buzzwords of the last several years. You always hear and read that you MUST find your passion and purpose in order to be happy. It's important to find your purpose and you find it through your passions. Huh? Really? Who made this rule and why didn't I get the memo? Okay, that's great advice if you have a clear one.


Oh and I bought into it hook, line and sinker. Makes sense. Everyone wants to be happy, right? Did I really believe it. Truth be told, not really. And boy did I struggle with it! My passions are all over the map from tiny houses and helping women with their businesses to art and writing. How do you combine those? And if my passions lead to my purpose...good grief. I don't even know where to begin there.

4 Steps to Cleanse, Clear, and Release In Your Business Each Year

2015 Releasing Ritual

For more than 10 years at the end of each year, I go through a cleansing, clearing, and releasing ritual in my life and business. It is a great opportunity to reflect, re-member, and release what no longer serves. I usually take November and December to do this, so I don't feel rushed to get it all done in a week, or something silly like that. Focus on one area at a time!

Here are the 4 steps that I use:

1. Choose an animal guide. This year my guide for reflecting, remembering, and releasing is Ibis. During a journey, Ibis explained that I needed to bring more balance into my life, revive and restore my heart and soul. Therefore, I will be working with her during this phase. You can find out more about journey work here.
2. Cleanse, clear, and clean EVERYTHING! This means from my spiritual tools to sweeping and mopping the floor. My inner world and outer world both get a thorough going through. This includes backing up and clearing out computer files and paper files, gathering tax papers, putting old notes in a new idea journal, and feng shuiing my space. I sing the song Holy Mother that I heard from Pixie Lighthorse several years ago for all of my inner and outer cleaning. It connects me deeper to the tasks of cleansing, clearing, and cleaning.

Mining the Inner World For Your Business

A Journey to the Spirit Realm looks and feels like this.

 
What is journey work? I get that question a lot!

Here's what it is and how I use it to help other women soul-o-preneurs:

A journey is a powerful meditative state and the gateway to non-ordinary reality. Ordinary reality is the world we can see, touch, and feel in our every day. Journeying is the method that I use to access other worlds where the spirit helpers are found. These unseen forces have guided and protected you since you were born. Non-ordinary reality is the realm of the spirit, of visions and dreams, and the sources of your energy, creativity, passions, and love. Being there is an honor and a blessing not just for me, but for those I journey for. I bring back wisdom and words of empowerment that relate to you and your business.

How it's done: 

Are you ready to be a soulful business woman?

Being a Soul-o-preneur is not for wimps!

Five years ago, I was sitting with friends bemoaning my full-time job and dreaming of being my own boss. I was sure it would be much easier and certainly more lucrative. My friends asked why I would want to do such a thing. They told me things like: "I had a job that most people dream about, what about health insurance, income inconsistencies, and having it run your life." I laughed and continued with my plans for "freedom." For once, no one and nothing was going to stop me.

Fast forward to present day. They were right, to a certain extent. Here's what I've learned: Being a Soul-o-preneurs is not for wimps. And that is no joke! However, if I had known then what I know now, I would have done it anyway. There are just some things you have to learn, and it's a steep learning curve. There's nothing like trial by fire!

Here are some thoughts: 

The 5 P's of Being a Soulful Business Woman

I started my soulful career at 5 years old. You see, I had just received my first camera, a Brownie to be exact, and it needed film. I didn't have enough money saved up and my parents thought it best for me to earn the money anyway. I thought for weeks about what to do to make money. Brainstorming was in order, and a technique I use to this day. I decided that everyone likes flowers in their house, so I headed out to an obliging field and picked the prettiest wildflowers I could find. There were purple ones, white ones, and yellow ones. Perfect!

 
 

Field of Wildflowers and the 5 P's of being a soulful business woman

I took them home and put them in water. The next step in my plan was to draw these beautiful flowers. Luckily, I had reams and reams of computer paper. The old kind that was big and perfed with green lines on the back. I drew and colored about 20 different views of these flowers, had a little PB & J, and headed out the door with my wares in my little red wagon. I know it sounds cliché and more than a little old-fashioned, but it worked!

Looking back on those times, I definitely had the 5 P's of being a soulful business woman.

In Honor of National Cat Day...

Kitty says, "Take a nap, so you can take care of business."

Who knew there was actually a National Cat Day? However, cats can teach us a million wonderful things about taking care of ourselves, so we can take care of business, our families, and our communities. So in honor of National Cat Day, my kitty says, "take a nap."

How do you take really good care of yourself? Tell us in the comments below!

3 Super-easy & Soulful Pricing Strategies for Soul-o-preneurs

If you want to take your business seriously you have to know your numbers, no question about it. Oh I hear all the soulful women groaning. No worries! Pricing your work is something you can work on over time. However, it does need some mindfulness put behind it right now. As a soulful business woman, it's one of the things that weighed on my mind. And it was mainly because I wasn't bringing in enough money to sustain me. The scarcity mindset took hold and really wreak havoc on my money flow.


In pricing effectively, you want to:
A. meet your needs and live a comfortable life.
B. have prices that your customers and clients can afford and get the services they want from you

If you're feeling discouraged because you’re working hard and not seeing the money coming in,
or you feel disappointed because you're ready to expand your reach and have a bigger impact, I hear ya! I know what you’re going through, and you’re not alone!


Here are three formulas to unblock your money funnel and get the moola magic flowing in your direction:

Do You Know Your Business Worth?

Coyote knows how to create your business worth

Jill Doneen asked me a great question about how to know what you’re worth. In her words:

I see a difference between asking for what I'm worth and asking for what I want. Those are different. I have no way of putting a number on what I'm worth. Worth? What does that even mean? I can tell you how much money I want in order to put my attention with your Body Wisdom and do my “thang” for 90 minutes. But worth? I don't know.

Hung up on semantics? Maybe. But words are powerful, and I have a policy of being careful with mine when possible. I tend to blow up my household when I'm not careful. Sigh.

Here's my two cents: