This article is intended for probably your significant other or spouse to read… I felt compelled to write it talking to them about your needs since my marriage went south due to the lack of much of this. If you currently don’t have one, give it to a family member or friend and/or save for Mr. Right later! Enjoy and hope it helps!

Did you know (you, meaning the non-entrepreneurial spouse of an entrepreneur) that your entrepreneurial spouse (or significant other – just as important in this scenario) takes on a huge responsibility when they start their own business?

Granted, some of the smaller, home based type business owners could be out there just to make a few extra bucks for fun or they’re doing their business for a hobby, not truly a serious business venture.

However, I’m not talking about them here, I’m talking about actual entrepreneurs (home based or not) who are in business to turn a profit AND provide products and services they are passionate about.

I’m also talking about the ones who are your significant others or spouses (so forward this to them if this is the other party – you’ll be glad you did) in which case YOU are also NOT an entrepreneur yourself and frankly wouldn’t want to be….is this you? Did you know that your spouse may not be getting the kind of support they need in order to be fully confident and successful in their business? (yes, by you) And in order to be completely successful at running your own business CONFIDENCE is the key!

When you have a job working for someone else, often you can succeed without that much confidence but when it’s your own business…there’s absolutely NO way.

Did you know that your spouse may not know how to communicate this need to you?

Now, two things can happen here….

1 – you won’t care and you’ll stop reading this or 2 – you’ll care but you’ll have no idea if this is true or even how to find out what your spouse needs exactly (hopefully you’re still reading…)

If #1 occurred then you’re probably on your way to divorce anyway so your situation is most likely not fixable.

If you’re in alignment with #2 though then GREAT! But now what?

There are basically 2 things you can do to support your spouse in business (even if you don’t have any involvement in their business, know what they do or want to know).

You can either take Action or Non-Actions. Actions consist of ways to physically help out or support your spouse.

Non-Actions consist of ways to emotionally and mentally help out or support your spouse.

Your spouse unfortunately needs both in order to feel fully supported, loved and encouraged (that’s the hard part, it requires some work).

But let’s break it down…

Actions

o helping – when asked for help

o learning – about what they do and how else you can support them

o listening – to requests, feelings, emotions and needs o loving – at all times in various ways that are noticeable

Non-actions o understanding – they need to do it ‘their way’

o giving – of your energy when they need it the most regardless if asked

o sharing – feelings, emotions, questions and concerns

o expecting – nothing but complete and utter happiness among all

Of course there’s so much more to it than this but that’s what marriage counselors are for right?

No, seriously…the one way to learn better how to communicate and support your entrepreneurial spouse is to start the dialog, practice this stuff, ask what they need, learn more about what others are doing and then get help as needed

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As small business owners, it’s all too easy for us to get so immersed in the daily planning and producing of projects and profits that we forget to step back and take a look at the Bigger Picture of what’s going on “in the field,” as they say.

So take a minute out of – or add a minute into – your day’s to-do’s and get hip to three of the top trends that require your attention, ASAP. Not only will you feel smarter, but the information will help you:

• Stay relevant and competitive.
• Adjust your products, services, practices, and policies accordingly.
• Make better decisions about what to do with your time and resources.

And away we go!

Trend #1: The Rise of the Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the illusion of the “safe” corporate job get completely annihilated. We’ve seen retirement plans disappear, corporate greed get outed, and the “gentleman’s handshake” between dedicated employees who invest 10 – 30 years into their company’s goals and profits go the way of the dodo bird.

Enter the Lifestyle Entrepreneur. Creative, determined individuals who play to their own strengths, take advantage of the tools and resources available, and design their businesses to support their own passions, vision, and lifestyle goals, instead of designing a business that rules their lives.

What are some of the tools, signs, and secret weapons of the?

• Leveraged business models, like membership sites
• Ultra-niche products and services that can be automated
• Using Virtual Assistants instead of employees
• Driving traffic to online products and services that require little or no human intervention

With the Internet, every single business and industry has the capacity to create some passive money portals around their products and services. It’s not only possible – more and more, it’s expected! Which means even multi-million-dollar companies can take advantage of some or all of the savvy strategies of the Lifestyle Entrepreneur.

Trend #2: “Kindred” Creation

It’s funny, most people assume moving business online means the death of personal connections. The irony is, to be successful online, you have to get in tune and in touch with what your Target Market and Ideal Audience wants more than ever before. You have to talk how they talk, hang out where they hang out, and make offers they find Irresistible. You have to find your Kindreds. Foster and nurture relationships. Find people who think like you do, have similar or complementary outlooks, etc.

