Happy Summer!

Happy Summer! I hope you are enjoying the season. We are, here in New Jersey! I just returned from a few days at the shore, enjoying castle building , sea shell hunts, and walking on the board walk.

We hope to get in some camping and other travel later in the summer.

There is lots happening at Compass Rose Consulting too!
I recently presented 2 workshops at the Holistic Mentorship Network Conference. It was held in beautiful setting in New York State. Very restful. The Vision Board workshop was again such a success that I am planning to offer it hear later this summer and again in the fall. Be sure to keep an eye out.

I am also in the process of moving my websites to a new hosting company that will offer me additional resources AND will be moving my list. That means you! I will need you to confirm your participation on the list when you recieve the email. Otherwise you will be dropped. I will also be sending you a link for several different opportuntities! My Launching Your Dream e-course, free reprots etc. My plan right now is to continue Bearing Points. It is going to have a totally new look and feel. I think you will be impressed. It will focus on leadership in business. I will also be adding a marketing newsletter. I need a name for it! Do you have any ideas? The marketing news will give you marketing tips, access to marketing resources, software, reports, etc.

If you have a name for that newsletter -- send it to: donna@compassroseconsulting.com

Compass Rose Consulting is evolving this year -- it's fifth anniversary into a company focused on leadership development for small businesses and leadership teams. My vision is to continue to offer Bizology.Biz to micro businesses, the Leader's Book Club will be up again, along with programs for leadership teams, sales teams and management teams. Is Compass Rose Consulting the right name? Perhaps Compass Rose Center for Leadership; or Compass Rose Institute for Entrepeurial Leadership; or Compass Rose Entrepreneurial Leadership Center.

What do you think? The ultimate vision is to have a center where business owners can come for training, coaching, retreats etc.

You know, that I believe in sharing vision. This is a part of mine. I hope you will continue the journey with me. My passion is supporting your success! I have many things happening this fall. I hope you will be a part of them.

Happy Summer!

Donna


Donna Price
Compass Rose Consulting, LLC
931 Maple Ave
Newton, NJ 07860

Strategic Planning Improves Results with Consistent Implementation

Strategic plans only help organizations when they are kept active and implemented. The strategic plan defines the business direction. That direction is based on the future, the vision of the company. Before an effective strategic plan can be developed a clear and compelling vision is needed. Visions are optimistic, the ideal picture of the future. The strategic plan is the map to the vision and then only effective if it is implemented.

Strategic plans can sound intimidating and overwhelming to many small business owners. The most effective strategic plans are those that are simple, completed with the leadership team and key people in the company. Complex documents that consume excessive amounts of time to create don’t guarantee success. In fact, the large and cumbersome strategic plan can be so overwhelming that it just doesn’t work.

Start with vision. Write down what you envision for the future. What does the future of your business look like? What do you want for the future? Vision stories are inspiring, it’s your dream. Once you have created your vision you can begin building strategies.

The vision is the destination, where you are going. The strategies are the map that gets you to the vision. Company values are the guide or the “compass” in our map metaphor for making decisions along the way. Values keep you oriented and in alignment. When values are out of alignment the company is off track; not moving in the direction of the vision.

Strategic goals can be limited to the top 6-10. By having fewer goals the plan is able to stay alive and in front of you. By alive, it means that the plan is always where you can see it, use it and keep working on it.

To set strategies for your business first look at the vision, the different aspects of the vision. Brainstorm all of the goals, all of the strategies for each aspect of the vision. With brainstorming it is important to get all of the ideas out and write them down without judging them or editing them. Often the best idea comes from an idea that at first look seems too wild or crazy. Ideas jump off of other ideas.

Once you have brainstormed all of the ideas, prioritize them. Often ideas can be grouped with similar ideas. This can help in the prioritization process. The goal is to narrow the list down to the top 6-10 strategies. What are the goals or strategies that will give your business the future you envision, that will create a breakthrough that will produce the results that you want? Those are the goals that you should be selecting as top priorities.

