If you’re new to the idea of having or identifying a niche to build your business, or if you’re resisting the idea of having one altogether – as a soul driven business owner in the field of healing or transformation – let me share with you an idea, that create a different perspective on this subject!

Now I just want to share with you, that it’s becoming glaringly obvious through the number of programs out there including my own, where the first part of the program is dedicated to knowing your niche – that this is a critical piece to building your conscious business. We can’t all be wrong! So bear with me here… And of course, how the heck does this have to do with being a ‘love story….

So for you skeptics, dabblers (those of you who think you’ve found your niche, but haven’t REALLY narrowed it down enough) and newbies, I want you to know that your niche is really a ‘love story’.

We all love a love story, don’t we?  Where its full of heart, love, courage, good feelings, happy endings and everyone leaves with a sense of hope, possibility and fulfillment. Where we’re clear on where we’re going and have a sense of what the outcome will be.

Well in essence that’s really what having a niche is all about!

So what is a niche?  It includes your target market ie the kind of people you want to serve and then takes it a step further. It’s the WHO factor – the people you want to help and knowing what you want for them and what you can do for them.

It’s the community of people that you have such a passion for (often based on a past experience or connection you’ve had), that the sense of heart and fulfillment you get from it is inexplicable – a bit like being in love. J  You’re pretty clear on who they are, their qualities and ideals, and the challenges that get in their way.  And you know as in love story that doesn’t work out, often it’s because a partner isn’t aligned in important areas that you feel strongly about!  As in the love story of the perfect niche, all things need to be aligned.

To find YOUR ‘love story’ or to refine it further, here are a few tips and questions for you to consider.

1. Do I feel really connected or passionate or even incensed about something specific? (again, often based on a past experience, or perhaps a strong value)
2. Did I overcome an experience or experience something difficult that I feel really excited or compelled to help others get through?
3. Do I have a gift or talent that I need to share with the world and in particular with those who need it most?
4. What am I great at, that I love doing and who would benefit from it most?
5. I’ve identified a group of people I feel I can serve, but can I refine that group even further? (again this is where real alignment comes, and your niche will know it when you start communicating directly to them!)

CAVEAT: Just a heads up – I think this point is important….One of my mentors and colleagues Marcia Wieder once said: ‘don’t teach, train or coach on an issue you’re still bleeding from’  So you might identify something that you know could be a powerful area for you to share and focus on, but make sure you are mostly healed from this experience.  It’s very difficult to serve someone fully when you’re still ‘in’ it.

One of my clients is a perfect example of someone who has fully recovered from the challenges she faced – that being married to a divorced parent – being a step mom and dealing with the powerful challenges that brought to their marriage and the relationship with the step-children.  She is now an amazing stepmom coach and knows exactly what her niche face, their challenges and experiences, and how to mentor /coach them to have fulfilling blended family lives!    Certainly a match made in heaven as far as her niche and her desires are concerned.

Once you get clear on this specific group of people, it’s like finding that special mate – it feels like the glove that just fits so perfectly, or the puzzle pieces that all suddenly glide in to place.  A perfect love story.

You’re also clear on what you want for your niche – you have a clear intention and message that you want to share with this special group of people.  Just like you know how clear you feel, when you and your mate start a life together, and have your whole life mapped together in front of you.

And when you get so clear everything starts to flow, just like it does when you’re in love.  The universe responds in kind, and so beautifully when you’re clear. You’ll be amazed at how your business starts to flow and flourish.

So what’s your love story?

I would love to hear your comments below or on Facebook! And if you would like to use this article in your blog, please make sure to attribute it to:  Louise Crooks, The KeystoClarity! Coach ~ Creating Visibility to Grow your Soul-driven Business www.keystoclarity.com

http://deepakchoprabook.com/superheroes/

You might remember how in The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (which I loved, and still read when I need inspiration or insight!), Chopra provided his insights and deep wisdom on how you can materially improve your life. He’s widely considered one of the GREATEST AUTHORITIES on consciousness today, and never before have his insights been more relevant. Our world is at a major crossroads, and our lives on this planet are desperately in need of a monumental shift. In his new book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes, Deepak Chopra shows us how to create that shift by tapping into our inner superhero.

