Ahhh the list. You’ve heard about creating a list, and you may have even heard that heartless phrase “the money is in the list.”

Sure, you’re business exists partly to support you via steady income. But - money is not THE be all end all of your business - or your list for that matter.

Your business exists to provide value to those that you serve through your business. It’s important to create and stay connected to the people that resonate with you.

And this is where your list comes in. Last week, we talked about making a connection.  It’s important to make a connection with those that you want to serve - and for those people to feel connected to you.

Your list can serve this function.

What I mean by a “list” is having a way for you to stay in touch with people who resonate with your business message. This can be done via newsletter, blog, podcast, discussion forum - there are a number of ways. People exchange their name and e-mail address (or sometimes physical address) for the value that you provide through those vehicles.

For example, you may be subscribed to this blog. If you resonate with what I have to say, and you want to hear more, you may stay in touch by subscribing. I am also offering a brand new newsletter starting next Monday. It’s called the Mindful Marketing Moment. That would be another way we might stay in touch and build a relationship.

I blog, and I produce the Mindful Marketing Moment because I enjoy it, and because it provides value. I’m also able to build communities and relationships through these two vehicles.

From a business perspective, it’s easier for me to talk about the products and services I offer through those two vehicles (through those two lists) because you all already know me. We have a rapport. I feel more comfortable talking to you about my offerings because I know what you’re interested in as a business owner, and you already know a bit about me and the way I work.

So, rather than standing on a sidewalk wearing a sandwich board trying to push my message out on the world, I provide value, have a way to build a relationship and then the offerings don’t seem so intrusive.

This is why having a list is so important to your business. It allows you to build on the connections you make, develop strong relationships - and then the sales happen organically.

You get to know your niche, and what they want from you - you in turn provide the value they are seeking. It’s a prosperous, abundant relationship all around!

And speaking of offerings *ahem*

I am offering a brand new teleclass! It’s called the Mindful Marketing Teleclass Series. Check out this page for details.

So, have you ever thought about building a list in your business? Are you currently building a list and just don’t know how to leverage it?

What have you found to be the most effective strategy when building your list?

Gratitude is powerful. Yes, gratitude is the ultimate expression of appreciation, and showing appreciation leads to receiving and attracting more and more of what you DO want.

But, gratitude is powerful for another reason. Taking the time to recognize what your grateful for, makes you acutely aware of all of the wonderful things you’ve ALREADY created and attracted into your life.

Think about it. Right now - list 5 things that you’re grateful for.

Now, look back over that list. At one time, weren’t those things mere thoughts? And, didn’t you somehow take action in order to bring you closer to those things? Look at your list and take a few moments to remember how each item came into your life - and really go back - all the way to the point where you started thinking about having those things.

Isn’t it amazing?  You thought about all of these wonderful things - and then - they were brought into your life by your actions.

So. If you can create all of those things, doesn’t it stand to reason that you can create ANYTHING else you want?

Ponder that thought for a little while and open yourself up to the absolutely endless possibilities that exist for you.

I want to take a minute and let you all know how profoundly grateful I am to have you all as part of my community. I adore hearing from you via the comments in this blog. I love the e-mails that I receive from you when something really moves you.

I am touched by each and every one of you - and for that I thank you.

In my mind, marketing is about connection… well - it’s about building relationships AND connection. Whereas selling is about trying to convince someone to purchase your product or service. No wonder so many of us hate the thought of selling - who wants to be out there pushing their products at people *shudder*

I understand that a lot of business owners don’t like thinking about marketing because they equate it to selling. I was that way too - until I started thinking about marketing differently.

In your business, I’m sure one of your favorite things to do is to talk about your business when someone shows a genuine curiosity about it. For example, when I meet someone new and they find out what I do, and they naturally start asking questions about it, I love to discuss it! Or, when I’m speaking to someone and they expresses their frustration around something business related, I love to help that person brainstorm solutions.

These two situations are ways that I connect with people. And, these are really great ways to market your business - and it doesn’t even feel like marketing!

So what exactly do I mean by “connection.” You are in your business because you want to serve people in some way. You may be a massage therapist who wants to serve his clients by providing relief from muscle strain. Or, you may be an aromatherapist who thrives on creating essential oil blends for specific ailments.

You are passionate about serving a particular group of people. The best way to do that - and the easiest way to market your business - is by connecting to people.

Find out what the people in your niche want - find out what they are looking for as it relates to your business. Get to know people in your niche. Listen to what they say, listen to what they talk about - what’s at the top of their mind.  Continuously put yourself in situations where you can meet new people in your niche and get to know them as well.

You can meet people in online networking groups - like Yahoo Groups, or Google Groups. Find local networking events in your area and attend them regularly. Maybe write for publications that serve your niche - this is a great way to demonstrate your expertise, and have people feel more connected to you.