Creating a powerful strategic plan is just one of the first steps. Many organizations have strategic plans that are well thought out and crafted. Where they fall short is in the implementation of that plan. Implementation is the key. If you fail to implement, the results will not be what you set out to achieve.

Implementation is the result of focused and continuous action. Strategic plans don’t just happen on their own: they require your attention. By keeping the plan in front of you and the team responsible for the plan, focus is maintained. Regular meetings about the plan also keep the plan moving in the right direction. Check-in meetings hold people accountable. When teams don’t meet and don’t keep their eye on the plan, the day to day interferes and the status quo remains. In order to make changes in the results that you achieve there has to be intention and commitment on the part of the team. The check-in meeting gives the team the opportunity to review what is happening, what is interfering with the results they want and need and make the changes necessary to change the outcomes. Through the intention of the leadership, the plan and the team, the culture of the workplace can shift from one of non-performance to one of performance focused.

Performance focused companies are companies that are thriving. The energy performing teams shifts the energy of the whole organization. It becomes more positive and contagious. People become excited about the vision, the plan and their implementation of the plan. Results create energy and excitement that keeps the plan moving, it propels the plan.

Organizations that produce results have a clear vision of the future; have a plan that is simple and strategic; and they work on the plan all the time. Their actions are designed to move that plan forward. They don’t let themselves or others get in the way. By implementing the strategic plan organizations achieve results.

We Sold Our House!

Last Friday we sat with lawyers and our buyer and sold our house. It's been a long drawn out process of over 16 months on the market. We bravely bought a new house in August and moved. Confident that we would sell. Throughout nervous that we wouldn't and constantly listening to the news and the "crumbling housing market". I have often wondered how the Law of Attraction played into the whole thing. I am a skeptical believer in the Law of Attraction. I struggle with the concept and continue to read about it to try and figure it out. But, I do believe that the media has contributed to the economy that we are seeing. If you believe in the Law of Attraction then all of the negative talk about the economy and the housing market is creating just that a negative economy and a negative housing market. We see this played out over and over. There are leaders like the Fed Chairman that know when they speak, what they say directly affects the economy. So, if this is so clearly known what would happen if they were to talk differently, talk more positively, highlight the positive aspects of the economy?

In looking at the affect of negative talk on the country's economy and relating it to the Law of Attraction I began also looking at myself and my personal economy. Part of what I have learned is the believing in the vision, writing it down "as if" it is happening now. Going and test driving the car, getting the FEELINGS of it. I have done all of that and at the same time in my head and my heart been saying "Yeah, BUT, the reality is: we don't have the money to pay the bills; or, our debt is too high; or we aren't going to be able to.... " and my negative talk goes on and on, based in "reality", just like the country, the FED, the media.

Ah haa! It's one of those ah haa moments; where lights go on in your head, bells ring and you shout: "OH, I GET IT!!" I am creating that personal negative economy just by continuing to hold that energy, stay in that thought pattern. The mindset that it's "reality" isn't helping me to change it, it is keeping me right there in it.

How do you stay in the positive flow? Just like everything else in life: PRACTICE.

This is what I have learned:

• Meditate regularly (each day, and practice being in the flow)
• Create a meditation CD or Audio if that is helpful.
• Journal -- I keep what I call a passion journal -- accomplishments, gratitude and intentions
• Stay connected to the vision, write and read it.
• When I get distracted by the negative talk that is mine, acknowledge it, take a breath, hold my hands on my heart and breathe in the positive flow
• Read my vision again if I am really stuck in the negative talk
• Have faith and believe.

Positive energy builds more positive energy. It is the flow of creativity and the connection to the universe.

What do you do to stay in the flow?

What's in your email address??

What’s in your email address?

