Creating your own Holistic Business
So, you want to start a holistic business, eh?
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“Improving oneself will not cause harm to anyone, and in doing so, it can contribute positively to making the world a better place”.
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Priorities: God (Higher Power/ Source), Family, Career. Always keep priorities in this order.
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Self empowerment is the new market trend these days. Many people are opening their own spiritual gifts and some are turning this into a passionate method of income for themselves.
I left the corporate world of slavery several years ago, and I can tell you that I am living my passion and I love my life now!
It took me a while to get to where I am today though. I honestly did not set out to own and operate and holistic business, but I am grateful that my life turned out this way.
Now that I am a teacher, a mentor, a guide and I have had several years of experience in working with clients, I have fielded many questions about starting a business.
It is time to share a page of my answers to the many questions that have been presented and to offer my own experience and insights for the benefit of all who find this page.
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People talk about finding their life and/ or soul purpose, and it seems a general consensus to understand that once you embrace your soul purpose, the Universe conspires for you in bringing all your dreams to life in living your passion.
I do know now that this is true for myself and many other of my wonderful practitioner friends who have found their calling.
What is your purpose in starting a business? Are you wanting to just make money (greed), help others (martyrdom), or have you uncovered your authentic self and want to share your knowledge in assisting others to empower themselves in their own journey (enlightenment)?
Yes, there is a huge difference in your choice here. Develop your own intuition and you will soon understand this vast difference in energy vibrations.
Suggestion: Read Power vs. Force by Dr David Hawkins. There is a chapter that explains all about business/ company vibration regarding greed vs. customer and employee oriented service.
“A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer so that you may heal yourself.”
Know your why: There are thousands of people in any chosen profession. Why would someone want to work with YOU? In holistic professions, I do not believe there is a competitive market. We are each unique in our experiences and our skills. Uncover your authentic true self and shine your own unique light. Embrace your individuality. Own your own story.
What is your niche market? If you look into business marketing, you’ll hear this whole idea of “niche market”. What is your specialty and who are your target clients? My take on that concept is to think of the absolute worst experience you have ever endured in life, heal yourself first, then show others the key to overcoming their past. This kinda fits with the whole soul purpose and “know your why” ideas as well. In my opinion, choosing a niche may limit yourself in who you choose to work with as clients. In today’s hectic world you are the best business person. Keep “becoming” your own authentic heroic self. Those who are meant to find you, will.
Work on yourself first: You can take all sorts of courses in marketing to learn how to get yourself out there in the world and how to attract clients through branding and fancy attractions. None of that is relevant or effective until you work on yourself to clear whatever detrimental energies you are projecting that may be interfering with how people and potential clients are going to perceive you, and whether they will feel drawn to work with you. Improving oneself will not cause harm to anyone, and in doing so, it can contribute positively to making the world a better place.
This is a variation of understanding the law of attraction and how energy attracts a similar vibration. This is a Universal Law.
See this page for more details:
Projected energies: https://ladybugwellness.ca/projected-energies/
Take some courses, earn some certifications. Listen to your gut instincts. Energy doesn’t lie. Follow your heart in learning from some reputable mentors. Everyone’s journey is different in their experiences and knowledge. I have had some amazing mentors and I have also had some poor experiences as well. All this together is part of our learning journey of knowing what we want to be and what we want to present to the world…. and what we want to avoid.
I have taken many mainstream psychology and science courses, and many energy balancing type courses. This has given me an edge in understanding the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the work I do now. I particularly like to look into anything that is deemed controversial to find my own truths rather than just following blindly any information out there. I feel this is the best way I can serve my clients in a space of Divine Truth and respectable boundaries.
In any courses you take, and mentors you learn from, take what resonates with Divine Truth and your inner knowingness then leave the rest behind. Always work with and learn from those with whom you feel most comfortable. Again, energy doesn’t lie. However, you will also learn that we approach the world with our own perceptions and influences, which become our filters. The more we work on ourselves and find clarity in dissolving our own non beneficial filters, the more we can align with Divine Truth and serve our clients in the highest and best way.
Note: Do not expect any “more experienced” practitioners to just mentor and teach their skills to you at your convenience. Respect their knowledge and experience by actually hiring them and paying them an equal value exchange for their time and efforts in teaching you.
It’s kinda like that old analogy that it is rude and disrespectful to approach a doctor at a social event to ask medical advice.
It is possible that a mentor may offer to take you under their wing, but let them do the offering. Otherwise, sign up for their classes. Best to join a forum and glean information that way…
Also, you cannot just learn experience overnight. This takes time and often your own experiences are the best teachers. In holistic terms, you also cannot learn intuitive senses from anyone else. These are skills you must develop on your own over time.