Deepak Chopra and his son Gotham will expertly guide you through the seven essential laws that govern the realm of superheroes, explaining how they will help you

uncover greater happiness, courage, balance, creativity, compassion and purpose!

http://deepakchoprabook.com/superheroes/

Chopra writes:

“In Batman, I see qualities that resemble Buddha. In Superman, surely there are attributes that define Lord Shiva. In this book, I have attempted to connect the dots between some of the ancient wisdom traditions as I have understood them all throughout my life and the costumed superhero characters that fill up the modern mythologies of today.”

I just know you’re going to LOVE this book! And I can’t wait for you to read it because I think it’s going to be the coolest book on spirituality out there.  I’m going to be reading it avidly too!

Its interesting because there seems to be a 100th monkey principal happening around the evolution of consciousness of superheroes and heroines in our society today – we want to believe in more, we want to be more, and we long for a world of peace, harmony and happiness. And its showing up all over the place – just look at the movies today!  We’ve just been to see Thor, which was awesome.

His book couldn’t have been more well-timed!

To your inspired success!

Louise x

PS: So it also means you don’t need to get stuck searching for a last-minute Father’s Day gift—here’s the PERFECT present: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes, by father and son, Gotham and Deepak Chopra. Dad or hubby will LOVE these incredibly inspiring stories, and you will too!

http://deepakchoprabook.com/superheroes/

PPS: AND you’re going to have access to some cool free gifts too (mine being one of them! wait till you see what it is!!)  as you know Deepak’s going to be picky about what he shares!   So really have an amazing moment of diving into truly inspiring experiences.

Do you long to know the best kept secrets about healing?

Do you suspect that you’re weighted down by the negative energy of others?

Have you ever had a dream about your role in the world that you’re beginning to worry you won’t fulfill?

What if the vitality, energy and important role that you dream of is really possible? How incredible would it be if you could mastermind your own transformation, if you could become your own shaman… You CAN.

My friend and colleague, best-selling author and master healer Deborah King will show you how to turn the clock back, and feel young and vital once again, with all the passion, energy and focus required to create the life you deserve.

In her new book, Be Your Own Shaman, Deborah offers a revolutionary step-by-step program that shows you how to tap into your hidden powers, into your God-given abilities.

This profound program combines ancient shamanic techniques with cutting-edge 21st-century medicine and leads you to the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Ready to become your own shaman? Go Now: http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/

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Deborah’s shamanic approach will help you recalibrate your own energy as easily as you reset a thermostat. You’ll be able to stay protected from outside energies while you rebuild your own, readying you for powers beyond your wildest dreams. You’ll learn to:

* Turn the clock back, returning your body to its template of perfection.

* Protect yourself against negative “slime” and psychic attack from others.

* Enter into a restful zone where you recharge and connect with your infinite wisdom.

* Connect to your angelic and ancestral guides.

* Open to the highest levels of initiation so you can help your loved ones, your community, and the world.

This is what being your own shaman is all about-it’s what your heart wants most deeply and it’s what the world needs most urgently. Whatever your experience of life is right now-whether you’re in emotional or physical pain or feel adequate-you can feel the fullest ecstasy and joy of total empowerment.

If you’re ready to continue further on the path of shamanhood, get Be Your Own Shaman now! http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/

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If Deborah’s Name Sounds Familiar… It Should!

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You know Deborah as the national best-selling author of Truth Heals: What You Hide Can Hurt You.

“I have seen people stand in line for hours just to get a moment with Deborah King. People just love her and her healing work.”

—Louise L. Hay, the New York Times best-selling author of You Can Heal Your Life

And as a Health & Wellness expert and media personality who has appeared on all the major television networks.

“Deborah King is a spiritual guide to be reckoned with and charismatic and entertaining to boot!”

