Ever wonder what’s with all those sticky notes on the wall behind me in my videos? I’ve been asked about it a lot and I’ve turned several people on to using the system as well, so I thought I’d share my tips in a Livestream video chat.

Below is a recording of a session I did recently where I share more details of how I use my colorful wall calendar and how it helps me plan my business.

And in the same video session I also interviewed Ane Axford of sensitive + thriving who is a licensed facilitator for my Right-Brain Business Plan® and Unfolding Your Life Vision® licensing programs. Since both Ane and I are highly sensitive people, we chat a bit about her approach to thriving as a sensitive soul and about how to be a highly sensitive entrepreneur.

You can read through the accompanying chat log here.

Announcement: Right-Brain Business Plan® Workshop Simulcast – Feb. 4th-5th

Not in the Bay Area, but still want to take the upcoming Right-Brain Business Plan weekend workshop with RBBP author and creator Jennifer Lee? We’ve just announced an option for you to participate remotely from the comfort of you own home!

Jumpstart your business plan in a weekend by joining us on the live workshop simulcast February 4th-5th. You can find out details here.

Name:  Addie May Hirschten
Company Name:  Fantastic Fables
Website: www.fantasticfables.net
Blog: http://fantasticfableswithaddiemay.blogspot.com/

Note from Jenn: A couple months ago we received a lovely e-mail from Addie May Hirschten letting us know about how the Right-Brain Business Plan book helped her see the bigger picture of her business more clearly. Addie is a creative soul and storyteller and I was delighted to hear how having her colorful and visual plan all in one place has helped her prioritize and accomplish her goals. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Addie!

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

Addie Hirschten is a painter, writer and professional storyteller. She began her storytelling career as a children’s librarian.  After moving to Indiana, Addie started the company Fantastic Fables as a creative outlet for her theatrical programs.  She now performs throughout the state of Indiana in libraries, schools and camps.

Painting and drawing have always been of interest to Addie.  Fresh paintings are posted every few days on her blog and website. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Appalachian State University and currently teaches for the ArtReach program of the Indianapolis Art Center.

Behind all of Addie’s artwork and performances is a message of celebration for the world we live in.  By passing on paintings and stories, she hopes to plant seeds of inspiration, hope and healing for others.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan® helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

In the past I have jotted down ideas on little scraps of paper or in journals.  After reading the Right-Brain Business Plan I decided to create a vision board on the wall of my studio.

By cutting pictures and layering post-it notes I made a concrete collage of my hopes and dreams.  The process of creating this visual business plan helped me to see more clearly where I want to go.  I was able to see how different projects overlapped, understand the purpose behind them and connect the projects to the correct audience.  This will help with my marketing efforts.

The best part of creating this business plan is that now my ideas are all in one place.  From that spot in my studio I can interact with the plan every day.  I can add to it and change it (without turning on my computer!)  Like a friend the plan taps me on the shoulder as I am sitting at my desk and reminds me to keep my projects in perspective.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

One element I love is the “sticky-note project plan.”  I created a schedule section in which the “action” elements are broken up into monthly sections for the next two years.  Before creating my plan my future projects extended only into the next few months.  By pushing my projects further into the future I realized that they can be larger.  I then looked back at my “business vision” and the list of my wildest dreams.  From that I recognized that I should have the larger projects be of higher priority.  I have begun to tackle those larger projects.  These goals now take precedence over the more immediate day-to-day problems.

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

While I love planning, scheduling and having my ducks in a row, my favorite work days are ones when I can just follow my nose, paint, record a storytelling podcast or just read.  It is wonderful to relax into the creative process.

The challenge is to create balance between the artistic play that produces our best work and the focus that is needed for success in business.  Taking the time to create a business plan helps.

What’s your big vision for your business?

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote:
“Success is to laugh often and much,
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better,
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived.”

It is my hope that my work reflects Emerson’s message.  When I paint I am honoring the beauty of the natural world. When I share stories I am passing on passion to others.  My vision is that I can share my message of hope with anyone who needs to hear it.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Don’t stop!  Don’t ever stop creating and celebrating life. Award winning illustrator, Ashley Bryan wrote, “I never gave up.  Many were more gifted than I but they gave up.”

One simple secret to success is to take your art supplies out of the closet.  In the past year I moved to a new house where I now have a studio room.  I can sit down at any moment and continue with my creative projects.  Whether you devote a room to your art or a desk in the corner of the kitchen make your supplies easily accessible.  Create space and time for your work.  It makes it easier to keep going with your vision.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I share new paintings, stories and projects every few days on my blog.  I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Thanks again Jennifer Lee for writing the Right-Brain Business Plan!  It was not only a fun read, but it is helping me to form my future in a whole new way.

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Addie May Hirschten. See her blog post about her Right-Brain Business Plan®.

