You Can Make Money Doing What You Love!

Growing Your Holistic Business, Part 1 (of a 2-Part Series)

By Charlotte Irwin

Many of us dedicated to holistic living, at some point in our lives, may consider launching our own holistic business. As in any new business venture, one asks the big question, “Can I really make money doing this?” In this two part article, Charlotte Irwin, a successful holistic business owner (Center for the Healing Arts in Sterling Heights, MI.) is eager to share with you what she has learned about growing a holistic business from the ground up and making it a successful one. This article is her offering...

1. TAKE A PERSONAL INVENTORY.

Your first step is to take a step back. How does that sound? A little crazy? Well, yes and no. As you have been busy studying, acquiring the technical skills you need, much time usually isn’t spent on personal inventory. After school, you need another set of skills to set up a business and get clients. We begin by asking questions of ourselves: When I think about starting my own business, does fear come up? Do I think I’m not smart enough or creative enough? None of this is true you know, it’s just old patterns. Know it’s ok to feel this and then reflect on why those thoughts are coming up, what old patterns are attached to it. Then change the CD (your brain) to program in new affirmations about who and what you really are. Ask yourself, ‘What are the things I need to know about myself before I start a business?’ Create positive affirmations, invite old patterns to leave. You can do it!

2. INTEGRATE YOUR PURPOSE WITH YOUR BUSINESS.

When I ask most people why they are in business they answer ‘To help people.’ That’s usually what they want to do in the world, not really why they went into business. It’s really okay to make money by helping people. In fact, its pretty great to integrate your calling in life with how you pay the bills, but never deny the fact you need so much money to live on according to the lifestyle you desire. Understanding they are separate will help you establish your rates, what you need to do, good business principles, plus motivation to make the business work. Helping people will help you fulfill your role about doing something purposeful in the world.

3. MANIFEST YOUR BUSINESS (create a dynamic business plan).

The universe has to know what is your true desire so it can help you. Be clear and as specific as you can be at this time. You can always change the order as you refine your goals. Know who you are, what your business stands for, how you are going to get there and by what means. Create it as a professional document even if it is not being presented for a loan. This is absolutely necessary to start any business, no matter how big or small, whether you’re working from home, being an independent contractor or renting an office. It’s a great exercise to do, and like a friend told me a long time ago if you don’t want to take the time to do it, you should not be going into business. It will keep things in check and it doesn’t hurt to give the angels a road map.

4. DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSE (secrets of success).

You are already one step ahead of the rest of the population by being drawn to the healing field. You probably were drawn to it because of the approach it takes to wholeness. Knowing that, you can begin raising your consciousness even more. Believe everything you do, think, or say, is a means for your spiritual evolution. Even in business, our guardians and angels are helping us. All you have to do is heighten your awareness. Believe every person you meet is an opportunity to learn something about yourself and your business. The messages come in different ways. A phone call, a book, a happy client as well as an angry client, a project that succeeded or failed. It’s an incredible learning opportunity to rediscover parts of yourself and be amazed at how you can improve in all aspects of your life. Use all the information given to you—it’s business school to the Max!

5. KNOW THE 3 “P’S” OF PERSONAL POWER (purpose, passion, perseverance).

To use purpose, passion and perseverance together adds up to personal power.

Purpose:

• Gives meaning to your life
• Unifies your beliefs and values
• Gives passion a way to manifest your higher self
• Gives perseverance to your passions
• Focuses your resources
• Becomes the organizing principle in your life
• Gives you and your life power!

Passion:

• Fuels your work
• Gives you perseverance to keep going
• Excites others around you
• Always has you looking for a better way
• Builds your energy and personal power
• Fosters creative thinking

Perseverance:

• Lets you “hang in there,” no matter what
• Looks for opportunity in everything
• Opens doors when others close
• Lives in the present moment of who you are
• Fosters positive doing

Part II of this article appears in the July 2004 issue; you can read it here.

After a 19 year career wth General Motors, Charlotte left to pursue a career in Massage therapy and healing. She is the owner of the Center for Healing Arts, staffing 16 practitioners. Phone number: (586) 268-5444, E-mail: goodhlth@aol.com.