—James Van Praagh, Spiritual Medium, TV Host and Producer, the New York Times best-selling author of Ghosts Among Us.

And as the teacher for the powerful 21st Century Energy Medicine Program.

“Deborah King is an amazing teacher with a powerful message of living in the moment. Spend a few minutes with her and get ready for a paradigm shift!”

—Marci Shimoff, the New York Times best-selling author of Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason

I am recommending Deborah’s book to everyone I know. You’ll feel the same way when you’ve read it. Order it TODAY: http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/

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Enter to Win — PLUS, Free Gifts with Purchase

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WHY NOW? Because Be Your Own Shaman is the one book that can make your 2011 fulfilling beyond your wildest dreams.

AND, Deborah is running a special 7-week Facebook contest and offering a variety of prizes, including a chance to win an Apple iPad 2! Find Out More: http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/register.php

PLUS if you buy Be Your Own Shaman TODAY, you’ll receive the Be Your Own Shaman Workbook and the Awakening the Healer Within lecture for FREE! You’ll also have the chance to join a guided group meditation on Earth Day with Deborah. AND, to top it all off, Deborah’s friends and colleagues have joined together to offer a staggering array of gifts in celebration of the release of Be Your Own Shaman!

http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/gifts.php

So, I’m heartily recommending this book to EVERYONE I KNOW, and you’ll want to too!

This is definitely one of those books you’ll want in hard copy so it’s always at your finger-tips for quick reference… Get It Now: http://promos.hayhouse.com/beyourownshaman/

Enjoy!

Louise x

The reality is that when you’re growing a business in healing or helping profession, you want to have certain specific foundational pieces in place first!  Like deciding who you’re serving;  having systems in place to run your business effectively – like email management systems, bookkeeping etc; and having step by step strategies to communicate with and enroll clients.

There also comes a time through the evolution of your heart-centered business, when you start to realize you want to maximize what you’re doing, to make a healthy income and attract your ideal clients!  That’s when the light bulb moment happens that says you’re ready to become VISIBLE in your practice, and step into a bigger playing field!

Here are 3 BIG NEON SIGNS to look out for, that indicate that you’re open and ready…

1)       You’re starting to feel frustrated and even a little stuck.  That you have a few clients, but really want more clients – and not only that – your IDEAL clients, to build a solid income  in your business, as well as help more people. You know they’re out there, and that you can help them – but how to connect the dots!? And you want to do something about it.

2)       When you’re thinking – ‘I’m swapping my valuable time for income, and that there is a ceiling to to what I can earn and to how much energy I can give.  I can only do so much when it comes to ‘time’.’  When you recognize that it’s time to reach more people exponentially – and to share programs and products that will help more people at once, and make your business more profitable!

3)      When you recognize you’ve been holding yourself back and perhaps playing small.  This can come from fear or other seemingly feasible excuses.  But you know in your heart, by not stepping out of your comfort zone, that you’re denying those people out there who need your help and support, the opportunity  1) to know that you are there and available, and  2) the education to know that there is a way to be supported with the challenges they face.  That it’s really time to ‘own’ what you do and step out into a bigger playing field.

If you are identifying with any one of these 3 indicators, then you’re ready to step into the SPOTLIGHT and become VISIBLE in your soul-driven business.   And I applaud you for even getting this far, because it’s a courageous step to meaning ‘business’ in running your  business, AND making a difference exponentially.

Now that you know you’re ready! What to do next!?

I want to make it easy for you to take that step. I’d like to invite you to a free call I’m giving TODAY, that’s going to give you the low-down of what it means to be VISIBLE!  And I’ll share pitfalls to avoid, to make the journey an exciting one!  It’s called: Stepping into the Spotlight to Attract your IDEAL Clients. I promise it’s going to be packed with juicy information that you’ll be able to apply straight away.  Click here for more details http://keystoclarity.com/spotlight

VISIBILITY, I believe is crucial to the growth of a service business.  The question is, are you ready?

Make sure to get all the info you need to start you down the path of VISIBILITY  (or to tweak it), join us!  on the Stepping into the Spotlight call today!

