Authenticity Archives - Page 21 of 27

Why I SUCK at “Business” & Choose the Heart-Centered Path Instead

July 14, 2014 by Lamisha

Image from enlightenedbusinessacademy.com

So it might sound strange to you to read that a life & biz coach sucks at ‘business’ especially when she helps her clients expand their business and make more money and just launched a program for business owners right?

Allow me to explain.

I never really thought of myself as the ‘business’ type. I mean, when I finished college I was just focused on getting a J-O-B (any job really) to pay the bills. I wasn’t in business school and really didn’t aim to be my own boss. Heck I even went so far as to say that I couldn’t be a contracted employee or be commission based because I needed to have a steady income. And the idea of being in sales made my stomach turn. I just didn’t want to be that scummy used car salesman that was trying to get any Tom, Dick, and Sally in the door to make a buck.

It just wasn’t my style and yet I found myself working for not one, but TWO organizations that had a main focus on numbers. More specifically I worked in proprietary education. And while I don’t believe ALL organizations like this operate with one thought in mind, I found myself in two that were very similar.

Getting butts in seats meant I still had a job. It just so happened that some of the people responsible for getting butts in seats weren’t necessarily concerned with if they were the right fit.

For almost 6 years I dealt with this internal and sometimes ethical dilemma of working in an organization that operated with this very hard to swallow way of doing ‘business’. (You know like some of the unethical Wall Street Bankers etc.) Set a goal, meet the goal by whatever means necessary, and don’t worry about the rest.

I hated it. Hated that many students were treated like numbers and not individuals. Hated the fact that despite the curriculum and expedited programs not being a good fit for many students, no one said anything. That’s not entirely true. We did speak up, but ultimately it wasn’t our decision to make.

So, after watching this dance occur over many years, I decided I didn’t want to be a part of that type of ‘business’ strategy. I promised I wouldn’t get pushy, treat people like numbers, and spam my followers with ‘GET THIS NOW’, ‘SALE, SALE, SALE’ emails because let’s be honest, that shit is just annoying, not to mention it’s just not my personality.

Now you may be saying, “But what about all the business coaches out there that say you have to create urgency, get your products in front of a billion people, and throw statistics at you about sales funnels and landing pages? Are they WRONG?!”

Maybe, maybe not. I’m sure those tactics work to some degree since so many people employ them, but I have found another way to do business that feels better.

It’s what I call the heart-centered way.

The heart-centered path is about connection, communication, compassion, and honesty. It’s about sharing your journey with your tribe and being genuine with your words. It’s about giving what they want and need while still understanding they are individuals. It’s about serving your community and helping. It’s empowerment. It’s service. It’s grace.

It’s a different road for sure and it is also the premise behind Tama Kieves book Inspired & Unstoppable (a book I recommend to every heart-centered business owner I know). Follow your heart and do what feels right. If it feels unnatural and like a used car salesman just trying to make a buck, well that feeling is going to come through to your tribe.

I have found (pretty recently) that even when I am trying to loosely use the advice from the ‘pros’ who are making millions of dollars, it doesn’t always come across in the most authentic way. It feels forced and what’s worse is my message doesn’t connect to the souls I am meant to work with. When I am thinking about selling, products, and numbers the waters get a bit murky for me. I get a bit uncomfortable and my message comes out disjointed and a bit ‘salesy’ which is not my intention.

However, when I focus on my intention of changing lives and helping people do what they love and succeed at it…it comes across as love and service. THAT feels lighter, brighter, and much more inspiring and incidentally I find I connect with more of my tribe. (Funny how that happens right?)

So, if you have a business or are thinking of starting your business, the best advice I have for you is this. Choose to communicate, act, and serve from your heart. If it feels like you are playing a role or wearing a mask, it probably isn’t right for you. Connect with your purpose, why you started to begin with, and who you want to serve, that is where your heart-centered business will thrive. With love.

If you are unsure of where to begin with this heart-centered path and are prone to ditch the traditional ‘business’ plan that can feel a bit icky, there is still time to get signed up for the 90-Days to Biz Brilliance program and receive the bonus gift of my self-study Invest in Yourself program ($97 value) before you can buy it. If it feels like the right program to take your business to another level (with love), I invite you to join this community of amazing heart-centered entrepreneurs who are changing the world with their work. The world needs you and your biz to shine and I want to help you make that happen.

Worst-Case Scenarios & Why I Have No Plan ‘B’

July 9, 2014 by Lamisha

Throughout my life I learned early on that if I could plan for the ‘worst-case scenario’ then I would be fully prepared for anything. If something better happened, I would be delighted, but if the worst case actually occurred, well then I would have a plan of action. Or in the least, I wouldn’t be disappointed.

