I’m excited about the fabulous creative entrepreneurs who will be joining me in the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Course that starts next week. I hope that you’re one of them! Check out my video above and sign-up here. The early-bird special ends soon. Finally get that business plan done and have fun doing it!

I had a blast on Sunday at my the Right-Brain Business Plan workshop. Here are Britt Bravo and Gretchen Wegner collaging up a storm! Throughout the day, we had fun shaking, howling, and twisting with our MuseCube moments. Gretchen’s MuseCubes are such a great way to connect back with the intuitive wisdom of your body.

In-person gatherings are great for building off of each other’s creative energy, getting fresh perspectives, developing relationships, brainstorming ideas, and knowing that you don’t have to go it alone as a solo-preneur.

Each participant’s visual plan and business truly reflected their own values, vision, and special gifts. I loved seeing what amazing things these ladies are up to in their work.

You can read a little bit more the day and see additional pictures on the Right-Brain Business Plan blog.  While you’re there, check out the latest featured business plan and interview with Sara Ortiz. Her colorful visual plan and business are bursting with creative goodness!

Kimberly Wilson, Lisa Sonora Beam, Britt Bravo and I were on a call the other day talking about how fun it would be to put together an event for creative women entrepreneurs to connect, create, and learn together. We came up with our own description of what an event like that would look like, but we want to hear your thoughts and opinions, too.

We put together a six-question survey to find out what your ideal creative women entrepreneur event would look like. By providing your feedback, you can enter in a raffle to be one of four winners to receive either a half hour social media consulting with Britt, a copy of the Right Brain Business Plan e-Book by Jennifer, a copy of Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa, or a copy of Hip Tranquil Chick by Kimberly.

Click here to take the survey by November 16th.

Thank you very much for your input! We’ll be designing an experience that caters to you and is what we wish we had along our journeys. That’s why we’re excited to create it!

Photo by Shiny Heart Ventures via Flickr

Last Sunday, I presented the Right-Brain Business Plan in a breakout session at the Creativity in Business Conference in D.C.  I had so much fun getting to learn and play with so many creative, innovative people.  Michelle James, the conference founder, did a magnificent job bringing together a community of entrepreneurs and professionals who are bringing positive change to the world of business.  There were experts in creativity, storytelling, business improv, right-brain/left-brain thinking, social media, conscious capitalism and so much more.

You can read my recap of the conference here, including some notes from the sessions I attended.

Photo by Shiny Heart Ventures via Flickr

I had a blast with my breakout session.  The participants were great sports, jumping right into the experiential activities and sharing with each other.  I love seeing how energized people get when they really resonate with their business vision and are inspired to move into action.

I am so glad that I said “Yes!” to Michelle’s invitation (via Twitter!) to fly out to D.C. and present.  This was one of the most engaging and authentic conferences that I’ve been to and I connected with loads of awesome people who also want to make a difference in business.

To get a feel for the energy and positive vibe of the event, check out this awesome slideshow.

Last night I attended the CRAVE San Francisco Guide book launch party.  I enjoyed seeing so many of my fellow “entreprenesses,” as the amazing CRAVE founder Melody Biringer calls us. Melody is an inspiring entrepreness who has built her own CRAVE empire including CRAVEguides in nine cities and CRAVEbusiness - a fresh approach to modern business.

And Melody knows how to throw a party, after all she started CRAVEparty, too.  A fabulous party is not complete without delicious food.  Several of the featured foodies in the book catered the event last night.  The brownies from Batter Bakery (pictured in one of the pages above) were absolutely to die for!  It was like licking the bowl of rich, yummy batter.  Oh, how I wish I pocketed an extra one for the road!  I’ll just have to go visit their shop in the city.

More than 100 women-owned Bay Area businesses (including mine, Artizen Coaching!) grace the pages of this beautifully designed book.  I love that the book also highlights the women entrepreneurs by asking questions like, “What’s was the inspiration behind starting your business?” and “What is your indulgence?”  If you want to get to know some super inspiring women and learn about the hippest shops in the city, order your copy below.

CRAVE San Francisco Bay Area: The Urban Girl’s Manifesto, Second Edition by Melody Biringer, 237 pages, full-color

$19.95 plus tax (I’ll cover First Class shipping to orders in the U.S.)

On Saturday, October 4th, I’ll be presenting at the groundbreaking Creativity in Business Conference in Washington D.C.  When conference founder Michelle James approached me to speak, I was beyond thrilled for the opportunity to be in community with fellow creative entrepreneurs who really get the value of creativity in the work world!  Not only am I excited to lead a break-out session on the Right-Brain Business Plan, I’m also looking forward to a full day of experiencing and learning innovative approaches focused on individual, group & organizational creativity in business.

Creativity is widely considered the new capital of 21st century business.  New ideas, new innovations, new systems and new structures depend on accessing novel levels of creativity — for everyone, not just the creatives or “artists.”  Everyone is creative and everyone could use an extra creative boost, especially in the world of business.  At this event, we’ll explore different facets of creativity as the key driver in navigating and thriving in the new work paradigm.

