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

Unlock the door...

Its time to reconnect with the bigger vision of why we’re doing what we’re doing.  Get rid of the small detail stuff that feels cloying, and clutters our minds with ‘should-ofs’ ‘musts’ ‘don’t know how but will figure it out somehow’ ‘I know I can do it if I put my mind to it’ ‘I can’t afford to do it’  around the issues that are holding us back.  You owe it to yourself and your community you’re in service to, to get real with yourself, and start to let go.   In letting go, we can focus on whats most important.  We also get to give the pieces we don’t enjoy or have no skill, to someone who will totally embrace them because it’s what brings them joy!  We get to focus on the important parts of our business, our core skills and gifts, and living into the bigger vision of our lives and business, not getting stuck in the small detail but looking at the amazing possibilities that the universe is constantly presenting to us.  In opening up this space, flow starts to happen, and you and your business will jump forward in huge leaps and bounds!  Are you ready for that?   Well now that you have committed with a resounding yes, what will that first step be?   I am letting go of having to know everything about setting up the details in my blog, also setting up my email /auto-responder system, just for starters.  Just acknowledging this to myself feels truly liberating and empowering.    I know you’ll feel the same way.  And who is helping you get clear on your path in your business, clearing your way to making your vision into a prosperous and joyful reality.   Its really important to have someone mentor you on this journey, to move you through these obstacle quickly, as we don’t see them for ourselves until we’re really and truly stuck. Not a great place to be in.    So who is going to be that person for you?  These are key elements to your moving forward with Joy, Momentum, Purpose & Clarity not only in 2010, but in this decade.

I coach and mentor individuals growing their businesses to the place where they can serve their clients with all of their being, so that everything is set up in flow and ease. It might be about letting go – whether its fears or obstacles or about creating that clear path of what’s next.   If that feels appealing to you, call me and we can explore the possibilities of making this a reality for you through coaching with a complimentary call.  Just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page.

I am passionate about your success, so you in turn can be more and do more in this world.

Coach Louise x

Earlier in the year, I was at a weekend in NY with Marcia Wieder – America’s Dream Coach, and she signed this lovely little book that she had just published, for me.   I found a wonderful quote which is so in alignment with our discussion around conserviing energy.  I hope you enjoy it as much I did….

Quote from Marcia Wieder – America’s Dream Coach

Book: Dreams Are Whispers From The Soul

No More, Now What?

When asked to do something, do you open up a jam packed calendar to squeeze one more thing in to an already over scheduled life? Before we can create new dreams we need to make room for them.

Is it time to give up something you have outgrown? Are you ready to quit something that is no longer ture for you and that no longer nurtures or fulfills you?

When your kids need you or you are under a deadline at work, you don’t always have a choice. But when offered a choice, if you are invited to do something that you don’t have to do or don’t want to do, consider saying, ‘No, thank you.’

Clear away some clutter to make room for new dreams.  As you say, ‘no more’ to what’s no longer true for you , to those activities, habits, even relationships that are not aligned with how you want to live your life, you make room to ask, ‘Now what?’

With new found friends, energy and time, what would you say ‘yes’ to? What would you say ‘more’ to?  What dreams would you schedule into your life?

While helping people create or discover new dreams, two of my favourite words are, ‘What else?’  What else would bring you more joy and fulfillment, what else would bring you more passion and energy, what else would have you feel aligned with your purpose?

With a little breathing space, you can add things to your life that matter to you, make you happy and are aligned with your purpose.  Imagine how your life will change when some day soon, you open your calendar to find inspiring projects that progress your most heartfelt goals.

That would be a dream come true life.

letting go, to make more room

Coach Louise Crooks

For one thing!  If I did well financially in my business, and in doing what I loved, then it would help me to live my mission to assist others in living a life of balance, purpose and joy, when faced with certain life challenges.   Just think how big that could get!  I could impact the world.    So on that note, money doesn’t seem so ‘evil’ any more.   If it means I can set up a fund in South Africa to create self-sustaining communities in rural areas, and provide much needed medicine especially to those infected by HIV,  money doesn’t seem to have that ‘stigma’ attached to it anymore.  I welcome my success, and I hope to help a lot of people by being successful, and on my road to success!!!

The key point here, is to know what your beliefs are!  Once you know what they are you are in a unique position to do something about them!  You have a choice on your attitude, and how it will affect everything you do!     In my next post, I will tell you about the ‘Millionaire Minds Intensive’  which will help you do exactly that!  This is so exciting!  Louise