Inner Compass Coaching - finding and following your true north

June 4, 2004

In this issue:
I. Taking time for you and your dreams
II. Do you need a niche?
II. From behind the barn door…

I. Taking time for you and your dreams

You may have noticed that you didn't receive a newsletter last week (I hope you noticed!). We were in the Turks and Caicos celebrating our anniversary, and since the weather was not cooperative for the first few days, we ended up extending our trip for a couple of extra days, and I'm so glad we did for a number of reasons, but for one in particular that I want to share with you.

My intention was to spend some of the time there creating my three year vision and writing in my journal, both of which I did. It took me a couple of days to really relax and get into the flow of writing. But once I did, whoa, even I was surprised at how much good stuff came out. And that reminded me of the need to take that kind of time away and really relaxed, and then really focus on the larger picture of who you are and what you want your life to be about.

My challenge to you is to find that time. Plan a day away, away from your home, away from the distraction of others, of email (my biggest culprit), of the zillions of things that "need" to be done. Go overnight if you can. Choose a place that's tranquil, and perhaps even meaningful to you. Take a notebook, your journal, a sketchpad, maybe even some colored pencils, and create your vision of how you'd like your life to look a year from now.

I guarantee you'll come back refreshed and excited about making your vision a reality.

II. Do you need a niche?

This is one question I get asked quite frequently so I thought I'd give you my view here. It's certainly not the only view, or necessarily even the best one for your product or service; it's just my opinion from my experience and the experience of many others I've worked with.

I think you need a niche. Why? Because:
1. It helps define you as an expert.
2. Experts make more money.
3. Your marketing efforts become much, much easier.
4. Therefore, your marketing efforts are much more cost effective.
5. The above 4 make your business, thus your life, effortless and enjoyable.

You can't be all things to all people. You'll struggle and burn yourself out if you try to be. But that doesn't mean you can only have one niche. You can have more than one. My suggestion is simply not to try to have the world be your marketplace, but to try to define those customers/clients whom you can best serve and put your marketing focus on them. You have the choice to leave yourself open to other opportunities as well, but for your overall campaign, you need to define a niche.

III. From behind the barn door…

Our trip was fantastic, and I highly recommend The Sands at Grace Bay on Provodenciales in the Turks and Caicos. Just paradise.

I considered part of the trip as my annual retreat, and I am so pleased and newly invigorated about my work and my vision of the future. So much so I can't wait to plan next year's retreat!

I'm so excited as I'm gearing up to launch the EntreMom™ Success Program for 2004-2005, details of which I'll be sharing with all of you very soon. And I hope you'll pass it along to any stay-at-home Moms you know who want to become successful entrepreneurs. It's going to be a fantastic program, and I can't wait to kick it off!

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers ~
Alicia

Alicia Forest is a Personal & Business Coach serving entrepreneurs and small business owners in their desire to create a successful business, by their definition of success. Her coaching programs are delivered by means of quarterly teleworkshops, monthly teleconference calls, email and telephone.

You are welcome to pass "Inner Compass ~ Weekly Directional" along to your colleagues and friends, as long as it is intact. Your recommendation is how we grow. The author of "Inner Compass ~ Weekly Directional" is Alicia Forest. Contact her at alicia@innercompasscoaching.com or at 845-216-8838.

For administrative matters and for information on our coaching programs and other products and services, contact us at support@innercompasscoaching.com or at 845-216-8838.

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