Want to create your own Right-Brain Business Plan®? The Right-Brain Business Plan® Kit includes supplies to make your own accordion book style visual business plan.

For more support with developing your RBBP, check out the Right-Brain Business Plan® Home Study program.

A note from Jenn: Tonight I have the pleasure of attending my friend Christine Mason Miller’s Desire to Inspire book launch in Santa Monica, CA. I can’t wait to celebrate with her and so many of the fellow contributors to this amazing book. I loved Christine’s book Ordinary Sparkling Moments and am now thrilled that she has a new bundle of joy and inspiration to share with the world. Please read on to find out how you can win some of her beautiful artwork!

Christine Mason Miller’s latest book – Desire to Inspire: Using Creative Passion to Transform the World – is a collection of stories, exercises, images, quotes, and anecdotes from twenty extraordinary contributors, all sharing insights and experiences of how they create a meaningful life and, in turn, make a positive impact on the world. Each chapter discusses a different aspect of living a passion-fueled life, and this month Christine is offering a 60-Second Snapshot of each chapter as part of her Desire to Inspire Virtual Book Tour. Click here for all her online book tour dates!

Today Christine discusses Chapter 7 ~ Plenty of Room for Everyone

“My work is not to try to determine what I think the rest of the world will like, buy, celebrate or approve of. My work is to do my own work…That is the first and most important step toward finding my place in the world – the place where what I have to offer walks hand in hand with what the world needs, a place that exists for everyone.” ~Desire to Inspire

There is no one on earth like you.

End of lesson.

Leave a comment today through December 20th and be entered to win one of the three wall art pieces pictured below!

Christine Mason Miller is a Santa Monica-based artist, writer, and explorer. Her next book – Desire to Inspire: Using Creative Passion to Transform the World – is now available at bookstores everywhere and Amazon.com. Follow her adventures at www.christinemasonmiller.com.

With the end of the year, fast approaching, make sure you carve out some time to reflect all that’s happened these past 12 months.

This afternoon I shared some creative ways to conduct your Year in Review, including one of my favorite visual tools – the Exploding Box, with a fabulous group of inspiring creative souls and entrepreneurs. Watch the video below for lots of prompts and ideas to help jump start your reflection and celebration of 2011. It’s like having your own mini-workshop with me!

It was exciting to hear participants’ a-has, acknowledgements of accomplishments, and dreams for the new year. You’re sure to be inspired!

If you want instructions on how to make your own Exploding Box, so please sign-up below. You’ll receive a link to download a 16-page booklet that includes templates, instructions, and coaching questions to help you make your Year in Review Exploding Box. You’ll also be notified of any other upcoming Livestream sessions and you can unsubscribe at any time.

For more close-up pictures of my previous Year in Review Exploding Boxes you can visit my 2011, 2010, 2009 part 1 and part 2, and 2008 posts.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy Egenberger of Spirit Out! Amy is a licensed Right-Brain Business Plan® facilitator and she is leading a workshop in Minnesota on December 10th. Watch to find out about Amy’s “Bucket List” and to hear about an upcoming new free Livestream I’ll be doing next month.

Here are some fun looking financial planners from Kimberly Palmer, author of Generation Earn.

This “How to Create Your Own Printables” Kit from kind over matter looks so awesome! Great for us visual peeps. Another fun possible format for your Right-Brain Business Plan® and other creative projects.

Looking for a Right-Brain Business Plan® workshop in your area? You can check out our events page and our facilitator directory for workshops led by our licensed facilitators from around the world. There are three workshops coming up in December in London, Minnesota, and Ontario Canada.

Surround yourself with beauty. Indulge your senses.

Place a bunch of fresh cut flowers on your desk – ones that smell nice are an added beauty bonus! Display inspiring art or photography in your creative space. Play soothing or uplifting music to create just the right mood. Drink a relaxing cup of chamomile tea. Ahhhh!

Take one dose of Right-Brain Booster as needed to enhance your creative intuition.

Name: Kiernan Antares
Company Name:  Soul Whisperer & Soul Mastery Mentor
Website: www.kiernanantares.com
Blog: http://kiernanantares.blogspot.com
Twitter: @KiernanAntares

Note from Jenn: It’s always fun to see the different ways people make their Right-Brain Business Plan®. Here’s a peek at Soul Whisperer Kiernan Antares’ lovely plan. Even though Kiernan has a background in business, doing this visual and creative approach helped her develop an inspiring plan that she updates regularly. Congrats on all the goals that you’ve accomplished already, Kiernan!

