I’d been invited to speak at a Sales leaders luncheon in February and while I was browsing the internet for statistical information to supplement my content I came across the above mentioned quote.

I stopped for a moment, contemplating the above statement and with a rather peaceful sigh

realised that

somehow I understood exactly what Betty Friedan meant.

In a good way.

Four years ago, much like Betty, I left behind my corporate position, my lovely Tuscan home on the banks of the river, great income and social status in exchange for safety, kid shifts, lunch boxes and laundry, to move to Australia.

6 months after migrating, I too woke one morning,

and asked the question

Is. this. all. there. is?

This question has taken me on a 4 year journey of introspection,

transformation, discovery and

often epiphanies.

As epiphanies go , I recently discovered this, while reading a book called Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life’s Work

they can be darn useful, they serve their purpose, exposing your bullshit…

leaving you with the choice of continuing to believe in the bullshit or to turn pro

Can you guess which I chose.

Let me give you a clue.

It is not brown in color and certainly does not smell like poo.

You got it!

I turned pro.

I started my business from home ( my personal story had a lot to do with this ) I realised that I wanted more from life, I’m not saying that dropping of kids, making lunchboxes  and doing laundry was bad, it has it’s place and is much needed in my home, but for me to feel fulfilled, making beds does not cut it.

So , if you’re thinking about starting your own business, or perhaps you already have a business, here are a few important tips I found helped in the early stages of my business.

Do what you love to do.

So often people have an idea to start a business purely for profit, while this is good – it’s also not sustainable. In my opinion you must love what you do or else you simply are exchanging one job for another.

On those freaked out, crazy days when the world and your home seems to be upside down

Chill, relax, breath and take it slow. ( Organic growth can be good growth)

(Confession time)

It’s taken me 4 years to get to this point.  [ and I am still a massive work in progress.]

before

I was the crazy lady control freak who wanted EVERYTHING to work exactly the way I saw it happening in my mind.

Lucky for me and for those around me I was surrounded by beautiful people  (my hubby) who continued to support me even when I had scary hair brained schemes.

and

I am a lot more chilled.

Working on your own can become quite lonely and the need for intellectual adult stimulation much needed.

Find and connect with people who are on the same wavelength as you

This is a must. – you could go dilly listening to your own voice.

Connect with people who get you, inspire you and encourage you on the crappy flat days.

Having a support network of likeminded people who can also stretch your boundaries and challenge your way of thinking is sooooo important. I find this helps me to remain focused on taking the next big step to grow my business to the next level.

There is so much more I could add.

I wont.

There is plenty of time to share the amazing journey and insight that becoming a successful entrepreneur brings

So

If you liked this article please like it , tweet It , leave a comment or share it with your friends.

To peanut butter sandwiches and growing business

When asked what type of action she took to achieve her most recent results and successful launch of her Money Bootcamp, her answer;

Denise started out pretty much like most new business owners, failing forward and working hard to try and figure it all out. When others were thinking of giving up, Denise was tweaking and taking massive action and in her own words ” doing everything” to make it work.

What an inspiration!

With this in mind I am honored to be able to say that I was in the fortunate position to interview Denise not too long ago. Her friendliness and genuinely open attitude had me hooked instantly. I know that you will experience the same feeling of instant connection that I had with her when you watch this video interview.

Click here or on image above to watch video

Denise Duffield-Thomas is a coach and motivational speaker who helps exceptional women create outrageous success. Her book “Lucky Bitch” is a practical and fun take on the law of attraction and what it really takes to manifest your wildest dreams.

It’s a must read, I loved every minute of it and related quite well to many of the challenges Denise faced.

If you’re a women who wants to live an extraordinary life then this book is a “must read”

Go — Go get it now !!! – I guarantee you will be inspired to take action on your dream. Yes girl.. don’t wait until it’s too late and you have a bucket load full of regret. Today is your day, make the most of it NOW.

Getting hold of Denise is easy – Follow this link

If you hurry, you might be lucky enough to sign up for a FREE recording of Denise’s ;

The 7 Money Blocks Holding You Back from True Abundance

Remember to connect with me on Facebook where I often share more of this kinda stuff , tips, inspiration and strategies to grow your business.

Stepping up the anti

I certainly knew she was gorgeous having been on her website a few minutes prior to the beginning our interview. I just had no idea that she would be drop dead gorgeous, and totally business savvy.

