When you start a new business or take action on a big idea that you’ve had brewing for a while, it can be a very exciting time.

I remember when I started my first business.  Initially, my goal was to earn an extra $500 per month so I could afford my own apartment and eliminate the need for a roommate. 

Over time, my vision for that part-time local business began to grow and ultimately it became an international business that had revenues of just under 2 million.

Along my entrepreneurial journey and working with 1000′s of women, I’ve discovered that there are 4 phases to entrepreneurship and each phase plays a key role in your success.  Each phase requires a different skill or way of thinking and one is not more important than the other.  You may find that you are a “natural” in one or more of the phases and possibly “challenged” in other phases.  If so, you will want to think about getting support in the areas where you’re less comfortable.

1. The Big Ideas Phase
   The beginning. You dream about the future, about your preferred life and how your Big Idea can help you live that preferred life. You have visions of working in your dream business doing something you enjoy. During this phase, your vision of the business is “general” or in the broad sense. Example:  Maybe you’re dreaming of becoming a yoga instructor.  You have a vision of owning a yoga studio where you have the opportunity to teach yoga to people who want to be strong and healthy. (You get to do something you love, get paid for doing it and keep a strong healthy body too!)  You daydream about the idea, however, you haven’t actually created a plan to make it happen yet.  Maybe it’s still a “secret” to everyone except a close friend or family member.
2. The Illumination Phase
   I refer to this as “shining a light” on the Big Idea. This is the phase where you become more “specific” about the dream. The idea actually begins to take shape.  Using the yoga studio/instructor example, you may be asking yourself questions like:  What age group will attend my classes? Where will I teach? Do I want my own studio? What time of day and how often? The Illumination Phase is a time to begin writing these questions (and the answers) down in a journal that is kept solely for the business. The Big Idea is beginning to take shape now.  This is the beginning of your business plan.
3. Process and Plan Phase
   This is the “doing” phase. You bring your Big Idea to reality. Maybe you need to become certified as a Yoga instructor. You begin to explore the certification process. If you desire your own studio, you’ll want to look for space that will be an ideal location. You are now beginning the process of setting the business up, claiming a name, and marketing yourself to attract clients.

Women are the most creative beings on earth. You have Big Ideas that have the ability to be award winning businesses.  It’s essential that each phase be nurtured along the way to ensure your success.

You may want to go from the Big Idea Phase directly to the Leader Phase without actually putting a plan or system in place to handle your clients once they become attracted to your business.  On the other hand, you may be spending so much time on the Illumination Phase that you can’t seem to “pull the trigger” and get out there in a big way to promote yourself and your Big Idea.

All four phases are necessary if you want to create ultimate success.

When I began my journey as a woman entrepreneur years ago, I realized I needed support in several of the phases. I needed the support of coaches and mentors in the Illumination Phase to help me take my Big Idea from “general” to more “specific.”  I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my team which is paramount to the Process and Plan Phase.

I invite you to take some time and think about which entrepreneurial phase you’re in right now.  Discover where you are a “natural” and consider getting some support in the areas where you need help so you can enjoy the ultimate success you want and deserve.

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.

I made a firm decision that if I couldn’t get to my destination on foot or by bicycle, I’d just stay home. This got me thinking about how Smart Women create their own “Hermageddon” to relax, recharge, renew and repair their own lives.

In my work with women, I often suggest they take an exit ramp from their day to day routine to contemplate where they are now and where they want to go – both in their business and personal lives. This is typically met with a big gulp, heavy sigh and: “You mean alone, by myself?” “I don’t have time!” “Who will take care of everything while I’m gone?” Because you play many roles in your life, it can be challenging to imagine leaving your current life for even an hour, much less an entire weekend. In my own experience, it is one of the best ways to find crystal clear clarity and focus around designing both a business and personal life that reflects your core values.

When you have the opportunity to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities and open your mind to quiet, peaceful reflection, magical things happen; you manifest answers to nagging questions, generate ideas about what you can change and accept what you cannot change.

Here’s the interesting fact: “Carmaggedon” came and went without a major glitch. Why? Because the city of Los Angeles prepared for the traffic interruption.

If you are ready to get crystal clear on the vision for your future, I invite you to take these 5 action steps to plan your exit for 24-48 hours (or longer if you can manage it):

1. Set a date – Pull out your calendar and decide when you want to take an exit ramp from your daily life. There will never be a good time so pick a date that works reasonably well for you.

2. Choose an environment – Where will you retreat? Do you enjoy the mountains, ocean? Do you want a spa retreat or just the basics?

