Why did you become a New Age Entrepreneur?

I was pushed into it by life.  People were asking for my help.  I had trained and worked as an interior decorator and then did a variety of jobs including editing, computer photo type-setting, clerical, promotion (I helped put together the first Star Trek convention in Manhattan), and helping my husband run his family business.  But I was seeing clients at the same time, teaching and writing.  And that was really where my heart was.  I finally decided to make my own business my primary focus.

What quality (or qualities) do your feel are most important for successful New Age Entrepreneurs?

You need a warm heart, perseverance, thick skin, self-discipline, sincerity, hard work, be able to adjust to market demands, and be able to intuit what your client needs.

What is the most effective method you have found for attracting clients?

I mainly attract clients through referrals, word of mouth, repeat business, articles, and talks.  My clients include a Beverly Hills psychiatrist, an opera singer, a film director, lawyers, teachers, nurses, a school bus driver - all sorts of people, located throughout the world.  You also have to promote yourself!  I wrote articles, developed a regular column, gave talks, and offered auxiliary products.  At the end of each column I put my contact information, including my web site, phone number, and ordering information for my book.  I developed two web sites and I am constantly writing new articles.  When you are marketing your business, you need a variety of ways to gain exposure.  Once you have people reading your articles, they will want to buy your book or arrange for a personal consultation.   Now I am developing more secondary products including CDs, an e-book, and an audio book.  I would like to have a talk show on the radio and teach some classes.

How long did it take you to build your business to a level where you felt financially stable & secure?

30+ years... but there are always ups and downs in my business. 

Describe your typical work day.

I have a home office.  I'm usually at my computer by 9AM, answering emails, networking, writing articles, creating ads, posting stuff online, and revising my websites.  I schedule client consultations throughout the day or evening, depending on my own and my client's calendars, but rarely on weekends.  I always take a lunch break, then run biz or household errands.  Media engagements or talks might be at any time including weekends.  I often find time for a 10-15 minute nap before dinner to restore energy for evening work, especially if I have a session with a client then.  Sometimes there are lunch or dinner meetings with friends or colleagues.

What advice would you offer to aspiring New Age Entrepreneurs?

If this is your "calling", then go for it.  There're not many jobs as satisfying or karmically blessed, and sometimes you'll feel that you really don't have a choice but to do it anyhow.  But if you have dreams of easy work, fame and fortune along this avenue, reassess! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 CONTACT INFO:

JUDI THOMASES, Psychic Astrologer, Channeler & Spiritual Consultant.  Wisdom Path Guidance. www.WisdomPath.com.  (845) 354-0812.  Starspro@aol.com.  "Wisdom's Game: How to Change Life's Pain into Joy" - $12.95 - www.WisdomsGame.com