…act from your heart, and then it’s all good.
I was out to drinks last week with some girlfriends, blowing off steam.
I ordered a Manhattan.
And when I order a Manhattan, I tend to get kinda lippy.
(Warning: this post may not be suitable for tender souls. Avert your eyes!)
What happened was that I admitted something.
Something that I try to keep hidden from you all.
Like a wart.
Or a bunion.
Ready?
I CAN’T STAND the term “heart-centered entrepreneur.”
I finally said it out loud that night, and the whole table burst into laughter. (Maybe also because I joked that I am a butt-centered entrepreneur. Whatever that means).
Let’s be clear here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the term.
I just find it corny… and a smidge judgey.
As if there is a group of (non-heart centered) entrepreneurs out there, raping and pillaging.
(But there are! You may say. I feel you. But why focus on that as you define yourself?)
There’s a built-in opposition here that I’m not comfortable with.
“No, I’m not a regular entrepreneur. I’m one of the GOOD ones.”
What if you’re just an entrepreneur?
One who helps your people.
Why do you feel moved to announce that YOU are heart-centered… and not just a person who makes money in business?
It just seems to be that actions speak louder than words here. You act from your heart, and then it’s all good.
I just don’t understand the need to spell it out.
Do YOU call yourself a “heart-centered entrepreneur”? Why or why not? Leave a comment on the blog.
Mighty thanks to Noelle for the heart of steel.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 11:53 am | Permalink
I love you. And if I remember correctly you cleaned up the butt centered a bit:)
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:14 pm | Permalink
Sarah,
Did I? Oh, good. Sometimes when I am whiskey-addled, the potty mouth comes out…
Love you, too. The fire in your belly can be felt all the way down here in So Flo.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:02 pm | Permalink
LOL never thought of it that way! I get it. Does sound a bit judgey. But you have to admit, there are entrepreneurs who just. want. to. make. money. And others, who just want to make money AND absolutely have to be of service too. So how to distinguish? No judgement. But the latter tend to be a different breed. Hmmm. I like “butt-centered entrepreneurs….” xoxo
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:18 pm | Permalink
Amy,
I was thinking of YOU as I wrote this post, because it was kinda raw and unpolished. I heard your voice say “get over the approval, Stella!”
For me, the way to distinguish is just by being YOU. Just be an entrepreneur. Your way.
Let’s subvert the term “entrepreneur” — so that it ALWAYS means “make money AND be of service too”. And let people who fall outside of THAT definition scramble to explain themselves. Not the other way around.
Rock on, sister.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:02 pm | Permalink
Hi Stella,
Oh my word. Thank you for saying this. It seems there’s a certain breed of entrepreneur out there that’s leaning more towards the ‘fluff’ side of life. Thanks for sharing content that’s full of rich information and honest thoughts.
Alysa
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:19 pm | Permalink
Hi A,
Well, I’m all for fluff… but as a wordsmith I also have a curiosity about the ways we all label ourselves.
Thanks for adding your 2 cents.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:06 pm | Permalink
Amen to this, Stella! I’m so tired of this too, but I’ve learned to use it to my advantage… “Heart-Centered” = “Shady”. I know I’ll get tons of flack for that, but it’s my rule. If you have to tell me (repeatedly) that you’re “heart centered”? You AREN’T. You’re just playin me and everybody else so we’ll let “it” slide when it does (it always does…)- because, afterall, you tried with ALL YOUR HEART. Other experiences this reminds me of are when someone I hire or meet is compelled to tell me they are recovering addicts or born again Christians… Ummm, we just met… why do you feel the need to go into that? I consider myself WARNED and look elsewhere for services or relationships.
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:21 pm | Permalink
Wow, Jennifer. Your post just made me realize I have a hidden rule on this too — I don’t look at what people call themselves — I watch how they treat people.
Thanks for posting.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:25 pm | Permalink
I like that you shared this, and that you said you are a butt-centered entrepreneur. I use the word “butt” a lot when I need some space from the situation. My husband (whom I’m usually the person using the word “butt” on, or with,) then accurately reads my signals and knows it’s time to start joking back at me, usually with the word “butt” included. What I’m saying is, thanks for sharing. I find the heart-centered entrepreneur stuff almost a bit intimidating. What if I’m not “heart”-y enough? Thanks…
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:22 pm | Permalink
Liz,
Thanks for sharing the butt story — humor is a saving grace, eh? I hear ya on the intimidation, factor… Mostly, I think the term helps folks resonate with one another. I just wanted to see how others felt.
Rock on!
