1. Don’t over-think everything. Yes you have a smarty pants mind. But you also have well developed insights, intuition and instincts. Give your thinking a rest and lean a little more on your natural instincts. Your business will thank you for it.

2. Committees create mediocrity. You might be thinking—I work alone, where on earth would I find a committee? But I bet you have an unofficial committee hiding inside your business. Perhaps it’s the colleagues you seek validation or approval from or run every idea by. Or the ‘expert’s’ you follow and compare yourself to. Or the clients you ask for input or whose unsolicited input spins you into action. Collaboration can be a very powerful thing.  But doing business by committee usually leads to mediocrity. Bottom line is you lead your business. Don’t put so much out to vote.

3. Embrace Experimentation. Forget perfect. It only exists in the utopian world living inside your head. Yes, strive for excellence (Lord knows there’s enough mediocrity to go around) but don’t confuse excellence with perfection. Instead take on an experimental attitude with everything you create. Think of it as testing, tweaking and continuously improving. You’ll delay less and do much more great work that way.

4. Beauty matters. Beauty inspires. Seek to do beautiful, artful work. Whether that be expressed in beautiful writing, through beautiful design or simply elegant action. Let your beauty shine through in everything you do. Now, more than ever Beauty matters and moves people.

5. Partner on principles. Partnerships—be they Joint Ventures, affiliates, collaborators or even clients—must be aligned on principle. Gone are the days where it was smart business to just partner for the payoff of money, more clients or more visibility. Partner with people who are aligned with you, your values, your vision and your principles.

6. Engage in productive procrastination. Don’t assume all procrastination is a bad thing. Sometimes we try to rush an idea or force an outcome and it rarely works. When your inner procrastinator kicks up a fuss, check in and see if it’s because you’re trying to push an idea whose time hasn’t come yet or forcing an action that isn’t right, right now. Productive procrastination is a useful strategic weapon in your business. Employ it regularly.

7. Protect Your Privacy in our transparent world. There’s a constant push for increasing visibility, authenticity, vulnerability and transparency through social media and beyond. Sometimes it seems nothing is sacred or private any more. Let me remind you: You are entitled to a little privacy. Privacy can create a safe sanctuary for you to rejuvenate, create and work through ideas and issues. No one wants to live in a fishbowl for all the world to see (well, maybe some people do but I bet you’re not one of them). Don’t get caught up in the hype of having to share every little tidbit about your every thought, emotion, experience and action. Deliberate and thoughtful sharing beats unfiltered blather every time. Be a vigilant protector of your privacy.

8. Measure what matters. All too often I see smart entrepreneurs measuring the ‘success’ or ‘failure’ of their work and their business against standards that don’t really matter. Remember, success is personal. It’s not about the money or some conformists’ definition of ‘success’. It’s about YOU and your freedom, flexibility, creative expression, making a difference, and a well lived life. Measure your success against what matters to YOU. Forget everything else.

9. Make friends with structure. I know. Structure can feel like a choke-hold when it’s imposed on your creative soul. But the truth is…the right kind of systems and structure can liberate your creative freedom. The right structures in your business and life can free you from the stuff you hate and eliminate the friction you feel from pushing against all the “should” of this world.

10. Forgive Your Unfinished Business. As a spontaneous creator I can bet you’ve got some unfinished business you’re dragging around. Maybe it’s the projects and ideas you’ve started but not finished. Maybe it’s the dream you’ve never given full attention. Don’t drag all that around. It just leaves you heartsick and questioning whether you’ve got what it takes to get to the finish line. Unless and until you forgive yourself, you’ll stay stuck anchored to all that ‘could have been’ and miss out on what can still be. You are not defined by your unfinished business unless you choose to let it define you. Some things are not meant to be finished.

This is your chance to be ahead of the curve rather than left behind.

Two of my favorite colleagues have teamed up to talk about what’s selling now, and why. Join this dynamic duo of Michele PW, Your $Ka-Ching!$ Marketing Strategist and Wealthy Thought Leader Andrea J. Lee for a new training, “My ‘Thing’ Launched But Nobody Bought!” 3 Spoonfuls of Fiber For your Constipated Sales Cycle”.