Donna Price
Copyright 2008

Did you know that your email address can affect your business reputation, can help build business relationships and have an effect on your business? Think about the email addresses you see coming into your Inbox. Do you have a different impression of a new contact if their email address is @yahoo.com or @hotmail.com or @gmail.com? I know I do. I look twice. Sometimes I delete the email as spam. I also wonder if they really have a business.

When you own a business you need to have a web presence. It gives you credibility. It’s your online brochure. You can even get business directly from your website. At this point most of us know that we have to have a website. Yet, I receive business cards weekly from people that have a website address listed on their business card AND still have their local provider email or free email account. If you own a domain that is part of your business, add an email account and gain credibility.

There are several good reasons to have an email account from your domain:

Your professional email can clarify who you are and your business.
It gives people a domain to look at for more information about you even if you haven’t given them the web address.
Your professional email builds your reputation and legitimacy. When an email comes in from a generic free email provider it is unclear if your business is genuine.
Your email address advertises your website. When you see my email address @compassroseconsulting.com, you know that I also have a website at that address. Even if you don’t know me you can check my website and choose to do business with me as a result.
Credibility = trustworthiness; integrity; sincerity; reliability. Aren’t these the types of qualities that your company represents? That free email could be dwindling each of these qualities in the eyes of the beholder.

Building a simple, professional web page is achievable with site builder tools, templates and easy to use software programs. Setting up your professional email address is a simple 1, 2, 3 process. First, buy a domain if you don’t already have one. Second, set up a hosting account. Third, set up your new email account with your domain.

Most hosting companies offer a web mail version where you can check your email online or you can set up your email program such as Outlook to receive the email.

Remember, to always add a signature to your emails that includes your contact information, another credibility feature of email. It’s something that people look at to again, determine if the email is legitimate or not. When a business owner is emailing me and wanting me to take some type of action in response to their email, if there is no indication of who they are and their contact info, then my action is “delete”.

Each detail of your business affects your credibility. Look at all the details as you build your business.

Donna Price is a business success coach. Get her free report: 8 Keys to Your Business Success at: http://www.strugglingsmallbusiness.com/

What’s in your email address?

Did you know that your email address can affect your business reputation, can help build business relationships and have an effect on your business? Think about the email addresses you see coming into your Inbox. Do you have a different impression of a new contact if their email address is @yahoo.com or @hotmail.com or @gmail.com? I know I do. I look twice. Sometimes I delete the email as spam. I also wonder if they really have a business.

When you own a business you need to have a web presence. It gives you credibility. It’s your online brochure. You can even get business directly from your website. At this point most of us know that we have to have a website. Yet, I receive business cards weekly from people that have a website address listed on their business card AND still have their local provider email or free email account. If you own a domain that is part of your business, add an email account and gain credibility.

There are several good reasons to have an email account from your domain:

1. Your professional email can clarify who you are and your business.
2. It gives people a domain to look at for more information about you even if you haven’t given them the web address.
3. Your professional email builds your reputation and legitimacy. When an email comes in from a generic free email provider it is unclear if your business is genuine.
4. Your email address advertises your website. When you see my email address @compassroseconsulting.com, you know that I also have a website at that address. Even if you don’t know me you can check my website and choose to do business with me as a result.
5. Credibility = trustworthiness; integrity; sincerity; reliability. Aren’t these the types of qualities that your company represents? That free email could be dwindling each of these qualities in the eyes of the beholder.

Building a simple, professional web page is achievable with site builder tools, templates and easy to use software programs. Setting up your professional email address is a simple 1, 2, 3 process. First, buy a domain if you don’t already have one. Second, set up a hosting account. Third, set up your new email account with your domain.

Most hosting companies offer a web mail version where you can check your email online or you can set up your email program such as Outlook to receive the email.

Remember, to always add a signature to your emails that includes your contact information, another credibility feature of email. It’s something that people look at to again, determine if the email is legitimate or not. When a business owner is emailing me and wanting me to take some type of action in response to their email, if there is no indication of who they are and their contact info, then my action is “delete”.