3. Give everyone plenty of notice – This is an essential key. Make sure everyone who’s a key player in your life knows when you are leaving and returning. When everyone understands the plan, they are more likely to jump on board and be supportive of your needs.

4. Pack your bag for success – You’ll need very little. Comfy clothes, shoes for walking, a journal, pens, highlighters, oversized white post-it paper for visioning, colorful markers, your favorite tunes. (I always include a favorite bubble bath gel as I’m a big fan of taking baths.)

5. Shut down – If you want to have 100% success, I invite you to completely shut down while you are away. Leave your emails, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn behind. You may need your phone for emergencies or to call your family at bedtime to say goodnight but otherwise, press the off button.

As I write this article, I’m sitting at my desk enjoying my own “Hermaggedon.” Yep, my hubby and kids went to Palm Desert this weekend to visit grandparents. I stayed behind to vision, create, write and prepare for my preferred future.

You can do it too. You can have your own “Hermaggedon.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching.

– Do you ever feel “stuck” or “challenged” by all of the marketing advice?
– Do you have a desire for a clear plan of action to grow your business and increase your income?
– Would you like to have someone help you peel back the layers of your business and find the hidden gems?

If you answered “Yes!” to even one of these questions, you’ll want to take advantage of my Smart Woman’s Strategy Session (by phone) where I will:

*Help you uncover the hidden gems in your business that will attract your ideal client and increase your income in 30 days

*Help you develop a clear, easy-to-understand marketing plan to uncover which strategies work best for you right now

*Give you personalized attention to help you get clear and focused

Because of my schedule right now, I only have 3 spots open for those that sign up first, so if you’ve like to grab your personal, private spot with me and claim your HUGE Valentines Day discount, click here. This offer ends on Monday, February 21, 2011.

If you’re ready to get out of overwhelm and move into action, I invite you to spend a special hour with me to help you attract your ideal client and turn your passion into profits.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/vipsession

Be well,

 Joy

PS  Remember, I only have 3 spots available and it’s first come first serve! I’d love to work with YOU!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/vipsession

– Do you ever feel “stuck” or “challenged” by all of the marketing advice?
– Do you have a desire for a clear plan of action to grow your business and increase your income?
– Would you like to have someone help you peel back the layers of your business and find the hidden gems?

If you answered “Yes!” to even one of these questions, you’ll want to take advantage of my Smart Woman’s Strategy Session (by phone) where I will:

*Help you uncover the hidden gems in your business that will attract your ideal client and increase your income in 30 days

*Help you develop a clear, easy-to-understand marketing plan to uncover which strategies work best for you right now

*Give you personalized attention to help you get clear and focused

Because of my schedule right now, I only have 3 spots open for those that sign up first, so if you’ve like to grab your personal, private spot with me and claim your HUGE Valentines Day discount, click here. This offer ends on Monday, February 21, 2011.

If you’re ready to get out of overwhelm and move into action, I invite you to spend a special hour with me to help you attract your ideal client and turn your passion into profits.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/vipsession

Be well,

 Joy
 

PS  Remember, I only have 3 spots available and it’s first come first serve! I’d love to work with YOU!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/vipsession

There’s never been a better time for this. Why? Women are starting businesses at a faster rate than anyone else right now.  This is an exciting time for women entrepreneurs and if you are ready to make big leaps in 2011 and dream about having a real-life mentor to take you by the hand and help you design a business with your own personal brand of success, then this is for You!

In a hurry, click here!

Read below what one smart woman had to say after our VIP ½ Day Retreat:

“I was struggling with making some decisions – and I didn’t even realize it. I spent a half day with Joy in a VIP Intensive and came out with a new outlook, total clarity and a plan to take me well into 2011. I had been holding on to something that wasn’t working and with one question from Joy, she opened up my eyes and allowed me to let go of the old and embrace the new. We laid out the big vision for the year as well as many of the smaller steps to get me there. Within 2 weeks of our VIP day, I had an ezine created and sent, calls scheduled, an updated website and 2 clients in my new program. Thanks Joy!” ~ Cathy Alessandra, www.PublishMyMagazine.com

As I reflect on my year, one area where I experienced a great deal of “joy” and satisfaction is my personal, private work with Smart Women. I love being part of the breakthroughs, brainstorming and brilliance that’s inside of You. As I look at 2011, my calendar is nearly full of Success Circles, speaking and other commitments and goals that are also of high importance.

