Lightworkers' Blog

Can I Get a Witness? Great Testimonials.

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:41:30 GMT

Most of us are influenced by the positive or negative testimonials we hear from friends and acquaintances, and sometimes even from strangers who speak from experience. Testimonials are great marketing resources to let the world know about the specific benefits available from your holistic products and services.

So how do you get great testimonials?

My last two e-zine articles describe in detail what makes a great testimonial, even including a template of mine that makes it very easy to request feedback in just the format you'll need to attract new clients.

I encourage you to take a few minutes and read both articles "Testimonials That Turn Prospects Into Clients", and my latest post, entitled, "Five Easy Steps to Guarantee Great Testimonials". My intent in writing these was to really take you by the hand and make this very important, business building process, as easy as it can be.

If you'd like a practice in writing a testimonial, then here's an exercise that will result in your business and website being posted to my April 2008 e-zine! In celebration of two years of publication, I'll be posting testimonials from readers who have received value from an article, resource or tip I've shared over the years.

Send me your comments by March 2008 and I'll include your testimonial, and contact information, in my April 2008 e-zine!

There's them that's planted, and there's them that grows

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:58:07 GMT

I am a Master Gardener, so I love tinkering in the yard. Heck, I love working away in the yard, and each year I experiment with something new.

One of my experiments this year was a batch of pumpkin seeds I planted in the spring. I had visions of inviting neighborhood kids over in October to have their pick of a homegrown pumpkin.

The idea came to me as I remembered back two years ago when a vine sprouted near our front door. I could tell it was a vegetable, from the leaves. I was just tickled when I realized it was a pumpkin, growing right next to my front step. It sprang, I imagine, from left over pumpkin seeds I had scattered for the squirrels the year before. I was able to keep that self-sowed pumpkin there, on the vine, through Halloween and beyond.

Just as that pumpkin was an effortless gift, each year I’m fortunate enough to get several wonderful tomato plants, without lifting a finger. They plant themselves from tomatoes that fall the year before, then wait through the winter and spring until a warm summer day sets them sprouting.

So what strikes me about this photo is, this year I planted and tended to the pumpkin vine on the left, only to have it wither and die. The wonderful looking tomato however appeared and thrives all on its own; a gift from the earth to us.

A fitting analogy I thought for many aspects of my life. There are circumstances that I try to mold to my own desire; sometimes with good results, other times not. And then there are gifts from the Universe and Spirit, which just appear.

My role is just to give thanks and enjoy.

Holistic Business Basics

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:35:13 GMT

I've been coaching and mentoring holistic practitioners now for several years, and in that time I've become very familiar with their most common issues and concerns. So when I anticipated writing an article entitled "Holistic Business Basics", I assumed I'd hit on a couple of recurring themes for my clients, Attracting Ideal Clients; Authentic Marketing; Website Design; Getting Organized.

However as the deadline approached to put pen to paper, I realized there really is only one absolute, in my mind, for a successful holistic business. It makes or breaks not only holistic businesses and practices, but businesses across the board.

After you've read what I consider the foundation for a successful holistic business, I would welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts on what it takes to keep your business flourishing.

Blessings & Light,
Anne

"How Much Should I Charge?"

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:00:42 GMT

Have you wondered how to set your fees so that you are honored in your work, while attracting the best clients? Several readers of my monthly e-zine commented on the value they received from July's article, entitled "The Energy of Money."

I particularly appreciated hearing from them, as I went round and round with this article, thinking perhaps it was too simplistic, too practical, or too grounded for those of us who balance spirituality with paying the mortgage. I told my editor I was considering not publishing it. She, and my readers, were glad I did publish it.

Their comments reinforce that I do best when I go with my intuition. I wrote this article about how to decide how much to charge for your holistic services. I hope you will benefit from its simple suggestions.

And, please send me your comments! I love to stay connected.

Blessings & Light,
Anne
Providing support for holistic practitioners

Authentic Marketing

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:06:22 GMT

After working for 25 years in business, I grew very used to someone else telling me what to do. Someone else also created work, constructed time lines, determined my salary, signed off on my time card, and on and on. Sound familiar?