Join some forums, open-source communities, and entrepreneurial platforms. Sure, I could have taken countless business courses and built up my knowledge that way, but I have found a fast-track way to gain proficiency in many areas of knowledge is to mingle with like minded souls in an open-source community type platform. Having a network of entrepreneurs can been a cornucopia of vast knowledge in innumerable areas of business.
I was in Toastmasters for 3 years and developed some self confidence in speaking and presenting. I have been in Story Athlete entrepreneurial community for a few years as well. I highly recommend these types of open-source communities.
I took an exclusive Master course years ago with a very good mentor that introduced us to many new ideas that opened doors for us in numerous ways. This also built up my confidence in working with clients.
There is a whole different, higher vibration energy in these types of networks. When you surround yourself with like-minded souls, you will also find your most ideal clients are within this higher vibration.
Personally, when I first started out with my own learning of energy balancing services, I was volunteering my time for free, offering discounted sessions, and joining any groups of seemingly like-minded people. I volunteered to be a guinea pig for other beginners. This can be a good way to get yourself out there when you are first starting out. But, once you gain some experience, you’ll also gain some discernment in avoiding less than integrous practitioners and the whole “help me” and “fix me” vibe of some of the poorly monitored forums.
Currently, I have only a select few “certified only” practitioner forums where I continuously glean insights from other integrous practitioners and business minded people. The energy vibration in these forums is much more respectful and discerning where we can share ideas and ask informed questions to receive another perspective of useful answers and qualitative ideas.
A more extensive list of my favorite groups and forums found in the downloadable Excel Master list here: https://ladybugwellness.ca/lbw-resources/
Recommendations:
Jefferson Fisher: Lots of videos, emails, and tips on speaking effectively.
https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ
Deborah Savadra: Videos, emails, and tips on techie hacks. She sends out all sorts of tips and tricks and hacks for Word and Excel docs that has been a game changer for me saving time with my client notes and computer filing stuff. Enjoy.
https://legalofficeguru.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@DeborahSavadra
Toastmasters: Find a local group in your area:
https://www.toastmasters.org/
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Once you have the basis of the purpose of your business, along with some education and skills, its time to:
Choose a business name: Choose something unique to you. Or set an intention to have your Spiritual Guidance team bring something suitable into your awareness. Listen to your intuition. It is best to choose something suitable and stable, long lasting.
I have come across a few holistic practitioners who have “reinvented” themselves and their business persona numerous times in a short period of time. In my opinion and experience, these practitioners have been much too focused on appearances and are just as energetically unstable as their frequent name changes suggest. They really have offered nothing in the way of effective client services and have had dishonest business ethics as well.
It is one thing to be indecisive or to evolve and grow both personally and professionally. It is a whole other to be unstable and lacking discernment. Consider what you would want to look for and find in an effective holistic practitioner.
For myself, my business name along with the ladybugs and forget me not flowers in my logo all have a personal meaning for me. Why the Ladybugs, Ladybug Wellness: https://youtu.be/Y42DiVuzl4o
Legalities: It is always recommended that spiritual business owners look for ways to protect themselves legally. You will have to contact the appropriate authorities in your area of operation. Do you need a tax number? Do you need to register your business name? Do your due diligence per your area of operation to make sure you’re compliant and following any required regulations specific to your business. Will you be seeing clients at home? Virtually? What services will you offer? Energy Healing? Metaphysical services? You’ll need a business license. Business Liability insurance is a good idea for a reputable business as well. Whatever your field, there is an insurance liability policy that matches your needs. For peace of mind, invest in insurance! This way, your assets will be protected.
Banking, accounts: For accounting and tax purposes, it’s important to keep your business accounting and personal accounting separate. A separate bank account makes accounting a little easier. Keeping your revenue and expenses bookkeeping separate will ensure better accuracy when filing as well. Look for particular “small business” and/ or “self employed” information as you may find different costs are applicable for these necessary services.
Set your fees: It really is up to you in what you decide to charge for your time, knowledge, and experience in working with clients.
A good rule of thumb is calculating a formula of what your education and efforts have cost you, and balance that with the income you require for your basic needs, then adjust according a “going” and acceptable rate for your skills in your region.
Some people prefer to set their fees in accordance with 369 laws, metaphysical manifesting theories, and certain frequencies which can enhance your own abundance attraction.
***Do not put yourself on the discount rack!!*** This is a disservice to both yourself and to others!
The bottom line is to offer a fair and equal energy exchange so there are no obligations or karmic debt.
