3 Steps to Gain Momentum in Your Business

3 STEPS TO GAIN MOMENTUM IN YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Fabiola Giordani
Photo Credit: Victor of Valencia
Magazine: Issue #18

Gain Momentum in Your Business

Gain Momentum in Your Business

Ever feel unmotivated like you need a break from everything? I know exactly how you feel my friend. Sometimes, you find yourself buried under a pile of work with little to no time to work on what's most important.

That's why I wanted to share with you "Three Ways to Help you Gain Momentum in Your Biz" right now.

1| Create your own self-care space

This is the number one thing you need to do right away to get your mojo back. Find time in your schedule to add self-care time.

Ask yourself: What do I want to do during my ME time? You can meditate, take up yoga, read your favorite book, get a pedicure or even sleep. Whatever you decide just schedule your me time. This is going to keep you inspired and refresh through your day.

2| Organize Organize Organize

One of the main cause of chaos is the lack of organization. I'm guilty myself so I won't pretend to be perfect. I can just share that when I get things organized life is so much easier.

Take 1 hour a week to prepare for the week. Plan out what you need to do in your business and a few action steps on how you will tackle them right away.

A few tools you can use to get yourself organized are Trello, Google Cal or Evernote. Create systems for your business to help you get focused and organized.

A great book that I highly recommend to help you with building systems for your biz is : The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber.

3| Know your Why?

Honestly, the best motivation comes from knowing your why. Why do you want to build your biz? Why are you blogging? For everything you do in life there is a reason. If you need motivation think about your reason. In the words of my favorite speakers Les Brown "Your why will be your rod and your staff that carries you through it all"

There you have it friend! Three ways to gain momentum in your "Three Ways to Help you Gain Momentum in Your Biz".

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Being Overly Flexible is for Yoga, Not for Business

Being Overly Flexible is for Yoga, Not for Business

Being Overly Flexible is for Yoga, Not for Business

BEING OVERLY FLEXIBLE IS FOR YOGA, NOT FOR BUSINESS

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Laura Jade Stone
Magazine: Issue #38

Being flexible in business is such a great attribute, we need flexibility in order adapt and solve problems for our business. We as entrepreneurs do everything we can to become and maintain a successful business, sometimes even bending over backwards to please a customer or client. At so many levels this is acceptable in order to survive. Other times this can be a trying event. 

As a Reiki Master/Teacher I have always managed my practice to cater to all and any client willing to come my way. It was in these efforts I realized that I was practicing what I like call “Business Yoga”. I found myself bending and contorting to every need in order to reach and teach students. I would do everything I could possible do in order to secure a client up to and including changing class dates, fee structures, and letting clients dictate what was once a business plan of my own making. I was allowing all clients to run their plan, not mine.

Again I will say that being flexible is a fine quality, but to what extent do go to? We all have those clients that will dictate their availability even after scheduling, and those in addition who are consistently late for appointments. Even those who just need an extra everything to please them. These are the types of clients that greatly reduce your ability to run your business as efficiently as it should run.  In place of running your business you are actually performing a yoga routine. Being in tune with and preventing these events can make your business run with greater reward and general well being.

Knowing when to say no is the key to stop being overly flexible. We all are solving a problem and providing a service, it’s of the upmost importance that we remain clear with all clients of what our expectations are. Our time and sanity it just as important as the services we provide. We can provide a great service to all clients without giving into “Business Yoga”, let’s save that for our down and meditative time in a studio rebalancing and relaxing. Your real clients will get it.

1| Project your expectations to every client, potential and current.
2| Know when to say no
3| Do not accept schedule changes repeatedly
4| Take charge of what is your schedule
5| Know when to let go of clients that consume excess time
6| Do not be overly flexible!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Stop Making These 5 Excuses! Grow your Design Business Today

STOP MAKING THESE 5 EXCUSES!
GROW YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS TODAY

Article By Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

Stop Making These 5 Excuses! Grow Your Design Business Today

Stop Making These 5 Excuses! Grow Your Design Business Today

I have two questions for you... Are you trapped in all the reasons NOT to start that dream design business? Are you still swimming in uncertainty splashing around in the kiddie pool of imagination because its 'safe’?

You know you really want to unleash your design voice! So why not STOP making these 5 excuses and dive off the high-dive into the ocean of success!? Get inspired to move past your blocks so you can grow your design business today.

1 :: I Don't Have Enough Money

Who does? You could sit in this false mindset all day, every day. This is the most costly mistake holding you back.    
By saying “I don’t have enough” is an example of the “lack” mentality holding you back from attracting abundance and the design career that you are meant to create. You’re simply denying yourself of a higher possibility—a soul goal.  
There is an ancient business idea that all start up businesses need ’funding’. Frankly, this is old-school and limiting to your success. There are 101 ways you can open the doors to your new design studio! Here are some things to consider to determine if you are ready to move past ‘not enough’:
        |Are you resourceful? Who do you know and how can you cut corners in the beginning?
        |Are your sights set TOO high? Think about if you have a tangible plan. Is jumping strait to the idea of having a fully staffed, design firm with 100k+ clients really feasible?
        |If you say you REALLY want to do this, plan smart and work hard!