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:29 pm | Permalink
HELL NO! That’s right up there with the Kale pushers, and the life coaches whose lives you know are a complete mess. Light your chakras elsewhere, I have a business to run. That’s not to say I don’t have my “woo” hippie moments, but I keep them in the confines of my bedazzled tunic.
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:23 pm | Permalink
Oooh Hassan… I’m a kale pusher. Them’s fightin’ words. (Hard to push kale when you run a copywriting biz, but I’m a tryin’).
{grin}
Posted June 11, 2013 at 12:42 pm | Permalink
Love it! It is a rather cheesy and spiritually elitist expression, isn’t it? Thanks for getting drunk and finally calling this term out!
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:23 pm | Permalink
Sandra,
Thanks for callin’ out my lack of sobriety. I laughed out loud. Rock on.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Speak it, Stella! I actually agree with you about this term and don’t use it describe myself or my work.
I help parents who are frustrated when their child doesn’t cooperate and don’t know how to move forward without pleading, bribing, threatening, yelling or punishing. I teach them real-life tools that they can use to gain their child’s respect and cooperation.
In this work sometimes I use my heart, sometimes I use my head, and sometimes I use my intuition. Should I call myself a heart-head-and-intuition specialist?
I love that I found you Stella. Your voice is wonderful!
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:25 pm | Permalink
Renee,
My point exactly! I would be a “I’m not in it for the money but I like to buy nice things as I do my social work” entrepreneur.
You’ve got me thinking that this could be a fun little exercise for the group… stay tuned.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 1:53 pm | Permalink
Stella: Thank you!! I’m so with you.
I have never liked the term either. It’s almost pretentious. Plus what does it mean, really?
(I like your Butt-centrered is great, but it might be too easy to get a wedgy. Anyway)
While I technically fit the “heart-centred” label, since I am passionate, do things from the heart to give loads, I just don’t really feel I need a label or box to fit in. As an entrepreneur, we’re out to do our own thang, so why create a new box/label and squeeze ourselves into?
Likewise, I really don’t like to use the “feminine business model”. I find it misleading and am curious about what others thing. (Yes, we’re doing more feminine things in businesss, but it’s not like we don’t do any of the dude stuff, too. Ya know? Maybe we’re just blending in more of the Left + Right brain, which is not a feminine or masculine. Sigh.)
But if the trend is to put oneself in a laser-focused-niche as en entrepreneur {cuz dat’s what we’re told to do, yo}, then I must be a Creative, Multi-Passionate, Feminine, intuitive, playful, grounded in the Masculine-type of Femme-preneure kind of way. Really?!
Moving on: You’re right, Stella. Actions speaks louder than words. So who care about all those terms, and let’s just all be ourselves, in a ways that serves our peeps and the world.
xo Anne-Sophie
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:26 pm | Permalink
Anne-Sophie,
YES! I have this with “femmepreneur” as well. Huh. I’m thinking we may do a little exercise for the group on this — just to get us exorcised + clear on who we are (and that it can’t POSSIBLY fit into words)…
Thanks for posting.
Posted June 11, 2013 at 2:09 pm | Permalink
Hi Stella, Use the term? I would not. It’s tired(and “corny…and a smidge judgey”). And, with no disrespect intended for those who do, this brings to mind a lesson learned (the hard way)…the more people talk about their values, the fewer they actually operate from. What you ARE is what shows up when the talking stops and the action begins. Susan
P.S. Keep your blog posts coming….love the energy.
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:27 pm | Permalink
Thanks for this, Susan. And the kind words. {grin}
Posted June 11, 2013 at 2:18 pm | Permalink
I’m with you, Stella. That “heart-centered” hoo-ha is like calling yourself the goddess of something or other. It works for a lot of people, but it’s not for me.
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:27 pm | Permalink
Catherine,
I think that’s the thing — for some, it *does* work. But I always feel funny when people call ME heart-centered…
Posted June 11, 2013 at 3:22 pm | Permalink
Hi Stella. I just saw your Facebook post about your article and since part of my company’s name is in your title, I had to check it out.
To me, “heart centered” is a way of centering, grounding yourself, your purpose, your truth, and operating in your business and life by tuning and and speaking/writing/being from that centered place, the place of the heart or soul. Not everyone is as aware of themselves and fully living out their soul purpose. They may be operating from other beliefs of what their career is or should be, without reflection on the inner journey.
Some people may come from judgment when using the term “heart centered” to define themselves and some may be coming from a place of awareness or striving to be - tuning into to their heart in all that they do.
