I often get asked by colleagues and clients, "What's it take to really succeed in business during times like this?" First, I tell them that "times like this" don't have to be their reality. In fact "times like this" are the "best of times" for many entrepreneurs who take a serious (and conscious) approach to their business, and refuse to let the "real world" stop them in their tracks.



Success also requires you to have COURAGE - because you've got to be ready to answer some of the tough questions that'll guide you to your highest and best good as a conscious entrepreneur. And, I have to believe that if you're reading this article, you have the courage it takes to do just that. Your courage to keep going, (and not quit on your dream) is what will keep you growing in service to others, to your bottom-line, and to the greater good of all!

So let's take a look at the 4 Components of Conscious Business, which will cause you to ask yourself some of those courageous questions. Use these four components regularly (as a gauge) to see whether or not you are on the right track. And, be ready to make the necessary changes that'll support you in building your successful, prosperous, and conscious business.

Component #1:

A Conscious Business Makes Money Is your business making money? Is it making enough money to fully support your soul's purpose in the world? The truth is, you are meant to attract A LOT of money; not for the purpose of acquiring material possessions (and being able to keep up with the Jones'); rather, you're meant to receive a lot of money so you can do what you were created to do on this Earth. Whether you make $50,000, $500,000 or $5,000,000 per year, now is a good time to take a good look at the bottom-line of your business. And, if you discover your business isn't built on a model that makes a lot of money, have the courage to ask for help to identify the ways in which you can build a profitable, purposeful business.

Component #2:

A Conscious Business Makes a Difference. Does your business truly make a difference to others? Can you feel the difference you're making? When you're operating as a conscious business owner, it's not just about the money; it's about being of service and making a difference in the lives of others. For some entrepreneurs to connect with the difference they're making, they need to look a few layers deep. For instance if you're not in a business that allows you to connect with the difference you make, take a look deeper to see how those clients and customers you serve are making a difference in the world. Once you're able to connect with the difference you make (even if it's a few layers deep), you'll have more motivation and inspiration to grow your conscious business, because you'll know the "ripple effect" your work has on the world.

Component #3:

A Conscious Business Calls You To Be Fully Who You Are Does your business allow you to be ALL of who you are? Are you able to be fully expressed in your business without feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself? Being WHO YOU ARE is the strongest asset you can have as a business owner. Why? Because nobody can be you! Nobody can duplicate your heart and soul! And nobody can exude you... other than you! So, this also means that nobody can compete with you. How sweet is that? You get to design your business in a way that lets you be fully you, AND at the same time you naturally eliminate anyone or anything that can be perceived as "competition." There's only one you, so capitalize on YOU in your business. Not only will you feel great, but you'll also become a magnet that attracts only those customers and clients who are a perfect fit for you.

Component #4:

A Conscious Entrepreneur Trusts In Their Divine Plan Do you believe in a higher, Divine plan? How much trust do you have in that larger plan for your business and your life? This fourth component is vitally important to embrace fully as a conscious entrepreneur; because this is the component that turns "times like this" into the "best of times." This is where you rise above the "reality" of the physical world to connect with the perfect plan that is unfolding for you in each and every moment. Only when you operate your business based on this higher approach will you begin to turn struggle into success, fear into faith, lack into abundance and challenge into triumph.

Now that you've learned more about these four components, I encourage you to spend some time truly pondering the questions posed here. Tap into your courage as you ask these questions, discover the answers and take your next steps. The reward will be a business that is filled with purpose, passion and profit!

Copyright (c) 2008 Christine Kloser