Monday, December 27, 2010

3 Essential Keys to Conscious Business Success





Throughout the past two weeks, I've had numerous (lively) conversations about what it means to be a conscious business owner. I've turned this topic inside out to get to the bottom of what conscious business is about. I share these 3 Keys to Conscious Business Success from my own "in the trenches" experience.

In order to recognize your business as a conscious business it needs to match three criteria, and if any one of these is missing... it's not a conscious business. It may be a conscious hobby, or a conscious project, but not a conscious BUSINESS.  Conscious: fully aware of or sensitive to something; deliberate, intentional.

Business: a person, partnership, or corporation engaged in commerce, manufacturing, or a service; profit-seeking enterprise or concern.
OK, so now that we know the dictionary definition of conscious business, here are the three key elements necessary for YOUR conscious business success.

Make a Difference.

A conscious business is one that's committed to making the world a better place. This doesn't mean you have to change the life of every person on the planet (though that may be your aspiration), but you DO need to provide a product or service whose intention is to improve the lives of YOUR clients and customers. Think of it as being dedicated to changing 'your world' and the people who are touched by doing business with you.

 Whether you own a yoga studio or a deli; offer coaching, financial planning or sales training... the question to ask yourself is, 'Am I truly committed to improving the lives of my customers and clients?' If you answer yes, you're one-third of the way there!

Be Profitable.

This key has been the most challenging for me. I've been SO committed to making a difference, I had neglected to analyze each of my businesses on its' own 'legs' to see if it's profitable. It had been easy to overlook the specific numbers when, overall, things are in the black. So, I ask you to do the same thing I did. This is especially important if you have multiple businesses and income streams. Here goes! 

Spend the afternoon with your books. Sorry, I don't mean Conversations with God or Think and Grow Rich; I'm talking about your QuickBooks. Yup. Go ahead and do it. Pull up your profit and loss (PNL) statements and read what they have to say. Is more money going out than coming in? Is one division of your business supporting another division that's costing you money? Does the business look 'on paper' like you thought it would? Is there money leaking out of your business? Are you on track to reach your financial objectives? Hint: One of your objectives needs to be profitability! 


If your business isn't profitable, it's time to do what it takes to become profitable. And, if you're like me, your commitment to conscious business may cause you to face some difficult decisions. 

Be Your Best. 


This key is critical because it involves how you FEEL, everyday, as you go about working 'in' and 'on' your business. I was reading the Abraham-Hicks book, Ask and It Is Given on the treadmill yesterday and the book drives this point home. Abraham-Hicks reminds you that your most important priority in manifesting your dreams is to feel good. The question to ask here is, 'Does my business cause me to feel good? Does it support me in being my best?' 

Your conscious business should be a source of positive emotions, a vehicle for full self-expression, a way to fulfill your destiny, and fuel for being the best you can be. If your business is not a source of feeling good, identify what doesn't feel good about it. And, then begin to eliminate or transform those aspects that have been pulling down your emotions. Your goal is to have your business fully engage you in experiencing positive emotion! 

The good news about being a conscious business owner is you're awake and aware to every aspect of your business. From this perspective, you stand in the most powerful position to take action in creating the business (and life) of your dreams.

About the Author: Christine Kloser, Founder of the Conscious Business Circle, publishes the Conscious Business Connection ezine. If you're ready to integrate tangible business strategies with Universal principles to achieve results faster... and easier, get your tips now at www.ConsciousBizReport.com. Copyright 2007 Christine Kloser. Article Source: articlecircle.com


Monday, December 20, 2010

Update and Bible.com Find

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to blog.  Business has been booming for me during this Christmas Holiday!  I am so grateful!  I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas vacations and your home and lives are full of love and joy.  I've missed you guys!  Anyhow, I finally had time to sit down and browse the internet today and I paid a visit to one of my favorite websites: www.Bible.com.  I read the daily devotional and, like always, I have to share it!

There is a lot going on in the world today.  Between national disasters, people losing their jobs and homes, and what's going on in the world government, there are a lot of people that are suffering right now.  People are hurting and looking for a way out.  Many turn to alcohol.  Alcohol is not a bad thing.  It can actually help ease the pain when you're hurting.  It is not to be abused.  Like the old saying goes, "Too much of anything can hurt you."  (I think that's the way the old saying goes.. lol)  There are also many drunks in the world that have allowed alcohol to ruin their lives and the lives of others.  Did you know that the bible speaks of alcohol?  Check out today's Bible.com daily devotional...  (I've got to get back to my studies... :))

Always Wishing you Health, Wealth and Wisdom! xoxo
Monique Bradford - The WifeyMommyPreneur~


Proverbs 31:4-7 (KJV):
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Proverbs 31:4-7 (AMP):
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink (as medicine) to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and (seriously) remember his want and misery no more.

Thoughts for the Day 
 
These verses from Proverbs are a mother's advice to her son, who is king, and she warns of the danger of drinking wine and strong drink because it causes one to forget what the law requires, and pervert justice, especially in the cause of those who are afflicted. The only time, according to these verses, that alcohol is recommended is when a person is in pain or extreme distress, and then it can be administered medicinally. Even today, we find alcohol as an ingredient in a number of prescription compounds, and they can be used for good, when the situation calls for it; however, this mother knew that to be a wise king, it would be best to avoid drinking wine and alcohol altogether.

