Such were the seeds of her present-day business,
Rhythm of Life, which is a fitness studio where clients enjoy
the benefits of revolutionary exercise programs that allow them
to be fit, feel vitally alive and discover the joy of being in
a body. “I also produce a weekly publication, e-rhythms:
Weekly Tips for Conscious Living,” Carol says. “I
facilitate workshops, residential retreats, and present to groups
and corporations on topics including body awareness, stress, confrontation
skills and bringing spirit into business.”
Carol offers Pilates, Yamuna® Body
Rolling, Gyrotonic®, Gyrokinesis®
and the Power Plate®. “Today,”
she says, “I continue to use the skill and wisdom gleaned
from my years of counseling to support my clients to foster a
healthy relationship with themselves and with their bodies.”
Q: What do you find most fulfilling
about running your business?
CM: I love that my business has a life of its
own, that it ebbs and flows, and moves in ways that are often
a mystery to me. My business moves me along in unexpected ways,
takes me to places I never would have even contemplated and opens
wide my capacity to create. It demands of me perseverance, presence,
dedication, clarity and vitality. It’s a very satisfying
and symbiotic relationship to me; a dance with the rhythm of life.
Q: What motivated you to start
this business?
CM: I was in the corporate world for many years
and was proficient at all the various positions I served. I felt
appreciated for my intelligence and well compensated. I also felt
a longing for something more; I wanted to more directly serve
people. I was financially thriving but spiritually languishing.
When offered a package during a layoff period, I eagerly accepted.
I began in earnest studying counseling while I also started and
successfully ran my own graphic design business. This supported
me well until I was ready to hang out my shingle and embark on
a dream I’d had for a very long time—to helppeople
realize their authenticity and true brilliance.
Q: What book has been most helpful
to you in your business?
CM: Most recently, The Art of Original
Thinking, The Making of a Thought Leader by Jan Phillips
has influenced me tremendously. After being enormously inspired
by her work, I was able to spend a weekend with her at her home
in San Diego. Her presence was and is a source of true empowerment
in my life and particularly in my business.
Q: Who has influenced you most
in your life?
CM: My first answer to this is more
of a what than a who. I moved around A LOT while I was growing
up, first in a trailer all over America, then overseas, primarily
in third world countries, until I graduated from high school.
Because of this experience, I am skillful at change, sensitive
to the plight of others and deeply devoted to living a life of
service.
The primary who that has influenced my life is a masterful spiritual
teacher; Mary Gay Shafer. I spent over 15 years in her tutelage
and would not be the person I am today without her compassionate
guidance, wisdom and friendship. She helped me wake up and recognize
myself and the gifts I have to offer in service to others.
Q: What has proved to be your most
successful marketing strategy?
CM: Networking is, hands down, my most
successful marketing strategy. I recently got very caught up in
some major projects that kept me from networking for about two
months—new clients for my studio came to a standstill. I
am keenly aware of the positive results I receive from networking
and following up on a consistent basis.
Q: What have been the greatest
challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing,
in your business?
CM: My greatest challenge has been and
continues to be spending time on the details of running a business.
I’m a big-brushstroke person and not much into the bits
and bytes of what it takes to run a successful business.
Q: How did you benefit/are you
benefiting from participating in a Make-it-Fly®
program?
CM: Make-it-Fly®
keeps me focused, clear, accountable and moving forward in my
mission and my vision. It’s easy for me to be sidetracked
and complacent. My board keeps me on track and committed to the
well-being and the success of my business.
Q: What would you say to other
business owners who are contemplating getting involved in a Make-it-Fly®
program?
CM: When I’m
talking to others about the Make-it-Fly®
program, I often tell the story of my initial months in the program.
The board almost immediately advised me that I would benefit greatly
from going to networking events. I refused, flat-out. Never been
to one, never wanted to go, never wanted to be someone who schmoozed.
Thankfully, through their fierce nudging and the support of fellow
board member Kathie Blea, I began to network. Initially I was
nervous and reluctant to go. Over time I got it—networking
isn’t about me trying to sell something to everyone I meet;
it’s about establishing and growing relationships and supporting
each other to succeed. I’ve since become quite proficient
at networking and bring others into the fold of this most powerful
marketing tool.
Today the board continues to support me to think beyond my perceived
limitations, to act in accordance with my dreams and creatively
run a business that truly thrives.
Carol McAnally can be reached by
phone at: 303-910-5644 or visit her website at: www.rolife.com.
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