Each detail of your business affects your credibility. Look at all the details as you build your business.

Check out my new Free Report: 8 Keys to Business Success at: www.strugglingsmallbusiness.com

All the best,

Donna

Where have I been??

Wow! I can't believe that it is almost the end of February and I have been so out of touch with you!! I have been working on several new projects that I will tell you about. But first I want to share what is included in this newsletter:

1. Effective Small Business Training Available for you
2. Things happening around New Jersey
3. Article: Creating A Breakthrough
4. Next Week
5. Where I’ve been and where I am going!!

Enjoy!

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Effective Small Business Program:
Last year I hosted three tele-classes to celebrate my 4 year in business anniversary. They were great workshops both in person and via tele-class. They are now available to you as a set. Today you can buy the set.

http://www.launchingyourdreams.com/cgi-bin/arp3/arp3-t.pl?l=13&c=2371

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Things Happening Around New Jersey:

I am the President Elect of NJAWBO and we are hosting an incredible Boot Camp.
Here are the details:

2nd Annual Business Boot Camp
Offered by NJAWBO - Sussex-Warren Chapter Saturday, March 29, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open to all business owners, both men and women
Participant Admittance: $69 / for the full day!
We are pleased to host this second annual event with Centenary College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Centenary College's main campus. Join Us on March 29, 2008 for the Sussex-Warren Business Boot Camp!
Location: Centenary College, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown, NJ
Directions: http://www.njawbosw.org/cgi-bin/01Calendar/EventDtls/Bootcamp/05Directions.asp

Once again, we’ve put together a great variety of experienced business experts for you to benefit from at the 2008 Business Boot Camp!

Fill your day with…

Up to three 20 minute private consultations with professionals such as:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Representative, Business and Management Coaches, NJAWBO's Women's Business Center Director, Human Resources Expert, Accountant, Lawyer, Web Professional, College Learning Center Professional, Sales Consultants, Insurance Agent, U.S Post Office Business Development Manager

What questions will you want answered in your 20 minute private sessions?

Plus take part in an unlimited number of presentation sessions in our multiple one-hour time slots.

Presentation titles include:

3 Steps To 3 New Clients In 30 Days
7 Fatal Mistakes Business Owners Make (*and How To Avoid Them) ABC’s And D Of Starting A New Business
Action: The Blueprint For Success
Boost Your Bottom Line - Marketing Essentials Business Loans For The Small Business Owner Totaling about 30 presentation titles....

Plus
Easy Steps to Complying with Small Business Taxes
(A Three Hour Special Program you can choose to participate in)

And take some time to network and share ideas with other new and seasoned business owners.

To learn more about the Business Boot Camp visit:

• Our website at http://www.njawbosw.org/
(List of Experts and links to their business and individual profiles,
Workshop Details, Presentation Schedule, and more)

* To Register, go to:
http://www.njawbosw.org/cgibin/01Calendar/EventDtls/Bootcamp/01Registration.asp

We accept all major credit cards and payment via PayPal.
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Article:Creating a Breakthrough

How do you create a breakthrough in your business or your life? it's hard to see the possibility, to see that you can create a breakthrough, especially when times feel hard or tough but what it comes down to is getting out of your own way. How do you stop your own success? Do you sabotage yourself? Jinny Ditzler, in her book, "Your Best Year Yet" outlines a process for shifting your paradigm. As a program leader of the Best Year Yet program, I have seen this shift happen over and over. What I have witnessed is people creating break throughs by looking at themselves, their beliefs and their behaviors. How do you do this?

First is understanding:
Beliefs lead to behaviors which produce results.

