I got word today that one of my blog posts is being featured on Blog Nosh. I’m so excited and wanted to let you know about it. The article is about the importance of a great online profile and how it helps you build your business. Read the article here and feel free to leave a comment on Blog Nosh:
You’re Never Too Big To Introduce Yourself

SmartWomanGuides.com is one of the sponsors of an upcoming event here in Austin, TX, called Rebuild Your Virtual Business. It’s being held January 16-18 and is being given by Ann Collins and Michelle Castro, two very capable and wonderful women. I feel honored to be able to sponsor this event and intend to attend myself. They are offering 3 free 30 minute coaching sessions and will also be hosting free teleseminars leading up to the event. Check it out and see what you think!

I have other projects in the works, so will keep you up to date as I am able to release information. I’m working on several joint ventures and….dare I say it….a book! The remainder of 2008 and into 2009 is going to be a gold medal time for SmartWomanGuides and I am glad you come to visit me. Please contact me if I can assist you in any way, ok?

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Michael Martine offers tons of free content and tips on blogging and internet marketing at Remarkablogger – and on Twitter. For your specific questions and to help you develop a winning plan for your blog, he offers one-on-one consulting and live group teleseminars.

Michael is an all around great guy. He coaches you on how to get more traffic to your site, but more importantly he teaches you how to get better traffic to your site. He works his magic using kindness, compassion and creativity, assisting you in developing a larger vision of what you can accomplish.

Michael talked with me about my blog and how I could use it to better achieve my goals. I agreed to let him record the session so you could hear how he coaches. It’s a great example of the insight and perspective he offers bloggers.

To listen to the interview, click on the link below:

Remarkablogger and SmartWoman Coaching Session

We talked about the purpose I desire for my blog, what I wanted the SmartWoman brand to be ultimately, and some practical steps to implement now and in the future to get me there. If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I have already been implementing his changes. It’s a work in process but I am definitely applying what Michael and I discussed. I am excited about the changes and will continue to make them to better my brand and sharpen my focus.

Visit Michael at Remarkablogger and follow him on Twitter. He will help you and he is generous with his knowlege – get to know him.

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

But is it really that easy to know what that is? I don’t think so. We all get wrapped up in shoulds, and goals, and to-do lists, and expectations that are more rooted in fantasy than action. I am a strong proponent of big ideas, so it’s not that part of it that worries me really. More the part about the “shoulds”.

How much happiness comes from living a life of “should”?  Not much, really. Sure, you’re going to pay your bills and there is happiness in that. It’s much easier to be happy with a roof over your head and a meal in your belly. But, is that the point you’re at? Are you at that edge or are you closer to the middle where you do have the financial room to reevaluate your path?

If you are on the edge, get help (If you don’t know how, email me and I’ll do what I can to get you resources). Many a triumph has come from rags to riches. But, if you’re in the middle and would like to live a more passionate life, I would like to share the trick my coach asked of me:

Make a list of what you LOVE to do.

Put aside what you think is the logical plan. Put aside what you had lined up, what you had planned to do. Put the fast track plan you’ve imagined since college down. Step away from your presuppositions. Grab a soda or a glass of wine, find some private space, and write down the things that thrill you.

Don’t worry about how you’ll make money, not yet.  Just let the ideas flow. Connect with your heart and find out what makes you gasp with joy. Be creative. Get to the center of what it is about the things that feel good to you and really hone in on what it is about those things that work so well for you. If you like helping people, define why. Is it because you enjoy facilitating the transition, the a-ha moment? Or, do you pride yourself on teaching? Maybe you like helping people simply for a sense of service. Maybe you look to defeat ignorance. Maybe you enjoy helping people to help themselves. All of these points of view can take you in a different direction.

This process may take a few days, even weeks. Take the time to do it. Getting to know yourself will give you a laser focused awareness of your needs as a business person. It will awaken your own appreciation for your skills and desires. All of this will feed into a true passion driven vision and business plan. Don’t spend time figuring out how you’re going to turn your ideas into a job. Just savor the process of getting in touch with your wow factor.

We will discuss later this week about what to do next with your list. It’s an easier process than it may seem at first. The first step is to get to know yourself and what you love. Then, we will figure out how to transform those thoughts into opportunities.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

To listen to the interview now:

To download to listen later:

Michelle is a published author and accomplished coach and in this interesting 35 minute conversation, you will easily understand why.

Michelle’s latest book, From the Kitchen to the Corner Office: Mom’s Wisdom on Leadership, is out in stores and she’s doing something very exciting to help promote it. She’s going to help promote you!

Here’s a video where she talks about her book so you can learn more about it:

Here’s how to get involved: Go to Michelle’s website and read about Lipstick Leadership week. There is still time to tell your story of how your mother’s advice or example helps you in your work. Whether you work in a cubicle or a spare bedroom converted to your office, you have a story to share and Michelle wants to hear them all. The official dates are July 14th through July 18th but you can go now and start posting.

Michelle shared with me that this latest book is just one in a series and she intends to take the best kitchen table wisdom stories and feature them in other book releases. It could be a fantastic and powerful way for your business to get exposure.

When you share your story, be sure to include your link to your website so you can get visitors from Michelle’s site who read your story and want to get to know you. What better way to get to meet like-minded women, support each other, and promote your business all at the same time, right? I’m posting a story, that’s for sure!

Enjoy the interview and enjoy Michelle’s video. And, go buy her book. You’ll love it.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Click here to download…

Interview length: 18 minutes, mp3

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joy Chudacoff, a personal coach and sister blogger. We discussed how she’ll never forget that fateful day when, at 28 years old, her boss uttered three simple words to her that would alter the entire course of her work history. Joy’s story of the challenges and triumphs of her entrepreneur’s journey, from her early days 20 years ago to today, will fill you with hope and confidence.

As a coach, Joy has helped dozens of women custom shape an inspired life but they had to be willing to work at it to get there. Joy shared with me the most common issues she sees her female entrepreneur clients face and how they can be overcome. She mentioned the financial hurdles, the need for a support network, the power of working within your strengths, and last but certainly no least, how important it is to allow yourself the time and space to find your true passion.

To visit Joy’s website, go to SmartWomenSolutions.com

Join us in our conversation and allow it to help you transform your dream into a business that inspires you. Enjoy!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman