Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Before you make your resolutions and set your goals, DO THIS first!

Uchechi

So, 2014 is about to come to a close, and I’m sure many of you have been thinking about resolutions you want to set in the New Year. I’m one for planning and setting goals, but late last year, I discovered something that I thought was just genius and I wanted to share it with you today. It may be the ticket that actually guarantees that you strive for the right goals; ones that you will actually enjoy pursuing.

So, what is this new method I’m talking about? Well, it’s from one of my mentors, Danielle Laporte, author of The Desire Map. The Desire Map’s core concept is that, because we set a goal in order to feel a certain way, we need to start from there (the feeling place). She says, “You’re not chasing the goal itself; you’re actually chasing the feeling that you hope achieving that goal will give you.” She calls these feelings, your core desired feeling. When we take this approach, we then set our goals based on how we want to feel. If you take a look at past goals you’ve set for yourself and your business, if asked, “why did you want it”, it really boils down to a feeling. Let’s take a goal to get 10 new clients for your business. It really isn’t just about the 10 new clients, but more about how getting those new clients will make you feel: the desire to reach more people with your product or service, feel accomplished, productive, and of service. Those are the goals you’re really going after, not just the number of clients.

Let’s take another example of a resolution many people have which is to lose weight, say 20lbs. It really isn’t just about the number 20, but really about how losing 20lbs would make you feel: the desire to feel fit, strong, healthy, confident and sexy. So, before you set your resolutions and goals this year, it is critical to establish your core desire feelings first!

Next year, my biggest focus is on my core desire feelings. My specific tangible goals, which are important to have, is now based on my core desired feeling not the other way around. So many times, we subscribe to society’s definition of success and achievement. We then strive to reach it, even though reaching it does not evoke feeling of success for us! You need to understand what success feels like for you, and then align your goals to those feelings. If we take the example of losing 20lbs, and focused on the core desire feelings of being strong, fit, confident and sexy, you can set goals to strength train and work out 3-5x/week, because that’s what it will take to feel that way versus just having a goal to lose 20lbs. Even buying that cute little black dress that hugs all the right places will give you the same feeling! How great is that?!

Another great thing about this is that it allows you to evaluate opportunities that come up through the year. So many times we lose focus on our goals or have the “shiny object” syndrome. However, if you have something to compare the opportunities against, it makes it much easier to decide what is best for you. You are then able to make decisions that are aligned to your values and missions.

When you’re clear on your core desired feelings, you become an “intentional creator” of your life as Danielle puts it. As we all know, we start of the year with great intentions. However, along the way, we may hit some roadblocks. When we focus on our core desires, we are able to recognize when we’re not on it. We can’t control what happens, but we can control our reaction and experience of what happens. Focusing on your core desires allows you in those moments to take back your control and ask yourself; “what can I do to generate my core desire feelings”. This allows you to not be a victim to your circumstances.

Check out my two of my favourite gals in this video (Marie Forleo and Danielle Laporte) talking about the steps to match your goals to your core desired feelings here.

So when setting your goals this year, be clear on why you’re setting your goals and look to match them to your soul’s desires.

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Founder of My Empowered Living (http://www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women shift their mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get her FREE online video training series The 4 Keys to your Business Success! This free 4-day business training reveals her 4 key strategies needed to build a profitable and successful business, and how to put them to work in your business!

Your business is not a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ project; you need all the help you can get!

Uchechi

Lately, it’s become evident to me how critical support communities are needed in order to grow, develop and achieve your goals. This is relevant both in your life and business.

I saw just how important this was when I was fortunate enough to enroll in Marie Forleo’s B-School program in Spring 2013 (if you haven’t heard of Marie, google her, you won’t be disappointed!). One of the strongest benefits of this program is having a network of 12,000+ amazing, supporting and loving entrepreneurs. These are business owners who get what you go through on a daily basis. As different as we all are, there is always a level of love and support within the group. It’s fantastic because you can post a business or tech related question, to questions regarding support launching a new business and program, or even support of a personal nature where all you’re looking for is a virtual hug and reassurance that all is well. And you get an influx of support no matter what you’re looking for. It can be quite empowering.

We all know that business ownership can feel lonely at times, and when you’re a female business owner with family responsibilities and obligations, the feeling of overwhelm can add up. This is why it is so critical to have a network of people you can call upon to help you navigate through the ups and downs.