So often, when we aren't achieving what we want and need we change our behavior. Underlying our behavior are our beliefs. If those beliefs are limiting beliefs then we must shift and change the belief. Since we are in charge of our beliefs we do have the power and the ability to make this change. First, look at your behaviors. What are the behaviors that limit your success? Some limiting behaviors that I see with business owners are: procrastination, not following up with leads, not asking for referrals. The next part of the process is to look at the underlying belief. What do you say to yourself about the behaviors? In essence what do say to yourself: that inner voice; that justifies the behavior: the excuses for the behavior. Now, some of these excuses are things that you believe to be true. Perhaps you are telling yourself -- they are only going to say no, or I'm not good enough, or they won't buy. What are your limiting beliefs?

Shift the beliefs

The key to the breakthrough is to shift the belief. This is more than positive affirmations. This is taking control of your inner dialogue and changing it. Often our inner voice is saying things to us we wouldn't allow people to say to our children. The trick is to replace the inner dialogue with more empowering dialogue and stop the negative talk. if you are telling yourself you aren't good enough, then how will people believe you are? In Jinny Ditzler's book, “Your Best Year Yet” she recommends creating a new empowering paradigm that is positive, short, written in the present tense. A new paradigm for the example we have been working on could be: "I am more than enough".
How do you live the new paradigm: because that is really the key. It is a great first step to identify how you are getting in your own way or sabotaging yourself. It's not enough. Creating the new paradigm is another great step. Living the new paradigm is the real key. Read the new empowering belief everyday, several times per day. Use the new words for your inner dialogue when the old inner chatter appears. Take control of the inner dialogue. Post the new empowering paradigm where you can see it several times per day. You can also write about how it is impacting your life. Journal about how changing your paradigm produces different results. Always write in the present tense, as if those results are happening right now. Practice your new paradigm. You can also create a CD with a brief meditation that talks about your new paradigm and the changes that have taken place.

The bottom line is that you are in control of creating the breakthrough. A coach can help you figure out the paradigm, and keep it on track. Use the tools that you have to create your breakthrough results.

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Next Week:

Next week – I am working really hard to launch a GREAT new program called Accelerated Marketing Mentorship. It is going to fun, easy, affordable and will help you accelerate your business results!! You see I haven’t been just sitting here eating bon, bons! I’ve been working.... I can’t wait to tell you more about it. I am excited about it and think you will be too. It will launch early next week, so watch you in box. The initial launch is a BETA launch and is limited to 100 people. Then it will go into a full phase launch and 200 additional people will admitted BUT the price will increase for the full phase launch. The BETA folks will lock in their charter price and will have opportunities to help in refining the program. That’s it – I can’t say more. Watch your email.


Opportunity # 2: I am so excited about the small business group that is coming together for March. This group is a combination "in-person" and telephone conference call group. We are starting March 15th. There is room for 3 additional businesses. The folks that have signed up right now are ready to take their businesses to new levels. They are motivated, excited and want to be part of a group that will help them succeed. IF, you feel that you are ready to jump into this incredible group then just let me know! I have 3 spaces left. The energy around this group is contagious AND these 3 spots will also fill quickly. Will there be another group if you hesitate? Well...I wouldn't wait to see. The energy in this group is energy you want to be a part of.

http://www.launchingyourdreams.com/cgi-bin/arp3/arp3-t.pl?l=15&c=2371

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What have I been doing?

I have been working on two new books – one a very personal story and the other – business building of course. I am also in the process of revising my book Launching Your Dream. You know, it is based on my story of taking an idea – biking across the country – and living the dream. The book tells bits of the biking story but whenever I present to groups about it, they always have questions about the bike trip. So, I am adding more stories from the bike trip. It is quite fun remembering and writing about it again. I can’t wait to get out and ride!

As you can see I have been busy. I look forward to hearing from you.

Have an incredible day, building your success for 2008.

All the best,

Donna

P.S. I hope you have an incredible day, please let me know if there is an area of your business building that I can help with....


Donna Price
Compass Rose Consulting, LLC
PO Box 615
Branchville, NJ 07826

973-948-7673


Everyday is a good day to live the vision and dream.....