I can’t wait to give you all the inside information on this topic!  And help you soar to success with a clear focus and strategy to do that!

Louise x

And if that’s not reason enough, here are ten more compelling reasons why you need to be using video to market and promote your business:

1. Google Loves Video! And not just because they own YouTube. Video puts your SEO on steroids. With video, you can dramatically improve your search engine rankings.

2. Video is Personal. You can enhance your know, like and trust factor very quickly by appearing on video. Let your customers get to know you by seeing and hearing you!

3. Video is Immediate. Got an idea or a message? Got a webcam? Then you can make a video instantly and be online in minutes. (Try the “quick capture” function on YouTube).

4. Video Connects. Nothing establishes a better connection with your clients and customers than video. Video creates that immediate bond and brings you closer to your customers.

5. Video is Here to Stay. Video is way past the trend stage and is quickly becoming a mainstream marketing tool. The sooner you get up to speed with this valuable resource, the better.

6. Video is (mostly) Free! With a free account on YouTube and a $40 webcam, you’re good to go with online video. In fact, you can get a free account at Animoto.com and create a free video montage using just your photos!

7. Video gives you worldwide exposure, 24/7. Having videos online increases your visibility across the globe. Let your video work for you while you sleep! And video is forever… Once it’s online, it keeps working for you, 24 hours a day.

8. YouTube Rocks! With an audience of 85 million viewers, YouTube is the place to be seen online. Not only is YouTube now the 4th most popular website on the Internet, it’s also the 2nd biggest search engine! Want a piece of the action? Create an upload your video to YouTube fast.

9. It’s Easier Than You Think! Handy gadgets like the Flip Video camera and the iPhone with Video make it easier than ever to capture and upload video. Both the Flip and the iPhone let you upload directly to YouTube. I’ve done both! And it’s so easy – the most technologically challenged would be ok doing this!

10. Video Accelerates the Sales Process! The best news of all about adding video to your marketing mix is that it greatly accelerates the sales process. People buy from someone they know, like and trust – and video can rapidly speed that process. That means more clients, more quickly, and more income!                

The video train is pulling out of the station, but there’s still time to jump on! The quickest and easiest way to get up to speed quickly is to join my friend and colleague Lou Bortone for his one-day virtual workshop, “Video in a Day!” Visit http://budurl.com/VideoInADay and learn how you can get your video online in just a few weeks. It’s time! And besides if you want to become VISIBLE in your business, which you know I love, this is one super-charged way to do it. (and you don’t even need to be on camera!)

I love Lou’s programs and participated in one he did last year, which I loved and got me going on using video in my business – which I do now on a regular basis and in my program launches! I am an affiliate partner of Lou’s, but I assure you its because I know that was he has to offer is wonderful, and so want to be able to share that with you.

To your shining success!
Louise x

I am just so excited to be launching this new program.  If you’re already heard about it and want to jump on board, just go straight to www.21daysgroup.com and sign up.

21 days, 21 minutes daily, for just $21 (I know – its a bit of no-brainer isn’t it!? )

I don’t have to tell you how vibrationally powerful this program is going to be.  Once your energy is lifted, and your intentions are clear, your action plan is in place, and your friends are cheering you on its hard NOT to succeed.  The flow towards your goals is going to be powerful.

Think of a goal or project you’ve really be meaning to do.  Or something you want to do daily, that you just haven’t managed to create the space for.  Something crucial to the growth of your business, or having a better life!

A couple of participants have already shared what they’re working on:

• One is doing 21 case-studies for a book she’s writing.
• Another is working on a poetry manuscript she wants publishing.
• Two participants are using the calls as support to making calls and reaching out to prospective clients
• I’m working on a marketing plan for a program I’m launching  (yes, I’m hosting and participating at the same time!)

That’s just a few examples of what’s possible!  So what is it that you want to focus your attention on?
Remember!   ‘What you focus on, expands’

If you’re curious and want to know more – go to www.21daysgroup.com All the details are there.