This support network should consist of those who understand what you’re going through and are able to inspire and motivate you to keep going. Your network should also be able to hold you accountable to your business goals, in addition to supporting and sharing resources with you to help achieve your goals. Forming or joining a mastermind group is an amazing way to get this support and bring like-minded people together, along with various social media groups that you can join.

Another benefit to having this kind of support is that a funny thing tends to happen as you start to grow and evolve in your business. Sometimes, those closest to you become distant and may not support your growth and aspirations. They no longer become aligned to your goals and needs as a business owner. This can be difficult and lonely because it’s hard for these people to understand the risks that you take, and the committed needed to achieve the success you crave. They may resist the change in you as you start being the person needed to reach your goals. Consequently, you no longer become comfortable in the crowd you’re currently in.

Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So I ask you, look to those that you spend most of your time with. Are they ones that inspire you? Do they support your growth? Do they encourage you? Or do they sabotage your desire for growth and success? Be honest and strong enough to walk away or distant yourself from those that do not support you, and look for those that do.

Remember, you may be self-employed, however you need the help of others to achieve your business goals.

 

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Founder of My Empowered Living (http://www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women shift their mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get her FREE online video training series The 4 Keys to your Business Success! This free 4-day business training reveals her 4 key strategies needed to build a profitable and successful business, and how to put them to work in your business!

Is time to step up and go pro!

Uchechi

Have you recently had an idea for a great new project, or possibly recently launched one? Maybe you’ve already set up a business, but sometimes find yourself not stepping up and making the commitment you need to get the results you want.

I see this so many times with people. I get into a conversation with someone who passionately wants to build and grow their business. They are blessed with amazing gifts that they one day hope to cultivate further, and become more successful; however they do not take ownership of their gifts. They stay stagnant and remain stuck or dabbling in it and not fully committing to it, and sometimes treating their business like a hobby.

The key to unlocking your potential and building the business you crave is to stop being an amateur and going pro. This is something I’ve learnt from Marie Forleo and Steven Pressfield, who are strong advocates of the need to stop living our lives as amateurs.

I recently read that “in every moment of your life, you’re either operating like an amateur or a professional. An amateur does things half-assed, is late for meetings, doesn’t give 100% of themselves and let’s their negative attitude and self-limiting beliefs {i.e.: “I can’t do it. It’s too hard. I don’t have the money”, etc.} run the show. In contrast, a professional gets up every morning, practices extreme self-care, is on time, doesn’t let their mind-chatter run the show and is in it, to win it.” How honest and direct is that?!

If you do not have the level of success you want in your business, it’s time to take inventory and see in what ways you’ve been operating like an amateur. Where have you not stepped up and committed to growing your business? If you want more clients, but don’t make offers and network with potential clients. Or, you have an idea of great new product that can help grow your sales, but find yourself constantly procrastinating and never getting started. How many times have you stopped and quit at the first sign of opposition, or complained, gotten frustrated and angry because things are not working out as you’ve plan and you’ve yet to reach your ideal goal?

Going pro means being fully committed and not just being interested in achieving your goals. When you are just interested you do what is convenient versus being committed which means doing whatever it take.  When you are committed, you will not make any excuses. You focus on how you can and will.

This is not an easy task, but it starts with making a firm decision and going after your goals, regardless of the inner critic voicing its concerns. You keep going and working towards your dreams. It also means doing the things you don’t feel like doing, and facing possible rejection and criticism.

Think about how the greatest athletes practice their craft. Yes, they have a passion that fuels them, but they’re also disciplined and committed to being the best they could be. This is something each and every one of us is able to do in our own lives and in our business. This will lead us to the desired results we all crave. But it starts with a decision to stop being an amateur and going pro.

So I ask you, in what ways are you ready to turn it up and go pro? Let me know in the comments below.

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Co-Founder of Elite Wellness Services Inc. (www.elitewellness.ca) and Founder of My Empowered Living (www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women change negative and disempowering mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get your FREE copy of 5 Simple Steps to Create a Life you’re Crazy About! A 15-page workbook!

Shaking Off The Funk

einstein

Happy Friday Entreprenistas and Small Business Mavens!!

I have to throw it out there – This girl needs blue skies and sunshine to keep her ingenuity flowing.  In my world, grey skies seem to equal a whole lot of blahness.  Yes, blahness.  Now I know that blahness isn’t actually a word but it is the most fitting description that I can come up to best depict things.  My mood is flat, my energy is low and my motivation seems to have taken a vacation without me.  In fact, I’m convinced that for the past few weeks my motivation has kidnapped my creativity and is holding her hostage in my bed, buried under a heap of soft, warm blankets while I head off into the real world each day.

