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Happy Independence Day! I’m getting ready for a big reunion party at my house this evening, but I wanted to write to you today about “freedom.”
As we celebrate the birthday of our country, many people are feeling extremely grateful for the freedoms we have. And as designers and business owners in this country, we have the incredible opportunity to create anything we want.
As your own boss, you can choose to design your business to support whatever lifestyle you desire. You are completely free to run your business and live your life on your own terms.
Are you doing that?
Imagine...
Imagine if you were able to leverage your talent and your time so that you could give value to more people – without working any more hours.
Imagine if you could work when you want, how you want, and where you want – and make more money!
(You can.)
This is what I’ve been doing over the last few years, and it’s what I’m going to personally teach to 25 of you over the next year.
Will you be one of the lucky ones to join me?
If you are ready to transform your business (or start a whole new one) and begin living a truly extraordinary life, I would love to work with you.
Get all the details of the Extreme Designer Makeover program here, and join me as we expand what you thought was possible for your business. But hurry – early bird pricing ends when Independence Day is over.
Extreme Designer Makeover
Transform your business... transform your life
To your success, P.S. Enjoy your holiday weekend. I wish you the freedom to express yourself and love your life!
Do you ever have these types of thoughts? - I wish I didn't have so many challenging customers.
- Why can't I find higher-end clients?
- My customers don't spend that kind of money.
- The market is really slow right now.
"What you focus on... expands."
When you instead start feeling gratitude for the business you NOW have, you will start to attract more of those things you are grateful for.
Do you have clients who pay you (even if it seems like a small amount)? Be grateful for them.
Are you able to arrange your schedule to have a little quality time with your loved ones? Feel gratitude for this blessing.
Are you doing what you love for a living? Remember to feel thankful everyday for this opportunity.
"The daily practice of gratitude
is one of the conduits by which
your wealth will come to you."
- Wallace Wattles, author of The Science of Getting Rich
Earlier this year, I created a Gratitude Experiment for my clients and ezine readers. For seven days, participants wrote down 5 things they felt grateful for. After just a few days, we got comments like:- "It's amazing how well it works and how much inspiration there is in this simple exercise."
- "This exercise has taught me to be appreciative of all things, regardless of how small they may seem."
- "I feel a warm fuzzy and think this is a great way to end the day or begin it!"
- "This is the best exercise, I am feeling so happy! Let's not stop."
***Well, after seeing how powerful Twitter is for bringing conscious, happy, helpful people together, I decided I should bring this Gratitude Experiment to my tweeps. If you want to see some miracles occur in your life, join in. Just post what you are grateful for at least once a day, using the hash #gratX.
Looking forward to sharing in your happiness, appreciation, and gratitude.
I'm grateful for you!
Can you personally affect this economy in a positive way? Absolutely! Don't think for a moment that one person can't make a big difference. And it doesn't take a lot of hard work or time.
I have been studying what makes some designers successful - wildly successful, despite what the outside world / media / friends are saying about the economy. Many of them have doubled or tripled profits this year. They are enjoying the dream businesses that they've worked for, and feeling fulfilled and happy.
And the best part about being successful is that you actually make more people successful - just by being successful!
What do I mean?
Think about it. Designers and decorators who are complaining about the economy, talking about how they don't have enough business, and reacting to their worries and concerns are affecting the economy in a negative way. Negative talk leads to more people worrying and reacting - and spending less! Which, of course, leads to more worry, more complaining, and LESS spending. A vicious cycle.
The opposite is also true. Designers who have made the decision to think positively and focus on what is good about their businesses (okay, I know I'm sounding a bit Pollyanna here, but just go with me), are noticing that they are NOT being affected by the so-called slow economy. They are investing more time and energy into improving their businesses in creative ways, which leads to more publicity and more clients, leading to more positive energy, more profits, more improving, etc.
I have designer clients who have worked with me over the past year on improving their businesses - starting with their mindsets - who say to me," I don't get what everyone is saying. My business is doing better than ever."
Imagine if we could recruit more designers to start thinking more positively? At some point we would reach what is called "The Tipping Point."