In whatever way we give meaning to our words, we are all trying to do the best we can in finding out who we are, what we stand for and what is important to us.
Thank you for opening the door to share your thoughts and giving me the opportunity to reflect on mine
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:29 pm | Permalink
Melissa,
THANK YOU! And I so honor your bravery for posting here… and naming your biz “heart centered.”
I can literally FEEL the groundedness from your writing.
I totally agree that we’re all doing the best we can to find out who we are, and see how this term fits with that.
Rock on + thanks for your ideas!
Posted June 11, 2013 at 6:58 pm | Permalink
Well I am a Goddess for sure, Stella!
Queen Goddess, I call myself, wear the crown and all at The WECAN Goddess Party!!
Now for this heart-centered thingy, I never used that term. However, I describe my group as Entrepreneurs with Heart and Source Connection. I do not use it judgey just for attracting like intentions.
This is interesting food for though.
We rock is the main thingy; you, me and anyone who has the courage to step out as an entrepreneur. This is not for wimps for sure!
Mucho love to you!
Pam
Posted June 12, 2013 at 12:31 pm | Permalink
Pam,
A-ha! That’s the thing… it’s about attracting like intentions, isn’t it?! That makes sense.
My inquiry is that if we DON’T use a qualifier like “heart and source connection”… if the effect will STILL be that we attract people with like intentions…
Thanks for adding to the conversation!
Posted June 13, 2013 at 12:17 am | Permalink
Your last paragraph says it all Stella. That’s been my experience. I don’t call myself heart-centered or spiritual but I attract those clients who are. When I ask why they chose to work with me many say they just “knew” I was the right one. I find it all so interesting.
Posted June 18, 2013 at 1:29 pm | Permalink
heart centered, heart centered, heart centered….
Posted June 18, 2013 at 10:33 pm | Permalink
*ACK!*
Posted June 26, 2013 at 2:28 pm | Permalink
God I love this post.
Posted June 29, 2013 at 1:33 am | Permalink
Hi Stella, I really enjoy your blog! When I’ve seen the word “heart-centered” in business, it’s been used to create a framework for the clientele the entrepreneur hopes to attract, namely healers, shamans, nutritionists, life coaches, reiki masters, etc., instead of labeling themselves as such. They’re trying to attract people who want a deep, “heart-centered” transformation for their business and personal life, oftentimes on a spiritual level. I’ve also seen “conscious entrepreneur,” which I do feel may come across as judgey to some folks. Do you have any suggestions of how to concisely describe this sort of niche without using “heart-centered?”
Posted July 16, 2013 at 6:58 pm | Permalink
Hi Marie-
Entrepreneur. Plain + simple. I don’t think that we need to name it. People who live from their heart are felt as such — you can tell by how they walk in a room, how their website feels, how they treat their clients. I may be wrong on this… but that’s my two cents.
Thanks for a thoughtful reply!
Posted July 3, 2013 at 11:24 pm | Permalink
I absolutely love this blog post. I’ve been privately saying this for years and I love the way you just PUT IT OUT THERE!!! The first thing I tell my clients that I am not here to align your purpose and business vision with the moon and stars!!! I am not here to connect to inner water running inside of your soul LOL, however I do 200% work from my heart with every client that signs with me! Great,great post!!
Posted July 31, 2013 at 2:53 pm | Permalink
Geeeez, I wish I would have stumbled upon your blog post before I wrote the following article about heart-centered entrepreneurship! I didn’t realize the word has been so bastardized!
Feel free to rip to shreds:
http://www.keyhubs.com/blog/hobbies-are-underrated-the-case-for-heart-centered-entrepreneurship
I like Amy’s point: “you have to admit, there are entrepreneurs who just. want. to. make. money.”
To me, heart-centered means being a hobbyist. It doesn’t require that you become an entrepreneur. Do something for the love and see what happens - it just might change the world. And, if it doesn’t, if it doesn’t make you a dime, at least you were doing something that filled your soul.
So many of us, myself included, have spent large sums of time working for money and money alone, with little attention given to purpose and passion - the deeper part of our ourselves. Not worth it!
Really enjoyed your post and perspective Stella! Thank you.
Vikas
Posted July 31, 2013 at 5:55 pm | Permalink
Vikas,
No ripping to shreds here — that’s not what I’m about.
And I don’t mean to make heart-centered wrong in any way. I just am revealing my thought, that let the people out to make money, make money. And don’t sweat *just* calling yourself an entrepreneur. Your intentions telegraph themselves wherever you go.
And welcome back to making money with passion + purpose!