After parking my car, I approached the line of at least 75 people and asked one man, “Is this the line for appointments?” The man replied, “Oh no, that’s inside.” I took a deep sigh of relief and continued on through the front door. I immediately saw the “Appointment Line” which had only 2 people ahead of me. This got me thinking about how Smart Women understand the value of making an appointment rather than “winging it” in every area of their lives.

People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan. Many people do not value their time. If you ever sat down and figured out what your time is worth and more importantly, how fleeting it is, you’d live your life differently.

Recently, a friend asked me a question about something and my initial answer was, “I don’t have time.” After a moment of reflection, I quickly corrected myself. I said, “Wait a minute, what I just told you isn’t true. I have enough time. I have not placed a high value on this and so I haven’t made the time.” You see, you have enough time for what you want to accomplish. You manifest what you think about. I bet at least once today, you’ve thought or told someone you don’t have enough time—right? If you are really honest with yourself (like I had to be that day) it’s not that you don’t have enough time. It’s that you don’t value the action item or activity enough to include it in the time you have.

The reality is if you want:

• a loving relationship with your spouse/partner
• a loving and bonded relationship with your child/children
• a loving relationship with friends and family
• a successful business that meets the goals and expectations you’ve set
• a healthy mind and body

…I invite you to make the decision to schedule an appointment to spend quality time on what you want in your life and stop “winging it.”

When any area of my life is out of sorts, (if I’m really honest with myself) it’s because I haven’t made an appointment to spend the time that’s required to have meaningful moments in those areas. When I turn my attention to any of these areas, I find almost immediate benefit.

My time at the DMV was short and sweet. My appointment was for 11:55 and I walked out the door with my renewal at 12:20. As I made my exit through the glass door, I caught the eye of a man who had been waiting when I arrived. Unfortunately, he hadn’t made much progress toward the front of the line. I gave him a hopeful smile and continued on to my car.

Your life will unfold based on the choices you make. To quote Annie Dillard, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

Recently, I attended a women’s conference where I had the opportunity to hear from a powerful group of women who’ve achieved an enormous amount of success in business. Each woman represented a different industry from clothing, NY Times best-selling author to food service. What I found interesting was they all shared similar “gold nuggets” in their business advice and insight. All three women have been a guest on the Oprah Show and their businesses have become an international success. They know business.

What I learned may surprise you. You may think that what’s preventing you from achieving your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals is something outside of your control. It’s certainly easy to blame others or circumstances for lack of success in life and business. I, too, have had times in my life when placing blame on outside circumstances was convenient but certainly not very helpful. Once again, I was reminded by these super successful women that success is an “inside” game.

If you’ve been wondering how to take an ordinary idea and turn it into an extraordinary business, read on. These 9 clues to success are guaranteed to give you the edge when it comes to making your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals a reality:

1. Decide – The women were very clear about their decision to become an entrepreneur. There was no turning back. They were focused on making their business dreams and goals happen. Period.
2. Live in Optimism – Each one of them spoke about the power of optimism and this one style of behavior helped them in times of challenge and struggle in their business (especially early on in the start-up phase).
3. Maintain Unshakeable Belief – I had a mentor once who used to say, “people are looking for the chink in your armor.” It’s not what you say about your business that will attract people; it’s how you feel about what you say. These women had unshakeable belief about their business goals from the very start.
4. Take Inspired Action – There is a difference between action and inspired action. Do you get up every day with energy and passion for your business or do you hit the snooze button most days? Do you feel inspired when you get into your office or does it feel like a “ball and chain?” These women love what they do and it shows.
5. Follow Your “Gut” – Whether you are in the start-up phase or ready to take your business to the next level of success, trust your instincts.
6. ASK – This was BIG. These women were not afraid to share their ideas with anyone. They developed a marketing message about their mission and shared it everywhere they went with anyone who would listen. Challenge yourself to ask more often for what you want in business and life.
7. Get Uncomfortable – It’s essential that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When we’re comfortable, that’s a big clue that we’re not growing. The only way to experience real personal and business growth is to challenge yourself on a regular basis.
8. COI – Sit down and make a list of your “centers of influence.” These people are admired and respected in your community and area of business. Make a commitment to contact them and share your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. I will share from my own personal experience that this one tip has taken my business from “surviving” to “thriving.”
9. Pay Attention – To your clients and customers. Once you begin to gain momentum in your business, pay attention to what your clients and customers have to say. They will tell you what they want and how they want it delivered. Survey your clients at least once a year to find out what they love about your business and how you can better serve them.