So, I’ve made a decision (by the way, this is the first secret to getting what you truly want in life). Today, I’m offering a special gift to you and it’s also going to be a birthday gift for me! If you are truly ready for a year of transformation—one that takes you on a journey to accomplishing all your goals and having the business and life you dream about, then please read on. For the first time ever, I’m introducing:

The Smart Woman’s Year of Entrepreneurial Transformation

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

You’ll have the choice to work with me privately and personally. Women report that this is the one action step that has changed their business dramatically. They’ve:

– Exceeded their income goals
– Attracted more of their ideal client
– Become highly productive by doing the “Right” things
– Enjoyed working with someone who really cares about helping them achieve their Big Idea Dreams and Goals
– Created a life that includes both business and personal satisfaction

I should also mention that it’s only open to 5 women (due to the time commitment and level of service) who are ready to take their business and their life to another level of transformation. 3 of the spots are gone!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

I hope you’ll consider joining me. Without a doubt, it’s going to be a year of transformation like you’ve never seen before.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

To your coaching success,

 Joy

P.S. Remember….this special gift is only open to 2 more women due to the time commitment and level of service. So if you’re ready to leap into 2011 with ease, confidence and clarity, join me for a year of transformation.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

As I reflect on my year, one area where I experienced a great deal of “joy” and satisfaction is my personal, private work with Smart Women. I love being part of the breakthroughs, brainstorming and brilliance that’s inside of You. As I look at 2011, my calendar is nearly full of Success Circles, speaking and other commitments and goals that are also of high importance.

So, I’ve made a decision (by the way, this is the first secret to getting what you truly want in life). Today, I’m offering a special gift to you and it’s also going to be a birthday gift for me! If you are truly ready for a year of transformation—one that takes you on a journey to accomplishing all your goals and having the business and life you dream about, then please read on. For the first time ever, I’m introducing:

The Smart Woman’s Year of Entrepreneurial Transformation

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

You’ll have the choice to work with me privately and personally. Women report that this is the one action step that has changed their business dramatically. They’ve:

– Exceeded their income goals
– Attracted more of their ideal client
– Become highly productive by doing the “Right” things
– Enjoyed working with someone who really cares about helping them achieve their Big Idea Dreams and Goals
– Created a life that includes both business and personal satisfaction

I should also mention that it’s only open to 5 women (due to the time commitment and level of service) who are ready to take their business and their life to another level of transformation.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

I hope you’ll consider joining me. Without a doubt, it’s going to be a year of transformation like you’ve never seen before.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

To your coaching success,

 Joy

P.S. Remember….this special gift is only open to 5 women due to the time commitment and level of service. So if you’re ready to leap into 2011 with ease, confidence and clarity, join me for a year of transformation.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

First, It’s my Birthday.
Second, I’m boarding my favorite airline (Virgin America) with my family bound for Florida to visit my parents and sister.
Third…it’s New Year’s Eve (A time to reflect on the year in review and prepare to step into 2011 with confidence and clarity)

As I reflect on my year, one area where I experienced a great deal of “joy” and satisfaction is my personal, private work with Smart Women. I love being part of the breakthroughs, brainstorming and brilliance that’s inside of You.  As I look at 2011, my calendar is nearly full of Success Circles, speaking and other commitments and goals that are also of high importance.

So, I’ve made a decision (by the way, this is the first secret to getting what you truly want in life). Today, I’m offering a special gift to you and it’s also going to be a birthday gift for me! If you are truly ready for a year of transformation—one that takes you on a journey to accomplishing all your goals and having the business and life you dream about, then please read on. For the first time ever, I’m introducing:

The Smart Woman’s Year of Entrepreneurial Transformation

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

You’ll have the choice to work with me privately and personally. Women report that this is the one action step that has changed their business dramatically. They’ve:

– Exceeded their income goals
– Attracted more of their ideal client
– Become highly productive by doing the “Right” things
– Enjoyed working with someone who really cares about helping them achieve their Big Idea Dreams and Goals
– Created a life that includes both business and personal satisfaction

I should also mention that it’s only open to 5 women (due to the time commitment and level of service) who are ready to take their business and their life to another level of transformation.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

I hope you’ll consider joining me. Without a doubt, it’s going to be a year of transformation like you’ve never seen before.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

To your coaching success,

 Joy

P.S. Remember….this special gift is only open to 5 women due to the time commitment and level of service. So if you’re ready to leap into 2011 with ease, confidence and clarity, join me for a year of transformation.

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/transformation

Joy is having a Spring Special on her Creating The Spark system until midnight, March 20th. When placing your order just use the Coupon Code “spring” to receive $75.00 OFF the normal investment price.

