Artist and author Christine Mason Miller recently started a new category called Creative Business Toolbox on her blog. She shares her tips and insights into running a creative business. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Christine!

Entrepreneurial super star Ali Brown was on the season finale of Secret Millionaire this past Sunday. I was very inspired watching this touching episode and I think you will be, too.

Goddess Leonie launched her new Business Goddess e-Course. It looks fantastic. And everything Leonie touches is magic, so I’m sure this will be chock full of lots of inspiring and practical information. Here’s a fabulous Business Goddess Q&A she posted the other week.

“The act of creating something new makes us vulnerable.” – Lisa Sonora Beam, author of The Creative Entrepreneur

During her Right-Brainers in Business guest interview, Lisa Sonora Beam shared one of her favorite Left-Brain Chill Pills. It comes in the form of a mantra that she repeats to her self. “The act of creating something new makes us vulnerable.”

She went on to say, “Just recognizing that whenever we are going to start something new that feelings will come up and sometimes they are not so comfortable but I really look at that as a good sign because if we weren’t feeling a little nervous or something – nervous at one end of the spectrum, terrified at the other end – then we are probably not on the right path for us at that the moment.” Very wise!

For more Left-Brain Chill Pills, check out the multimedia library of interviews and discussions from the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit.

Take one dose of Left-Brain Chill Pill as needed to quiet your judging mind.

“Whenever I need some sort of creative inspiration I just go to my bookshelf, I pick up one of my favorites books and I open it up to any page and then I just ask for guidance. The perfect answer is always on the random page.” – Laura West of The Center for Joyful Business

If you’re feeling stuck, follow the intuitive and insightful advice of my Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit guest Laura West. I did! I closed my eyes and pulled “Sacred Commerce” off my bookshelf and opened up to a page that says “Abundance is an inside job.” A perfect message for where I’m at in this moment. What message will you receive and how will it shift things for you?

For Right-Brain Boosters on steroids, check out the multimedia library of interviews and discussions from the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit.

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

“Our left brain can go into a relaxed state when there is organization and structure and systems and clarity.” – Laura Hollick of Soul Art studio

Laura Hollick shared one of her secrets to calm her judging mind during her Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit interview. The simple act of cleaning something, even if it’s a drawer or just one shelf in the fridge, can help put your left-brain at ease so you can focus on creating. So take a few minutes to clear the clutter and make room for your creativity to flow.

Take one dose of Left-Brain Chill Pill as needed to quiet your judging mind.

“Carve out the time and the space to BE with your spirit.” – Laura Hollick of Soul Art studio

I love this Right-Brain Booster that Laura Hollick shared in her guest interview at the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit. She went on to say that, “it’s the BEingness that actually allows things to grow.” I couldn’t agree more.

For me this looks like creating white space on my calendar and guarding it as if it’s a not-to-be-missed meeting with my most important client! I also find time and space to be with my spirit when I spend relax outdoors – walking in nature, resting in my hammock, or simply breathing in the fresh air.

For Right-Brain Boosters on steroids, check out the multimedia library of interviews and discussions from the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit.

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

Name: Lauren Brownstein
Company Name: PITCH: Fundraising and Philanthropy Consulting
Website: www.pitchconsulting.com
Blog: www.pitchconsulting.blogspot.com

Note from Jenn: More than two years ago I did my very first RBBP spotlight. It was on the fabulous Lauren Brownstein of PITCH Consulting and her paper plate mobile (which also is featured in my book The Right-Brain Business Plan). I love hearing from Lauren that she does a new RBBP every year to get clear on her vision and goals. She did her latest plan while vacationing on a tropical island (at one of my most favorite places in the world!). Thanks again for sharing your brilliance, Lauren!

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

PITCH: Fundraising and Philanthropy Consulting brings together charitable dollars and great causes. This is primarily accomplished through fundraising consulting services for nonprofit organizations – grantwriting, prospect research, board training, staff training, fundraising campaign strategy, and “other duties as assigned”! PITCH also works with individuals to help them figure out how to make charitable contributions in ways that reflect their passion and purpose.

While I, and the consultants with whom I partner, take the work very seriously, we have fun with it! I always try to infuse the work with humor and joy. Because if we’re out there changing the world, we should have a great time doing it, right?

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?
The RBBPs that I have created have adorned my office and served as constant (and, dare I say, attractive!) visual reminders of not just what I want my clients to be able to accomplish, but how I want my clients, and myself, to feel about the work. The experience that we will have together. The spark that this work will light up within us.

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

The RBBPs that I’ve created have really helped me hone in on my partners – the other professionals who are supporting me in my work. I’ve built a cadre of great people to work with. They’ve also reminded me to celebrate my accomplishments and take time out for planning and dreaming.

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

My primary role is as a grantwriter, so I use my creativity all the time! It’s a challenging type of writing – making an amazing project leap off the page, but doing so in a very clear and concise manner, and often in a fairly-restrictive format that the donor demands. I’ve also implemented some really fun and creative training sessions: getting trainees to pick visual representations of where the nonprofit is, or where it’s going; having trainees role play or create in small groups; leading writing exercises with trainees; etc.

What’s your vision for your business?

Work less, earn more. Keep working with clients who are changing lives and changing the world.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Don’t let your creativity be something you feel you have to hide, so you’ll seem “more professional.” Let is shine through, as something that sets you apart in the marketplace.

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’ll just share that I created the current RBBP in my bungalow on the island of Moorea, in French Polynesia.  My dream vacation! My boss works me really hard, but she’s very liberal with the vacation time (ha, ha). Have paper, magazines, and glue stick… will travel! My gorgeous setting really enhanced the visual elements of this RBBP.

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Lauren Brownstein

Access a multimedia library of interviews and resources from the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit and order the book The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success.