These 9 success clues were basic threads that ran through each speaker’s presentation. Here’s what I love about them; They are low-cost to no-cost and as expected, come from within you. All you need to do is decide. Make a decision about achieving your own level of success (whatever that means to you) and follow these easy-to-implement clues to take your Big Idea, Dreams and Goals from “surviving” to “thriving.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

I replied, “Yes, I have and you always need to be prepared for a quick change in the weather when you are on the mountain.” As I prepared myself to leave for skiing that morning, I began to reflect on how being prepared for snow skiing is a lot like preparation for success as a woman entrepreneur.

When you desire a successful day of skiing, there needs to be some planning before you get on the chair lift. You need to stop and think about all of the things you will need in order to have a successful day (This is why ski clothing has so many pockets!). If you’re a woman who skis, you know that the weather can change at any given moment so you need to pack accordingly. If you choose to go skiing without thoughtful preparation, you may be in for a challenging day.

As I rode up the chair lift that morning, I thought of 5 solutions to help you have a great day of skiing and achieve success as a woman entrepreneur:

1. Be prepared for all sorts of weather – If you can imagine the top of the mountain representing your big idea or business goal, you know as you make your journey upward, there will be changes in the climate and the terrain. In your business, there will be times of quick and easy success and there will be challenges that need to be met along the way. Make sure you have packed the necessary items for success. For example, a detailed plan of action, ample support, focus, and consistency. Don’t forget to pack extra energy and unlimited passion!

2. Don’t stay “Green” for too long – Smart women know that you need to get uncomfortable in order to become a better skier. To facilitate improvement, you need to advance beyond the “Green” (easier trails) and move on to “Blue” (more difficult or intermediate). In reaching your business goals, if you are feeling comfortable, then most likely your goals are not big enough or you have lost some energy and passion for your vision. It’s important to stretch yourself. When I challenge myself on the mountain by taking a trail that’s a bit beyond my ability, it feels good when I reach the bottom and can look back and reflect on my accomplishment. Always strive to dream or have a vision that’s just a little bit larger than what you think you can accomplish. You will be surprised at what can happen!

3. “Follow The Leader” – I see a lot of people struggling on the mountain who are beginning skiers. The fastest way to reach your goals whether it’s skiing or realizing your entrepreneurial vision is to follow the leader. Follow someone who shows a clear mastery of where you want to go. Take a lesson or get some coaching. This one solution has helped me gain the most momentum in my own entrepreneurial journey. I like to move quickly when I’ve made a decision to take action on an idea. I always have coaches, mastermind groups, and mentors in the wings ready to help me achieve my business goals at a faster pace.

4. Rest and Re-energize – Smart Women need to take breaks often. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of energy. When we get passionate about something, we tend to go non-stop until we make our dream happen. It’s essential that you stop along the way to reflect and re-energize. It’s during those times of rest and relaxation that we can ponder what might be next with real clarity and focus.

5. Celebrate – I always end a day of skiing by enjoying a steamy, hot chocolate with my family. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the day. It’s essential that you celebrate every goal or milestone you accomplish in your business along the way. When you honor progress, you set the intention to keep moving forward toward the next level of success.

It was a gorgeous day for skiing. The weather conditions were just about perfect. In the late afternoon, the sky became overcast and a chill was in the air. I was happy to have my face mask in my pocket. Jack was happy to have his too. I’ll see you on your way to the top…

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

The idea of “self-promotion” or “selling” leaves some women feeling like they are bragging, being pushy or not considerate of others. It can create anxiety and fear which in turn keeps you stuck and unable to reach your business goals. Women are nurturers by nature and the thought of putting their needs in front of someone else’s may feel unnatural.

I understand the feeling (I’ve experienced it too), however if you are determined to achieve your business goals, it’s essential you communicate your message about what you have to offer and how you help people. Do so often and to as many people as possible (otherwise, you will remain the best kept secret in town which in this case, won’t serve you). People are super busy and can’t read your mind so it’s up to you to take on the responsibility of creating interest in how you support people with your product or service.

When I have an opportunity to share how I support women entrepreneurs, I use the R&R approach (Relationship + Results). It feels both authentic and comfortable for me and I think it will for you, too.

1. Cultivate a Relationship – Whether I meet someone at a networking event, through social media or through a mutual friend, my first desire is to build a relationship and discover how I can be of service. I’m truly interested in people and enjoy learning about others. My goal is to find a common ground with people and if I can offer some advice or perspective on their current situation, I’ll share it with them right away. This is a good time to showcase your expertise and also show the other person you are genuinely listening to them.

2. Share Results – When it’s your turn to share more about who you are and what you do (if you’ve truly shown an interest in the other person, this happens organically) share the results you’ve had with your clients through telling stories. Storytelling is engaging. People will lean in and listen intently to what you have to say. Rather than talking about the name of your company and the services you offer, concentrate on someone you’ve worked with that had award-winning results. Talk about where this person was when they first began to work with you and the benefits or transformation they received after working with you.

This approach takes away the “heavy” feeling of self-promotion that women sometimes experience. It has a feminine feel to it. Women create relationships better than anyone I know and sharing the results others have had when they work with you eliminates anxiety.

I invite you to get out of the office today and try the R&R approach. It’s simple, easy and feels authentic to women entrepreneurs.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2012 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 .

At one point, women were expressing the challenges they face in getting everything accomplished each day including running a business, managing a family, and hopefully time to squeeze in a little self-care.

I shared with the group that when I’m in the office, I ask myself three questions to help me stay focused and directed on making money in my business:

1. Where is the potential for new business?
2. Are my private clients and groups experiencing award winning results?
3. Have I reached out to my referral sources this week?

Discovering new business opportunities, creating award winning client results and focusing on my relationships with referral sources are the very best ways to build a successful company for the long term.

I noticed one woman in the group had a rather strange look on her face and at the break, I went up to her and asked if everything was ok. Her response? “I’ve never heard a woman speak so freely about making money. It’s liberating for me. I love this idea!”

As I travel around the country and meet women from different parts of the globe, this idea that money should not be discussed is universal. I had one woman tell me that she was raised with a belief that “Money is evil.” Money is not evil. What you do with the money is what matters.

This opened the door to a freeing, thought-provoking, conversation about why women need to overcome their fear of making money or having money. If your business is not making the money you desire, could it be possible it’s due to the relationship you have with money? If your business is barely “surviving” instead of “thriving” I invite you to think about creative ways you can embrace what a positive cash flow could do not only for you but the world.

To ensure that your Big Idea comes to fruition and achieves growth year after year, it’s essential that you make money in your business. I’d like to share some ideas about why women and money go together and energize your thinking about why it’s key to stay focused on making money:

1. Contributing to the well-being of yourself and your family – It’s an empowering feeling to know that your business contributes to taking care of those you love and care about. It builds confidence, self-esteem and instills the idea in your family that you are an equal partner in every area.

2. Contributing to the economy – I’m thrilled to be able to have a small team of women support me in my business and I can help them achieve their goal of working from home. I’m adding value to the flexibility and freedom in their lives.

3. Giving back – I hear from so many women the reason they started their business is because they want to give back to the charities and organizations they feel so strongly about. This has been an emotional driver for me. My desire to give back has continued to grow over the last 3 years and my dream has finally come true. This year, Smart Women Smart Solutions® is now able to make a donation to several non-profits that support women and girls worldwide from coaching programs purchased by women entrepreneurs.