Full Moon on Blue Monday

According to the evening news, today, January 22nd, is Blue Monday. I had never heard of Blue Monday before. What is it? What does it mean? It is a day that experts say is the "unhappiest" day of the year. This is based on a mathematical calculation taking into account the time since Christmas and incoming shopping bills, winter weather, and failed New Year's resolutions. Add these factors altogether and you end up with Blue Monday. As I drove to pick up our car from the mechanic tonight (adding to our piling bills and blueness I guess), our daughter watched the full moon, asking: "why is the moon following us?" She continued, "I've been watching it and first it was on that side and now it is over there. It's following us, how does it do that?" What a wonderful perspective.

How does a following full moon affect us on Blue Monday? I love full moons. For me they represent hope, wonder and potential. Perhaps the Blue Monday is all perspective too. The weather can get you down. I love the snow and am disappointed at each snow storm that doesn't materialize. I dream of snow pack, shovelling, cross country skiing and sledding. If anything it's the weather that's too nice that doesn't fit the season that is depressing, at least for me, in January. Come March, I'm with the rest of you, dreaming of beaches.

Mounting bills, well, that is cause for blueness, or for better planning. Taking control of money, planning can alleviate this blueness. What a great time of year to start planning for next year's holidays. Of course, pay the current bills, and then set up a savings plan. I'm doing this too. We need to be saving each month for next year. This year we set up a budget and a plan. It's part of the coaching program.

New Year's Resolutions are a favorite. We each have such good intentions at the New Year of making this year different. There are some real keys to creating success and follow through with New Year's resolutions and goals. My favorites are:

• Write your goals down
• Post them where you can see them, keep track of your actions.
• Tell people about your goals and vision -- it deepens your commitment AND can build alliances with other resources that will help you.
• Hire a coach to help you stay focused on your plan
• Find a friend or buddy that you can talk to each week about what you are doing.
• Write down your action plan and your accomplishments (big and small).
• Develop a story of vision of the end of the year having accomplished all of your goals. Include as many details as you can. Read it at least weekly.

Blue Monday, with a Full Moon doesn't have to be the most unhappy day of the year. Each of us has the ability to take charge of our lives, our actions and even our perspectives. I say our perspectives because we can't change the weather but we can create our perspective to one of positive optimism.

Create your own healthy Monday.

All the best,

Donna

Optimizing Your Website

Optimizing your website is one of the keys to your success online. I build my own sites and a few others, and I am working on optimizing my site as well. I found a great tool that's free. It's so good I'm looking at the paid versions now to see what other bells and whistles it has. My site jumped in it's ranking from 0 to 3 from using WebCEO. I plan to jump even higher. I hope you consider it!!





Check it out!! It is easy to use and it works.

Donna

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to begin reflecting on the year and being grateful that all has been accomplished. Each year, at this time, I begin looking at what I accomplished. What went well. Its a time to celebrate all that has happened and learn from what isn't quite right. It always amazes me what has been accomplished. Often as a small business owner, it can feel like nothing is happening, that the wheels are just spinning with no results. When I look at my list, I realize that much has happened and there is a great deal to be thankful for.

Some of the highlights of my year were:

• celebrated 4 years in business and had a great open house celebration. (I'm taking it virtual in December)
  
• added new clients
• developed an incredible Business and Marketing Mentorship program
• had the opportunity to facilitate leadership development and strategic planning sessions with non profit boards and leadership teams
• joined the Board of Directos of a non profit organization
• enjoyed our first camping trip and biking trip with our girls
• bought a new house and moved just before school started
• and many, many more!

This year at Thanksgiving we have a thanksgiving basket with slips of paper for each person throughout the day and the weekend to add the things they are grateful for.

Taking the time to remember, celebrate and be thankful is the essence of the holiday, but as a business coach I would say that it is also the essence of building a successful business.

Take a few minutes this holiday weekend to reflect on your year! I'm sure you will see great things that have happened.