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

Kiernan Antares is a Soul Whisperer and Soul Mastery Mentor helping people to discover their Soul Purpose and transform their lives for the past 15 years. Kiernan’s unique and powerful presence is expressed by combining and bringing balance to spiritual and real-world living. Whether through the written and spoken word or through her healing touch this modern day mystic and visionary is becoming widely known as a pure source of love. As the Soul Whisperer, Kiernan has an uncanny ability to get to the core essence of any matter and transform it into an expression of infinite love, beauty and wisdom. In your time together, she takes you into a sacred space of Spirit where she accesses your soul’s agreements and reveal your soul’s path; your purpose, lessons, and obstacles. She looks at where you’ve been, where you are today, what is out of alignment, and what you need to do to overcome your blocks and live the life of your dreams. At the same time, powerful transformational energies are at work clearing these blocks and aligning you directly with your soul and Higher Self so that you can move forward manifesting your purpose ~ with ease, grace and the full support of the universe behind you.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan® helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

I thoroughly enjoyed creating my Right-Brain Business Plan®! With a background in the business world, I’ve written my fair share of business plans and my biggest complaints were that they were rarely realistic or living and ultimately ended up in a binder, shelved until the next year – they were dry and uninspiring. With the Right-Brain Business Plan® I loved creating something that suited and inspired my inner artist and it is actually something I keep by my desk and review regularly. In simple terms – it makes me happy!

I update it regularly as I add or revise my business offerings because it inspires me to live up to my purpose of inspiring others. New ideas flow in more easily and as I open to the creative spirit it urges me to expand myself – to think bigger.

The words and images in my plan have meaning to me and I refer to it in everything I create. It’s allowed me to organize my thoughts in a way that keeps me focused, and yes, inspired.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

I have completely redesigned my website and ezine with new branding that reflects my purpose and mission. I have a new Soul Purpose service offering that I am so excited about; in a creative download I was able to see how I could bring all my gifts together in a way that would make a far more powerful difference in people’s lives. I am in the process now of writing my next book, with plans repurpose it into a series of Soul Mastery coaching programs.

I’ve gotten more active with social media and relaunched my internet radio show. With my focus clear and concise my messages are now targeted and in alignment with my goals.

In addition, I’ve created a new ezine subscription gift – an eBook titled ‘The Master Key to Igniting and Unleashing Your True Calling with 5 Essential Strategies to Activate It.’

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

I’ve learned not to force things. When I find myself pushing too hard and feeling frustration building I walk away from what I’m doing and give it to Spirit. Often when I do this I receive the creative inspiration I was looking for almost immediately. When I have questions, whether ideas or next steps I’ll sit in front of my alter to meditate, when I honor Spirit in this way the answers flow in before I’ve even gotten the question formed properly in my mind.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan® in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

I chose to create mine in a scrapbook format. Beautiful background paper helped to inspire my creative spirit. I clipped and pasted images and words from magazines or the internet. I added tables, charts and text for the content. My fun little extra was creating 10 cards that reflect my values all tied together with a ribbon. I keep them in an envelope pasted to a scrapbook page.

What’s your big vision for your business?

My big vision is to help thousands of people worldwide to discover, claim and live their PURPOSE, PASSION and POWER through writing books, radio, public speaking, coaching and leading workshops.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Get clear on your passion and purpose, then get out there and live it. Let your Spirit guide and inspire all that you do. There’s never been a better time for the creative genius to be fully authentic and share their gifts so don’t wait or hide out anymore.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I highly recommend the Right-Brain Business Plan®! It’s an amazing process that is both practical and creative – what a fantastic and winning combination!

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Kiernan Antares. See her blog post about her Right-Brain Business Plan®.

Want to create your own Right-Brain Business Plan®? The Right-Brain Business Plan® Kit includes supplies to make your own accordion book style visual business plan.

For more support with developing your RBBP, check out the Right-Brain Business Plan® Home Study program.

A helpful and concise post by Todd Henry about how to keep your creativity flowing – Bolster Your Creative Output by Bolstering Your “Red Zone.”

I’m featured in a recent US News & World Report post called 9 Money Strategies for Creative Thinkers: If you’re a visual person, standard financial strategies probably don’t work for you. There are some helpful right-brain tips for managing your moola.

Are you yearning to get your gifts out in the world in a big way, but fears and business “details” are bringing you down? Learn how to start implementing practical stuff in easy, fun systems infused with flow and co-creativity AND boldly and confidently face areas you avoid so you can translate your amazing ideas into a rockin’ reality.
Leela Somaya has put together a totally unique and groundbreaking no-cost Online Event, going on now through November 18th – Evolutionary Biz Basics for “Non-BizMinded” World Changers. I’ll be speaking on Wednesday, November 16th at noon PT, and I will be joined by over 30 luminaries. And don’t worry if you can’t make the calls! Sign up anyway and receive the recordings of all live calls in your inbox!

Doodle and see what emerges.

November’s Art Every Day Month Challenge hosted by Leah Piken Kolidas is a great way to build some structure and community around daily doodles. Think of it as a month-long Right-Brain Booster!

Take one dose of Right-Brain Booster as needed to enhance your creative intuition.