I don’t think that I am too far out in left field for suspecting that too many days of unseasonal gloom here in southwestern Ontario have, perhaps contributed to the recent uninspired and befuddled funk I seem to have fallen into.  My creative energy has been as flat as my hair gets when I’m caught in the rain, and in the last few weeks we all know how often is has rained.  Perhaps some of you share also my sentiment and can relate?  If so, then this post is especially for you!

Yes ladies we are smart, savvy and strong small business superwomen, but we are also human beings.  The aforementioned funk, groove, rut or motivational blues can, and will happen to each of us at one time or another in our lives.  At some point the stresses we encounter in our day-to-day lives take either a physical, emotional, psychological (or a combination thereof) toll and as result, can leave us feeling drained, out sorts, uninspired and downright blah.

Rest assured my sisters, you are not alone.  Marketing and lifestyle expert Marie Forleo addresses this very issue in an episode of MarieTV’s Q & A Tuesday’s.  Marie offers some excellent advice in typical “Marie” style (which includes a healthy dose of flavor, humor and sass) that will help you to get motivated to get back in the saddle when you’re stuck in a rut.

MarieTV:  How to Get Motivated When You’re Stuck In a Rut

From the video, here is a list of Marie’s 4 Steps to help get you unstuck.

1.       Be Honest.

**Don’t hide your true feelings and pretend everything is OK.  Be honest and truthful with yourself and the people close to you.

**You are not a “Debbie Downer” or burden, especially if you stick to the facts and don’t go into victim mode.

2.       Get out and be around people.

**Make plans, fill up your calendar and be around people.  Hiding from people will just keep you stuck in your rut.

**Don’t bail on your social life – it’s important for your emotional health.

3.       Take action!

**Do something about it!  Read an inspirational book, take a personal development workshop, perhaps see a therapist or even have your health checked.

**You NEED to get out.  Don’t hide from the world or wallow.

**Get things done.  Start with one small thing, even if you think it is completely unrelated to the bigger problem such as calling a friend back or cleaning out a drawer.  Completing simple tasks will help to motivate and inspire you because you will see things starting to get accomplished.

4.       Forget about waiting for motivation, Take charge!

**Happy, productive people don’t wait for motivation they just “get on with it.”

**Use Marie’s “Bring the Party” technique!  You will be amazed by the positive effect this approach will have on all areas of your life.

Marie shares the following inspirational quote in her video:

“Losers wait for motivation.  Winners just get Sh*t done.”

In typical “Marie” candor this quote is blunt, without reservation, and is as downright honest as my eyes are blue.  (Which reminds me that I need to get my butt in gear and get a head shot submitted so you all can see that yes, my eyes are definitely blue…)  When you are stuck in a funk it is important NOT to dwell on the negative.  While it may not feel like it today, this too shall pass.  Remember to focus on what you CAN do!

Be honest with yourself about what it is that you are feeling and also why you’re feeling it.  The “what” and “why” of any situation are always key to examine, especially when a change needs to happen.  If it’s clear that something has got to give, acknowledge it.  Acknowledgment is an important step towards boarding the train that will take you the heck out of Funkytown!  Once you make that acknowledgement it’s time to give yourself permission to take action and seek out what it is that YOU need to do to help you move forward into a happier and more productive state.  Look for fun, engaging and interesting activities that are not necessarily business related.  Stepping outside of the “24/7 all work and no play” box will help to re-energize and rejuvenate your body and mind.  And remember, it is important to reach out to friends and loved ones for support while you work on recharging your inner superwoman.

We can all benefit from learning how to create our own sunshine.

Marie Forleo is a best-selling author, speaker, web TV host, and trainer in personal development, entrepreneurship and marketing.  Her company focuses on creating entrepreneurship and personal development training.  Marie’s best selling book “Make Every Man Want You: How to Be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself!” is published by McGraw-Hill in 11 languages.  For more information about Marie please check out her website at www.marieforleo.com.

Shannon Lauzon is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Pragmatic Approach, a boutique small business development, strategic planning and social media marketing firm located in Southwestern Ontario. Pragmatic Approach’s mission is to provide purposeful, solution-focused consulting to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout all stages of their business life cycle.
Contact information: Pragmatic Approach ~ Tel: (519) 498-4958 ~ Email: purposeful.biz@gmail.com ~Twitter: @shannon_lauzon~ Blog (under construction): www.PragmaticApproach.wordpress.com