And just a heads up! because I really want you to succeed and create the results you really want to see -so not only is the price rather agreeable but I’ve set up a private forum on Facebook for the participants.  The conversations I’m having with those who have already signed up and are raring to go  – have been fabulous, and already inspiring!  This means you can connect between the daily calls, and even though we haven’t started yet, there are some wonderful interactions happening there already.  Get your friends to do it with you. Have fun with it.

Doors close for the March program on MONDAY at 12pm ET.   So get signed up straight away.
www.21daysgroup.com

To your shining and ‘inspired’ success,
Louise x

PS  All the daily calls will be recorded so you don’t miss out and keep the momentum going.

PPS It makes my heart so full, when I see soulopreneurs like you, stepping fully into your own mission and creating the results you’re going for!

–

I’m so inspired to talk about this on my show this week.  And here’s why…

What tipped the scale was a comment one of my followers made in an email to me.  Before that she sent this email, she had mentioned that nothing free ever shows up for people like her who can’t afford to invest in growing her business.  Phew, see the beliefs in there already!?…

• Nothing free ever shows up (well we know that’s not true as we’re constantly being offered free teleclasses, e-books and reports)
• People like her who can’t afford to invest … (there is a belief that will constantly show up to be true, so it will prevent her from attracting money towards her)
• That she needs money to grow her business (again not true – there are so many resources available. Of course at some point we DO want to invest, but it doesn’t have to stop us growing with other free or low cost resources)

So those were just some that showed up in the initial interaction.

Then the following email was about a prize I offered on my show – a full scholarship to the upcoming Visibility Mastery program. One of the caveats on my show for participating in this special draw, was that the participant had to be willing to doing the work in this program and show up fully committed.  That’s all.   In response to the opportunity the same dear individual, sent me an email, saying the opportunity was wonderful, but she didn’t know that she could.  Here are more beliefs that showed up:

• That her illness might get in her way.  (sure, this is a possibility – and what you focus on expands, and it might not! do the best you can)
• She won’t be able to grow her visibility because she won’t have money to buy the tools to create visibility (whew – again the money belief there, and the belief that you need money to become visible!)
• She also said ‘I don’t want to take the place of someone else’  – so a belief about not being worthy enough…

So ultimately with these beliefs and unsupportive thought supporting these beliefs she shut herself off from being open to the wonderful opportunity that come her way, and ultimately lost the opportunity because of it.

See that!  If we don’t believe in ourselves, how can we expect others to?

One thing she was clear on and so was I, was that she wasn’t committed to her own growth as well as that of her business.  Not that she was consciously aware of this.  I know she is committed to her vision, and her passion – but her beliefs were running her.  See that?

So I am passionate about supporting you and myself and everyone out there doing great work helping others to really look hard and deep, because ultimately you’re probably getting in the way of going for your vision, living your passion and doing great work!  We all do, all the time! The question is ‘are we willing to keep doing the work?’

For an in depth radio show on this topic join me on Wednesday at 3pm ET 2nd March                                                                         Call in on 347-945 6963 to listen or through the web on http://blogtalkradio.com/keystoclarity

If you would like to submit questions or share beliefs you’re struggling with, send them to info@keystoclarity.com and I’ll address them on the show.

And if you have any comments on this post, I would love to hear them. Its always to so great to get your insights and feedback.

Louise x

PS  Let’s choose to love our limiting beliefs – they’re a gift to keep tuning into what’s most important to us, to keep us growing and awakening.  And their also our little sentries, trying to protect us.  Have compassion and love for them and for you.  Love leads to releasing.

Bridget Engel is an Angel Intuitive and Personal Coach to those wanting to connect with divine guidance to create the life they desire. She teaches her clients how to partner with their Divinity, which is a short cut to all good things. This is the place that gives you universal truths, creativity, brilliant ideas, and guidance on how to align with the prosperity, relationships, and health you desire.
Did you know the word Angel comes from Old English (engel) and ultimately from the Greek word angelos, which means “messenger? Angels bring messages from the divine mind.  Bridget says the Angels want you to know that it is okay to be skeptical or dubious about their existence.