Remember, you cannot please everyone and you cannot help those who are not willing to do their own work. Those who are meant to work with you will find the means to afford respectable fees for your services.
Work on your own self worth and release any vows and beliefs that hinder you from sharing your unique gifts and charging a respectable fee for your time and experience. Particularly work on any ancestral patterns of insecurities, invisibility, poverty, martyrdom, slavery.
Are you okay with having lots of money?
Do you feel safe having lots of money?
Do you feel worthy and deserving of having lots of money?
I highly suggest purchasing and going through the Court of Atonement Money book: https://www.courtofatonement.com/shop
Also, addressing your own “Projected Energies” can make a huge difference in what you attract into your life with regards to people, clients, and abundance.
Offers and Deals:
Some practitioners offer packages and regular discounts for their services. Personally, I do not like to incur any kind of obligation with clients having to come back just to use a package deal, or attract clients who are stuck in a poverty mindset that only book in when they get a discount or deal. Unless you are a discount department store, I would re-think these business strategies. However, the marketing appeal is meant to cater to human nature and the human mind cannot resist a deal. Be discerning in what you choose to offer.
Tithing and giving back:
Many successful businesses have a policy or offer separate from their regular business where they give back to communities and clients as a form of “pro bono”, “gratitude gifts”, or “tithing principle”. This can be a great way of boosting your business energetic and physical success. Giving and gratitude will attract more of the same and in amplified returns. In my opinion, this is a different mindset than discounts and deals which incur conditions and obligations.
It is wonderful to work with clients one on one. In a business minded sense, it is much better leverage to work with groups of people at least in an initial setting where you can both discern whether private individual sessions would be beneficial.
From everything I have learned about entrepreneurship, my free weekly session is kind of a “loss leader” that attracts all sorts of clients, gives me a chance to work with many people at once and they get benefit of a sample of my work… then some do book in as client sessions. So, win win both ways.
Online Platforms, my Digital Secretaries:
I have long said I am not very techie in this new-fangled digital world. I have had to address my own hang ups and get past these hinderances in order to uplevel my business and my own personal growth. Each time I have enlisted a new digital program, I have realized a new sense of freedom.
Computer courses: It is absolutely essential in today’s business world to have some simple computer skills. Seriously. No excuses. Period. Look into local college courses, or through community foundations to find some basic knowledge courses. Anything that can help you embrace technology and move forward personally and professionally is beneficial. Remember to also take some education in online security as well. Naivety does not survive online. It is better to get some reputable education and assistance than to learn harsh lessons online. Trust me on this one.
(Coming soon: Ladybug Wellness page: General Online Safety).
Accepting payments: You will have to see what is available in your area and go with what works best for you. Cash and e-transfer options are great locally, which also forgoes processing fees or at least much less fees. PayPal Business and Square are what I use in Canada for accepting payments internationally for my global clients.
PayPal Business an internationally recognized platform that has built trust with it’s user base. By having a PayPal Business
Account, you are defaulted to using the “Goods and Service” payment option which offers both buyer and seller protection. It is a great online secretary for accepting payments and the accounting features make tax time much less daunting. I have separate personal and PayPal accounts. Ladybug is my business account, and yes, they are slightly different with the paperwork aspect. You can download transaction history differently on a business account, for tax purposes.
Square can accept credit cards. Both these services can link directly to your business bank account to transfer funds quickly and efficiently. I also have a gift card through Square.
Yes, there are fees on both PayPal and Square, but honestly, they are minimal and well worth it for convenience. Those fees are also a business expense/ write off.
You can set up a donation links as well. These are great to have at the bottom of a webpage or email. Yes, people do use them and it is a wonderful way to accept gratuities and appreciation for your work.
Note: About PayPal, they have an auto-login feature that I accidentally clicked on a couple times and that really messed up when it opened my business account to pay for a personal purchase.
I have my settings to NOT activate the auto login so I can manually choose which account I am using, and I also do not store those passwords on autofill security options.
I know other countries have different payment options. Someone from the US wanted to send a donation through Venmo and Zelle but that does not work across borders. So, you will have to look into other payment options for your own country.
I recommend discerning reputable and legitimate platforms. Read the fine print. Some apps may not charge fees up front, but they can be hidden in transactions or added to end of year totals if you go over their threshold limits. Apparently some less reputable apps have been known to terminate accounts that are receiving constant streams of revenue. Best to stay on the up-and-up and own the fact that you are a legitimate business, fees happen, and stay compliant. Plus, you have to claim taxable income as a self-employed person so having proper records helps!
Website: In todays digital world, a business website is almost a necessity. In my opinion, it is well worth it to enlist a professional web designer and reputable web hosting program along with a uniquely personal domain name. You can create your own website through WordPress if you are adept with that technology.