It worked for a while (and by ‘worked’ I mean life went on and I didn’t question my thoughts too much).

Looking back now, I realize by planning for the worst case scenario, I actually created it.

I’ll give you an example.

Several years ago I was planning a big move for love (I’m such a romantic and lucky for me it worked out because we are now happily married). Being the planner that I was, I didn’t want to move to a new place without a job lined up especially since I was moving 300+ miles away from home and I had no idea what the employment situation was like.

For months I searched from afar and got little to no feedback. I was discouraged and distraught until I finally decided to move anyway. I decided that if I couldn’t find a job right away, my worst-case scenario was that I would simply get a job at Starbucks.

I repeated those same words over and over again to my friends and family members.

“Oh it’s fine. Worst-case scenario I’ll just get a job at Starbucks.”

(You know where this is going right?)

While it wasn’t an absolutely terrible worst case situation, I manifested it exactly.

After a month or so of applying with no luck, I got a job at Starbucks.

Depending on how you look at it you can view this as an incredible manifestation. I fully believed that if all else failed, I would just work at Starbucks…which I did for 6 months.

What’s my point?

Planning for worst-case scenarios have the power to actually create the situation you ‘planned’ for. But do you really want to create a ‘worst case’?

I have learned from that very clear example of my manifestation abilities and no longer plan for those types of situations.

At this stage in my life and business, it means having no Plan B.

There is no ‘worst case scenario’ or alternate plan if my business doesn’t work. It’s not even a thought in my mind because I know that by planning for it, I am giving my very specific and creative power to something I don’t want.

My plan is to succeed and have my business continue to flourish and thrive. That’s my plan…all of it.

So, the thoughts of getting a ‘real job’ are no more because that isn’t an option. The ONLY option is my business and you know why? It’s because it is what I am meant to do.

Sure it’s risky. It’s scary at times. It’s a bit outside the box. Hell, it’s unpredictable more often than not and I am still learning a ton about myself and my business as I go.

BUT

It’s also freeing, fantastic, and the best thing I have ever done…aside from moving for love. Every day I wake up with a purpose. I love my work. I love my clients. And I love the freedom that this journey provides for me.

Yep, this is my purpose and my heart-centered gift to share with the world and despite what seemingly difficult roadblocks I encounter, succeeding in my business is the only option. No more Plan B or worst-case scenarios for this girl.

Nope, I’m putting my all into my business and by doing that there is no way I can fail.

Your Actionable Item: Today I want you to take a look back over your life to see where you might have planned for the ‘worst-case’. Did it happen? Are you planning for one now? Is it something you want to create? If not, what DO you want to create?

Do you have a Plan B for if your dreams don’t come true? I want to know your thoughts so share them in the comments below.

And if you have a heart-centered business that you are ready to bring a bit of brilliance to, I have good news for you. My 90-Days to Biz Brilliance group coaching program is open for registration! The program officially begins August 7th and I am so excited to finally bring this to life. I know that your work is important to you and if it is feeling less than brilliant at the moment, it’s time for a change. Why not get together with other amazing souls going through a similar experience to grow and transform your biz? This is your chance! If you register by July 21st, you are also going to receive my Invest in Yourself self-study program (valued at $97) before it is even available for sale.

I want this program to reach as many amazing biz beauties as possible so will you help me by sharing this with your network and tribe?

Getting Back to Basics

June 26, 2014 by Lamisha

I recently realized how I have been distracted by all the shiny new programs, coaches, gurus, and the like lately. It was a nice reminder to get back to basics in my business. Today I share with you what that means and invite you to look at your own life to see where you might be able to get back to basics.

What does getting back to basics mean to you? Post in the comments below!

It’s Time To Come Clean…

June 19, 2014 by Lamisha

I seem to be in the remedial school of life these days, learning and re-learning lessons that I thought I had mastered long ago (ok well some of them might be a few months old, but who’s counting?). Last week I was going through a particularly emotional lesson and now I have reached the sunrise or clarity portion of that lesson.

Here’s what I have learned.

I have the POWER to create the life and reality of my dreams. I believe in that so much that I built a business around this exact idea. In fact it’s not an idea, but instead a truth. A truth that applies to you too. YOU have the power to create whatever it is you want. You just have to decide what you want, hold the intention, and take inspired action.

I may not have the skills and connection that others have, but that does not discount my abilities to do the work I love. I have unique abilities that allow me to connect to and with the exact people I should be connecting with. Our differences are beautiful and our gifts are unique. It’s what makes this world amazing. And being my true authentic self is the best (and truly the only) way to serve my clients. This article shares my lesson on being the authentic expert.