They cover the real story behind “product launches” – what works, what doesn’t and how you can create your own success story. Get your sales cycle moving!

Sign up here

Michele and Andrea have teamed up to give you wholly, deeply transparent information about the “behind the scenes” stuff that can make a lot of previously confusing things much more clear and get your biz flowing. You’re going to get the latest and greatest — what’s working NOW and what the NEW trends are in the world of the Internet, business and product launches.

Here’s what you’ll learn on this exciting new training:

* The real story behind these things called “product launches”… what’s working, what’s not, and what you can do to have a launch success story that doesn’t require you to sell out.

* Why you launched your “thing” but no one bought, after all that investment of hard work

* 3 big spoonfuls of fiber — ways in which to get that constipated sales cycle moving again, and healthy!

You’ll also get a bonus copy of Michele’s new special report “Why EVERYTHING You’ve Been Taught About Marketing on the Internet Will NOT Work for You and What You Can Do To Turn it Around”. I’ve read it and it’s a gem.

January 16-20. 9 Experts. 5 Days. All Women. Real-life. No Nonsense.

Register at: Solopreneur Survival Summit.

Over my 10 years in business I’ve made no apologies for running my business part time (between 15-25 hours a week) and taking several weeks a year off to enjoy my family. I’ve had to do some things differently to make that work and still make a nice living so when Nadine Nicholson asked me to share some of my insights, lessons and successes on this Solopreneur Summit I was very excited to join in.

Get access to the interviews from her 8 guests all for free and learn how they’ve managed to run a business and still have a life!

It’s the New Year.  A time of fresh starts and big ambitions.  A time of resolutions and taking action. And a time of investing in the right support to see your goals through to the end.

I’m a huge advocate of getting support—through training, coaching, mentoring and masterminding—as you well know.  But one thing has to be present for any of it to work.  Self-responsibility.  YOU have to take 100% responsibility for the results and the process.  YOU have to be fully engaged—intellectually, physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, financially and more.  Anything less and you’ll not see the results you signed up for.

So as a coach, my Red Flags go up when I hear the following from business owners investing in support (all of which I’ve heard in the last 30 days).

• “I just want someone to tell me what to do and I’ll do it”

This statement always raises a red flag for me because it tells me that the business owner has given up their power.  Business owners in this boat are desperate for results and don’t trust themselves to get it.  So they are looking for someone—anyone—to tell them what to do.

On the surface it sounds smart to follow the advice of those who have gone before—who’ve ‘figured it out’.  But underneath it’s fraught with risk.  Risk that you’ll end up doing things that aren’t right for you.  Risk that you’ll never learn to trust yourself.  Risk that you’ll build a business you can’t live with.  Risk that you’ll invest yourself right into bankruptcy looking for “the answer”.

Running a successful business isn’t just about the doing.  It isn’t just about tasks and the tactics.  It’s about the being and trusting and listening required to LEAD your business and your clients.  Don’t abdicate your leadership and intelligence in the name of success.

• “I’ve invested big money here so I’m going to do everything my mentor says to do.”

Let me be blunt. This isn’t commitment, it’s compliance.  Don’t confuse the two.  Coaching is a collaborative process and anything less than full engagement doesn’t work.  When you check your brain at the door and simply “comply” with what your mentor or coach is teaching, you’re just going through the motions—no matter how much money you’ve put on the line.

Instead of YOU taking full responsibility for what it is you are creating, you are abdicating it to someone else.  Not a winning strategy. Often this happens when we’ve become seduced by who or what we perceive this mentor to be.  Perhaps we’re seduced and impressed by the money they claim to make or the following they’ve built.  Perhaps we’re awed by their clarity, their boldness, their confidence.  Those are attractive qualities to be sure.  But don’t confuse them with the ability to help you achieve the same result.   And you should never blindly trust anyone with something as important as your business and your life’s work.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t invest in such relationships.  All I’m suggesting is that if you do—you should be in there with all you’ve got.