2 :: I Don't Have Enough Time

If you have your clear vision but the excuse of time is holding you back, you’re not alone. I struggled with this mindset before opening my wellness studio. Being a mother, fine artist and teaching yoga full time had me strapped, I thought there was no way in hell I could do start a successful wellness studio but I found the time because I was on a mission and passionate. Maybe..
You are in the corporate world and feel exhausted at the thought of launching a new business on the side. Or maybe you have children and feel “the timing not right” so “I’ll wait it out”. Whatever your current reason, remember we live in an age of “quick and easy”.
        |Within minutes you could have a website up and a pay button added to your site through a Stripe account or PayPal.  (This, by no means, means that you’re completely legit as a business entity and there are till details to be ironed out but this is a start!)
        |Get selfish with your time and find hidden pockets in your day you can commit to growing that brilliant design studio.  Get off Netflix and wake up 2 hours earlier… BOOM! You’ve got a bonafide part-time gig going!

3 :: I Don't Know How To Build A Successful, Lucrative Business Plan

Your business plan should evolve and change over time. Entrepreneurs are always finding creative ways to improve and be malleable in order to find success. A formal business plan is time consuming. While it is important to have clear vision and growth strategies, laying out any and all ‘what ifs’ can be depressing!  
Is a business plan important? You bet your bottom! But if you’re using this as an excuse to not move forward, STOP! If you are looking for clarity and momentum, this ends up being the fun and exciting part my clients love and it can be done in as little as half a day. (CTA—call me).

4 :: I Wasn't Trained At The Best School So I Can't Start A Freelance Design Biz

I don't have enough credibility to draw in high paying clients. I’ll be seen as a fraud. Clients only hire designers with years of experience. STOP! I want you to take a long deep breath right now….
You are the owner of your own design destiny! Don’t fall into the trap of feeling that you’d have to suffer INTO your new solo career. If you believe in what you do, you’re passionate, open, skillful in your art, respectful and professional you will be seen as an expert worthy of being hired.

I have to confess, I had these limiting beliefs about myself even when my career was taking off. As you grow, so will your client base. While it’s ok to have dreams of climbing to the top in one step. Stay grounded and focused on your current capabilities, do quality work and keep manifesting your design dreams.
You will be tempted to make excuses because you are a visionary taking exciting risks.  

Return to the feelings of positive possibility and your big ‘WHY’. You will be opening the doors to your new design business soon!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

3 Steps to Building a Business Online... Create, Collaborate & Thrive

3 STEPS TO BUILDING A BUSINESS ONLINE...
CREATE, COLLABORATE AND THRIVE!

Article by Denita Austin
Photo Credit: Laura Jade Stone
Magazine: Issue #38

I know what you’re thinking right now. I don’t prefer to collaborate on projects in business simply because it never works out or, I just prefer to work alone. News flash! Was Apple managed by Steve jobs only? Was he the only employee at Apple? It takes a team to build an empire and that traditional way of thinking will create a road block in the middle of your plans real fast. If you have horror stories with collaborating, it’s only because you chose the wrong person or people to collaborate with. Have you ever selected a restaurant to try out and walk away disappointed? Did you try another restaurant or did you call it a quits and decided never to visit any other restaurants ever in life? 

We are students first in this world of learning and exploring. We are constantly learning about what we stand for in our businesses and in life period. I promote and encourage ladies to collaborate. It’s a beautiful opportunity to create magic. Here’s a perfect example: If I am great at graphic design and you are great at sales and we both are in the same industry, why not work together? No one wants to admit it but I believe a few egos are getting in the way of creating this magic? What are your thoughts? 

BE BRAVE – BE BOLD – BE COURAGOUS

Let’s just name a few benefits of collaborating shall we?

Personal and Business Development – Not only will you grow as a person but you will learn additional tools and techniques for your business. Two heads are always better than one

Sales and Marketing - Not only are you cheering for a common goal, theme and project, but both of you are working together as a team. Less stress right?

Relationships – Not only are you building your communication skills in business but you are building a strong foundation for future business partnerships

Ideas and Creation – I’m not sure about you but as a creative spirit, my brain is all over the place so it’s great to have someone who speaks the same language (creativity) Do you know how much you can create with two or more people?

CREATIVITY IS YOUR SUPER POWER

Don’t allow past experiences to get in the way of your success. Build your business and new chapter of your life one step at a time. Create, Collaborate and celebrate your business in true bliss. I’ll be here to cheer you on. Woo Hoo! You Rock! 