I’m going to invite you to start the process of creating a consistent, positive cash flow so you can use the money to take care of what’s important to you. Stop saying, “When I have the money, I will…” and start saying, “Now that my business is experiencing a positive cash flow, I will…”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

In my work, I’ve discovered that women find asking for help risky as they see it as a sign of weakness. They create a belief that they are the only ones having a struggle and this could not be further from the truth. Everyone is questioning some aspect of their business. Whether it’s to attract more clients, increase their income or expand their programs and services – women entrepreneurs have many of the same challenges.

If you want to remain queen of your domain, it’s essential that you surround yourself with supportive people who can guide you and brainstorm with you about new possibilities that will pave a path to success in your business. Here are some fast and easy ways to reach out for support:

1. Make a PB&A – Put together your own “Personal Board of Advisors.” Reach out and connect to people you know who are positive and looking to achieve success. Gather at least once a month by phone or in-person to exchange ideas and be accountable. I have a consistent group of people I speak with regularly to bounce ideas and support their growth as well.

2. Pack your bags – Yes, you read that right. Commit to a live event or retreat that takes you away from your domain for a few days. This is one of the most rejuvenating activities you can commit to for your business. It provides a new, fresh look – a new perspective. In my work with women, I sometimes refer to this as “reframing.” If you sit on your throne day after day looking at the same landscape, it dulls your creative process and keeps you stuck.

3. Commit to a “Thinking Partner” – It may be time to hire a coach. Working privately with a coach who has expertise in the areas where you feel stuck can be a good investment for your business. It can collapse your time frame and get you focused on where the momentum is to accelerate your success.

Being “queen of my castle” is a wonderful feeling –one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’ve set my domain up to have plenty of support around me at all times so that it feels empowering, safe and secure. It allows me the freedom to think big and make grand plans for my domain. You can have this too.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2012 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 .

Let me give you an example: Last week, I purchased a new bicycle because I want to start taking long bike rides with my family. There was one benefit I was looking for with the purchase of this new bike: comfort. It had to be comfortable. When I finally found the bike that met my comfort requirement I was delighted, however right next to it was a bike that was a beautiful shade of purple which made my heart skip a beat. I sampled both bikes and in the end bought the bike that was a shade of silver because it was clearly the most comfortable ride. The color was a “feature” not a “benefit” for me. Remember the greatest “benefit” for me was comfort.

When you are passionate and energetic about an idea, you can come up with all kinds of names and catchy phrases for your products and services. The ideas seem to flow naturally once you put yourself in that creative space. The excitement about all of the possibilities in your future can sometimes overshadow the most important part of your business: The client or customer. We become so wrapped up in the idea of being a successful woman in business, we neglect to create a clear message about what we have to offer. Your ideal client becomes confused or uncertain on how you can help them (remember—WIIFM?) The most important thing that you can do is to put yourself in your ideal clients position and think about the benefits or outcome your client will receive when she works with you or purchases your product.

I’m working with some women right now who are on fire with ideas for their business. Recently, I shared some ideas to help them improve their “WIIFM” factor when marketing their products and services:

1. Mrs. Fields Knows Best – Debbie Fields understands the power of sampling. Her success came from this simple marketing strategy. Anytime you pass by one of her stores, someone walks out with a tray full of warm, steamy cookies and says, “Try one.” When you offer your service or product for free, it’s an easy way for your ideal client to quickly understand “WIIFM.” Over the last 7 years, I have offered your first “Creating the Spark™ Success Circle” for free, as women can clearly see the benefits and outcomes they will enjoy when they become a member.

2. Become Your Own Customer – Find some time to walk yourself through your own process. Does the system that you set up actually bring about the benefits you claim to offer? Does your business card, web site and other marketing materials clearly communicate what you offer and how it will benefit your ideal client? In today’s world, your message needs to be clear and people need to easily understand what you do.