Immediately comfortable I loved the time I spent chatting to Camille uncovering her secrets to success.

as for Lucky;

he’s just drop dead gorgeous too. ( keep a look out for him around the 6min mark)

2013 is most certainly the year for love, Camille Thurnherr from IgniteMrRight.com will agree that finding a good partner is similar to finding your niche market and at times a little help is needed.

“Her fresh and powerful approach has helped hundreds of women in their search for Mr. Right.”

Her struggles in finding Mr Right took her on a path where several of her friends and other women started asking her for dating and relationship advice. She soon realised that she had a passion for helping other women in their relationships .

Camille  shares her defining moment which caused her to step up in her business with me, in The Art of YOU, Redefining your life and business Interview series.

Camille’s natural and friendly disposition came across clearly and I can understand why many single women engage Camille to assist them find their Mr Right.

Click the video below to watch the Interview

I was most definitely inspired by this lovely entrepreneur who is making her mark as a relationship coach.

Remember, your Mr Right might be just around the corner..

To your success, lovely

You have to ‘be’ before you can ‘do,’ and do before you can ‘have.

Zig Ziglar

How often do you take time to seriously be inspired at the success of others?

Often we are so busy comparing ourselves to other wonderful successfully business savvy women out there that we forget that some where inside we have a little bit of that awesomeness too.

Very rarely can you see or identify a quality in someone else without that quality being in you.

Isn’t that amazing?

I love this concept and go about my day looking for the spark, light and awesomeness in people.

knowing,

that I have these qualities too.

or I would never have noticed it.

I had a discussion recently with a potential client who mentioned that her new goal is to make a 6 figure income next year, the topic of BE, DO, HAVE came up in my mind again.

It reminded me of The Art of You interview series I had recently completed, where I had the privilege to interview a few business savvy and successful female entrepreneurs

I discovered,

All these women had transitioned from feeling like fakes to BEING successful entrepreneurs.

You might ask, how did this happen? What did they do?

They simply chose to start BEING – what they considered successful.

Here is what I uncovered;

They add their new title as part of their signature on emails even before they are successful, simply stating that they are already that, which they are working toward becoming.

They introduce themselves as the person they envision becoming.

They act in this way, dress in this way, and speak and mix with successful likeminded and successful people.  ( The power of association )

When we do something over and over again, it eventually, like a habit becomes something we do automatically. The unconscious mind believes what it is told resulting in outward manifestation or doing that which you have told it over and over again.

Aristotle says

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Who do you need to BE to achieve the results that you desire in your life and business?

So, go on, get out there, Choose to BE  the amazing “rockstar” business savvy entrepreneur that you are today.

And please,

remember to check back in, connect with me on facebook.  I’d love to support you along the way.

Love, Light and Happiness.

Brenda is a Business Growth Strategist who works with motivated and committed entrepreneurs and professionals who are struggling to attract clients, and frustrated at not being able to identify the next step to move them forward in their business, she supports, inspires and encourage them through her coaching programs, consulting and training to Increase confidence, gain clarity, attract more clients to work less, earn more and create the life and business they truly want and desire.

~ Charles M Schwab

How’s the new year panning out for you so far?

I’ll let you in on a little secret,

I. have. high. expectations for 2013,

Yes, for each and every one of you.

Great super expectations for 2013!  – I want to give back as much as possible to entrepreneurial women to create a life and business they love 100% and deserve.

This is the year of breakthrough, expansion and awesome things to come. If you have not yet said farewell to 2012 my suggestion is to do it now, close off 2012.

There is no way you can start the new year off with baggage hanging around your neck.

When I first decided to do this closure exercise I though it was silly too, but believe me when you’re dragging your past limiting beliefs, negative attitudes, I should have’s and failures around with you, it really becomes difficult to focus on the path ahead.

On

Your big bright brilliant future.

So do this now, create your own little “closure 2012 “ ritual.

• Write down all the things that you would want to put behind you.

• Make a list of all the wins, achievements and successes however small that you had in 2012 – keep the list handy to remind your self that you have moved forward, even if it’s only a little.

You can even go as far as to burn the list of all the yucky stuff you would like to forget, your mess up’s ( I had many ) and the icky moments.. doing this symbolically brings release from the old and creates space for the new..

• Make a list of how you want 2013 to be.

I have even made a list of how I want feel in 2013

And

Create a theme around 2013.

