Some of what will occur throughout the day I have plans for. Other events will simply occur.

Outwardly today is like any other day.

But on a deeper level this day is different. It is one in which I feel I have more wisdom than in years past.

The wisdom did not come without a price.

It is the wisdom of knowing I really don’t know what life has in store for me. It is the wisdom of knowing the best thing to do is take life as it comes and flow with each day. It is the wisdom of knowing whether something appears to be good or bad it is all part of the tapestry of life. It is the wisdom of knowing my response to what happens is up to me and not the situation.

On an intellectual level I have known this for many years. Yet, it’s one thing to know something intellectually and something completely different to know this in my soul.

Memories serve us
As I woke this morning memories of my birthday three years ago flashed in my mind. It was then, on my 55th birthday, I decided to do something I had thought about doing for many years; train for a marathon. Not as a runner, but as a power walker.

True to my nature, I immediately poured my heart and soul into the training. I loved the feeling of pushing myself in this way.

All in life was great. That is until life had a completely different plan for me.

The shift from “all was great” to life turning completely upside down happened in an instant.

For the next nearly 2 1/2 years I experienced great loss from my father’s passing, incredible exhaustion due to answering a personal calling that required I travel back and forth countless times between my home in Oregon and my mom’s home and bedside in California, my mother’s passing a few short months ago, dealing with some of our animals getting deathly ill and one passing on and other such experiences.

There were times I wondered if I would have the energy to keep up with all that was occurring. Yet, each day I would get up and do what was in front of me. I didn’t have the time or energy to do much else.

The point of power was when I would surrender and ask for the guidance and strength to get through another day.

One day led into the next and the next and the next until here I am three years later incredibly grateful for the depth of knowledge I gained from each and every experience.

Divine intervention at work
As I reflect on the past few years I am in awe that, in spite of my life feeling completely upside down much of the time, there was (and is) a deep level of serenity I experienced when I simply trusted the process.

I am also in awe of the fact my business never floundered. In fact, it grew. I truly believe I was given the right ideas at just the right time to adjust how my business was structured. This allowed me to fully serve my market while taking care of family needs.

I suppose when I was my most vulnerable I was also my most teachable and receptive. This I know to be true; life takes on very deep meaning and joy when we surrender to why we are here.

I would be remiss not to share a bit about how it was possible for me to take so much time to be there for family.

The most important reason is because I knew this was what I was meant to do.

I never asked, “Why is this happening to me.” Rather I would give thanks I was able to be present for what was occurring.

Secondly, my business afforded me the opportunity to do the things that were most important.

However, it wasn’t just having the business that allowed this opportunity. Had I not trusted the guidance I received to structure things the way I did things likely would have turned out very differently.

Our business as a vehicle
The fact is, our businesses are simply a vehicle to touch the lives of those we are meant to. This happens on many levels.

We impact our customers and clients by providing them with products and services to improve their personal and professional lives. We provide for our families in a way they have comfort and safety. We provide for our communities through the donations we make and the time we offer in service. We provide for our animals a life they likely take for granted.

As the prayer of St. Francis so eloquently states, “Lord, make me an instrument.”

What I love most about this prayer is people from all walks of life, many faiths, religions and beliefs find power in it.

My life is incredibly blessed in ways I never would have imagined. To the core of my soul I am grateful for the people who have walked this journey with me and to all those who held me up when I needed it most.

When we surrender to our purpose we are able to more fully do all we came here to do.

Do you often feel like you’re going to lose your mind if you continue to work in such a stressful workplace – especially when this so-called stressful workplace is your own home-based office?

We, business owners, all experience stress and anxiety “on the job.” It is not unique to anyone, but what is unique to each of us, though, is how we deal with it.

You can learn to deal with business-related stress in a positive, self-helping manner so it doesn’t continue to hold you back. When you are unable to deal with stress and anxiety effectively, you can’t be as efficient or effective in your business and, more importantly, your health will suffer.

Remarkably Effective Strategies to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

When you experience stress in your business, you will highly benefit from learning how to harness your unpleasant emotions so you can move forward. Luckily, there are many ways you can do this; you just need to find which strategy works best for you.