Mega-marketer Dan Kennedy calls these folks your “Herd.” Marketing guru and author Seth Godin calls them your “Tribe.” We prefer Kindreds, because it sounds more human. And the human connection is what it’s all about.

Trend #3: The Great Social Divide

Essentially, there are those who have jumped (or are jumping) into the social marketing game, and those who haven’t (and won’t). Don’t be in the second group.

If you’re a business owner who sincerely wants to be in business five years from now, 2009 is the year you have to take the plunge into the social networking realm. It can be crude at first, but you have to budget some time and resources to get better and fold in this stuff a little at a time.

Right now, very few people (if any) are using all the vehicles perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about what’s the “right way” or the “wrong way.” The only “wrong way” is to end 2009 without some sort of presence on the top-tier social marketing sites, at the very least: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. And don’t forget that old dinosaur of interactive, conversational communications: BLOGGING. It’s still very much a respected VIP at the social marketing party – mostly because it can serve as your aggregate, your home base, your one-stop connection shop.

Set up a bare-minimum strategy. Learn a little about one of these every month, or every other month. Tools and applications are being developed even as we speak at mind blowing rates.

Your competition is learning this stuff. What’s more, your Target Market is looking for you – or will be looking for you – in these forums. They’re looking to connect, see who you really are, what you and your business are thinking about…what’s behind the curtain, so to speak.

If you’re not there when they want to make that connection or do their research, they’ll move on to whoever is willing to share their behind-the-scenes personality in authentic ways.

Ultimately, the human need for connection is fueling the social media explosion, and there will be thousands more sites and opportunities popping up in 2009 and beyond.

Be on the playing field when the pitch is thrown.

So there you have them – three top biz trends for 2009. May you use them to fuel your business success, this year and for many years to come!

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Although most businesses are effectively treading water through the current economic crisis, many astute business owners are looking to the growth of business by utilising what’s commonly referred to as an innovation business model.

Innovation and change are often requirements for business growth and many opportunities present in times of business hardship.

The growth of business utilising an innovation business model is often the key to the success of many contemporary businesses.

Many business consultancy strategists & many an individual business consultant believe the first steps to achieving business success lie in identifying your business growth strategy plan.

Researching a good business model example will probably highlight business growth strategies and a concise business model definition.

In times of financial hardship every company aspires for growth in sales and profitability and profit maximisation is considered one of the first and the foremost business growth strategy plans of any business.

An innovation business model is a useful benchmark to successfully keep the business on the growth trajectory. When working to a business growth strategy plan it is necessary that all the areas of business are managed professionally.

Irrespective of the size of the business, these areas may include customer relationship and customer satisfaction, finance, quality and supply chain, vendor development etc.

When one considers strategy corporate and innovation and change not all businesses and their managements have the right skills to efficiently strategise, improve and manage every business area.

However no management can afford to ignore any of these areas. Therefore a large number of companies increasingly seek assistance of business consultancy in order to ensure all business areas are developed and improvised to meet the business growth objectives.

Hence the phrase, business consultancy equals business growth holds relevance as businesses depend on the expertise of business consultancies and business consultants for their business growth strategy.

The growth of any business planned during times of economic hardship should be carefully designed as the transition from feast to famine is not always a smooth ride.

It is always wise to seek the professional expertise of a business consultant who has proven expertise in business growth. Appointing a proven business growth consultant will ensure that many of the time, effort and financial mistakes are kept to a minimum.

A proven growth consultant will have been privy to all of these mistakes several times before and is therefore best placed to ensure they don’t materialise during your business growth.

When considering business growth strategies or strategy corporate tactics, the growth of business utilising an innovation business model should factor that without innovation and change the likelihood of business failure increases significantly.

When seeking to identify the initial business model definition or business model example a business consultant should understand the relevance of how embracing an innovation business model can lead to the exponential growth of business.

Therefore by definition, business consultancy equals business growth is a true phrase because business consultancy plays an important role of the catalyst in the growth of business organization.

Present day businesses face number of challenges right from getting finance to the deployment of right technologies and quality tools to ensure customer satisfaction is sustained and improved continuously and the business consultancy acts as a key enabler to equip the business organization with the right skills and know-how to meet these challenges effectively.

One expert business consultant is providing significant success to companies looking for the growth of business and through his business consultancy Art of Business War. He has successfully partnered with a large number of small and large business organizations to effectively put them on the growth trajectory by targeting the growth of business utilising his innovation business model.