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

5 New Beginnings for Rebooting and Feeling More Successful in Your Business

5 NEW BEGINNINGS TO FEELING SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Darlene Dunn  

holistic-fashionista.jpg

We are in full force in 2014 and it's time for new beginnings; however, you may be feeling like you finished 2013 off kilter.  Perhaps, like our computers, you need to re-boot.  Take some time to reflect on the following and make a new plan:

Success Strategy #1: Friends/Associates

  • Have they been holding you back or cheering you on?
  • Perhaps it is time to ‘cut’ a few people from your circle if they are keeping you from pursuing/achieving your dream

Success Strategy #2: Knowledge

  • Do you an area of deficient knowledge?
     
  • What knowledge, if attained, will help you move your business to the next level?
     
  • Make a plan to attain this knowledge in 2014- You need to keep an insatiable thirst for knowledge alive this year.

Success Strategy #3: Your Words

  • Are you speaking success into your life?
     
  • Have you ‘listened to yourself’ lately?  
     
  • Make it a priority to listen to yourself.  Are your words holding you back from achieving your dream?

Success Strategy #4: Your Attitude

  • Do you need the proverbial- ‘check up from the neck up’?
     
  • Sometimes just tweaking our attitude can make a huge difference in our business


Success Strategy #5: Decisions

  • Were you decisive in 2013? Realize that every time you do not make a decision, you actually make a decision
     
  • Be intentional with your decisions but don’t become paralyzed by over-thinking each decision
     
  • Let you vision/mission statement guide your decisions- each decision should move you one step closer to achieving your dream.

Put these 5 success strategies into action and see what happens next. Each step you'll gain a little more clarity about what it is you are hoping to achieve, you'll have a sunnier disposition, and most of all you will begin to attract more abundance into your life and business. Let’s go achieve our dreams, you smart entrepreneur!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Make Your Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BRAND
STAND OUT IN A CROWDED MARKET

Be The #1 Brand In A Crowded Market

Be The #1 Brand In A Crowded Market

Article by Gail Shapiro
Photo Credit: Carley Page Interiors
Magazine: Issue #37

It’s a very popular topic and for some of you a very big worry. You think you have a great idea for a business but then you look around to discover “so many others are selling or teaching the very same thing”. So how will you survive, let alone be the huge success you dream of becoming? If you look around carefully and closely at what you are perceiving to be your competition I promise:

“You will not find anyone doing exactly what you do – exactly how you do it!”

And that’s exactly how it should be.

Think about this: when you decide to buy a book on any given topic whether you are trotting off to the local book store or shopping online, as soon as you start searching you discover there are oodles of books to choose from.
:: Are they all written by the same author?
:: Do they all have the same title? Typeface? Pictures? # of pages?
:: Are they all written in the same style?
:: Are they all bound the same?
:: Do they all cover exactly the same details from the same perspective or
angle?
:: Out of the entire selection is there one book that stands out and appeals to you above all others?

Let’s say you need a new pair of black heels so you head out to the mall.
:: Do all the stores carry the same styles?
:: Are all the black pumps the same price point?
:: Does one store more have a more comfortable shopping vibe?
:: Is the customer service the same in all the stores?
:: Is one store more stylish than the others?
:: Is one store just calling your name?
:: Do you find that one special pair that you just can’t live without?

I could go on pointing out the ways all these businesses are different but I think you are starting to see that even though the fundamental topic of the competition may be the same, that the “packaging and presentation” of the message or product is different every time.

As a customer or client yourself, I’m certain you have shopped in stores you have loved and can’t wait to go back to and those you would never set foot in again. You have likely worked with coaches or mentors you could relate to and followed to the letter and at the same time you have refused to work with others because they just didn’t get you or you could relate on some level.

Well it’s the same for you. You are not meant to sell or work with everyone looking for help on your topic. You must create your own Brand Magic that will attract the followers you are looking to work with. (lets get real here – you can’t and don’t want to work with everyone – it’s your business and your rules – be selective!)

You get to choose:
WHAT you want to sell
WHO you want to sell it to
HOW you want to deliver it
YOUR PERSPECTIVE or angle on the topic
PRICING for your products or programs

That’s your Brand Magic! Your Brand Magic will make you the #1 Brand to the fans and stalkers you want as clients!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

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4 Success Strategies to Help You Stay Focused

4 SUCCESS STRATEGIES TO
HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED

Article by Marlyne Pierce
Photo Credit: Halley Elefante
Magazine: Issue #36

Stay Focused And Win In Business And Life

Stay Focused And Win In Business And Life

Success is never a straight line, assuming you've lived pass the age of 13 - you know this to be a fact! However, one big predictor of success and happiness is your ability to be persistent and remain in the game, even after upset and disappointment. Here are my favorite tips for staying the in game, and winning, time and time again. 