Here are five strategies to help you reduce your stress and anxiety feelings:

1.    The best thing you can do when you feel the anxiety and stress come to a boil is to stop what you’re doing and just breathe. You’ll be surprised at how much it helps just to take a breath and gather your thoughts. In fact, take ten slow, deep breaths, then return to your work. The great thing about this technique is that you can do it anywhere, even when you’re sitting in your home-based office!

2.    Take a moment to write. When you start to experience stress, find some privacy, pull out a blank piece of paper, and write freely for five minutes. Free, uncensored writing for just a few minutes will allow you to get the anxiety out of your body and mind. When you put all of the anxiety feelings down on paper, crumple it up and throw it away. Then, do your best to return to your work without the stress and anxiety.

3.    Use positive imagery. Keep a calming picture on your desk or on your computer background and when you feel like you cannot take it anymore, stare at the image and imagine yourself there. Doing this for even 60 seconds can restore your sanity so you can move forward without the crippling power of stress and anxiety.

4.    Listen to peaceful music. If you put on calming music when you’re feeling anxious, you may find that it can instantly calm you like nothing else. If you keep the music quiet and peaceful, you’ll most likely feel at ease during your work day. Music is a great way to find peace and lose the stress.

5.    Use rational thinking. When irrational, anxiety-creating thinking is getting the best of you, you can counter it with rational, self-helping statements and thoughts. You can say things such as, “I will look for the possible fun and enjoyment that I can often find in doing difficult things that are wise for me to do.” When you repeat rational sayings in your life, you’ll soon be able to squeeze out irrational thoughts from your mind, and move towards the rational.

These are five simple ways to cope with stress and anxiety in your business. The great thing is that you can quickly and easily incorporate these strategies into your work day without allowing stress and anxiety to overwhelm and control you.

Every day will bring new stressors into your home-based office, and that is why you will highly benefit from having several different coping techniques in your stress and anxiety management toolkit. Once you begin to incorporate these strategies into your life, you will find that everyday business-related stress will become easier to deal with, and you will actually feel healthier, more productive… as well as much calmer and happier!

Chantal Beaupre is an Emotional Mastery Coach, a Naturopath, an Independent Licensed LifeSuccess Consultant, and a business partner of Bob Proctor — as seen in “The Secret” movie.

Her passion is to assist, educate, and inspire consciously focused business owners and individuals to achieve extraordinary success and happiness, at home and in the workplace. Recognized as the go-to self-development expert, Chantal has a treasure trove of practical, highly effective tools to help you live your life to the fullest.

Just Released! Discover the essential secrets for breezing through your days feeling calm, relaxed, and in control with Chantal Beaupre’s new Anxiety Free At Last virtual guidebook. When you claim your copy in THIS moment, you also get Spectacular Bonuses (an extra value of $469) from some of the most influential experts in the self-help world today – including yours truly! Click here to learn more.

It’s not about becoming the next online guru. It’s about reaching a market of people who are truly hungry for (and in need of) your information.

The fact is, the Internet Marketing space is incredibly crowded. Probably more so than virtually any other. And it’s not for everyone.

When I teach list building it’s to provide tools to consciously aware men and women around the globe to reach THEIR markets.

This could be health and nutrition, spiritual, child rearing, relationships, and sales to name just a few.

I’m incredibly passionate about helping those who have a message that will improve the quality of their customers’ and clients’ personal and professional lives.

I’ve watched far too many people struggle in their businesses because they haven’t laid a solid foundation that includes building a targeted list.

What a pity they are not getting their message out in a HUGE way.

Those who have followed me for any length of time likely know I run my business based on spiritual principles. I KNOW my business is Spirit in expression.

I also know that virtually any business can be Spirit in expression. Yet, many people think the two are separate. I don’t believe they are.

When I decided to teach people more about list building with my 3 part video series I did so because list building is a skill all types of businesses need.

Over the last 2 1/2 years my life literally turned upside down due to personal challenges. I broke my ankle, both my mother and father passed on, nearly lost one of our horses to stomach problems, our goat died, and our Boxer dog had surgery  for cancer.

Yet, my business never suffered. It kept growing.

I also continued to donate to organizations I believe in, shared tons of time with my family, took a lot of time off and daily thanked my lucky stars this was possible.