I have been quite fortunate to have connected with friends in those professions through my entrepreneurial networks and communities. I have had them revamp my website when needed, then learned how to maintain my website and content myself.
Read the fine print on any platform you choose with regards to your content. There are some platforms that relinquish your rights to your own content. Some platforms offer domain purchase as well, or you can purchase a domain name through DomainPeople.com . I have use them myself since 2006.
Most reputable holistic practitioners have a disclaimer on their website. Always cover your own butt with a disclaimer saying that serious issues should always have a professional medical support such as a doctor or psychologist. It is just good practice to make a statement acknowledging and ceding to proper medical care for your clients.
Email: I had tried to look more professional by choosing an email aligning with my website thru the website WordPress platform. I had so many issues with how it was laid out, missing emails, and issues with attachments. I have tried a few different email platforms but ending up deleting those accounts and sticking with the old familiar Hotmail account. It works best for my needs.
Messaging apps and texting: Personally, I have my Messenger and Texting notifications shut OFF to avoid distractions. I have found that not everyone is on a universal app, even Messenger or Text. Not all apps employ encryption. Many are censored, they glitch, etc. They are not a private form of communication. Many may be proprietary and only work with certain other platforms.
Texting: Because I am in Canada and have numerous clients internationally, text may incur carrier charges.
Email is the one universal method of communication that works for the majority of people. All of my other platforms (PayPal, Square, Thinkific, Otter, Newsletters, etc.) go thru email so it just makes more sense to me to divert all client communication to EMAIL only. You will find this stipulation throughout my website and intake forms. This is just better overall to keep client conversations aligned in one place and private as well. When you have an established list of clients, you will find this as valuable advice. Best to set up these stipulations early.
If you want to be accessible to the majority of your client reach, I feel it is best to stick to email as a universal and professional platform. Plus, time is a valuable commodity. Do you really want to be at the beck and call and distraction of every notification and immediacy of messaging apps? Respect and leverage your time so others will respect your time as well. Life for me was so much more stressful before I invested in an online secretary/ reception in a scheduling platform (Acuity) and aligned my communications to email only. Invest in peace of mind so you can be more productive and effective in your business.
Graphic Templates and Designs: Canva seems to be the most popular. My daughter has a business account so I often enlist her skills to make some designs for me. I do try some simple graphics myself but it is worth my sanity to hire someone else for this task.
Scheduler: I spent 26 years of my life on someone else’s schedule in a corporate career. When I retired, I was determined to live by my own rules without a d*mn schedule! Well, it turns out that having some discipline with a schedule is the best form of time freedom! In running a business and working with clients, I had to go back and forth to figure out and align an appointment, then make excuses or explain my vacations for why I was not available at certain times.
As I grew my client base, I got a lot busier and had to be my own receptionist taking calls and emails to make appointments. Several years ago, I had booked 5 different appointments in one day, all in different time zones. I screwed up on one time zone! That was a quick lesson in why a scheduler would save my time and my sanity, and it has been an absolute life saver!
My friend John suggested Acuity and I love it!
Episode #97 Michael and John share their Top 10 Reasons Why They LOVE Acuity Calendar!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdoJNQ8hkJM
My daughter uses Jane App for her business.
I have my scheduler set to be available 9 am to 8 pm in my time zone with a limit of appts per day.
My clients in Australia, India, UK etc. can book in what works for them and appointments come through any time of day.
I can set my schedule to allow my private life and personal appointments. I do not feel I have to make excuses for living life by my own rules. I live by my online secretary now and, honestly, it drives me a bit bonkers when some small businesses still waste time with manual booking and having to figure out and align calendars and time zones.
My scheduler also has auto email options so I rarely have missed or cancelled client appointments. I can save time with sharing links to website and frequently asked questions as well.
Added bonus: I have my PayPal and Square set up through Acuity scheduling which is a godsend as my online accounting secretary accepting payments, and sending invoices and receipts. Intake forms through the scheduler also saves time as well.
Zoom: This online video platform is highly reputed and such an amazing way to connect with clients. Truthfully, I had to get over my own issues with visibility and being on camera. Clients often prefer to be able to “meet” and see who they are working with. This is yet another reason to work on our own hang ups and insecurities so we can serve clients effectively and with integrity.
Otter App: This is a useful transcription service that another practitioner recommended to me a while ago. At first I was just on the free version, but soon figured out the advantages of a business plan. I can quickly record session notes, webinar information, and turn old important voice messages into text.
On a personal note, we have used Otter App to record family conversations reminiscing of old family stories to create memoirs as well.