• “If I want to make (6 figures, a million dollars, etc…) I’ve got to learn from someone who’s done it”

Well, yes and no.  I’m pretty sure there’s more you want in your life than to make a specific amount of money.  Yet when you use a balance sheet goal to make your decision you can find yourself off course faster than you can say “show me the money!”  Take FULL responsibility for ALL that you want to create.  Yes, money is part of the equation.  But so is lifestyle and values and integrity and freedom and impact.

Having worked with Fortune 500 executives early in my career I can tell you that simply because someone has made a lot of money, or risen to a specific level of leadership does not mean they’ve achieved happiness or operate with integrity and authenticity.  And that’s as true in the entrepreneurial space as it was in corporate. Sadly I’ve known many deeply unhappy, unethical millionaires—inside and outside of corporate life.

So it’s your job to get clear about what you want and HOW you want to get it—in all areas of your life.  Then decide whether you are looking to model a mentor or be guided to find your own path – because those are two very different skill sets and approaches.  If you are looking for a mentor to model make sure you are ALIGNED with whomever you choose to follow and seek support from.  Make sure that the way they live their life and run their business is consistent with how you want to live your life and run your business.

My wish for you is that 2012 be full of all that you desire and have worked so hard to achieve.  And I trust that you will take 100% responsibility for ALL of it…because only then can you truly know success.  Happy New Year!

I love what my dear friend Sandra Martini, is up to!

Like me, she really loves the holidays, and every year at this time,  she offers a 12-day countdown to the New Year complete with free (no opt in, no cost) gifts each and every day.

This year she has gathered together some great business owners to participate and I’m one (my gift is up 12/21)!

Twelve days of great gifts that you can use for your business; tools such as instructional videos, action guides, audios and so much more! — Did I mention that it’s a GIVEAWAY, that it’s F*REE and when I say F*REE, I mean “no cost, no opt-in, nothing”.

Starting Tuesday, December 20th, Sandy has a surprise for us each day, just pop onto the page and grab your gift – no selling, no opt-in, just a great way to leap into 2012 with some great business tools.

Click here for more information!

Here are just some of the goodies that you’ll find:

• FAST FORWARD: How to Get Started with Video Marketing
• The VIVA Formula for Amazing Results
• The Signature Program Payoff-audio class plus blueprint
• Tweak It and Profit Sneak Peek Insider Memo
• Create Your Magic Giveaway to Attract Your Niche and Make Money

And some of the experts that are participating:

• Adela Rubio
• Lou Bortone
• Ellen Britt
• Melissa McCreery
• Connie Ragen Green

There is a catch though…each gift is available for 24 hours and then the next day’s gift goes up.

So you’ll want to be sure and check back each day starting Tuesday, December 20th.

Won’t you join me? You can bet I’ll be enjoying the gifts too!

Click here for more information!

Here’s to your success in 2012!

Warmly,
Shawn

Website Address: The Conscious Life Academy®, go here!

Agnès van Rhijn is a business, career and executive coach, expert in personal and professional leadership. She is based in France where she operates internationally.

When she started her business, Agnès (to be pronounced A-nYes) worked with entrepreneurs to help them grow their business and women who wanted to have a successful career. She was also working with organizations to help them be profitable whilst focusing on their employees’ well being. She struggled finding her niche, not willing to give up on any of them and consequently had a hard time understanding how to brand herself. Her breakthrough came when she finally understood she was not addressing three different topics but in fact only one: helping people and organizations connect to their dreams and translate them into a thriving reality!

That realization led her to create The Conscious Life Academy® to help women design the professional life of their dreams whether it is through a successful career or a flourishing business. Building upon her career in the corporate world along with her training and work in the field of personal branding she created “My Successful Career®” to help clients step into the power of their personal leadership and take charge of their career as they see it and not as seen by others or circumstances.

Her own experience of handling transitions when she decided to set up her business combined to the difficulties she came across when she was on that journey led her to create another signature program: “My Unlimited Business®”. Through that program she helps entrepreneurs gain clarity on what they bring to their clients, how they can deliver it but also how they can stay focused on the step-by-step action plan that she provides them with.