For me this year I have chosen the word

EXPANSION

as my theme for the year.

Expansion  ~ means to grow, spread out, thrive, flourish, enlarge, get bigger, better, fill, gain..

I’m sure you get it ….. expansion in all areas. I have also added “Authentically “ to this.

To BE ME is very important, so I will be expanding authentically this year.

Your Turn

Do have a special theme chosen for 2013?  What will you be doing to be creating the life and business you desire this year.

What do you need to leave behind to step forward?

Find out how I can help you to expand in 2013. “Up Level Your Life or Business” lets connect and make this a year to remember.

CLICK HERE to schedule your appointment

Love and happiness.

When you get the opportunity to interview several business savvy female entrepreneurs like I recently did in The Art of You , Redefining your life and business interview series, it becomes quite difficult to not to gush and burst forth with song ( a little dramatic, I know ), but each of the 10 women I interviewed shared openly about the journey they undertook to start and grow a successful business, that I feel like I want to shout accolades from the rooftops.

To say that I was impressed with the determination each women displayed is an understatement. I was inspired and took a few golden nuggets to use in my own business.

Kris Emery of KrisEmery.com is one of these wonderful women, and it is my absolute privilege to share her interview with you.

Kris Emery is a writer and editor, and author of Freelance Your Heart Out.  After learning the ropes as a staff writer in London, UK, she quit her “grotty day job” and took the plunge into freelancing, with elated success and horrendous, embarrassing failure.  And she wants to share her experiences.

She now lives in Auckland, NZ, writing, editing and coaching others to do a great job of freelancing through her online programmes.  Her purpose is to help people express themselves and find freedom in freelancing.

Kris is a successful entrepreneur who is willing to share her insights,  her biggest frustrations and challenges when starting her business. Watch her interview HERE

A fighter at heart Kris experienced a slight set back prior to publishing her own book. Listen in as she overcomes this ( yes , she has a real fighting spirit, which I admire tremendously )( around the 9 min mark )

In the coming year,Kris will be introducing guided journaling and blogging to help entrepreneurs discover the power of their own voices too.  Teaching other people about writing and expression.

Taking a Stand,

Kris has found her voice,

I believe every person has a message to get out there.  Nobody should feel, as I did for so long, that their voice counts less because they’re ‘not a natural writer’.  Each person’s story is as valid as the next in my eyes and there is no vocabulary, grammar, or syntax rule that separates the good from the bad. Instead, it’s about the voice.

It’s about the message.  It’s about the story.  It’s about expression.

It’s about putting pen to paper and writing what you need to write.  Regardless of what they say.

I know that I will be looking to Kris for guidance with my own writing, Yes! A book is on the cards and as Kris says , one of the most difficult things for me to do is to get my thoughts out on paper, although I am sure with Kris’s help and support I”ll soon be the author of my own story ( Well now it’s out, I had better get to it – no more procrastination from me )

Is there an ebook idea inside your head that you can’t get out?  Do you freeze up every time you try to put pen to paper?  Do you know your stuff, but find it hard to articulate?

Hear more from Kris.  Learn more on language and writing at http://KrisEmery.com or catch her on Facebook or Twitter

Curious about how I can help you to increase your business confidence, clarity and income? Click here to work with me.

To your success,

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Monique Alamedine shines when she describes her journey of becoming a successful  ………………… wait for it

“Successful stay at home mum entrepreneur ”

( Click here to watch video )

I was fortunate enough to meet Monique in Sydney a few months ago, a facebook friend and fellow Bschool Babes and immediately I knew that I had if ever I did an interview series, ( which i did and you’re watching it now ) i would want to interview Monique Alamedine, with her big beautiful bright smile, a jam jar of green tea and glass straw in hand, she exuded energy and is a delight to be in a room with.

Find out what Monique calls the “Balance Myth” how this was her biggest challenge and why as entrepreneurs trying to be Superwomen does not cut it, I had a good chuckle as some days I can totally relate.  ( clue – it’s around the 10 min mark in the video )

Monique shares her story  of how , 2 Singlets to hide her, butt crack, muffin top and big bust started her out on her entrepreneurial journey as the owner of  Snugbod Body Suits and the most recent evolution to her latest business of assisting

women regain their spark,

After losing hers sometime ago, Monique has a new lease on life and her intention and passion is to teach and inspire other women to rekindle the flame, and to keep on shining as they are meant to..