Then:
- more people would feel positive and optimistic,
- people would relax and release their worries,
- more money would be spent,
- the economy would improve!
Can you imagine? I know I want to be a part of that! Join me, won't you?
If you want to have more success, model the designers who are having wild success right now. The most important thing to do first is focus on the positive. What are you most grateful for? Now, I am NOT saying to bury your head in the sand. No, you should not ignore what is going on in the world. You NEED to keep current with business and design trends. Which leads me to the second thing you must do...
The second thing you must do is learn how to run your business in the most effective way to create prosperity in current times. Creating success in business is a learned skill. Learn a few techniques, put them into action, and you WILL see improvement.
If you know anyone who needs a boost -in their mindset or in their pocketbook, please let them know about the upcoming Interior Design Summit. This Summit is designed to help designers in both areas - attitude and profits! The more designers who attend, the quicker we will see an upswing in the economy.
You can make a difference. Let's do it together!
Join me next week, and invite everyone you know:
http://www.InteriorDesignSummit.com
To your easy success,
Nika
Money Talk and The Business of Home Fashions Design
New Designer Success Teleclass:
Thursday, September 4, 8:00 PM Eastern
Are your attitudes around money making you rich...
or keeping you stuck?
You've learned a little about the law of attraction. You know that your thoughts create your reality. You want to manifest your dream business. But you need more specifics on how to create your ideal life.
SPEAK the New Language of Wild Success!
Register for Money-tudes
In this new class, you will:
- See how the power of your thoughts and your beliefs about money affect your business bottom line
- Discover the ROOT of your wrong money thinking (and learn how to break free once and for all!)
- Create a new “money awareness” that will propel your life and boost your business, both immediately and in the future
With your new thinking, your design business will make money for you. You will gain the clients who WANT to pay you for your offerings. You will develop new strategies to grow financially, and embrace new thoughts that will serve to improve your life in every area.
Say goodbye to the old mentality and embrace a new, exciting, and abounding way of thinking and believing. This class is an INVESTMENT in yourself. A must if you want to make more money!
click to register now for $29
I struggle with getting everything done, just like everyone else. All my life I've tried to cram too much into each day. Then I had a baby, and - well, those of you who have kids know that's like adding 3 more full-times jobs to your schedule.
So when people ask me how I get so much done, I try to think about what I'm doing that many others aren't.
One thing I've learned to do is delegate. I'm not perfect at this - I'm still learning to give things away. But each week that goes by, I let a little more go. If a task doesn't require me personally to get it done, it should be done by someone else.
But delegating isn't my biggest secret. Of course, that really isn't even a secret. Most of us know that we should delegate more. We just have to start doing it.
My best secret for getting more done is a quote from marketing guru, Dan Kennedy:
"Good enough is good enough"
This phrase usually horrifies perfectionists (which I know most of you are). But being absolutely perfect about everything is also something we need to let go.
Just think about this weekly newsletter. When I first started doing newsletters, I spent days putting each one together. I'd take a few hours to write an article. Then I'd edit it, re-write it, and edit it again. Then I would send it to a few friends to get their opinion. "Make sure you find any typos and grammar mistakes," I'd say. After correcting it a few more times, I had to send it to myself to proof it yet again. It was a miracle that I got even one newsletter out each month.
I did the same with all my promotional materials - which meant I never had anything done! I was afraid to put up a website or send out flyers because they weren't perfect yet. What if there was a mistake? What if some people didn't like it? What a waste of my time!
As you probably see now - I am not so worried about being perfect. There are often mistakes in my articles, and my grammar isn't perfect. I just try to write from my heart, and then I SEND IT OUT.
And I get so much more done! Can you do the same? While there are certainly things that should still require your perfectionist attitude, there are many things that do not. For these tasks, you must remember:
Good enough is good enough.
Wow - I wrote this article in less than an hour.
I'd invite you to find all my goofs, but that would be a waste of your time.
Go do something constructive!
We had our first party in the new house, and although we aren't decorated or furnished, it was a blast to have friends and family over. Now the house really feels like a home. It's amazing how the energy of a home changes when friends come to visit.