Agnès firmly believes everyone has the possibility and the right to live the fulfilling and successful life of their choice but she also knows that intention, clarity, focus and discipline are the keys to success. That is why she chooses to work with highly motivated people who truly want to see a long-lasting transformation of their career or their business thus impacting their lives as a whole.

Agnès has co-authored “Ready, Aim, Excel! This Weekly Guide to Personal and Professional Leadership featuring global leadership experts including Marshall Goldsmith, Cathy Greenberg, Relly Nadler, and Ken Blanchard is available at Amazon.com but you can benefit from a 5$ coupon on TCLA’s home page: www.theconsciouslifeacademy.com

Things are shifting and changing.  What worked in business last year is likely to fall flat this year because what we consider value is changing.  People are demanding more than results, outcomes, and bottom line money from their mentors and guides.   They want to do business with people they can connect with and who will help them come home to their own expertise, artistry and passions.

I’ve identified 5 business shaping trends that I believe signal a lasting shift in the land of expertise based businesses.  These trends explain and explore where people are moving to and why—and what that means to you as a business leader.  Understanding the shifts and movement in the market can really help you make smart, strategic decisions as you plan 2012.  However, please note that what I see and share here may not be the same in every market so it’s important that you listen with your own level of discernment to see what resonates with you.

Trend #1: I’m an individual.  Clients are craving recognition of their uniqueness.

People have grown weary of feeling like a number and being force-fit into cookie cutter solutions.  The internet is great for getting information out to many.  But what’s shifting is the realization that ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t work.  You see this trend firmly at work when you go out to buy a cup of coffee or a new pair of jeans.  Not to mention face creams, shampoos and more!    People want to be seen as unique. Individual.

Clients are much less concerned with fitting in and following along and they want to follow leaders who aren’t afraid to stand out, be different and even be a little weird! This opens up a HUGE opportunity for you to showcase your originality and uniqueness.  Find that side of you that’s always felt like a misfit and share it.  There is NO BETTER TIME to embrace your mis-fitness and claim it.  This can help create a safe place for others to express that side of themselves.

Trend #2: Retreat from Day to Day Overwhelm

Everyone is experiencing too much complexity, chaos, and clutter in our lives.  We’re overwhelmed by choice and ‘connection’—there’s almost no escape.  Boundaries have been erased by technology/mobility and we can be reached anytime, anywhere on multiple devices.  What we thought would free us has engulfed us in many ways.

That’s left people wanting an escape; craving time away from constant “demands” for time and attention.  This explains the popularity of small indulgences like manicures, massages, and gourmet coffee.
The opportunity for small business owners is to offer the opportunity to retreat from the chaos of day to day and do some simple, focused work.  Forget all the bells and whistles and bring clients back to basics.

Trend #3: Mobile/On Demand/Anytime Access

In spite of the desire to retreat, there is also an increasing sense of impatience brewing under the surface.  In a day and age of mobility and on the go/on demand access, clients don’t want to wait.  They are not willing to take the long road when it appears a short cut is available.  People are in GET IT DONE mode and they want to work with experts who can help them move fast, breakthrough barriers and make something happen fast.  The value placed on speed and fast, focused support is increasing while the value placed on long term commitments and lengthy processes is slipping.

Trend #4: Intimacy & Connection

We are entering the age of caring and connection.  People are tired of ‘cold’ content and ‘inaccessible’ mentors.  In an increasingly disconnected world the value of connection is high.   Clients want to be seen, heard and able to contribute.  This creates a huge opportunity for INTIMACY based businesses to develop rich, long lasting relationships with clients.  But it requires that you be accessible and connected.  That doesn’t mean giving unlimited 24/7 access, by the way!  It just means that you connect on a personal level with those you do business with and give them a caring experience as a client or customer.

Trend #5: Philosophical Partnership

People are demanding leaders with a moral compass.  They want to partner with those they feel aligned with at a values level…not just focused on money or tangible results.  I believe we are seeing the call for principled partnership everywhere.  There is a move toward living and working from inner values—SOULFUL values not SOCIAL values.  This applies to all ‘partnerships’—with clients, staff, collaborators, affiliates, JV’s, marketing partners and beyond.