Monique says

It has been quite a journey over the years, and somewhere along the way I lost my sparkle. Major lifestyle changes have enabled me to reclaim my zest for life again!

To read more about Monique’s sparkly Re-birth, grab your free ebook

‘Reclaim Your Sparkle – 7 Super Powerful Strategies To Get Your Sassy, Savvy Sexy Back!’

by entering your details in the box on the home page or at Snugbods Website.

Your turn;

Being an entrepreneur can often be quite challenging, How do you ensure you remain sane and keep the balance between, home, kids, school, clients and work. Would love to hear your thoughts on this, so pop on over and leave a comment in the box below

Keep on shining

It has been such a wonderful experience to be in the position to interview 10 dynamic and successful women entrepreneurs and today it is my pleasure to introduce you to the fabulous (brainy and beautiful) Kerry Belviso.

I approached Kerry a little while ago as I was inspired by how she had built up her business in a short period of time. As an entrepreneur myself I wanted to tap into the thoughts and ideas of other successful entrepreneurs to share them with my clients, inspire and encourage them to consistently move forward and never give up on their dream.

During our conversation Kerry shared how she overcame depression and how this started her off on her business building journey.

I asked Kerry ;

What she enjoyed most about her business?

This was her answer ;

I love my clients and helping them clear the blocks that may be blocking them reaching their potential; it’s a real privilege to work with people at what are often key transition times in their lives.Aside from that I love the creativity of being in business.

If you can let go of the shoulds and bad work habits (such as working too many hours, not taking breaks, poor eating or lack of exercise), there is often an enormous scope for structuring your business and lifestyle in a way that works for you, whilst having a positive impact on the lives of others.

There is always more to learn and growing professionally also means growing personally as you break through self-imposed limitations and beliefs, learn new systems and structures etc.

Being in business is brilliant personal development!

I’m excited at sharing the next few video’s with you, and if you’re anything like me, You’ll soak up the information, mine for the golden nuggets and apply them to your life and business.

My favourite part of the interview is where Kerry shares a great tip with individuals who are starting out and growing their business. Listen carefully as this could be something that you can use to move your business forward.

Kerry is a firm believer in attaining the support you need when building and growing a business.

Knowing just how valuable it is to learn from those who’ve created successful businesses themselves, she was inspired to create a 5 week e-course to help others grow their business with Rebecca Law of Nourish Co. starting in February 2013: Grow.Align.Shine. The program focuses on

a) planning your year and marketing and

b) clearing blocks and aligning your energy to creating a successful business.

Can’t wait!

You can read more and sign up for more info here: http://growalignshine.com

If you would like to connect with Kerry, you can read her blog at http://kerrybelviso.com/blog, connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/awakenkinesiology and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kerrybelviso

Kerry, you rock… and my life is fuller for having met you ~ A BSchool Babe friend.

Your Turn,

Leave a comment below and share your biggest take away from Kerry’s Video and how you will apply this to your life or Business.

Love, Light and Happiness

I just could not get myself to write a blog post on an old site that I felt out of alignment with, although I must admit this one is still very much a work in progress.

This morning I added a status update to Facebook stating that I decided to have a “flat” day .

Yes.

I made the choice to be flat – not hyped up, excited or overly energetic.

Simply

Flat.

For some, this might seem strange, even ridiculous. Others felt sorry for me and sent me little messages of encouragement and then there were those who “got it”

There is no “wrongness” in deciding to feel flat.

To be totally clear I was neither down in the dumps, on a heap crying or ripping my hair out in exasperation. I  simply decided to be  “FLAT”

Taking time to enjoy the rest, the stillness, the silence and finding the answers within, calming the raging storm of continuous and never ending mind chatter to gain clarity and focus on new beginnings.

Reflecting on those things that are no longer serving me, and letttttttiiinng them go…. Making space for the new “brilliant Brenda –style bounce back “

The experience is empowering, energising and full.

Unapologetically – cool.

Hanging onto old stuff, websites, limiting beliefs, agonising decisions,past regrets and habits leave little room for new experiences, joy, abundance and growth.

2013 is set to be a ripper year – I am taking every opportunity to ensure that it’s starts off with clarity and inner peace.

So,

How do you ensure that your flat days benefit you.

1.) Be clear that you have chosen this “flatness” come from a place of letting the day evolve and enjoy the outcome.