I have had to figure out effective ways to keep myself organized so I can serve clients effectively. These digital platforms and services have assisted me in exponential ways and made a justifiable difference in both my personal and professional life.
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Advertising: Consider your audience and your platform. Holistic services, quite honestly, is not something you can just approach any stranger on the street and convince them they need or want these services. Having a “elevator speech” ready to chat with someone who brings up an issue that you can assist with is a much more tactful way to present yourself. Entrepreneurial and business networks and forums in the metaphysical field are the best way to get yourself out there.
Business Cards are a great way to promote your services. Some community billboards allow for a selection of local business cards. Metaphysical stores and other similar shops may be willing to display cards for you. Keeping some cards in your vehicle or handbag is a great idea to finish off a conversation with an invitation to contact you. I recommend Michael Losier for learning ways to promote yourself effectively.
https://www.michaellosier.com/
Local Fairs: We have had some success with local metaphysical fairs. This is where it is beneficial to network with other practitioners locally who may be in the know of people who may host an event, or start some connections yourself if that appeals to you.
Charities: Ensure that these avenues are something that you resonate with in your own values. Donating to charities is a great way to offer your time through a service on your terms and the bonus is some business recognition through these kinds of promotions.
Local Promotions: Local radio and some newspapers may offer some promotional avenues as well. Good idea to be aware of your ROTI/return on time and investment here. Consider your range of audience as well thru their platforms.
Community benches and billboards can be an excellent visual advertising investment.
Use of AI Artificial Intelligence: AI seems to be taking over the business world. While this may seem wonderful, I feel there are some drawbacks as well. In general business leadership, it is often promoted to “fake it til you make it”. In holistic circles, authenticity is key. Having an AI type generator create content for you is so cookie cutter and disingenuous. Sure, content may seem appealing but, in my opinion, it is much better to attract clients through being your genuine self.
If you choose to use content written by others, give credit where due and do your best to update the AI content to your own style of writing.
Writing and communication is an essential skill in business. With the overuse of AI, these skills can be lost which will detrimentally affect the integrity of personal connection with your audience and clients.
I would question how you would find your own voice and perspective if AI is writing the majority contexts for you. Beginners may become reliant on it rather than building the skill themselves through good habits.
Besides, we live in an era of information overload. Do you really want to hand over your personal power to AI to sound all fluffy and elitist?
Just use discernment in your choices.
Automations: The only way to effectively handle a growing list of ideal clients is thru automations and leverage. My scheduler has an option for confirmation, reminder, and follow up emails. It would be wonderful to hire an assistant and receptionist, but when you are starting out and handling everything on your own, this can be a life saver.
These emails can be personalized with links to FAQ and essential appointment information which saves times and confusion when this repetitive information can be duplicated and distributed through automations.
Personally, I am realizing the leverage benefits more and more to embracing personalized videos as well. I have had to get over my own hang ups, and each time I embrace learning and doing something new, I have upleveled myself both personally and professionally.
Milestones: The Bumpy Road to Confidence
https://ladybugwellness.ca/milestones/
Embrace Technology: I have had to learn how to use various technologies in order to serve my clients better. Some features can be a time saver. Check out “Deborah from Legal Office Guru” for some great time saver hacks in using Word and other office documents.
Particularly, I have learned to use Auto Text entries to save time in typing client notes: https://legalofficeguru.com/using-autotext-to-deal-with-repetitive-text/
Testimonials: Word of mouth really is the best form of advertising. However, there seems to be a trend of offering deals in return for a glowing testimonial. I have seen new practitioners in some forums trading sessions for testimonials. I feel it is a discredit to a practitioner to have to trade services with an obligation of writing something nice to attract clients. I do not feel this is fair and equal energy exchange, and may be an uneven karmic debt as well.
Personally, I refuse to cater to this trend. I suggest working on yourself to clear any blocks that are interfering with your confidence and skills, and interfering with attracting your most ideal clients.
Constructive criticism and honest feedback are much more valuable towards good business ethics.
I prefer to offer links in my website where clients can offer honest testimonials, with a request to offer any possible criticism privately so I can do my best to correct any misunderstandings.
Speaking Engagements, Webinars, Video Platforms: Getting yourself out there to be visible to the public and to attract your most ideal clients is essential to your business growth and success. Toastmasters’ meetings and membership, leadership courses, conferences etc. are a great way to build confidence and enhance your visibility.
A little tip I learned from a business conference with regards to dressing for success for a speaking engagement:
Red is power. Blue is truth. Pink is compassion.
In business it is good to use both, depending on your message.
Example, for a 3-day business conference, use a shade of pink/ red for the first and last days, with a shade of periwinkle blue in the middle.