There’s no doubt whatsoever having a responsive list was a primary reason.

I also invested over $20,000 in 2011 for my professional development. I hired incredible mentors and invested in fabulous information products. This is yet another reason my business grew during very challenging times.

If you’ve been struggling to build a list, if you have an incredibly important message to put out to your market, if you’re ready to impact more people with your products and services, I encourage you to check out Six Figure List Building Web Summit.

I personally handpicked over a dozen colleagues, who mentor men and women around the globe, to share their best practices in a step-by-step video format. The information they teach is revolutionary. There are things you will learn that will give you lots of “light bulb” moments and shift your perception on list building forever.

I’m so confident with the quality of information I’m giving you a 100% money back guarantee. Get the program, try it out and if you don’t agree this is an insanely great investment I will refund your money no questions asked.

You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I have really sweetened the offer. For a very limited time you’ll also receive a live 3-part webinar training from me on Profitable Telesummits.

This offer is beyond compare. But… it’s good only through Tuesday, May 15th.

Isn’t it time for you to play big and reach those who are hungry for your information? Isn’t it time to reach the men and women you are meant to impact?

With this program you’ll learn how AND you’ll gain instant access to begin learning right away.

Go to http://www.sixfigurelistbuilding.com to find out more and get your package today.

A few years ago my life and my business were humming along just fine. I was making a great six figure income, moved to a rural community I love, enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle and saw no end to this in site.

Life was good, but that was about to change in ways I never anticipated.

First, while training to power walk in a marathon I broke my ankle. Amazingly, even though I was in physical pain my business never suffered.

Then my dad got sick and within weeks passed away.  This brought with it emotional pain, but still my business never suffered.

Shortly after my father’s passing my mother got incredibly sick ending up in the hospital for long stretches. For two years I shared responsibilities with my sister care taking my mom.  More emotional pain to watch what my mother had to endure. Again, my business never suffered.

When my mom made her life transition I was acutely aware that had I not structured my business they way I did I would not have had the freedom to respond and serve her in the way I did. This is a fact.

You might wonder why I’m sharing these intimate details with you. It’s because I know what it’s like to have your world crash down around you and yet have responsibilities like families to feed, a mortgage to pay, vendors who depend on you and animals who need you to take great care of them.

I was able to continue doing all of this and more without ever watching a dip in my revenues. Incredibly, my business continued to grow in spite of me not being fully present for nearly two years.

I attribute this to a strong connection to Source, doing all I could to be very present in the moment and on the business side, having a substantial subscriber list. A list I focus on bringing high value to.

Sharing this message with you has become a big part of my life purpose. Far too many boomers are going through experiences like I went through including care taking a parent, sibling, or extended family member. Not everyone has the freedom to pick up and go at a moment’s notice. I did have this freedom.

This is what I refer to as The Freedom Lifestyle.

On the flip side, I just got back from an incredible vacation on Kauai. It was definitely a dream vacation. I held back nothing when it came to the sites I saw, the adventures I experienced, the fine dining I savored and the accommodations I enjoyed.

I also volunteer for an organization that is near and dear to my heart, have a slew of animals that I love dearly and take very good care of. There’s more but you get the idea.

More of The Freedom Lifestyle. This is all a direct result of a responsive list.

Isn’t it time for you to experience this kind of freedom?

How to obtain The Freedom Lifestyle

The fact is, a strong subscriber list gives you incredible freedom. Not everyone knows how to build the right kind of list. 

It’s not just about building a list, it has to be a great fit for what you are doing.

Here are a few things you should do before putting a lot of effort into list building.

1. Identify your expertise. The more you can  convey what sets you apart from every other expert in your niche the better.

2. Clearly identify your market. My friend and colleague, Janet Beckers is brilliant at teaching entrepreneurs how to do this by creating an “Ideal Client Avatar.”

3. Discover what your market wants. It has to be more than simply a need, they have to want it. For example, if your market is scuba divers their interests may be about safety. Your job is to provide the best information possible on safety to your market.

4. Create an “ethical bribe” that will encourage your market to give you their name and email address for.

5. Get the word out about your offer. This is the fun part. You get to reach out to your market to create incredible value for them. There are countless ways to do this, but…

It’s not as easy as it used to be, but…

It has gotten more difficult than ever for people to take you up on your free offers. Even if they do, getting them to open your emails is becoming more challenging too.