Bridget will share with us how to tap into our own angels guides – or even explore the possibility of that if you are a skeptic.  And importantly, guide us to help ourselves access our divine guidance as we deal with stress and information overload in our everyday business lives.  Connect with your inner divinity so that you can nurture yourself, be more present for your clients and create clarity and vision in your practice.

Call in with questions and hang out with us in the chatroom!
Wednesday 23rd Feb at 3pm ET
Call in on 347-945 6963 or listen via the web KeystoClarity! Radio

Remember you can listen to the recording if you can’t make it live – just remember though you get to ask questions when it is live, and there are great prizes to be won, every week on the show.

Louise x

PS I struggle between staying open to what is beyond, and being a skeptic – needing to see what is quantifiably in front of me. So I’m excited to hear more from Bridget, and expand my own awareness. If you’re a skeptic, come and join us and practice staying open. That’s the only way we grow!

Are you ready to learn what it takes to actually SUCCEED online? Join us for an information filled show with our guest, Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) Your $Ka-Ching!$ Marketing Strategist, who has a reputation for crafting copy and creating online and offline marketing campaigns that get results. In fact, Michele supports my mentor, Lisa Sasevich’s marketing campaigns so you can see she is the oracle of what works in your marketing copy!

Come and listen as she shares…

• How you can start positioning yourself as THE go-to expert in your industry
• How not to sound ‘sale-sy’
• How to become a magnet for ATTRACTING your ideal customers while at the same time REPELLING those clients who you really don’t want to work with
• And lots more!

Questions for the show? Send them to info@keystoclarity.com

KtC Radio ~ Wednesday, February 16^th at 3pm EST

Call-in Number: (347) 945-6963

or

Listen via Computer: http://budurl.com/CopyMichele

Don’t forget to chat and share your questions in the chatroom. And if you make the show LIVE, there are prizes to be won!

To your Shining Success,

Louise

P.S. If you are unable to make the show live, you can use the same link above to listen to the RECORDING after the show has aired.

A shout out to Mashable, for sharing this info!

Imagine having a video in the place of your profile pic!  It reminds me of the paintings in the school hallways of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, where the figures were moving all the time – but of course we also get to speak! Bonus!

I haven’t tried it yet, but let me know what you think if you do!

Here’s what Mashable recommends:

Enter FlipYourProfile, a new Facebook app slash browser plugin that allows you to replace your profile photo with a video. That’s right. You no longer have to have a boring still image in your profile photo box. You can have a moving, breathing, sound-generating profile video on loop.

The app was built by Cisco and DDB Singapore as a way of promoting the former’s line of Flip video cameras.

The application has two catches: First, only those who have the plugin installed will be able to see your video, otherwise they’ll just see your regular Facebook profile photo. Thus, if you want your friends to see your new profile video, you’ll need to persuade them to install it (and perhaps upload a video to their own profiles as well). Secondly, an ad saying, “Amazing! You can post videos on your Facebook profile. Get the app to view my profile vid,” will be automatically posted to your wall should you decide to upload a video, which is rather annoying.

Still interested? Follow these four steps to upload your own Facebook profile video.

1. Go to facebook.com/FlipSG and download the browser plugin for Chrome, Safari, Firefox or IE.
2. Restart your browser.
3. Connect your profile with the app.
4. Shoot and send video by e-mailing a video from your Flip Video cam to me@flipyourprofile.com, or by using the Profile Maker to shoot a video using your webcam or to upload an existing video (less than 10MB, .flv, .mp4, h.264 only).*

*Note: If you’re using, for example, your iPhone to shoot video, you’ll need to use a free file converter like Get Miro to convert your .mov file to one of the compatible formats. You should also shoot your video in horizontal mode; otherwise, it will appear sideways on your profile.

Enjoy, and let me know how it goes!  I want to see your videos!   This is a great way to have instant connection and send people to your Fanpage!