One of the real learning curves I had as a new entrepreneur was releasing resistance to marketing. I'd never had to do marketing, as a Training Specialist for Department of Agriculture. Our customers were just...there! Poof, like out of nowhere, we put together fabulous training programs and they showed up. Quite a 180-degree difference from being in business for one's self.

My first few years in business I grudgingly did marketing because I knew it was an important and vital part of my business. But I didn't enjoy it. In the back of my mind, I always wondered if my pitch was turning my customer off. I didn't have a good feel for where that invisible line was between providing just enough information, and being pushy.

It wasn't until my third year in business that I full accepted that I am providing the solution to my ideal clients' problems, and that they welcome my service! Once I "got" that, marketing became much easier, and I found I could authentically speak about the results I provide. Then marketing actually became fun! Who would have thought?

For my full take on Authentic Marketing, I invite you to read my June e-zine.

Also, know that the topic of Authentic Marketing is just one of six powerful building blocks I teach for Holistic Entrepreneurs who want to succeed in business. My next class starts September 10th.

Till then, keep it REAL!

Your Spirit Guides called. They said, "Get a business plan."

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:47:34 GMT

I don't typically get to express my opinion on the job. Instead, as a coach, I listen, connect the dots, and ask questions to help my clients clarify exactly where they want to go in their lives, and how best to get there.

But now that I have my own blog, (do we all have blogs now that it is 2007), I do get to post my opinion! And to think that heretofore only my husband has heard my opinion on a daily basis!

It is my opinion, backed up by a couple of years of practical experience, that many holistic business persons are either put off by business planning or are just plain scared of business planning. I see this so often that my next newsletter article will be devoted to the topic, and is titled, "Your Spirit Guides called. They said, "Get a business plan!"

My heart breaks and I just want to shake my head when I see wonderful holistic entrepreneurs sabotaging their own business by a lack of some basic business practices. So there it is; my opinion is that healers can do business planning! The two are not mutually exclusive; they actually serve each other very well.

If you are a holistic businessperson, I invite you to read an article I posted a few days ago that offers a gentle introduction to the question: Are spirituality and business planning compatible? Have a read, and please reply with your thoughts, I'd love to hear back.

Water, water everywhere - what does it mean?

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 09:07:18 GMT

For those of us interested in the symbolism of life, I share my recent experiences with a recurring series of leaks in my retreat home in West Virginia. It seemed every time we went to our little retreat house in the woods, I would find another appliance, pipe or entry point leaking water!

There were far too many incidences for this just to be a coincidence. And I believe in the Law of Attraction, right? So I finally decided that instead of calling the plumber, I would call on my many magnificent Lightworker friends and ask their perception of what the universe was repeatedly trying to get across to me! I was finally willing to listen.

The responses I received were fabulous, varied and insightful. If you would like to read more about Lightworker guidance on the symbolism of water leaks, check out my March e-zine article on this topic.

Lightworkers blog

ANewLeafCoaching@earthlink.net (Anne Kelly) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:50:14 GMT

When I tell people that I specialize in coaching Lightworkers, I get any number of reactions. My favorites include suppositions that a Lightworker is one who works with electricity; a person who only works part time (light work); or a specialist in lighting effects. All good guesses.

The Lightworkers I am committed to aiding are usually entrepreneurs who provide a product or service that is in some way healing, comforting, enlightening and inspiring to others. Of COURSE I love being with, coaching, and offering retreats for lightworkers!

This blog will frequently share resources, tips and articles to contribute to the success of all readers, and Lightworkers in particular. I encourage you to subscribe today, and forward this link to your friends and coworkers who will likewise benefit from the value this blog will create!

Blessings and Light,

Anne Kelly, CLC, ACC

Certified Business & Life Coach

(301) 693-9580

www.ANewLeafCoaching.com

anewleafcoaching@earthlink.net
My monthly e-zine features tips, articles and resources to guide Lightworkers to success, now!