This may sound a bit like gloom and doom. Actually, it’s not. It’s very exciting because there are some amazing ways you can build your list. Sure, there’s the standard article marketing, blogging, posting on your Facebook wall (be careful with that one or you will upset a lot of people), and media releases. There so much more.

In the years I have been making my living exclusively with the Internet the question that comes up the most is, “How do I build a list that will buy from me?”

The answer is simple; you learn what the top experts are doing and apply their best strategies to your list building process.

Because I know how important list building is to creating The Freedom Lifestyle I pulled together 13 of my colleagues to pull back the curtain and share their best stuff. Nothing is held back.

Find out who they are and what they are going to teach you by clicking here. You will be glad you did.

This is true for everyone. The more visible you are the better.

However, it’s important to be focused on how we gain visibility as well as to whom.

You can become visible in a number of ways; interviews, articles, writing books, public appearances and joint venture partnerships to name a few ways.

Initially, you will have to be very proactive in what you are doing. If you stick with it amazing things will begin to happen.

There comes a day that rather than you trying to figure out how you are going to gain visibility in front of your market it becomes a part of “business as usual.”

Rather than you seeking out all the opportunities, others will seek you out.

What I love about opportunities to gain visibility through others is exposure to new people. Men and women who may never have heard about me, my business, my products and services and my philosophy.

Check out a recent interview I did that came as a result of being visible in my market. It is with Angela Treat Lyon, host of I Dare You Radio.

I have known Angela for some time. We have a lot in common including our philosophy about life and business.

The interview is about growing your business event when you’re not there in person.

Angela has a knack for her guests sharing very intimate details about life changing experiences.

Check it out. Click here to hear the full interview.

What are you doing to share your philosophy, information on your business and gaining visibility? Share in the comments box.

To tell you how much impact the Internet has on our daily lives, while I was in Hawaii last week, locals in remote areas were talking about Facebooking others. At the airport, young and old alike were emailing, using IPads, tweeting and watching videos on YouTube.

I saw two gentlemen in their 80′s going through security and showing the gate agent their reservations on their mobile device.

The Internet is here to stay and is only going to become more prevalent.

Far too many business owners push the power of the ‘net waaaaaaaaaaaay down on their list and find themselves struggling to understand how to cultivate leads, sell products and services online, and establish a dominating position in their niche. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.

There seems to be a myth going ’round that it takes years and massive resources to learn today’s top strategies, shortcuts, and tools to profit online. So, how long do you think it would take to get the information you need to capitalize on the incredible reach of the internet and mobile? A year? 6 months? 4 weeks?

How about 3 days?! Come join me, along with 28 of the world’s leading experts including Jay Conrad Levinson, Larry Winget, Janet Bray Attwood, Armand Morin, Mike Filsaime, and many others as we take the stage in Chicago, June 8-10, to reveal countless, proven, no- and low-cost guerrilla marketing strategies for cultivating leads, dramatically increasing conversion rates, and generating immediate and long-term cash flow.

This event is unlike any other conference. No fluff, no theory, just hundreds of hard-core ideas and tactics that can be immediately applied to your business as taught by those on the forefront of what works, what doesn’t and, most importantly, what’s next. Come network with leading-edge entrepreneurs, next-generation business icons, and leave with a solid understanding of exactly HOW TO:

- Leverage social media and mobile marketing to propel your business forward.

- Build a huge database of leads and clients.

- Massively increase your on- (and off-) line profits.

This is a must-attend event and tickets are ONLY $147 until May 15. However, VERY limited seating remains available. To reserve your seat, click here: Register for Internet Prophets

I’ll be there on the main platform with the other wonderful experts. I’m also going to be networking and soaking up all the great information that will be shared.

Hope you’ll join me.

“I don’t have a list! What do I do?”

I have been asked this question countless times. My answer is always the same; start right where you are.

I’ve been making my living (and a great one at that) on the Internet for many years now. But it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I made no money at all online.

The two primary reasons were no market reach and no subscribers. Today I have both. But each took time to build. I had to be willing to start where I was.