The intuitive guidance that led me to my business was not wrong and it is the same intuitive guidance that I have been discounting for the past few months. Sure, there are many things I still need to learn, but if something doesn’t sit right with me intuitively, it’s not for me. I’m ok with that and you should be too.

I am surrounded by amazingly talented women who are doing incredible things in the world. I support them, uplift them, and celebrate their magnificence and I know that their brilliance has no effect on what I am doing or not doing. Their success doesn’t cause my demise and vice versa. We are connected. Period. And the success of one creates a vortex of power for others.

When I am in my power, standing in my truth, and sharing who I really am, I have more of an impact on those around me. This post is a perfect example of how passion, purpose, and authenticity can come together to create an amazing inspirational energy that can’t be denied.

I also know that this very moment with all of its lessons is completely perfect. I am living the life of my dreams and everyday I am closer to more expansion, creation, and success. The key to all of that is inspired action. And the inspiration behind the action comes from intuition. You have it too, so stand in that power and trust your gut to tell you who to hire, what to do, and where to go.

Last but not least, I am uncovering more and more of who I really am which is allowing me to reach more women, inspire change, and support the dreams of others. This life of mine is amazing! Not because of money, numbers, or crazy success. Not at all. It’s amazing because I am doing what I love, making a difference, and learning lessons along the way.

Should you find yourself going through lessons you thought you learned, never fear. A perfect life is not without lessons. A ‘perfect’ life is the life you are living right now with lessons, love, connection, dreams, and a lot of growth.

If you are ready to step into your power to create the amazing life or business of your dreams, now is the time to follow your calling. I have opened up a few spots for my 1-Month Jump Start program for July 2014 that will get you moving in 30 days or less. 4 sessions in 4 weeks = major progress. This offer expires June 30th so if you want in on this incredibly affordable and powerful opportunity, you can sign up here.

Mercury Retrograde and Waiting…Again

June 17, 2014 by Lamisha

It’s been a few days since my last post and honestly it is because I have been having a heck of a time with some Mercury Retrograde stuff. Not so much technological stuff (though there have been some missed emails and miscommunications along the way), as much as it has been a ton of reconfiguring and reworking some of my projects. If you are a fan of my Facebook page you already have heard the news that I am delaying opening registration for my group program…again.

Now, hear me out on this. It really is for the best of all involved.

If you know anything about Mercury Retrograde, you may know that it’s not a great time to make big purchases on computers, phones, cars etc. and you certainly don’t want to get married, sign a contract, get a new job etc. As a biz owner you also don’t want to launch a new project either because you open the door to missed connections, technological problems, delays, and many other frustrating things that could put a huge halt in your plans.

SO…

I am waiting on the launch. And there are some changes happening within the program behind the scenes. This is a great opportunity to make the best of Mercury Retrograde. RE-working, RE-vamping, RE-considering, RE-vitalizing, RE-viewing, etc. what I had planned so it is a great program for you. While there is a part of me that says “Yeah but, I already delayed it once and what if I lose potential participants because of it????”. There is a bigger part of me that realizes this is for the best.

As part of the reworking of the program, the guest teachers that were going to be a part of the program are no longer going to be teaching guest spots. Again, the little voice inside me said…”Yeah but, I already made the commitment and I should really just launch it now.” But the bigger voice said, it’s ok, it’s divine timing, it’s ALL GOOD.

To be honest as I was working and reworking the program (the first time), I felt some resistance to it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I was procrastinating in the planning and everything felt forced. Even some of the meetings I had with the guest teachers. I couldn’t figure it out, but now I get it. Now I know what it was all about.

Sometimes you are just meant to stand in your power even if it results in a (perceived) delay.

This is a lesson for me and for you. If something feels forced or you are feeling resistance in a project, a collaboration, or a service you are offering in your biz, it’s time to reconsider it. Dig a little deeper to see what is really going on and let it go. Maybe you need to trash it and start from scratch or maybe you just need to rework it, reconsider it, and bring some refreshing energy to it. There is no harm in that. I’m living proof.

Divine timing and all that jazz and with that comes another decision (I’m full of them aren’t I?).

I am taking only 8- new Jump Start clients for the month of July and I am not taking any clients for this program from Aug-Oct during my group coaching program. Since the Jump Start program includes 4 sessions in 4 weeks, I want to make sure I have time for my 90 day clients and my group clients, so if you are interested this is the time to get signed up. The offer expires June 30th.

With that said, make the best of this time (until July 1st) and don’t worry if things are delayed. Use this time to clear out the old and come back with fresh eyes. It really is for the best!

Big love to you all!

Lamisha