This event is for entrepreneurs, leaders, managers, learning/innovation officers, trainers, consultants, coaches and anyone who wants to be more innovative and adaptive in the changing world of work.  I bet that’s YOU!

I’m also excited that author Sam Horn will be a panelist.  I love her book POP! Stand Out in Any Crowd.

Here’s the lowdown:

CONFERENCE from 9:00AM-5:30PM: Lively, Content-rich, Experiential Break-out Sessions each with a different focus related to the theme of Applied Creativity in  Business; Engaging Thought Leader Panels explore the creativity-centered work paradigm through the lens’ of leadership, social media, adaptive strategy and creative thinking.

FESTIVAL from 5:30PM-7:30PM: Comedy, Music, Networking, Book Signings, Give-Aways and hors d’oeuvres from Mie N Yu  restaurant.

Register today! Early bird discount through August 31: $149 ~ Regular rate after August 31: $197

I can’t wait to be back in the D.C. area.  I was out there last year as a Circle Coach for CTI’s Quest program and had a blast making new friends on the East Coast.  This visit, I’m looking forward to doing yoga at Tranquil Space and connecting with my D.C. friends!

We Can Do The Impossible from Hatch Network on Vimeo.

Last Tuesday in San Francisco, my fabulous friends Allie Covarrubias and Claire Fontana unveiled their new venture called Hatch Network, a business education network for women entrepreneurs.  They’re building a platform for women entrepreneurs to grow their company at any stage of the business lifecycle – from launching and beyond.  I can’t wait to see this program take off!  My friends the amazing financial planner Cathy Curtis, fellow coach and leadership graduate Jane Inch and Ms. Elegant Ergo herself, Ruth Lowenhardt are three of the mentors who will be leading Hatch pods in the coming months.  They rock!

I’m always inspired by the drive, passion and energy of my fellow Bay Area women entrepreneurs.  Check out the super cool video above for interviews with ladies from the Hatch community (including me!).

Several women entrepreneur groups have sprung up across the country.  Check out these awesome resources:

• Hatch Network
• CRAVE Business
• The Savvy Collaborative
• SMARTY. Be Your Own Boss
• Savor the Success
• Collective-E

And if you know of any other groups that target young, smart, savvy women entreprenuers, please let me know.  I love sharing great resources!

The final chapter of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women focuses on goal setting and action steps.  After three months of exploring the creative process with Jamie Ridler’s Next Chapter book blogging group, it’s important to also have a plan for making it all real.  Right now, my big goal is to have my book proposal completed by the end of May (which is now next month – yikes!).  I’ve been working with my book coach for quite some time and I feel like I’m starting to make some significant progress.  YAY!

I like to see my goals on one-sheet of paper and the anal part of me likes to check things off once I complete them!  So, I created a Quarterly Goals Sheet template that I fill out and post on my bulletin board above my desk.  It’s a great way for me to track how I’m doing against my vision.  For some tasks, I will also fill out a more detailed Action Plan template so that I can get really clear on the specific steps, resources needed and (since I’m a pressure-prompted worker) timing.

When I’m overwhelmed with a really big project, I often times will just put up tasks on post-it notes and organize the plan from there.  I love how visual and free-form this method is.  Other times, I’ll just write a letter to myself from the future to inspire me to take the steps needed to make my goal manifest. For other creative planning ideas, check out my Wishstudio Blogzine Musepreneur column on some right-brain approaches to business planning.

I’ve enjoyed re-reading the 12 Secrets in community with other women.  This process of exploring and sharing has helped to deepen my understanding and practices of the 12 secrets in new, exciting ways.   I’ve absolutely loved meeting so many inspiring, creative women through the Next Chapter book blogging group!  And I look forward to the next book selection which Jamie announced on today’s celebration call.  If you missed it, you can listen to the call here.

Also, on the celebration call, Jamie announced the launch of “Your Creative Spark: Inspiring Interviews with 12 Highly Creative Bloggers” (I’m one of the interviewees!).  I just downloaded my copy and am loving all the juicy creative goodness!  Click here for more details on Your Creative Spark.

This week’s chapter of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women is definitely my growing edge. Secret #8 is about selecting empowering partnerships and alliances.  This, to me, is quite different from tapping into the support and wisdom of my guides.  I love connecting and collaborating with others.  That inspires me and feeds my soul.  What I find scary is diving into an actual business partnership where we are truly co-creating something together, sharing profits, etc. Even if it’s with someone I align with, lots of stuff gets triggered in me like the need to “protect” myself and my “intellectual property.” Feelings of scarcity and comparison can start to surface.  I get that it’s all fear-based because it’s outside of my comfort zone and when there’s money involved that probably just eggs on my saboteurs even more!

I’m also independent, individualistic, introverted and, given that I’m a 4 on the Enneagram, I have a strong need to be unique and different and often feel like no one else understands me.  All of which can be challenges in a partnership!