The challenge many people have is, rather than putting consistent effort into both market reach and building a list, they procrastinate.

Or they get sidetracked with activities that are not going to monetize their business. Building a successful business by way of the internet is a discipline. Don’t ever believe for a minute it is not. It takes work, commitment, dedication and focus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely not making money online. Simple as that.

One of the most important things you have to consistently do is build your list of people who are interested in you and your information. In the past we were somewhat limited in how we could do this. Today, there are countless ways to build a list.

1. A traditional opt-in subscriber list through 1SC, aWeber, Infusionsoft, Constant Contact, GetResponse or any number of providers. Keep the long-term in mind, as you begin to build your list. Some people look for all the free service providers. Free may not be in your best interest based on your growth projections.

2. Feedblitz or FeedBurner via your blog. Both allow you to build a list of readers who are requesting to receive your posts as you blog. Every time you post on your blog, those who have subscribed by way of the RSS feed will get your post delivered into their email inbox.

3. Friends on Facebook. Building a friend’s list is a great idea, but not if all you are going to do is market to them. For everyone to get the most value you need to be a “real” personality on Facebook. However, be aware that not everyone is who he or she says they are. Use discretion with how much information you share.

4. Followers on Twitter. Some people swear by Twitter while others think it is a complete waste of time. If you are only posting promotional information you are not creating value for others. Plan out your tweets to create the most value. You can use something like HootSuite to schedule out your tweets. This way you spend a few minutes posting tweets that will show up throughout the day rather than all at once.

5. Connections on LinkedIn. I really like LinkedIn due to the quality of professional relationships I can build. The key to success is to post high value information. There are some people who are doing no more than promoting their products and services. This is NOT the way to get the most out of LinkedIn. Contribute to conversations; post information you find from other experts that would be of interest to group members, post questions, and always think in terms of how to build relationships.

6. Subscribers on YouTube. The more quality videos you post, the more subscribers you will get. Make sure to include keywords in the title of your video and throughout the description. This makes it easier for people who are interested in your content to find you.

7. Article marketing. This is one of the most effective ways to build your expert status as well as your opt-in subscriber list. At the end of your article, include a resource box that has some type of high value giveaway. When giving information away, think in terms of going above and beyond expectations.

These are only a few of the many ways you can build a following of people who enjoy, and look forward to, your information.

When you’re viewed as a viable resource, people will visit your blog and website. Make sure you have a way for them to subscribe to something, when they do stop by your blog and website.

However, in order to build a strong following you have to go above and beyond the norm. In years past it was a lot easier to get people to subscribe to something than it is today.

Nowadays your information has to be stellar from the start.

The challenge many people have is they are so fearful of giving away content, thinking that if they give stuff away people won’t have a need to buy their information. The opposite is true. When you provide incredible free content, people are more inclined to buy from you when you have offers.

But again, your information has to be stellar. Take my 3-part video series – How to Build a Profitable Opt In Subscriber List. This is something I could easily charge for, but I prefer to give it away. Regardless of whether someone invests in my other information or not they have received incredible value from the complimentary information.

Want to see what I mean? Why not  subscribe for the free video series. Not only will you receive incredible information, you can also see what I mean by stellar information.  Click here to subscribe.

Not sure what to give away? Here are a few recommendations.

• Video series
• MP3 files
• eReports
• eBooks
• Teleseminars
• Webinars

It’s amazing how stingy people are with their free information. They seem to think somehow people will magically find them, join their list and suddenly sales appear. It doesn’t happen this way at all.

The fact is, those who are doing great online are those who are constantly providing great information. Free information.

What is your standard practice? Do you constantly offer great information to your market or are you still thinking about that first freebie you will offer?

If you’re still thinking about what to give away, isn’t it time to get off the dime and put something to market? I daresay it is.

What do you do to build your list? What is the most effective method you have used?

Why not share this with others by retweeting and forwarding it to your FB friends, LinkedIn connections and others who would benefit?

Get the FREE 3 Part Video Series  on how to build a profitable subscriber list. Click here. 

How often do entrepreneurs and salespeople look for that next magic formula to build their business and increase revenues, never quite making any of it work? Many people make it much more difficult to succeed than it need be, while others know exactly what to do… and they do it.