Your Creating The Spark system includes:

– The Creating the Spark system packaged in a beautiful binder with over 20 proven time-tested exercises with colorful diagrams and illustrations that will lead you to exploration and discovery of what’s next for YOU
   
– 2 Audio/CD’s where Joy personally takes you by the hand and guides you through the 6-Step Process so you can learn-on-the-go at your convenience (*a $197.00 Value)
   
– 53 “Essence Cards” designed to give you clarity on what really matters to you right now in YOUR life (Women who work with Joy love this part!—It’s like a game! Plus, the Essence Cards are nestled in their own elegant, purple organza pouch. This also makes the system per fect for gift giving.)
   
– Your very own, lavender Self-Discovery Journal filled with 70 pages of unlined ivory paper that allows you to let your creativity for your future to come alive! AND so much more! Read it all here, http://www.creatingyourspark.com/.

Invest in yourself now and plant your seeds using Joy’s proven system for success in having the life & Business that you will love. Just go to http://www.creatingyourspark.com/ and don’t forget to enter the Coupon Code “spring” for a $75 savings!

“Spring Cleaning – Clear The Clutter Coaching Program”

Spring is the best time of the year to let go of what’s not working, take on more of what you really want in your life and I’m going to show you how.

This program offers 6 sessions for the price of 4 AND I’m letting you pay over 5 months! So for just $120/per month for 5 months, you will have my undivided attention for 2 45-minute coaching sessions each month and email support.

Here are the session details:

Strategy Session 1 – Taking an inventory of where you are right now. What’s working really well? What’s not working?

Strategy Session 2 & 3 – Begin to explore and discover what might be possible for you.

Strategy Session 4 – You will become clear and focused on where you want to go and what you want to accomplish.

Strategy Session 5 & 6 – Create a personal plan of action for total success.

Deadline to register is April 8, 2009 and I have to limit the number of participants to 3 BUT there is only 1 spot left now. Contact my assistant Lynne at Lynne@SmartWomenSolutions.com soon if you want to to get on board with me.

Be well,

Join me:

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/JoyChudacoff
Facebook:  http://profile.to/JoyChudacoff
Linked In:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/joychudacoff

“Helping women create an extraordinary life.”

“Joy is an outstanding coach.She has helped me build my business (as if she were my partner). She provides strategic business advice, inspiration and motivation, and help navigating the personal/professional balance that women often struggle with. I highly recommend her, and feel that she has made a huge difference in my business. I also appreciate her pleasant and positive style.”
~ Darya Allen-Attar

Lynne here, Joy’s assistant. I have to tell you something. Joy is becoming a very Foolish woman!

It’s April Fool’s Day and Joy just announced to me that she’s giving away 2 coaching sessions for F*R*E*E when you sign up for her “Spring Cleaning – Clear The Clutter Coaching Program.” I tried to talk her out of it but she wouldn’t budge! What a great deal for you.

Joy said that Spring is the best time of the year to let go of what’s not working, take on more of what you really want in your life and she’s going to show you how.

This program offers 6 sessions for the price of 4 AND she’s letting you pay over 5 months! So for just $120/per month for 5 months, you will have Joy’s undivided attention for 2 45-minute coaching sessions each month and email support.

Here are the session details:

Strategy Session 1 – Taking an inventory of where you are right now. What’s working really well? What’s not working?

Strategy Session 2 & 3 – Begin to explore and discover what might be possible for you.

Strategy Session 4 – You will become clear and focused on where you want to go and what you want to accomplish.

Strategy Session 5 & 6 – Create a personal plan of action for total success.

Deadline to register is April 8, 2009 and Joy has to limit the number of participants to 3.

So before she comes back to her senses or tells me that it’s just another one of her April Fool’s pranks, contact me today to get scheduled for a complimentary 20-minute coaching session to learn how Joy’s coaching process is helping so many women.

Sincerely,

Lynne Cutler
Assistant to Joy Chudacoff

310.454.2005

Connect with Joy:
Twitter – http://twitter.com/JoyChudacoff
Facebook: http://profile.to/JoyChudacoff
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/joychudacoff

“Helping women create an extraordinary life.”

“Joy is an outstanding coach.She has helped me build my business (as if she were my partner). She provides strategic business advice, inspiration and motivation, and help navigating the personal/professional balance that women often struggle with. I highly recommend her, and feel that she has made a huge difference in my business. I also appreciate her pleasant and positive style.”
~ Darya Allen-Attar