When you join these groups, or go to the events, go with the intention of meeting people and making connections. People will want to engage in conversation with you, it takes the pressure off of “making an impression,” and, you will truly begin building relationships with people who will remember you when they need your service.

Are you currently doing anything to make connections? What is your favorite way to make connections with people?

I know - they seem like two completely opposite concepts. But, really, a regular meditation practice can help your business enormously.

And, with meditation - I’m not talking about sitting in lotus and chanting for hours on end waiting for the big lightening bolt to come down with endless inspiration! I’m simply talking about finding time and space to just be still, and reconnect with your authentic self.

Taking time to meditate each day can really help you focus. It can help you clear your mind, remember your connection (to God, Universe, yourself), and help you be even more productive.

You can focus on something if you’d like - if that helps to calm your mind. For example, your breathing is something you can easily focus on. When you notice your thoughts wandering (and they will - after all - your mind is built to think ), simply bring your focus back to your breath.

You can start out with just 5 minutes of meditation, or you can do 15, 30 - or even an hour  if you’re so inclined.

So how is this going to help your business?

By getting into this space where you can focus on only one thing, you will feel much calmer. You are basically practicing focus while you’re meditating. After you’ve been practicing meditating for a few days, you’ll notice that while your working, your mind doesn’t wander as much. You’ll notice that when you get that panicked or overwhelmed feeling, you can bring yourself back to the task at hand quicker.

And - you’ll feel more connected. You’ll feel more in the flow, and you’ll feel more deliberate in your actions. And we all know that deliberate action creates deliberate results!

So - let’s try it. For the next few days, take some time right before you start working, or right when you wake up, and just be still. Give yourself permission to be in this still, peaceful space. Decide how much time you’ll meditate for, and then sit comfortably and begin focusing on your breathing.

It may not be easy at first and that’s ok - no pressure. Just remember, meditation is a “practice” and they call it practice… because you have to practice! It gets easier with time. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your focus.

Come back after you’ve had a chance to practice, and share your results here. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. And, seasoned meditators, do share your advice and experience with us!

We all know that we have to market our business. We have to fearlessly promote ourselves. But that is easier said than done, because we want to be fearless, but we don’t want to be intrusive, or aggressive.

It is possible to market your business - and build a really strong business - without the hype-y in-your-face tactics.

To me, marketing is more about making connections and building relationships than it is about selling… really - to me - they are two completely different things.

When I conduct marketing activities, they are activities that help me connect and build relationships with my potential clients. In fact, I would go so far as to say I’m not a sales woman - never was, never will be. The thought of “selling” actually scares the heck outta me!

I hear from many of my clients that marketing stresses them out - because like me, they aren’t sales people, and frankly, the thought of trying to sell something to someone completely shuts down their spirit.

When I tell them that marketing is different than selling - you can feel the relief that instantly appears!

With marketing, and especially mindful marketing - your priority and focus is on your potential client and how your business can serve them.

Mindful marketing is about building relationships and really being connected to your potential clients.

I’ve just uploaded a free report about Mindful Marketing. You can find it here. Please feel free to download it and then let’s discuss it here.

Some questions to consider about your current marketing strategies:

Does marketing stress you out? If so, why is that?

What marketing activities are you currently participating in - are you seeing results?

What questions do you have about marketing? What questions do you have about mindful marketing?

I just caught site of this short little viral movie:

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

Even though it’s geared toward customer service folks, it made me think - and yes - I did cry a little too You know I’m empathic - those movies get me every time LOL!

Anyway.  It made me think about the ways in which I serve - and that I’m here to make a difference. This movie so beautifully highlighted how simple it is to be of service, and that simply the act of caring, can make a huge difference for someone else. As entrepreneurs in businesses that we’re passionate about - we get to serve our clients, live our life purpose, and do fulfilling work all at the same time… WOW!

So - for today’s Authentic Self Post - ask yourself - and feel free to post the answer… it’s a good way to get exposure for your business *hint hint* How am I here to serve? And, what action can I take today that will bring me closer to my clients?

If you’re following my 30 day Authentic Self project, you’re going to notice that it’s been a few days since I’ve posted *ahem*

What can I say? Last week was BUSY! My little one turned SIX! And, it was Halloween. Our week was chock full of celebrations, family stopping by, gifts, learning how to play with gifts… it was a wonderful week! If you’d like to see a couple of photos of the festivities, please check out my slide-show

On top of that - I was putting the finishing touches on this FABULOUS new web site. The template was designed by Michelle at Elemental Muse - please do thank her for me :)  AND - I was finalizing a BRAND NEW service!!

Check out my Business Focus Coaching service.

This begs the question… Authentically - am I an every day blogger? Obviously not! LOL!! So -I’ve been inspired to change the Authentic Self project just slightly. I’m still working it out the exact details… but stay tuned!

In the mean time - as stated above - please let us know how you serve your clients.