Drinking alcohol has perverted the judgment of many people, causing great heartache for those who are its victims. This was a wise mother who gave this advice. Drinking wine was popular during Bible days and many references are made to this act. Does the Bible say it is sinful to drink wine? The answer to this question is that the wine itself is not sinful, because sin is in the heart of man and does not exist in any object of itself. It is the drunkenness and intoxication that come about, when a man drinks too much, that causes him to sin. The Bible teaches discipline and moderation; even eating too much food is a sin and is called the sin of gluttony in the Bible.  

The problem with drinking wine or strong drink is that it causes poor judgment and also changes many people's personalities. Men can end up raging and brawling and doing things in a drunken stupor that are very unwise and that they will also regret. The Bible does make a distinction, as to the affect that strong drinks (alcoholic beverages like whiskey, vodka, etc.) have on a person, as opposed to wine, showing that the strong alcoholic drinks are far worse at causing men to become out of their heads and violent. The wine is bad enough, as it can cause men to lose their senses due to their inebriation.

So what should our position be as Christians, since we know the many sorrows that drunkenness causes? We know that alcoholism is responsible for many broken homes because of the abusive behavior toward family and others. We know the many deaths on our highways caused by drinking and driving. What about the many premature deaths caused by health problems stemming from alcoholism? Yes, drunkenness is a very evil sin that hurts the whole nation. The Bible says all drunkards who do not repent will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Although a Christian may be free to drink moderately as long as they do not become drunk, is that the highest and wisest thing we should do? Paul stated in the New Testament that he would not allow his liberty to be a license to sin, nor would he do anything that would cause a brother to stumble.


Galatians 5:13: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

1 Corinthians 8:9: "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."



We must all give an account of ourselves before our Lord. What would please Him? Would it not be pleasing to Him, if we loved others enough to give up those things we could have, for a greater cause? Would it not be a more powerful witness to others in our age to stand out as one who did not drink alcoholic beverages because we had no need to do so? When we are filled with the Spirit of God, His spirit gives us the joy and release that many are seeking by drinking. May we instead desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have no need for "spirits."

Ephesians 5:18-20:
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;


Prayer for the Day 
 
Dear Heavenly Father, What wonderful advice we find written in the pages of the Bible. May we all adhere to the wisdom we find in it, and especially the wisdom given for kings. Lord, spiritually, You have made us kings and priests, so we need to act like a king and a priest. We need to be wise and holy, so we can rule and reign in a dark and evil world. Deliver us from all things that would cause us to have poor judgment and give us Your wisdom. May I live a righteous life before the world and be a true and faithful witness for You. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Facebook "Fight Against Child Abuse" Movement





I have officially joined the "Fight Against Child Abuse" Movement on Facebook.  I think it's an awesome cause and I'm so glad that people are stepping up to protect the children of our world, by saying "Hey!  This is wrong!  It's never alright to abuse a child!"  I am all for it!  With that said, I, along with many other FACEBOOK Users will be a cartoon characters until Monday, December 6th.

The reason that I wanted to blog about this is because: #1 - I wanted to bring awareness to the issue of Child Abuse
#2 - You have to read this poem!  I copied it from the Official "Fight Against Child Abuse" Facebook "Info" Page.  It is heart breaking.  It really sheds light on the reality of child abuse from a child's perspective.  

Below is the copy of the poem.  Brace yourself.  Like the creator of the Facebook Page said, "This will make you sick!"

Always wishing you Health, Wealth and Wisdom!
Monique Bradford (The Smirf) ~  The WifeyMommyPreneur  


My name is Sarah
I am but three,
my eyes are swollen
I cannot see.

I must be stupid,
I must be bad,
what else could have made
my daddy so mad?

I wish I were better,
I wish I weren't ugly,
then maybe my Mommy
would still want to hug me.

I can't speak at all,
I can't do a wrong
or else I'm locked up
all the day long.

When I awake I'm all alone
the house is dark
my folks aren't home.

When my Mommy does come
I'll try and be nice,
so maybe I'll get just
one whipping tonight.

Don't make a sound!
I just heard a car
my daddy is back
from Charlie's Bar.

I hear him curse
my name he calls
I press myself
against the wall.

I try and hide
from his evil eyes
I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry.

He finds me weeping
he shouts ugly words,
he says its my fault
that he suffers at work.

He slaps me and hits me
and yells at me more,
I finally get free
and I run for the door.

He's already locked it
and I start to bawl,
he takes me and throws me
against the hard wall.

I fall to the floor
with my bones nearly broken,
and my daddy continues
with more bad words spoken.

'I'm sorry!' I scream
but its now much too late
his face has been twisted
into unimaginable hate.

The hurt and the pain
again and again
oh please God, have mercy!
oh please let it end!

And he finally stops
and heads for the door,
while I lay there motionless
sprawled on the floor.

My name is Sarah
and I am but three,
tonight my daddy
murdered me.


There are thousands of kids out there just like Sarah. And you can help

It sickens me to my soul, If you are affected by this poem, do something about it!! So all I am asking you to do is take some time to send this on and acknowledge that this stuff does happen, and that people like her dad do live in our society , and pray for child abuse to wither out and die, but also pray for the safety of our youth.

Please pass this poem on as a Blue Ribbon Against Child Abuse because, as crazy as it might sound, it might just indirectly change a life.



*~*~*AGAINST CHILD ABUSE*~*~

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