Winning Tip 1 :: Refocus on the Prize

When I was a sprinter in high school, my coach always told the team, “no matter where you are in the race or how many people are ahead of you, never look back. Even if you are in front - never look back.” 

Looking back slows us down. 
Looking back takes us out of the game and into comparison. 


Looking back takes our eyes off the prize and could literally mean we lose out on our win.
Even if you do slip up and take a glance, remember! Winning sprinters NEVER look back. Quickly refocus on the prize. Keep your eyes in your lane and on your goal. It’s the best path forward.

Winning Tip 2 :: Be Selective

When I was growing up, I use to be upset when I found out my friends didn’t tell me ALL that was happening with them. Then as I matured, I realized that sometimes even with the best intentions, if your friends do not have the same vision or foresight as you do, they can stunt your ideas before you even have a chance to fully evaluate them. The fact is you have to be selective. If you know someone will kill your dream by being negative, asking too many uncomfortable questions, or giving you unsolicited advice - don’t share your infantile ideas with them. Wait until you have planted your seed and it has roots, then you can share it with a wide audience. Especially in the early stages of your idea, be selective and share only with other like-minded winners, mentors who have taken a similar path and individuals who you know can understand where you are going and give you guidance that will help you to flourish.

Winning Tip 3 :: Desire is Destiny Calling

No matter what your situation might look like, remember that if you have a deep desire in your heart, you can achieve it. We are built that way, providing the situation is healthy and good for you, your desire, your courage, and your confidence to go after it, can be just the fuel you need to achieve it. If you are pursuing a goal that is not your true and deep heart’s desire, you may find that you become frustrated very quickly. You may find everything to be a struggle and success will be difficult and hard won. Depending on how you were raised, you may have a belief that working harder to achieve a goal, even if you heart is not in it, is the only path to success. But, unless that goal serves a much higher purpose for your life, you will only be wasting your effort and you will soon be burnt out. So when you have a setback, don’t be so quick to beat yourself up. Sometimes you might just need a moment to reevaluate and assess if your next best step is aligned with your heart’s desire or if it will lead to the ultimate outcome you want to create. Your heart’s desire is truly the compass you need to achieve your destiny.

Winning Tip 4 :: Stay in Prayer

When others try to downgrade you. Prayer and connection with the divine will upgrade you. Stay in prayer and meditation, even a few minutes per day can make a world of difference in lighting your path. Your spirit needs that connection to stay energized. It is really the key to being able to refocus, to have the discernment about who to share your ideas with, and to know without a doubt that your deep desire is meant to propel you towards your ultimate destiny.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

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Why You Suck at Business and How to Course Correct

WHY YOU SUCK AT BUSINESS
AND HOW TO COURSE CORRECT

Article by Pamela Wills
Photo Credit: Halley Elefante
Magazine: Issue #36

Why You Suck at Business

Why You Suck at Business

Hint: You have to actually TRY

Lookout, I feel a rant coming on...

Oh man, I talk with far too many Artists who think that creating art is their only responsibility! I mean, can you imagine?? What about the responsibility of bringing the art to the people?? That is a very big, very serious responsibility. Not to be taken lightly. Amiright?? The question always comes down to HOW?? I mean, I'm sure you've noticed by now that it's not like, if you make it, they will come. This ain't no field of dreams, peeps, this is the real life! 

Before we start working together, clients often drop little bombshells about how they've had a book published, they're represented at a gallery, they've written songs for major recording Artists, all like it's no big deal. But it's huge! Amazing! Enviable! And thoroughly well-deserved as they are all mega talented Artists.

So then, How are your sales going? I usually ask. Any marketing going on? Any PR or social media? Do you talk about those big wins at parties, ever??

Almost every time, I hear this: No, not really. I don't like talking about it. That's too scary! I'm sure you can guess how many times I say this: If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, well then... Listen, I get that many of us are kind of left high and dry on the learning curve when it comes to technology and social media and all that.

But there is no excuse for hiding behind your art. There is no excuse for refusing to share your gifts with the world. There is no excuse for letting your fear of judgement get the best of you and keep you from talking about your work.

Am I saying you have to bore people with endless diatribes about your creative process? NO, please no! Am I suggesting that you explain at length the many ways that you've been screwed over by this or that agent or gallery? Are you kidding me, have we MET? No. I AM saying that if you want to gain recognition and CASH for your work, you MUST talk about it, put it out there, expose yourself to criticism and praise, accept both, realize the value of your creativity, charge what your work is worth, talk about it talk about it talk about it talk about it (to the rhythm of Funkytown if you please).

Are you with me??

Good. Rant over.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.