I love the Stephen Covey quote, “Begin with the end in mind.” Smart Women have a clear vision of why they are in business and where they want their business to take them. They make sure their marketing communicates the “benefits” clearly and effectively. The next time you personally think about making a purchase, stop and listen to the questions in your own mind. I will bet that one of them is “WIIFM?”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

Goal setting, New Year’s resolutions, dreams, and big ideas-these are heavy on people’s minds right now as we cross the threshold into 2012. Everyone wants to make up for lost time and start off the year on a course to reach their biggest goals and why not? It’s a leap year which makes it even more exciting to think about soaring to new heights. I’m right there with you. I, too, have big ideas, dreams and goals.

Einstein’s quote helped me to realize there are two distinct parts to reaching your big ideas, dreams and goals. First you must have a Vision and second, you must have a Plan to accomplish the vision. One does not happen without the other. They are like partners working in tandem. Visionaries can be challenged by creating a plan and Planners sometimes lack the necessary vision to keep the dream alive.

Vision is the dream of your desired future. It’s a picture of something you hope for, something you can see clearly in your imaginative mind. A vision is a dream that inspires and motivates you.

Planning is logical, factual and realistic. A plan is a set of specific objectives and tasks broken down into achievable bite-size goals that you can reach in a targeted amount of time.

Without a passionate dream, a plan becomes idle busyness. Without a realistic plan, your vision becomes more like daydreaming.

Below are some tips and solutions that will help you during both the visioning and planning phases for your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals for 2012:

VISION

1. Steal Some Solitude – Having some quiet alone time to focus on your vision is vital to the outcome. Block out a few hours, a day or even a weekend to get clear on what your dream looks like and what it feels like when it becomes a reality.

2. Clarity is Key – Becoming crystal clear is a must. Visioning about the who, what, where of your dream will help you later in the planning phase.

3. Use Tools to Make it BIG – Buy some large white post-it paper at your local supply store and colorful, vibrant markers to write or draw. I always say to women I work with: “How big can a dream become on an 8×11 piece of paper?”

4. Create a Vision Board – Once you are clear about what your dream is, a vision board is a productive way to keep the dream alive every day. I use this in my “Creating The Spark” Success Circles and women share that this one tool has helped them stay on course and reach their goals. Have it laminated and place it somewhere you’ll be reminded often or make it your wallpaper on your electronic devices.

PLANNING

1. Set Specific Goals – Here’s an example of a general goal: “I want to have more clients and make more money.” Here’s a specific goal: “I want to increase my income by 25% and work with 10 additional people who are my preferred ideal client by April 1.” Notice the difference? The first goal is general while the second holds a specific outcome and date. You are more likely to reach your goal if you are specific. It helps you to measure your progress along the way and reward yourself when you cross a milestone.

2. Make a commitment – Create time in your calendar to work on your goals. In the example above, it will be necessary for you to decide what marketing strategies will shorten your time frame to accomplish the goals and then schedule those into your calendar daily, weekly, monthly.

3. Know your areas of weakness – Everyone has areas of strength and weakness. Operate in your strengths and get support in the areas where you are weak. For example, I do not enjoy the technical aspect in my business or bookkeeping (two essential pieces to any successful business) so I have people on my team who are experts in this area and love doing these tasks. This is where having a coach could be helpful in helping you to identify your strengths and find creative support in the areas where you need help.

4. Evaluate and Course-Correct – Along the way, you may need to course-correct your original plan because of new learning or changes that occur along the way. Being an entrepreneur means you are open to new possibilities and ready for change when necessary.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

In my work with women, one of the essential exercises we do together is peel back the layers of their lives both personally and professionally to explore and discover their “gift” or what I sometimes refer to as their “genius.” You may be reading this and thinking, “I don’t know what my gift is” or “I don’t have a gift.” You do have a gift. You have genius inside You.

Once you uncover your “gift”, life and business become far more enjoyable. When you have a business that allows you to work in your area of genius, you will have the opportunity to earn more money because you will be doing what comes naturally to you. When you live in your genius, you feel happier and healthier.

I know you want to be happier, healthier and make more money in 2012—right?