Understanding the underlying shifts and trends can help you with your marketing, customer service, designing your offers, and more.

In last week’s complimentary Top 5 Business Shaping Trends teleclass I explored each of these trends in detail, including what’s selling and why.  If you missed that call and would like to learn more about how to respond to a shifting marketplace, you can sign up for the recording  at http://www.shawndriscoll.com/trends.html

I have a surprise for you that’s got me grinning from ear to ear…

If you’ve ever struggled to find YOUR way in business, or have felt deflated by blueprints and cookie-cutter strategies – take a look-see at this:

My biz girlfriend Gina Bell invited me to write an article that challenges the status quo, kicks conformity to the curb and honors every entrepreneurs desire to navigate YOUR way to successful…

Well I said yes and my article is now featured inside the premiere issue of Rebelations Magazine!

Inside this free resource for “rebelpreneurs” like me, you’ll enjoy 15 other rebelicious articles AND what Gina has called the “Rebelpreneur Roadmap”

…a series of thought-provoking kick-in-the-pants questions that support an intelligent rebellion.

You certainly won’t find cookie-cutter shenanigans here!

I’m biased for sure but will say it anyway – this is a must-have resource for any aspiring woman in business!

And what I know about Gina Bell is she’s a “don’t just do it REALLY do it” kind of gal so fasten your seat belts and hold on tight – you’re going to looooove this magbook!

It’s the first in a series you know – and, totally FREE!

Be among the first to join the Rebelution and jump inside the digital magbook here.

You know I only share top notch stuff, right? This is one of the most valuable resources I’ve seen so don’t miss out!
Lead a life of difference,
Shawn

Website Address: Your Desire By Design, go here!

Cornelia Shipley, known as the By Design Coach and founding President of 3C Consulting LLC an Executive Coaching and Strategy Consulting Firm has blended her 2 loves of Coaching and Strategy into her signature system designed to help individuals achieve their Career Objectives BY DESIGN. Having been in private practice for the last 6 years working with Executive Level Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Cornelia was always asked by her community to make her process accessible beyond her corporate clients. In response, she and I worked together to develop Creating a Career of Contribution – to help leaders at every level create the strategic plan for their career. Cornelia has designed the program to include coaching, group masterminding and accountability to help participants achieve the success they desire … at an incredibly reasonable price!

The 6 week program is designed to have participants leave with an integrated plan to catapult them to their next level of leadership. Cornelia shares the tactics and tools she uses to help those at the highest levels in organizations achieve greater success and lasting contribution in their organizations and communities.

To learn more about her signature process visit www.yourdesirebydesign.com. As a special bonus, for those who are ready to make 2012 the year you take back your career and enroll in the January session using the coupon code “Signature” will receive a 20% off the registration fee before December 15, 2011.

Do you ever wish you had a magic ball you could peer into and see the future for your business?  It would be great to know what was coming and be prepared, wouldn’t it?!

Well, I don’t have a magic ball but I do have a knack for spotting patterns, making connections and seeing trends.  And I’ve been noticing some huge shifts in what’s working now—and what’s NOT working any longer—and  I want to share them with you so you can gain a critical advantage in the New Year.

Join me for a free Teleclass :

“The Top 5 Business Shaping Trends EVERY Trailblazer Needs to Know”

Date: Thursday December 8th 2011
Time: 3:00 pm Eastern  (that’s 2 Central/1 Mountain/12 Pacific)

Reserve Your Seat NOW–>> http://www.shawndriscoll.com/trends.html

This call is for you if:

• You’re on the lookout for breakthrough strategies to stay relevant, innovative and influential even as things shift and change at a rapid pace

• You sense new opportunities emerging in your business and want to seize them with clarity and confidence

• You’re curious about what’s selling now and why so you can make smart business decisions when it comes to packaging, positioning and pricing your services, programs and products

Can’t make the call?  No worries!  Sign up anyway and you’ll receive a link to the recording within 24 hours of the call.

Reserve Your Seat NOW–>> http://www.shawndriscoll.com/trends.html

Hope to “see” you on the call next week!

Lead a life of difference,
Shawn Driscoll