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Basic business necessities and assets:
Are you working with clients in person, online, or both?
Remember that your business assets can be a tax write off, so invest in quality and longevity where ever you can.
There is nothing wrong with purchasing some equipment and necessities second hand. Be sure to regularly cleanse the items energetically whether purchased new or second hand. It all carries energies.
A current up-to-date computer is essential for effective communication. Regular maintenance is essential as well.
Do you need a Reiki Bed/ Massage table? What is the difference?
A Reiki bed usually has an open type end for the legs support so you can sit comfortably as needed at the head or feet.
A massage table usually has a more solid end legs support. Choose something padded for comfort. A vinyl or leather type material is preferable for cleanliness.
I invested in a durable Reiki table from Costco years ago which is still serving me well. It is a fold up style that comes with some extra accessories such as a headrest, foot rest, and a cushioned prop for a convenient leg rest.
Download the Antahkarana healing symbol to add to your office space and place one under your table as well.
https://ladybugwellness.ca/healing-mandala/
Chairs and office equipment are a personal choice, as are accessories. Personally, I am not much of an interior decorator so I just go for cleanliness, practicality, and functionality.
If you are operating in a limited multi-use space, a screen divider can offer some privacy and physical division between spaces. This also works well for a background when on Zoom calls.
Linens should be durable and easily washed after ever client.
A plasticized pillow is a good investment as well.
Full disclosure: I am downright freaky about cleanliness between clients. Many years ago, I had the unfortunate experience of acquiring head lice from a local practitioner’s studio. She had wonderfully fluffy linens, pillows, and shag carpets that were obviously not cleaned regularly. I prefer to go the more sterile route with my client equipment choices.
For distance healing work, you can find a simple life size “dummy prop” doll and / or a mannequin head. It is a good idea to periodically cleanse these items energetically.
When I took my online Reiki Teacher upgrade course with William Rand, this “dummy prop” was what he used. I now have one and use it regularly.
The link to the doll I purchased is no longer available, but this is the description of the doll I purchased:
“Full-size Dummy Prop. Prop measures 6′ tall. Includes cloth body with real looking hands and poseable arms and neck”.
Feng Shui: Since everything is energy, and everything has a vibration, it is only fitting to gain some understandings in the world of Feng Shui. A simple read for just a basic understanding: “Move your Stuff, Change Your Life” by Karen Rauch Carter.
Simply moving a few items around in your office, or being conscious of items to have or not have in your space can make a huge difference in the energy of your working space which will benefit yourself and your clients.
Now that you have all the basics of business in place, you can focus on your work with clients:
Working with Clients, Tips for Success:
Go back through all written above and see how many times I have said “work on yourself first”. This is the absolute number one element for working with clients effectively. You will always attract a similar vibration to what you yourself need to heal. If you want to work with ideal clients as a facilitator assisting them in their self empowerment journey, then you must walk that path yourself first, learn how to overcome any obstacles and then you’ll be ready to work with others.
Develop your own intuition and work from your heart space rather than your head. This is the ultimate space of authenticity.
The best leadership trainings have promoted some key elements in working with clients.
Focus on being fully present with the one in front of you. At that moment, they are really the only thing that matters. Understand that some people are super sensitive to energy shifts. Some of my distance clients who opt for email only sessions can still feel when I am working on their particular session. You literally and energetically are connecting with their energy.
“Get up, get dressed, and show up”. This should be a motto for life. It is in every reputable leadership training to be presentable for your clients whether in person or on the phone. This means practice good hygiene and refrain from interacting with clients in your pajamas. Energetically, people can sense and feel when you are slacking off and not giving them the attention and service for which they are paying you.
I cannot remember where I read this, but it is amusingly true!!
“Hey friends, trying to entertain conversations with multiple people at the same time – with loads of interruptions, squirrels and “rabbit holes” – is kinda like multitasking on work projects. The truth is you can only have one tab open on your phone/laptop at a time. Let’s try to slow down and honor each other; seeking first to understand; and focusing on being FULLY present with the one beautiful being who is standing in front of us”.
Offer your clients the option to reschedule if you are not in the frame of mind and grounded enough to offer them your best energy and service. Reciprocally, respect boundaries and be firm in your decision to not work with certain individuals as well. https://ladybugwellness.ca/boundaries-and-permissions/
Connect with Divine Truth, then connect with clients: https://youtu.be/efIj-bSKIPM
“The only way to live your life is live consciously”
Whether you are a Reiki practitioner or not, the Reiki Tenets or Ideals are just good basic rules for life and business:
There are many variations to these principles:
Just for today, do not worry.