Here are some photos from the weekend:
 Me and Hubby Rob My friend - and genius webmaster, Michael
Best friend Karen - revealing that her gift to me is a playmate for Ellie (she's pregnant - yippee!) 
Everyone's reaction to Karen's news
Rob performing a game show skit in my honor
Karen and Kelly - my two preggie friends
I'm thinking up ways to help you work less. I got lots of emails asking for more information after I sent my article on creating sources of passive income (see below). So I'm creating a program to help you design your own passive income product. But I need your help! If you are interested in creating an e-book or doing teleseminars from home, would you take a moment to answer a few questions for me? Your answers will help me design a program that meets your needs.
Take the survey here.
(Create Passive Income)
Once again, I'm actually writing this article from my bath. You have to try this! It's so much fun to get work done while soaking in the tub.
This is a perfect example of what you can do if you learn how to leverage your time and create passive sources of income for yourself (I explain all this in the article below).
How Designers Can Make More Money in Less Time
How did I turn my struggling 7-day workweek into a thriving, successful design business (where I work only 4 days a week, make lots more money, and enjoy my life more than ever)?
Well, of course it wasn't from applying one single technique. But I want to share one of the best things I did to create more income AND more free time.
I created a source of passive income.
What is passive income? Basically it is something that brings in money even after you are done doing the work. The traditional business model for interior designers is working with clients one-on-one. Well, even if you had a completely full practice, you still have a ceiling on how much you can make. You can't work more hours than there are in a day (although many designers often try!).
But what if you finished doing work for a client, and then other people kept paying you for the job you did? Sound like a fantasy? Well, when I created my first e-book and saw sales come in while I was sleeping (literally!), it did feel like a fantasy.
Yes, an e-book is a source of passive income (and designers and decorators are finally joining in on this incredible source of profit). Here are some other ideas for generating income when you are not actively working:
- Customer Care Membership Programs
Be creative and offer a service that your clients pay for monthly or annually - Recorded Seminars
These can be delivered digitally or on CDs - Live Seminars or Teleseminars
Not exactly "passive," but a great way to leverage your time, by presenting to many people at once - Rentals
If you have an office or showroom, you can rent a part of your space to a complementary (but not competitive) business - Advertising
Yes, YOU can make money on other people advertising - on your website, your newsletter, etc.
I'm not saying that it doesn't take work to create these passive income sources. Good products take a lot of care, energy, and commitment (and sometimes quite a bit of time) to create. But once the work is done, it's done. Yet the money keeps coming in!
Instead of the traditional model of:
Work for a client, get paid.... Work for a client, get paid.... Work for a client, get paid
You can transform your business into:
Work... get paid, get paid, get paid, get paid, get paid, get paid, get paid, get paid...
So come join me (there's room in my bathtub for everyone)!
Last Wednesday, at my weekly Mastermind Meeting, I was suddenly motivated to demand that everyone set a "Stretch Goal" for the week. While we always talk about our goals and what we need to get done, I felt that we all needed to make a really noticeable jump to another level. No more being satisfied with coasting along, getting enough done, or just doing fine.
Of course, when it was my turn to state a Stretch Goal, I realized that I would actually have to step out of my own comfort zone. Eeek! So I stated that I really want to hire another assistant, so I can free up a few more hours each week. I love when my "busy work" is handled by others, but setting up the systems and getting started with someone new is the part I dread. Plus, giving up complete control over every detail is a little tough for me. Can anyone relate??
How terrific will I feel once this is all taken care of? Pretty darn good. But although I've been wanting to do this for quite a while, I haven't taken steps to get it done because getting started felt uncomfortable. I needed to take a stretch and step out of my comfortable status quo.
What is a Stretch Goal? It is a goal that requires you to step out of your comfort zone - do something a little uncomfortable or difficult for you. Achieving your Stretch Goal will move you closer to success - in any area. For example, hiring someone new is always nerve-racking for me, but I know that having another assistant will make my working time even more efficient. I will be able to enjoy more free time and make more money.