Ask anyone who has effectively integrated the use of the Internet into his or her overall marketing strategy and that person will tell you success in building your business, both online and off, is about systems. Simple as that.

Developing and utilizing systems is nothing new. Yet, the great search for the pot-of-gold at the end of the rainbow and getting-rich-quick continues.

The place you’ll find more gold than virtually anywhere else is in doing something many people just don’t find appealing. It is in developing and maintaining a solid database. Unfortunately, many people don’t find database management “sexy” enough. So they continually buy into that next “secret formula.”

Fact is, with a well-groomed database, you can increase your revenues and decrease your marketing costs. You can build customer relations and keep your name fresh in the minds of your market by keeping in touch. This establishes excellent position within your market.

Most people would be amazed at how simple it is to build an incredibly profitable database by applying a few simple strategies. Remember, simple is not always easy. It will take time, commitment and focus.

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to your database. Depending on your industry and what you sell, you may be well served to focus on the few dozen or few hundred who want to buy from you, rather than thousands who could care less about what you offer.

On the other hand, there will be situations where building a massive list is exactly what you need to do. Especially if you have a mass quantity of products you are selling at a very low price. Then you may want to go for the numbers.

Driving traffic to your site is an ongoing process, as is building and maintaining your database. If you are serious about using the Internet in your marketing, you need to lay the groundwork to optimize your opportunities.

- Develop a fully operational web site
- Have a way to capture contact information such as a sign-up form
- Give people a reason for leaving their contact information by way of an ethical bribe. This would include a free report or ebook, an article of interest to your target market or anything that is of benefit to the reader
- Develop a series of content-driven messages that address your customers’ needs
- Keep your name in front of your market consistently without being annoying
- Write and distribute articles to various online resources pertinent to your market
- Create a resource box containing your web address
- Do not make the articles a hard sell. Rather, provide information that positions you as a resource, before you are a vendor
- Develop a list of forums and discussion groups you can participate in
- Commit to the long-term.

By focusing on developing a solid database and providing incredible value to your market you can and will achieve success in your business. Guaranteed!

Get the FREE 3 Part Video Series on how to build a profitable subscriber list. Click here. 

The morning feeding time never fails to remind me of how important certain tasks are to the very survival of each and every one of our companions.

Something I regularly do is stop long enough to really take what I am doing. Rather than absentmindedly tossing hay to the horses, filling the dogs bowls with their favorite food and opening a can of cat food, I stop and reflect on how truly blessed I am to have created the lifestyle I have.

Some would say, You are so lucky to have what you have.”

Others would say, “I would never want so many animals depending on me.”

Still others could care less.

The fact is, this is the life I once only dreamed of. It’s definitely not extravagant by any stretch, but it is very, very abundant.

Not a day goes by that I don’t give thanks for the life I live. And not a day goes by that I am fully aware I enjoy the blessings I do because of the choices I have made.

One of the most important choices I made several years ago was to start my own business. Yet, what started out as a corporate training company where I would offer trainings, workshops and keynote presentations is now an Internet information products business.

It’s been an incredible journey and one that would not have been possible without some key components to move me along the way; most importantly the information to expand my knowledge base.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people desire the freedom an Internet based business can offer them but they are not willing to do what it takes.

Or, maybe they are willing to do what it takes but they just don’t know what to do.

Something that you absolutely must do is get the right information to move forward. One place to do  so is with NAMS membership.

My friend and colleague, David Perdew, has created the most comprehensive training information available anywhere for the price. For just a few dollars a month you can received training from some of the best in the industry.

Check it out. Currently, MyNAMS is $14.97 with the discount coupon MYNAMS85.

Click here to become a member.

It goes to $19.97 with a new coupon code on the 16^th. David has loaded so much in there, that it’s obscene what members get for that price.

Click here to join now. And be sure to use the coupon code

Yet, you may not be generating the type of revenue that you really want, need or deserve.

Enter Product Creation. When you have various types of products you can offer to your market not only are you viewed as more of an expert, you can generate multiple streams of revenue.

This short video shows you the 5 steps to simple product creation.

To access the entire FREE 3-Part Video Training on Six Figure Product Creation CLICK HERE.