Just for today, do not anger.
Just for today, be humble, do my work honestly.
Just for today, be kind and compassionate towards myself, my neighbor and every living thing.
Just for today, I expand my consciousness and give thanks for my many blessings.
https://www.reiki.org/faqs/reiki-ideals
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This is very well written so sharing in its entirety:
SERVICE IS NOT OBLIGATION
serendipitycrystals.co.uk
Obligation is feeling morally ‘duty bound’ & it often takes away our power to check in with what is right for us and say ‘no’. We often feel there’s no choice as we fear we’ll let someone down, lose their love, respect or support or that we will be judged in a negative way. If we say no to obligation, it can leave us with a deep sense of guilt.
Obligation can often lead to frustration or resentment as we end up saying yes to things we don’t want to do or sacrificing our own needs, in order to fulfil someone else’s. Obligation exists most strongly between parent and child & it doesn’t just stop when we leave home. We will continue to feel obligated by our parent’s morals & expectations, regardless of our age ~ particularly if we’re codependent.
We then take this mental programming into our adult relationships and whether our partner wants us to feel obligated to them or not, we will behave in that way, simply because that is how our brain is wired. We can all relate to this feeling of obligation. If you close your eyes now and imagine being asked by someone to do something that you don’t really want to do, particularly a parent or family member ~ where in your body can you feel that? For me, it’s a tightness and constriction in the centre of the body and a clenching in my gut. Emotionally, it’s a nervy, unhappy, slightly anxious feeling.
Service on the other hand is something that comes from our heart or is led by our intuition. It doesn’t come from the head. When we are truly in service, we can say no if it comes at a sacrifice of our own needs or something doesn’t feel right ~ and we don’t feel any guilt. True service makes us feel good, even if we work our fingers to the bone. There is never any resentment or fear of judgement if we don’t live up to other people’s expectations. Service is showing up to give with no desire or need for anything in return (such as acceptance, validation or love). When we feel into the energy of service in our body, it is open, expansive and personally, makes me feel positive and happy. When closing my eyes and remembering a time of being in service to someone, there’s an open, lovely energy around the heart and I can’t help, but smile or feel good. The key to being in service is in being able to serve yourself FIRST and knowing that it is NOT selfish to do so. Only then can we fully serve others.
Obligation comes from the mind
Service comes from the heart
Obligation can make us feel negative, guilty or constricted
Service only makes us feel free or positive
Obligation can take away our power
Service is being in our power
Obligation can feel draining
Service feels energising, even if we’ve worked long hours
Learning the difference between these two states of being can make all the difference to your quality of life. Live from a heart-based place of service, not a head-based place of obligation.
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A list shared from a friend via social media. For the most part, I agree with this list. Here is to creating your own successful mindset:
Successful mindset:
1. Money doesn’t attract money. Money attracts thieves. Value attracts money. The quicker you come to terms with this principle, the faster you move up the echelons of life.
2. Pain motivates people to take action two times more than pleasure. Therefore, your chances of getting rich are two times more if you provide solutions that alleviate pain than solutions that derive pleasure.
3. The only psychology you need to know to become highly successful is that humans are hopelessly lazy. Therefore, if you transform your mindset even slightly to become action-oriented, you will excel above others in whatever you do.
4. Do not oversleep when you’re just starting out in business. The business needs to have a life of its own before it can take off and allow you to rest. If you rest before the business starts to walk, the business will die a premature death, and you will also eventually die financially.
5. To succeed as an entrepreneur, provide a service to people that will make them comfortable and make you uncomfortable. This will motivate them to transfer money into your pocket to enable you to enjoy a comfortable life in the future.
6. Money has never been a catalyst for success, but an effect of success. Most businesses fail because they put money first instead of the customer. In fact, highly successful businesses only think about customer satisfaction when dealing with customers—never about the money.
7. Failure in school is not the same as failure in life. Most people who excel in class are good candidates for the job market and bad candidates for the business world. In the business world, failure is inevitable, as you will try many things that will not work. However, if you keep trying and failing, one day you will try something that will work.
8. Do not seek to be successful. Seek to become a man or woman of value. Success follows value.
9. Success is not the result of money. Money is the result of success. Similarly, happiness doesn’t follow success—success follows happiness.
10. Success always stays with the most disciplined and focused person. Not the slob.
11. To become highly successful, you must dedicate yourself to lifelong learning. Not in the academic sense of the word, but in the personal development sense of the word—also known as self-education.
12. Your mind, body, and spirit are as important to your success as your life. Therefore, feed them, train them and nourish them well.