By the way, hiring people might come easy to you. But it's a stretch for me. Your Stretch Goal has to be a stretch for you.
Would you like to commit to a Stretch Goal this week? First, think about what you'd really like to achieve by next week. Then, write it down. Those who write down their goals are 50% more likely to achieve them.
If you'd like to further increase your chances of achievement, post your goal here (CLICK HERE TO POST). Hold yourself accountable by announcing your goal to the world.
See you next week - one step closer to outrageous success!
Whenever you feel like there is too much competition - too many other designers in your area, too many do-it-yourself shows on tv, other decorators getting the big jobs that you want, etc. - you have to remember that you are coming from a place of "lack." The truth is: there is no lack in the universe. There is enough business for everyone. The right customers - your target - will come to you.
Focus instead on the fact that there is no one else like you. You are truly unique. Think about your strengths, your unique talents, your own passions. Really think about them, and feel your feelings about them. Then bring the energy of these feelings with you as you go about your day.
You will notice less competition!
Do other designers brag about how great they are doing? Does it bother you?
I was recently talking with one of my private coaching clients, and she wondered how to deal with other local designers talking about their incredible clients and big projects. She feels insecure because she is newer in the industry and doesn't have so many large jobs yet.
She isn't sure how to respond to these designers. Plus, it makes her feel bad because she's thinking that everyone else is doing better than she is.
This reminds me of something my husband says:
Men with really tiny ____s always brag about everything -their cars, their homes, their money. The ones who feel comfortable with themselves don't need to.
My advice: The women who are doing the bragging would actually be envious of YOU if you smile and congratulate them, and know in your own heart that you are doing what you love, and there is more than enough business out there for everyone. The right clients will be attracted to you. Just get clear on what you are most passionate about, and let the world know.
To your success,
Nika
(Below is a wonderful "Goal Exercise" - be sure to post your comments and insights...)
I just returned from a relaxing trip to Florida to visit my
parents. I thought I would want to get some work
done while I was there, but I ended up just shopping with
friends, strolling the boardwalks, and playing with Ellie for five
days. It's hard to adjust to the freezing temperatures back here
in NJ, but I'm excited about jumping in and immersing
myself in the thrilling anticipation of 2008.
My most exciting news is that I finally bought my
dream house! After 3 years of looking for a new home
and thinking that we would have to "settle," I visualized
what I really wanted, and within a few weeks,
we found the house and signed the contract.
We're moving next month! I'll have some pictures
on my blog as soon as I get in.
By now I'm sure you've seen dozens of news stories
and read many emails on setting goals for the new
year. But I wanted to send you a wonderful exercise
that I received last year from a friend. It's an easy and
fun way to clarify your goals for the next year, and really
feel motivated to achieve your dreams. I found it well
worth my time (about 15-20 minutes).
Post your thoughts or insights below by clicking 'Comments.'
Sharing is the best way to get clear and feel empowered.
Then go to my favorite new site - Come As You Will Be
- and really put the law of attraction to work for you this year.
Step 1:
Spend 3 minutes listing items to answer this question:
"By the end of my life, what do I want to have done?"
Step 2:
Spend 3 minutes listing items to answer this question:
"By one year from today, what do I want to have done?"
Step 3:
Spend 3 minutes listing items to answer this question:
"I just found out I have 30 days to live.
What do I want to have experienced in this last month of my life?"
Step 4:
Go through each list and circle your top three (most important) in each.
Step 5:
List your top three from each list on one master
list...these are your goals for 2008. This
does not mean you will achieve ALL of them, but you
want to be making progress towards them.
Step 6:
(This is the one step we often neglect, and it is the only way to ensure progress toward our goals and dreams.)
Grab your 2008 calendar, and for each goal you listed, make time on your calendar to take specific actions toward each goal. Be realistic and consistent, and find a way to be held accountable (the most effective way is being part of a mastermind group or success team).
Step 7:
Take a look at all the goals on your list. Search for broader themes. What do these goals say about who you really are and what you want in life? See if you can complete the following sentence:
"What I want next is...."
I hope you get as much out of this as I did. Here's to wild success in 2008!
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