Whether you work at home or see clients in-person, either way it’s a great time to make your office ‘homebase’ ready for 2010.

Organize, find a place for everything and get rid of most things that just taking up space.

One thing I like to do is get rid of, or give away, three things that no longer reflect where I want to be in the year ahead. An old, cheap filing drawer, clutter, knick knacks, etc…

If you need help with this, membership into WellProNet.org includes a class recording and transcript on “Home Office Organizing Secrets.”

2) Update your social networking presence
Make sure the information is currant and everything is on message. Or decide to join a social networking community and see what all the hoopla is about.

If you need help with this, membership into WellProNet.org includes a class recording and transcript on “How to Authentically Share Your Gifts and Talents on Facebook”.

3) Go through your current website and update it

Make sure your programs, bio, etc… are up to date or simply just remove the stuff that’s no longer relevant.

These are just a few simple ideas to turn your holiday time off and that urge to “clear the decks” into feeling ready for January.

Start with whatever ever you have the most energy for. Just consider that it is the holiday time and if you choose to do one of these things, aim to make it enjoyable instead of “work”. Light a candle, play nice music, and get some favorite snacks to fuel you.

Happy Holidays,

Karin

Are you on facebook? Get the weekly marketing and business tips for Wellness Pros on the WellProNet fan page here.

Ready to master the business side of wellness and get your message out there more effectively? Join the Wellness Professional Network: http://WellProNet.org

For only about $20-$30 dollars per month, depending on the level of service you sign up for,  it offered everything I needed to manage my client scheduling – I could limit my availability, send clients reminders of their appointments and it saved me tons of time in the back-n-forth of booking an appointment. While it offered what I wanted and it allowed my clients to make and change their appointments without going through me, something they enjoyed as well, I was never really thrilled with their service.

The set up of Appointment Quest is very complicated, the tech support is pitiful at best and the system looks very out of date. I got the sense that the company set up the software in the 80’s and was resting on their laurels. But at the time, there wasn’t a whole lot of options. And just like with a lot of things, I finally had figured my way around the system and was hesitant to set myself up again with another, newer scheduling system and go through the set up process again.

I recently was introduced to TimeDriver.com. It took less than an hour to set up, and it’s even easier for me to navigate and for my clients to make their appointments. And best of all, I could customize the look and feel of my “welcome to my schedule” page with colors, images and even my signature.

And the price? Only $29.95 for the ENTIRE YEAR. That saves me about $340 per year in the other scheduling service fees. Better service, better price — Brilliant!

I hope this is helpful for you and your practice too.

Karin

The Flip HD video camera

Video is SO HOT right now!

With the emergence of the FLIP HD video camera and all-in-one mobile phones with built in video capability, there has never been an easier time to look like a total pro by using video in your wellness business.

But there are a too many ways you can make your videos FLOP.

Come learn how to get started, how to do it right and inspire your client base to view your videos and take action.

In this tele-class we will cover:

- the easiest video technology to use (that also creates top HD quality images!) I promise you do NOT have to be a tech wiz to use this!

- how to use video in your marketing materials to create connection and give people an experience of you (and encourage them to say YES to your services)

- how to create simple info-products with your video camera

- the do’s and don’ts of making your video compelling

And lots more.

Won’t you join us?

This 75 minute tele-training is absolutely free for members of The Wellness Professional Network.

When? Thursday, Nov 5th, 2009 Noon Eastern

Can’t make it? No problem. I record and transcribe each tele-training. Members can access them as often as they want.

So don’t miss out! It’s super affordable and absolutely necessary for you to learn these types of skills to make your private practice fly. (And take it into the 21st century!).

Click here to find out if this one-of-a-kind network of progressive wellness pros is where you want to be. To join this call you need to become a member. And I would love to have you join us.

You’re going to love learning about messaging, marketing and making more money as an authentic wellness pro.

Hope to see you there!

Karin Witzig Rozell
Founder
WellProNet.org

(and Marketing Materials Maven – by night – )

At some point, I consciously chose to uplevel my approach to my work. I invested in a great photographer. And – surprise! – that’s when I started getting invited to do radio interviews, and being featured in major media.

We all know that image shouldn’t matter. And yet, in the professional world, and even in the arts – it does matter. A professional photo shows that you take your work seriously (yes, even if you’re creative and fun-loving) – and it conveys success. Plus, the internet can connect you with so many new opportunities, it only makes sense to put yourself out there in a professional way.

And good news! Your photo session doesn’t have to be hard! From my Been-There-Done-That files, here are 7 Tips for Getting Great Professional Photos…

1 – Get Clear

Don’t hire anyone until you’re clear about what you want to convey in your photo. Make a list of words to describe who you are, how you show up in the world, and what you share with your clients, customers, students, audiences, etc. (”Professional but not stiff.” “Fun and funky – but in an accessible way.” “Trustworthy and kind.” “Successful and no-nonsense.”)

Write down colors, thoughts on your surroundings, etc. Start a file of your favorite images from magazines. Share these with your photographer.

2 – Hire a Professional

I know. I know. You can always get your friend Sheila to take a few photos of you after work one Thursday. But I encourage you to uplevel your image and go pro.

You don’t have to break the bank to get a great photographer. Many top-notch wedding photographers offer great prices for mid-week sessions. Ask around or search the internet, and don’t be afraid to interview several different photographers.

3 – Get Make-Up Advice

I’ve worked with make-up artists who sprayed foundation on my face like spackle. And some who made my hair stand up about 11 inches from my head. You’d think I would’ve spoken up – but for many years, I thought everyone else knew better than me what I should look like.

And yet, I still believe in using a make-up artist!

My advice is to REQUIRE a phone conversation with her before your shoot. Email her your images from #1. Listen to her ideas and advice. You’d be surprised at how much make up you need for even a natural looking photo – but spackle is NOT necessary!

If you don’t have the budget for a make-up artist, then get help from friends in the know. I’ve done my own make-up on many shoots – but I used all the advice from those old Seventeen Magazines I used to pore through when I was a teen!

4 – Plan your Outfits in Advance

Two weeks before your photo shoot, plan your outfits. Pick at least three. (Avoid crazy patterns on your shirts!)

If you need help in this area, I highly recommend making an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstrom – which has fantastic customer service and highly-trained employees. Plus you’re not required to purchase anything! Share your work from Step #1 with your shopper. Take your time during your appointment.

5 – Go Light on the Accessories

You don’t want your photo to say, “Hi, I’m Joan. And this is my BIG GIANT PERUVIAN BEAD NECKLACE!” In other words, your accessories should complement – not overpower – your look.

6 – Bring your own Mirror to the Shoot

Keep a mirror near you during the shoot so you can check for things like lipstick on teeth and bra straps sticking out in between shoots. Photographers aren’t always good at catching these things because they’re focusing on the lay-out and lighting.

7 – YOU are the most important element

Your energy. Your light. Your radiance. These are the most important things. Before you head to the shoot, sit quietly and remember your intentions in your work and life. Connect to your center and take some deep breaths.

Then, as the photos are being shot, remember to be present in your body. Look into and through the camera lens. Act as if you’re looking into the eyes of your very best friend. Don’t be afraid to let loose and smile and laugh. These are often the best photos!

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Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her ‘LiveCreative’ weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

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