In his book, “The Big Leap” Gay Hendricks talks about 3 zones that we live in: The Zone of Competence, The Zone of Excellence and The Zone of Genius. Most people live in the Zone of Competence or the Zone of Excellence. Why? It’s comfortable and it’s safe. Making a decision to live in your Zone of Genius means getting a little uncomfortable initially. You’ll have to admit to yourself and eventually the world that you actually have a gift and you’ll begin to say “No” more often to opportunities that are outside your Zone of Genius. Women are nurturers by nature so “No” can be a challenge, however once you give yourself permission to do so, you’ll be delighted you did.

Here’s a quick exercise to begin the process of uncovering your “gift” – your “genius,” so 2012 will become easy and effortless:

1. Grab a pen and paper.

2. Steal some quiet time and make a list of everything you do in your business and I mean everything (sharpening pencils, filing, etc).

* Some women carry this list around with them for a few days to get crystal clear about all of those “hidden” tasks you are doing. If you have a smart phone, you can also voice record as you do each task and write it down later.

3. After you complete the list, I invite you to draw a circle around the tasks that:

* Seem effortless when you perform them
* Other people compliment you on how well you perform a task
* Brings immediate cash flow into your business
* Give you a surge of energy and happiness

You should have no more than 4 items circled. When I do this exercise with women, they typically have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 tasks on their list. There are only 2-4 tasks that answer all 4 of the questions above.

Yes, laundry has to be done, dishes washed and bills paid. If you give yourself permission to stay in your “genius” and live in your “gift,” you may find that your income will suddenly allow you to have more support in getting those other tasks accomplished.

This was a big shift for me several years ago. It is one of the changes that supported my big “leap” into living a life of service and support.

Go ahead. Give yourself permission to take ownership of your gift, your genius. Embrace and enjoy the abundance that 2012 holds for you.

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 life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

What would it feel like to claim your own personal brand of power, build a profitable business working with clients you LOVE? What would it feel like to be completely supported by a real-life mentor who cares about your success? What if you had the exact steps to create consistent cash flow and enjoy a freedom based business and lifestyle?

What would it feel like to effortlessly blend your personal life with a business you are so passionate about? What if you could create your own personal blueprint that includes every aspect of your life? (self-care, family, spouse/partner, children, friends, business and community)

2012 is a leap year and I’d love to see you “soar” to the level of success you dream about so I’ve created a very special, private, intimate 2-day retreat at a rejuvenating spa location in Southern California to support you in reaching your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals.

The Smart Women SOAR 2-Day Retreat
January 27 & 28, 2012
www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/retreat

During this 2-day retreat, you will:

• Unearth yourself from the daily details of your work, step back and look at the BIG picture – your business and your life
• Clear the decks and get focused on how to move your business forward effectively
• Learn the most important qualities that women entrepreneurs need to succeed more than ever
• Get real CLARITY on prioritizing the ideas you have – so that you get results instead of just more ideas!
• Discover how to work Smarter not Harder in your business
• Identify what motivates you, drives you and how to use it to fuel your success every day
• Create a fool-proof system to stay out of busy syndrome and stay in productive each and every day (I’ve got a proven system I used to organize my day for success both personally and professionally.)
• Get crystal clear on your INNER game of success (all that stuff that goes on inside your mind – self-doubt, fears, lack of money talk – the stuff that keeps you from being the brilliant, confident wise woman you are)
• Learn how to stay grounded in who you are as a woman entrepreneur, never compromising your values and enjoy your own brand of success

But you must know that this intimate, private retreat is only open to 10 women who make the decision to join me and 3 spots are already taken!

PLUS……if you register before December 30, 2011, I’m gifting you with a free, relaxing Swedish massage during the retreat!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/retreat

If you’re a woman entrepreneur who’s ready to claim your own personal brand of power and build a profitable business working with clients you love, then you won’t want to miss this amazing 2-day experience with me and a small, intimate group of like-minded women!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/retreat

To your soaring success in 2012,

Joy Chudacoff

PS. Isn’t it about time you gave yourself the gift of a peaceful, relaxing, retreat AND enjoy a free, one-hour Swedish massage? Grab your spot now – 3 have already been taken!

www.SmartWomenSolutions.com/retreat