One of the most empowering partnerships I’ve experienced, though, was with my friend Brighid during the two years that we co-led a leadership retreat together.  That’s us in the photo above on a high-ropes course.  This particular physical activity tends to reveal dynamics at play in a partnership.  The key to getting all the way to the other side is for each partner to lean in 100%.   I’m in the black and white and you might be able to tell that I’m witholding just a bit, which is a typical pattern for me.  What really helped us enrich our partnership overall was lots of open communication, checking out our assumptions early on before they snowballed into drama and knowing we could trust each other to each bring our natural gifts.  The other key was having a shared passion and focus for what we were creating.

While partnerships can take a lot of work, I also know that there is tremendous learning and growth for me and my business when I stretch outside my comfort zone and partner with the right people. And while it can be more vulnerable, it can also be quite fun and fulfilling!

If you’re considering entering into a partnership or alliance with others, it’s really helpful to have a good sense of who you are – your strengths, your idiosyncrasies, your expectations and what you bring to the table.  Gail McMeekin has a pretty in-depth self-assessment in this chapter to help you define your collaboration profile.

Also, here are some resources that I’ve found useful in creating more effective partnerships:

• The MBTI is a helpful tool for understanding personal preferences and can provide lots of insight into team dynamics.  What Type am I is a good introductory book.
• The Enneagram is another insightful personality typing system.  A fantastic book that talks about how the different Enneagram types partner together is Are You My Type?  Am I Yours? And here is an online resource for Enneagram compatibility.
• Crucial Conversations and Difficult Conversations both offer helpful models for ensuring clear, clean communication, especially when the stakes are high.
  
• Leadership and Self-Deception and The Anatomy of Peace both provide valuable approaches for more authentic and direct communication with others.

With 2009 just around the corner, I consciously cleared the clutter in my office to make room for wonderful things to come in the new year. (I also donated five bags to Goodwill last week!)

For the past few weeks, I’d been feeling burdened by lots of administrative obstacles in both my personal and professional life.  And boy did the mess on my desk show that. I couldn’t even work there!

Ah, it feels so good to have a functioning and inspiring workspace again!  I’m more focused and energized, which is a great way to kick off 2009.

Before jumping into the new year, though, I like to reflect on the past year.  I already did a visual year in review.  Taking the time to also write about 2008 helped me remember accomplishments both big and small that I want to celebrate as well.

As I reflect on the year, I come up with a title to capture the essence of what unfolded.  Last year was “My year of integration: When it all came together.”  This year was “My year of stepping out and being seen, speaking up and being heard,” which is based on my first happiness commandment.  For someone who is usually behind the scenes, this was definitely a stretch for me.  I challenged myself AND I had fun doing it!

My 2008 accomplishments:

Career/Calling

• Expanded my business and worked with awesome clients
  
• Featured in two books – “The Girl’s Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear” and “The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life“
• Created two products – the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Book and the Unfolding Your Life Vision Kit
• Appeared on two TV shows
• Led Oakland Ladies Who Launch Incubators and helped fabulous women launch their businesses
• Contributed to the emerging field of Expressive Arts Coaching through leading calls on the Creative Artists community and presenting at SF Coaches
• Was a CTI Circle Coach for Quest in D.C. and Toronto
• Worked regularly with my book coach and wrote 20,000 words for my draft
• Led multiple dream box workshops and a Right-Brain Business Plan workshop
• Did various radio shows and podcasts and wrote a column
• Led a group coaching circle
• Had a booth with Kate at the LWL Be Your Own Boss event where I launched the Unfolding Your Life Vision Kit
• Had my first paid speaking engagement

Personal Growth

• Took workshops to honor my value of personal growth: Inside Team Training to continue to deepen my coaching skills, a presentation skills class, Kimberly Wilson’s Yoga and Creativity workshop, The Intuitive Entrepreneur and an InterPlay class
  
• Participated in the Art Every Day Month Challenge and the 29 Gifts Challenge
• Volunteered through C.E.O. Women
• Served on the board of SF Coaches

Health and Well-being

• Found local yoga classes that I like and started to go regularly
• Went for hikes in nature
• Rediscovered my handstand in yoga
• Went for swims on hot, sunny days
• Ate lunch outside during the summer

Relationships

• Spent quality time with Brian, including a nice date to see the Frida exhibit
• Relished in laughs and great food with my book club
• Visited my family in LA three times
• Spent time with friends and made new friends in real life and online

Wealth and Abundance

• Participated in a money circle and created my ideal budget
• Reached my financial goals for the year
• Made passive income and created multiple revenue streams

Fun and Recreation

• Took a spontaneous trip to London to visit dear friends
• Began a collaborative, creative project Kiss the Paper with Kate and Molly
• Had play dates with my creative playground friends to explore expressive arts
• Did yoga in the park and in my backyard

What did you celebrate in 2008?  What is the title of your year?

Wishing you all the best in 2009!