Many businesses have been successfully transformed into profitable organizations through The Art of Business War innovation business model.

The well known expert business consultant at The Art of Business War has deployed unique business growth strategies for each business organization contemplating the growth of business utilising an innovation business model and has also imparted Professional Management Training specifically designed to assist in the implementation of a business growth strategy plan.

Hopefully the growth of business utilising an innovation business model clarifies the importance of identifying your business model definition or business model example before implementing business growth strategies and innovation and change.

Growth Of Business 5 Secrets Of An Innovation Business Model #1

Hire A Business Consultant With Proven Growth Skills

Before you consider any aspects of a business growth strategy or any business growth strategies it is wise to conduct due diligence to identify a business consultant with proven innovation and change skills.

He or she should be skilled in strategy corporate methodology required for business model definition. In today’s fast paced business life, the growth of business can sink or swim depending on the innovation business model example.

Hiring a business consultant with proven business growth skills is number 1 on the business consultancy 5 Secrets list.

Growth Of Business 5 Secrets Of An Innovation Business Model #2

Innovation And Change

When any business contemplates business growth strategies two of the most difficult aspects to manage are innovation and change.

Given the current economic business crisis every business growth strategy is best produced by an outsourced business consultant who is fully versed in implementing and managing the company problems associated with innovation and change.

The business model example and business model definition should incorporate all aspects of strategy corporate tactics identified from the business owners by the business consultant.

Although often difficult to implement in many businesses because it takes business owners out of their comfort zone innovation and change is number 2 on the business consultancy 5 Secrets list.

Growth Of Business 5 Secrets Of An Innovation Business Model #3

Business Growth Strategies

Just about every professional business consultant understands the relevance of business growth strategies when producing a strategic growth plan for a business.

The business model definition of business growth strategy lies in the business consultant producing a workable plan based around each individual business and the business employees.

There can be no such concept as a one business model example to serve all businesses because no two businesses are the same.

The strategy corporate tactics like innovation and change may be highly successful for one business but fail miserably for another business. This is why business growth strategies is number 3 on the business consultancy 5 Secrets list.

Growth Of Business 5 Secrets Of An Innovation Business Model #4

Business Model Example

Many business growth strategies suggested by an untrained or an unqualified business consultant include plagiarising the contents of another business model example. However as discussed above this method is often pre-programmed for failure.

For example trying to implement the Starbucks coffee shop business model example will be at opposite ends of the spectrum for the business growth strategy required by a medium sized engineering company seeking to grow its business.

The business model definition and business model example has to be relevant to the individual business and should only be produced after the business consultant has identified the business needs for growth like innovation and change and strategy corporate.

The business model example is number 4 on the business consultancy 5 Secrets list.

Growth Of Business 5 Secrets Of An Innovation Business Model #5

Strategy Corporate

Whenever a professional business consultant mentions strategy corporate it is relevant to understand the actual meaning behind business growth strategy and business growth strategies.

Strategy corporate is generally a plan of action or policy in business. This helps to identify the business model definition prior to finalising the business model example.

Any innovation business model has to include innovation and change which is why it lists at number 5 on the business consultancy 5 Secrets list.

The growth of business utilising an innovation business model is often the key to the success of many contemporary businesses. Many business consultancy strategists & many an individual business consultant believe the first steps to achieving business success lie in identifying your business growth strategy plan.

Researching a good business model example will probably highlight business growth strategies & a concise business model definition.

By working closely with your proven business growth consultant in implementing your innovation business model you should be able to look forward to long term sustainable and profitable business growth.

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The term “underearning” became popularized by the book, “Earn What You Deserve” by Jerrold Mundis. That book is probably 10 years old by now, but the topic is always relevant, particularly for self-employed people. There’s a bit of a chicken-or-egg quandary when you look at underearning and self-employment. Many underearners unconsciously gravitate towards entrepreneurship because it provides freedom from accountability, therefore allowing an underearner say “no” to success, or “yes” to business activities that don’t make financial sense. But I’ve also seen formerly successful people start their own business and get stuck in a cycle of struggle and poverty that didn’t plague them before. So perhaps an underearning pattern can be developed as a result of starting up a new business as well. It’s so prevalent, that there’s a 12-Step group called Business Owners Debtors Anonymous (BODA) where entrepreneurs who struggle with money gather for support around financial responsibility. There isn’t a BODA national website yet, but if you’re curious you can probably find a meeting through their parent organization Debtor’s Anonymous. Here are 10 Common Traits of Underearners: 1.Chronic pattern of not earning enough to meet your needs. 2.Being close-minded about work that offers financial stability. 3.Avoiding contact with people that want to hire you. 4.Working for trade, deep discounts, or pro-bono, instead of money. 5.Distracting oneself with romantic intrigue to avoid career issues. 6.Changing jobs/careers after startup, but before income begins. 7.Compulsively saying “yes” to work or clients that don’t pay enough. 8.Compulsively saying “no” or being afraid of opportunities that pay well. 9.When money is abundant, compulsively over- spending or creating debt. 10.Having a core belief system that says you are bad, and/or money is bad.