13. Do not re-invent the wheel if the wheel is still functional. Let others re-invent wheels while you ride in the car.
14. The secret to success is habit, and the key to success is to change all your bad habits. Bad habits lead to disappointment, failure, misery, and misfortune. Good habits lead to success, excellence, happiness, and good luck.
15. Never give up as long as you’re pursuing a worthy cause. But then why should you waste your valuable time pursuing an unworthy cause?
16. Try something at least 20 times before you finally call it quits. By then you should have explored every possible means to do it and learned everything about it. Even then, don’t give up yet. Give it another try and ask around. Maybe there’s someone who has tried it before and succeeded.
17. Successful people are those people who defeat failure, endure hardship, burn the midnight oil, persist with vigour, overcome shame and conquer their self-ego.
18. You can never defeat the spirit of a potentially successful person. They understand themselves. They constantly weight themselves on the success scale and they constantly watch their goal.
19. Push yourself constantly and be consistent to ensure your personal growth. Remember, no one else is responsible for your life—and your life doesn’t belong to anyone else but you.
20. Put yourself first before anyone else. Love yourself before you love others. If you find a life partner, love them and help them grow if they agree to be helped. Find a partner who is compatible and can build you up—not one that will pull you apart.
21. No one should ever tell you that you can’t do it. Only you, know and understand yourself better than anyone else.
22. Don’t be selfish. If you become successful even at the smallest of things, help others to get to where you’ve been. They will be grateful and return the favour in ways you don’t know. Others will be more successful than you and praise you for the rest of their lives.
23. Not showing gratitude even for the little things you receive in life is selfish. Being grateful for what you have shows that you appreciate your blessings and increases your capacity to receive more.
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I like this:
“The price to pay when you are an entrepreneur….
We always hear that starting a business costs you something…I heard it so many times.
So may you pay the price of finding out who you are in the most beautiful way on your entrepreneurial journey.
May you pay the cost of a miraculous transformation that will lead you to your highest version with ease and joy
May it teach you the value of commitment and consistency in a way that honors your mental health
May you pay the price of helping others in the most magical way that elevates your soul
May you become more authentic and responsible in the way you show up for yourself first and then for others
May it cost you all the fake yeses and years of holding back to transform into your most authentic self
May it show you the power of communication, emotional intelligence, and stand
May it cost you shedding old skin and masks so that you can be a safe witness of your own self
May it trigger in you the desire to build healthy energetic standards so that you live from within and not from your ego
May your business eliminate all fear so that you can choose love and faith every day.
And if right now…you are paying the price of your health, your relationships, your peace of mind and your happiness…
I have sacrificed years of hustling and pushing myself. And even though financially it made sense, there were moments when it was hard…
But, we made it!
Whatever cost has been paid…it was so worth it!
TO INFINITY!!!”
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A friend posted this. Good points. If “God” is not your thing, then think of this as aligning your priorities to what really matters: personal growth and family values.
“Wisdom is pulling up to every one of your kids events in a $10,000 vehicle, instead of making 3 events a year in your $70,000 vehicle.
Wisdom is being home every night with your family in your double wide, instead of being home with your family 2 nights a week in your mansion.
Wisdom is sitting down for a meal every night with your family, instead of extravagant restaurants 2 nights week.
Wisdom is puzzles, board games, walks in the park, bike rides, etc., every week with your kids, instead of 2 expensive vacations each year.
What I’ve come to realize is this: “It’s not about what I can afford, it’s about what I can’t afford to miss.”
It has taken me almost 30 years and a lot of missed family nights, missed events, missed meals, blown money on toys, to realize this. I’ve spent many years using the excuse of “I’m working hard to get my kids and family everything they want.” When in reality I was trying to get them “everything I WANTED them to have.” Set goals, work hard, YOU WILL MISS SOME THINGS time to time, but don’t sacrifice years of your life chasing money only to look back and realize that you missed the most important moments of your kids lives.
And for the ones stuck on the excuse of “I’m trying to make sure my kids have savings and cars and houses and boats and whatever when they’re grown up”, let me tell you first hand what I’ve seen from previous generations that is happening right now in our society: Your kids grow up without you and they turn into adults with problems that you gave them, and that savings/house/car/boat/truck gets sold so that they can afford the drugs, alcohol, medicine, therapy, divorce, or co-dependency issues that were caused from a by product of their raising as a child, and what you have left them with in all actuality is NOTHING…
Please get into the word, learn these things, learn how to be a father/parent as God has called us to be, gain the same wisdom and knowledge that I’m reading and learning about through my experience with following Christ. I’m telling you it makes a difference, don’t wait til it’s almost too late like I have. Start today, and change generations forever”.