They said,
"Get a business plan!"

The same gifts of intuition and healing that inspired holistic entrepreneur Allison, to create her own business almost proved to be her downfall. As a natural healer, Allison was prone to under pricing her services, going with the flow, and running her business with her heart only, not her mind.

Allison's method of doing business is common in the clients I coach. She is intuitive, creative, and great at her healing skills, yet she needed some practical support to run her business and earn a living. Holistic entrepreneurs are by nature drawn to helping others. With a shift in perception, most can also earn a good living while doing what they love to do.

I've coached many clients who are either starting out in business or wanting to take their existing business to the next level. Often, they have little or no business plan in place to support their growth. For holistic entrepreneurs, business planning can seem counterintuitive, painful, and unnecessary. On the contrary, it sets them up to create exactly the business they want.

Allison, for instance, had created a great new product, yet had no business or marketing plan to launch the new idea. The creativity and work ethic were there, but not a detailed plan on how to bring the product to market. To move forward, I urge you to create a detailed plan designed to get your "feet on the ground."

Here are just a few of the most important parts of a good business plan:

Identify an ideal client - Narrowing in on an ideal client niche makes marketing much easier because you understand and solve the problems experienced by a specific clientele. Examples of a niche are "yoga for over-50" or "holistic care for pets."

Create a business plan - There are many good templates available; find one and put into writing the vision, mission, marketing plan, clientele, strength and weakness analysis, and financial prospects for your business. If this sounds intimidating, seek support from your local Small Business Development Center or Chamber of Commerce, take a class, or work with a mentor/coach. As with most new undertakings, getting started is half the battle.

Be ruthless with your time - Say yes to work that supports your business plan and places you in front of your ideal clients. Say no to all else. There is a big difference between making progress toward specific goals and just staying busy all day. For each task, ask yourself, "Is this bringing me closer to the goals identified in my business plan?"

Develop a marketing funnel - Remember Allison? Her product was great, but it did not fit logically into her business. It was a one-hit wonder rather than part of a funnel that would consistently bring her clients. Business improved when Allison created a line of products, from low cost to high cost, each successively building on the next, solving a specific client need, and funneling ideal clients to Allison's ultimate, high-end services and products.

Overcome a dislike of marketing - Many service providers have a difficult time selling their services, because they are the product. Find a marketing method that feels authentic and that consistently places you in front of your ideal client. Then practice that method until it becomes second nature. Give yourself permission to avoid marketing that does not feel authentic.

Business planning and holistic services are absolutely compatible. The key is to get started, get support, and use the wonderful gifts holistic entrepreneurs are known for: intuition, creativity, and love of service.

One of the very best forms of support is to invest in coaching to move ahead in your business faster and with greater ease. (Did you know that the dollars you invest in coaching may be tax deductible?)

If you are ready to take your business to the next level, then keep reading below, for information on my holistic business building TeleClass which begins May 17th!

Join me again next month when I will share the secrets of effective and authentic marketing.

If you are serious about taking your business to the next level, this teleclass is for you.

Six, one-hour telephone sessions will cover:

• Who is Your Ideal Client (and why you should care)
• Easy and Intuitive Business Planning
• Time and Process Management
• Authentic Marketing
• How to Charge What You're Worth
• Holistic Business Basics

Click here for more information

How to Change How You Feel About Change
Don't just survive - THRIVE during times of change and transition. Understand how the human brain works during change, the stages you will pass through and set yourself up to grow through the opportunities and gifts inherent in change!

Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2007
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Frederick Community College
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Wise Women Holistic Festival
In addition to speaking, I will again be offering a limited number of free, 20-minute consults for holistic business owners. Reserve your spot in advance or sign up during the festival!

Saturday, May 12, 2007
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Unity Church of Fairfax, VA
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Help! Help! My to-do list is killing me!
Do you feel that your to-do list controls you rather than the other way around? This four-part class invites you to join with other busy individuals to identify and then do what YOU want to do with your precious time.

Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2007
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Frederick Community College
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Celebration of Life Holistic Expo
In addition to speaking, I'll be offering free, 20-minute consults for holistic business owners.

Saturday & Sunday, August 11 & 12, 2007
10:00 am to 5:00 pm both days
York, PA

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