So what do you do if the word, “Underearner,” describes you? Besides taking a look at Mundis’ book, or checking out a BODA or DA meeting, you can start with self-observation. Be careful not to go into self-judgment. Most underearners feel enough shame already. Simply notice how you act when it’s time to make decisions or take actions that might help you earn money. Do you pull back? Get sick? Find some other distraction to throw yourself into, or work harder at the wrong tasks?

The good news is that you have a choice as to whether you continue to underearn, or change the dynamic. Every day, you have a choice. You can make those follow up calls to prospects, or not. You can take work that will pay enough for your bills, or you can try to “get by” a little longer. You can say yes to the right clients, and no to situations that are bad for you. You’re innately powerful, but when underearning shows up in your life, some part of you has lost touch with that power. Increasing profitability isn’t just something that you do. Indeed, there are systems and accountability structures that will help you make more money. But sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you change what you believe.

Copyright © 2009 Inspiration, Inc

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I started Cows From My Window 18 months ago and despite the inevitable rocky patches of any new business, it has been the best 18 months of my life.

Here are 7 reasons why owning a lifestyle business works for me (and could for you):

1. I can choose my work
Whenever I’m approached by a potential client, the first question which goes through my head is “Is working with this person on this type of change something that will really excite me?” If it isn’t, I don’t take the work. What job would give me that freedom?

2. I have control over my time
OK, having your own business is hard work, but it’s me and not my boss who gets to decide how much I work and when.

I stop at 3pm so I can take my 3 ½ year old daughter to a park, explore Beijing’s hutongs together on my bike, or maybe do some painting. If I haven’t finished what I needed to, I make up for it in the evenings after Elsa is in bed – which might not be everyone’s choice, but it suits me.

3. I decide where I work
I see clients at home or work with them over the phone – which is a joy, because there’s no commute. On my writing days, I can drag on my slobbiest clothes, and work from my laptop at my local café. (I admit there’s a downside… having to limit myself to just one cup of their wall-climbingly strong Italian coffee, and mustering the willpower to stay away from the tiramisu).

4. I’m surrounded by inspiring, creative and courageous people
My clients are a daily reminder of the courage and determination it takes to change your life…and of how much it is worth it in the end. And I’ve made friends with many other business owners – a fun, independent-minded, creative bunch of people firmly in charge of their own destiny.

5. I am always (ALWAYS!) learning
I have a piece of paper pinned to a corkboard beside my desk and barely a day goes by that I don’t scribble another book title down on my wish-list. Psychologists, philosophers, heroes of today and yesteryear, business and marketing gurus – how will I ever live long enough to learn all there is to know?

6. I have time to smell the roses
Elsa and I spend nearly 3 months of the year (in batches) in the UK with my parents. It’s pretty much free time, for Elsa to bond with her grandparents, and for me to visit friends or just relax in the laid back country village, where a 100 metre amble to the local pub is the height of the social scene. I do fit in some work, (thanks mum and dad for the child-minding)! – but it’s ticking-things-along kind of stuff, nothing too stressful.

7. I’m forced to become a better person!
There’s nothing like owning a business for slamming you brutally up against your weaknesses. Not just technical areas like accounting expertise or strategic thinking. But personal qualities you’re lacking, like – in my case – patience, or the ability to JUST – CHILL – OUT.

Having your own business is like being permanently on drugs (I imagine!). The highs are higher and the lows are lower. But in my view, finding something in life which constantly pushes you past your comfort zone is the best way to honour the one life we are given. In the words of Thomas Mann:

“There is at bottom only one problem in the world and this is its name: how does one break through? How does one get into the open? How does one burst the cocoon and become a butterfly?”

