Dear Andrina,

In the four years that I have been running Company of Women, I have come to realize that no matter what business you are in, be it manufacturing, marketing or fashion design, the issues you face as a small business owner, are frequently the same – finding and keeping customers, hiring and retaining good staff, marketing, cash flow, managing growth and staying positive when the going gets tough, to name but a few.

But last week we learned that these issues are world-wide, not just experienced by business owners in North America.

Our conference just happened to coincide with an International Trade Mission of women from Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and four of the participants chose to join us for the day. It was wonderful to have them there and to learn of their challenges and success stories.

And most exciting of all, we have our first international member – a special welcome to Aoko Midiwo-Odembo of Legacy Books, Nairobi, who joined after attending the conference.

With the Internet it’s so much easier to stay in touch and connect with one another. My dream is that more women from other countries will join us so that we become an international community of women in business – helping and supporting each other, no matter what we do, or where we live.

HOW TO CREATE SPACE FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES
by Christine Kloser
 

Have you ever come back from a business seminar or a session with your coach only to discover your business direction is changing? Me, too! But, here’s the problem with having new ideas and new opportunities show up at your doorstep... you’re still surrounded by reminders of your old projects and old ideas.

So, what’s a conscious entrepreneur to do? Create space for your new opportunities to flow easily and effortlessly... and profitably. And, I mean literal, create a new physical space in your environment. This cleared out physical space is a tangible sign to the Universe that you are ready for it to be filled with new opportunities.

My husband and I went through this exercise recently. And, it feels so good! Here’s my recommendation for creating new space in your office environment:

Clear Off Your Desk

It’s impossible to feel excited about a new project when your desk is piled high with notes, research, catalogs, books and anything else that is lingering from an old project or idea. To remedy this situation, go through every single piece of paper and “brick-a-brack” on your desk and ask yourself if you really need it. If you answer “yes” that FILE it away, immediately. If you don’t need it, drop it in the garbage can, recycle bin or paper shredder. Then, relish in the energy of a clean, fresh desk.

Un-clutter Your “White Board” or “Bulletin Board”

Do you have notes taped, pinned and stuck all over your walls? If so, it’s time to do some work on this. Especially if you use my Sticky Note Business Plan concept, it’s imperative that you consistently assess and evaluate your progress. Remove and get rid of any piece of paper that doesn’t relate to a current project on your “to do” list. If it’s something that has a more sentimental meaning, keep it neatly displayed on your wall, as long as it’s something that inspires and motivates your to move toward your goals.

Clean Out Your File Drawers

Pull out the recycling artillery for this one. You’ll be amazed at how much unnecessary paper is clogging your file drawers. My husband, David, and I must have recycled 4 boxed of paper when we cleaned out our filed drawers. And, low and behold, we had tons more room to organize the papers from on top of the desk. When you go though the “file drawer clean out” be sure to have new file folders, hanging folders and labeling machine to ensure every piece of paper gets appropriately organized. So, if it’s not ready for the recycle bin or shredder... you know where to find it.

Organize Your “Junk” Drawer

Honestly, how many pens and paper clips do you really need? And, are all those random items that get tucked into a drawer (so you don’t have to see them) really necessary? I dare you to open you your “junk drawer” right now and throw out or recycle at least 5 items that you don’t need. Remember, you’re making room for the new, so this is all about creating clean, clear space for everything you desire to have room to show up.

Refresh Your Book Shelf

I say “refresh” because I don’t recommend blindly throwing away books; they have so much valuable information. But, I do recommend that your bookshelves stay clear and accessible and easy on the eye. Do not clutter your shelves by double stacking books and shoving books in every possible corner. Your bookshelf should appear to have some “open space” when you look at it, especially if it’s in view when you sit at your computer to work. Organize your books so they’re easy to find and put books you don’t refer to often in an “out of the way” bookshelf (somewhere besides your work space/office area). And, for those books you know you’ll never open in your life, donate them to a local library or list them on freecycle.com.

These are a few of the steps David and I took recently to make space for new opportunities; and almost like magic... opportunities HAVE been showing up at the door. Enjoy this process and the feeling of creating space for YOUR new opportunities!

Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary 'Conscious Business Connection' ezine. If you want to learn proven business strategies boosted with Spiritual success principles, you’re in the right place. Get your FREE tips now at www.ConsciousBusinessCoach.com.

Congratulations to Nicole Porlier, of The Glass Half Full on winning several awards for their wine. At the International Amateur Wine Competition, they won four medals - one gold, two bronze and one silver. Last year I made some Pinot Grigio at The Glass Half Full and can highly recommend it.

Robin Dines of Hillcrest Valenova recently received the Award of Excellence for Hospitality and Tourism presented by the Chamber of Commerce in Port Hope. Hillcrest was a proud sponsor of the Toronto Star Nightingale Award which was presented to Anne Marie Langthorne of the Trillium Health Care Centre. Robin also recently broke her leg, so has been more closely connected to the medical field than she expected.

St. Kitts Music will be playing at the Jazz in the City on Friday, June 15. For further information, contact Sher St. Kitts at sher@stkittsmusic.ca

Congratulations to Marissa McTasney of Tomboy Trades for her recent articles in the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.

Louise Fox of Louise Fox Protocol Solutions, and owner of The Etiquette Ladies is partnering with Kelly-Lee Mansi of Courageous Conversations to deliver an all-day workshop - Maximize Your Professional Presence at Georgian College. To learn more, go to http://www.georgianc.on.ca
/diningroom/business_etiquette.php.

Homes wanted for Home Redesign Training Course

Sandi Gerrard of Feel at Home Interior Redesign will be conducting a training course for Interior ReDesign students and is looking for three home owners interested in having 3-4 rooms in their home redesigned by the students for just $100. (The regular fee would be $500). In return, she asks that you provide the students with a testimonial for the work done and allow them to take before and after photos for their portfolio. For more information, contact Sandi at sandigerrard@sympatico.ca or (416) 795 9840. Homes in the Brampton area are preferred but other areas will be considered.

Anne Day was profiled in the May issue of Snap Oakville.

WANTED: A FEW GOOD WOMEN

NOMINATE ONE OF CANADA’S TOP WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS TODAY!

Now in its 9th year, the PROFIT W100: Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs is the country’s largest celebration of women Entrepreneurship. It’s the definitive list of Canada’s leading women-owned and women-run businesses, ranked by revenue.

Past winners say this honour has garnered them valuable publicity, new clients and relationships with other dynamic Companies. It’s also an excellent way to recognize the efforts of employees – so don’t hesitate to nominate yourself!

Winners will be recognized in the November, 2007 issue of PROFIT magazine and year-round at PROFITguide.com. They will also receive a complimentary invitation to the PROFIT W100 Idea Exchange, a powerful business-building conference at which W100 leaders share ideas, learn from experts and enjoy unmatched networking opportunities.

Request a nomination package by calling 1-800-713 GROW or completing the online ballot at PROFITguide.com/w100ballot. The deadline is June 30, 2007.

SEEKING SUCCESSFUL WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Now is the time to nominate exemplary women business owners who deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. The search for qualified candidates for the 2007 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards (CWEA) is now underway.

“Since RBC has had a long-term commitment to help women start and grow their businesses, it is a wonderful opportunity to support these prestigious and always much-anticipated awards once again,” says Kris Depencier, National Manager, Small Business and Women’s Markets. “We were delighted with the record-high participation of so many women across Canada last year and look forward to even more nominees in 2007.”

Nomination Deadline: July 27, 2007

Application Deadline: August 10, 2007 (All nominees will be sent a package.)

Eligibility: Any woman who owns a profitable business (not a franchise) that has been registered and operating in Canada for three full years as of May 31, 2007, earns her primary income from it and is responsible for its day-to-day management. Nominated businesses must have three complete 12-month periods of financial statements.

Visit www.theawards.ca, e-mail: info@powerpointgroup.com or tel: 416-923-1688, toll-free at 1-800-354-3303. And watch here for more exciting news about the Awards in the months ahead.