2.) What ever the outcome, be it tears, joy, great insights or an experience – let it sit for while and then determine how to apply it to your life or business.

3.) Don’t feel bad for taking “time- out”, this is really beneficial to recharge, reignite and refuel. Heard of the old adage?  “All work and no play, makes Jack / Jill a dull boy/girl “  The same can be said for not taking time out.

4.) Others may not understand it – that’s OK too. This is for you, no-one else.

5.) Enjoy it?  The probability is high that you will get back on the horse quickly and keep going for quite sometime until the next flat day, this could be weeks or months.

I hope that my day has inspired you somewhat to let go, get clear and to choose a “flat”day — you could call it some thing else if “flatness” doesn’t do it for you 

Being really inquisitive I’m wondering;

Have you taken some time to get clear on your direction for 2013.

Your Turn;

What do you want 2013 to look like?

Leave  a comment below, I would especially like to hear how you define as well as what you do on “ flat” days.

Love, Light and happiness

To tell you the truth I actually thought I pretty much had it all figured out.

Well, the joke was on me.

I realised a few week ago that I was going in circles and I was getting more confused with where I thought I was heading to.

About 10 weeks ago I signed up to 8 weeks of RHH BSchool (Rich Hot and Happy BSchool ) and I become a BSchool Babe, one of many that stepped up their business growth online by investing in themselves.

I absolutely loved the course, met wonderful dynamic sassy hot and very different women who decided that they had a vision and something to offer the world – very much like me I suppose.

Each one unique, with great idea’s and even greater websites, products and services..

The start of the entire program was to get very clear on your vision – I really think this is the part that most people miss

GETTING VERY CLEAR ON YOUR VISION OR PURPOSE OF YOUR SMALL BUSINESS 

no half hearted, I think I ‘m gonna do this or this is what I think it should look like

Na ah … VERY CLEAR VISION!!

Saying this I noticed that most of the women who had enrolled for this fantabulous course had a few things in common.

1.) Most had got very overwhelmed at the vast amount of information on the internet and information that flooded our inbox daily
2.) Most had a huge BHAG vision, yet were still unclear as to HOW to take that beautiful vision and turn it into some thing concrete and of value to others
3.) Many suffered form something called “comparatinitis “ constantly looking at others, feeling not good enough and comparing their journey, websites and where they where in the entire scheme of things with someone else.
4.) Many were dynamic women with a dream to change the world, and a tremendous story to tell but weren’t sure what their message should look like, how to create it or package it.
5.) Each one had a need to help others, often it was hardship, an event or something they endured that caused them to want to help others
6.) Many had great business ideas but no process or business system to follow

There were obviously many more similarities but I will address the few listed above today

So lets take the statements made above and look at how having a vision can impact on growing or accelerating your life or business.

A business without a vision soon perishes.

I am sure you are aware that all projects big or small start with a vision.

If you’ve recently started your own small business then you probably woke up with an idea or a vision of something slightly bigger than yourself and you realise that you could use your vision to create a business or life that you really want and desire.

You realise that your vision could be put to good use and you could even make some money from this (well I hope this is what you thought if you’re a small business owner)

The more clarity you have around your vision the better it will be for your long term business growth and sustainability in your small business.

Having a clear vision reduces overwhelm, a factor that can almost cripple your business if you let it. Having a clear vision for your business that is yours will ensure that you remain true to your purpose.

Understand how everything you do, while growing your small business should ultimately lead up into the fulfillment of your vision IE; your systems, process, tactical plans and objectives should all flow upwards into your vision or purpose.
(something I teach in my Accelerate program.)

Can you see the importance of;

“GETTING VERY CLEAR OF WHAT YOU WANT YOUR SUPER HOT SMALL BUSINESS TOO LOOK LIKE?”

Here are one or two questions to get you thinking, if you’re still a little unclear.

1.) How do you want your business to look and feel like, 2 years from now
(Picture it in your mind – create a vision board, write it out, go into as much depth as you can with as much detail as you can muster.)

2.) What are you doing? Who are you with? How much are you earning? How big is your business? How many clients do you have? What are you known for?

Are you getting the picture? No airy fairy work here.. GET CLEAR on what you want your  small growing business to look like (that’s the bossy me coming out )

So go on, If this is where you are still stuck, your vision is a good place to start, and please let me know how you’re going. Please add a comment to the comment box below and share your vision with me.

Yes really! I want to hear from you.

To your BHAG Business Vision.