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Faced with a considerable demand for their time, many shrewd owners are employing the services of a mobile business coach. This allows them to conduct discussions with, seek advice and ask questions with a coach interactively, via a wide array of available media. In addition to the conventional telephone call, via landline or mobile phone, e-mail is an increasingly popular mode of communication, as is SMS, the use of a conference website, webinars, Skype phone or instant messaging.

These options allows a business coach to be available and useful whenever they are needed, regardless of physical location. As transportation costs increase and the time that it takes to travel from point A to point B expands, it is anticipated that there will be an increasing demand for mobile executive coaching.

There are four key benefits associated with this approach:

Geographical boundaries disappear, and clients and cultures are able to communicate at their convenience. The sharing of documents and files, even complete computer systems is now possible, and the business coach can instantly look at documents, websites or sensitive files via this two-way technology. Physical boundaries are immaterial in this technological world.

Sometimes, this type of virtual communication offers the participant a sense of security. Insofar as they do not feel that they are “on the spot”, it may allow them to concentrate more on the conversation rather than spurious visual distractions.

Thirdly, as time is of the essence these days, the mobile business coach can cut out the considerable time and resources needed to gain access.

Finally, it has been found that mobile coaching requires as much as 30% less time to deliver than a conventional program, and that sessions are greatly focused and a lot more productive. The system allows both parties to narrow their focus to the discussion at hand and they will often have a very clear idea of what they want to accomplish prior to the session.

While some topics will always require a more personal approach – especially those matters involving security or other confidential matters – mobile business coach services, are taking advantage of the advance of technology, and becoming a much more palatable proposition for the time-harried executive. Consult with your business coach to set up your next mobile consultation.

Photo: JohTal

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Many entrepreneurs, small business owners and practitioners are feeling the economic pinch right now. But here’s the real truth: these are precisely the times when business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs need questions answered.

Remember, people going into business or self-employment are invariably opportunistic in their predisposition: they may be battening down the hatches but the vast majority – potentially 90% – are thinking about opportunities for the future. They want to talk about creating businesses that can weather any storm. And so do you! Think about business not the career.

It’s the economy isn’t it? No: it’s the mind that will be your greatest asset in this time. If you think of your business as a job, it will be. Your actions will forever keep it that way. If you think about your practice as an entity outside of yourself – think of it as vehicle for your life. You’ll approach your business with the intention of making it just such a vehicle. It’s a mind shift. It will get you away from the negativity bedevilling many business owners and professionals. Hare’s some practical pointers that will help you recession-proof your professional practice.

Flex those muscles

By focusing on your core competencies, you are flexing muscles which are already there. The tendency in these times is to go into a kind of fear state where those small tasks that are pedestrian, not business building can become front-of-mind. It’s very easy to be taking on multiple but often minor tasks, grasping at straws, trying to be all things to all people. By doing this you may be diluting the very essence of your core capabilities. You don’t need to keep an eye on the competition – there will always be another business or another practitioner that out there that does something better than you do. The trick is to not allow your core competencies to become so diluted that you lose the competitive edge that makes you unique.

Grow flexibility muscle

Once you re-focus and consolidate around what you do best, you may find that that there’s ample opportunity to innovate: to do what you do better. Re visit your “capability” story and find ways to re-sate the story, perhaps through a website offering, an email newsletter, a phone call. It’s the way to do better than your competition in your core strength; not theirs.

Listen to your clients

Your clients will have their own concerns: listen to them. Find ways to grow their capacities and be prepared to adjust. Preferences may have shifted: there is, after all a massive shift in consumer behaviour – a much more frugal environment abounds. As a “talking point” look at what is selling and what is not selling. Quantify this with the clients.

Ironically, some sectors that one would expect to be running around like the veritable “chooks without heads” are the financial advisers: yet there is considerable calm out there despite the carnage on Wall Street. Much lower level of withdrawals are evident; possibly because advisers have listened to their client concerns and are talking them thought the crises- showing resiliency and a capacity to be “two ears; one mouth.”

Long term planning

This will all pass. The winners will be those who adapt to the changing environment; who strengthen their core competencies and who take a pro active rather then reactionary mode.

This is the time to take on “helicopter” view of your practice. For sure there will be a need to examine inefficiencies in the way business has been conducted: this need to be addressed. Indeed weed out those activities that do not support a renewed commitment to promote and sell on core competencies. And do all of this with an eye towards not only meeting their customers’ immediate needs, but to position oneself to be the best in your field a year from now.

Photo: Makio Kusahara

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