Why I Can’t Stand the Term “Heart-Centered Entrepreneur”
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.
59 Comments
I love you. And if I remember correctly you cleaned up the butt centered a bit:)
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
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
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.
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…
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.
Love it! It is a rather cheesy and spiritually elitist expression, isn’t it? Thanks for getting drunk and finally calling this term out! 🙂
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!
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
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.
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.
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 🙂
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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}
Sandra,
Thanks for callin’ out my lack of sobriety. I laughed out loud. Rock on.
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.
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.
Thanks for this, Susan. And the kind words. {grin}
Catherine,
I think that’s the thing — for some, it *does* work. But I always feel funny when people call ME heart-centered…
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!
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!
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.
heart centered, heart centered, heart centered….
*ACK!*
God I love this post.
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?”
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!!
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!
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
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!
Whew! Stella, I thought this was just a “guy thing.” I’m so relieved that you and the other women who’ve posted here think and feel the same as I do about “heart-centered entrepreneur.”
And that’s all I’m sayin’! (Guess I haven’t had enough to drink…)
You nailed it! I’ve said the same thing, only much less elegantly. One of my clients is a lawyer who really goes the extra mile for his client, yet he’s never be caught dead saying, “heart-centered.” I think we’re seeing a shift to “conscious” entrepreneurs, which is a way to reassure people that you’re really a good person even if you’re selling and (gasp) demanding to get paid for what you do!
OMG THANK YOU! It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one. It seems that everywhere I look these days someone has added the “heart-centered” tag to their business or service. The problem is I know and really like some of the people who’ve jumped on the bandwagon so I haven’t been able to bring myself to voice my true feelings – normally NOT a problem for me!
I think most of us can relate to hearing a business term that drives us crazy. It used to be ‘moving forward’ for me but these days it’s JUICY! Although I have to say that a juicy heart-centered entrepreneur sounds slightly less disturbing than a juicy butt-centered entrepreneur. 😉
Hi, Stella,
Your post gave me a pause for thinking. I am a coach and consultant who helps entrepreneurial women, particularly, to remove their self criticism that gets in the way of having a healthy, vibrant full-time business (or part-time, if that’s their wish). I began to distinguish heart-based entrepreneurs from other entrepreneurs after attending many networking events; women who have air conditioning companies, for example, simply don’t respond to or resonate deeply with what I have to offer like coaches, consultants, alternative health professionals, etc. do. I’m hoping to let the women I’m meant to serve know that my specialty—and how they can benefit the most from working with me—involves inner looking at how they think about and speak to themselves all day long (which impacts everything else). My experience is that women who have, for example, air conditioning companies, are usually not interested in my products or services.
Being interested in earning money and making a good profit is a fabulous thing—for entrepreneurs of any ilk. That’s not a distinguishing feature for my target market or ideal clients: I assume everyone wants to have a prosperous and deeply satisfying business or profession. My goal is to help women I’m meant to serve do this by moving inner obstacles—negative self-talk in particular—out of the way so a woman can “soar” in her chosen field. Saying “heart-based entrepreneurs is a sorting too or filter” not meant to put anyone down who isn’t necessarily mission-driven.
I think you have raised a very good point that I am adding to my consciousness—that there may be an implication that “entrepreneurs” other than “heart-based entrepreneurs” serve less than their counterparts. That’s simply not true, is it.
Thank you for raising our awareness.
Sincerely,
Nicki McClusky, PCC, LCSW
http://nickimcclusky.com
Nicki,
Thanks for your thoughtful post. I’ve encountered the same thing at networking events… the person selling air conditioning (or insurance) has very different needs + interests than the woman who’s building a business that’s rooted in her passion. What *do* we call these sorts of businesses? It remains an open question for me… and somehow, my clients + I still find each other. I bet this happens for you, too.
Wherever you land on the term, I trust it will work out brilliantly for you.
/st
freaking love this! I always struggled with using that word and I admit I have a time or two but always knew deep down that it didn’t feel right. we are all heart-centered; some just more than others but no need to define yourself as that.
thanks for writing this!
OMG I love this! I identify as a heart centred entrepreneur and I also facilitate and support heart centred entrepreneurs, the reason I use this term is because well it’s more than just a business or idea, for me and most of my clients it’s about feeling content at the end of the day, it’s about a passion and not just an outcome and it’s the value of growing as a person rather than just the business.
Yes there is nothing wrong with not being and it’s not a case of one better than another it’s a case of using words that define your business or self.
If I said I was a female entrepreneur it would simply be to explain myself further not to dis male entrepreneurs
Thank you for saying that! I’ve always felt the same way. That’s why I mostly try to use “online service-based business” or some combination of those words. I assume that everyone who has an online service-based business both wants to help people AND wants to earn money. Wanting to earn money does not take the heart out of it. It’s like the term “The Heartland.” How did that get started? I don’t even need a Manhattan to get all worked up over that. So what are we in the Mid-Atlantic Region? The “LiverLand?” The “Heartless Land?” Why do they have heart, anyway? Does fields of wheat equate with heart? If producing agricultural products that are imported all over the U.S. is a criterion, then California is actually the Heartland.
Someone made up the term (in both those cases), and everyone else jumped on the bandwagon so that they wouldn’t seem heartless. I don’t believe my clients are so dumb that they need me to say I’m heart-based (whatever that actually means). They should be able to tell by the quality of the services I provide.
So thank you for putting this out there — obviously you’ve struck a chord! Oh, and let me just say in regards to whether you use that term to describe yourself, it doesn’t mean you are not “heart-based.” It just means that you don’t buy into the herd mentality that has dictated that the phrase has meaning.
I was seriously starting to think I was just an asshole for loathing this term. I’m surrounded by coaches who call themselves heart-centered and while I totally get why they use it – I feel, because I don’t resonate with it, my lack of using it must make me a dirty, used-car salesman type entrepreneur. Of course I run my business from a place of service but I am not woo-woo or a yogi and I certainly don’t teach lovey dovey marketing tips. Thank you for sharing what exactly has been going through my mind.
I think that’s my beef with the term, Desiree… it implies an us & them split that doesn’t feel useful or kind.
Thanks for writing!
I’m 99.9% sure the term came from online marketers following the rule about finding words that name your ideal client. I’m thinking it worked pretty great for those earlier adopters and what y’all are saying here is that THE ARC IS OVER. I suppose the way terms such as “Awesome!” or “Whassup” get nurtured out of the common vernacular is that people get a bit of vomit in their mouth every time they hear it. They stop using it and eventually you don’t hear it as much any more. Bottomline, I’m glad to see this one go, too. The saccharine is making me a little sick.
Hi, Stella,
When I saw the title of your post, I had to read it because I use the term. I’m in agreement with Nicki and Marie about how I think of and use the term “heart-centered”. I am a raving fan of inner transformation work because it has so radically improved my life, so for me, using the term “heart-centered” is a way to help my potential clients self-select. We all assign ourselves certain egoic labels and heart-centered is one that I have chosen to align with. I am committed to helping entrepreneurs translate their brilliance and inner wisdom into authentic programs, events and retreats that reflect their deepest values and serve THEIR clientele at the highest levels. What better way to model this than by being up-front about my values and who I believe my ideal client to be? I have no judgment around entrepreneurs who just want to make money (like the air conditioning company example), but my passion leads me to specifically want to serve those entrepreneurs who are in the transformation, healing and coaching/training fields. We all have certain ideal clients who we can best serve and others who aren’t a match. “Heart-centered” is my announcement about the kind of entrepreneur I want to work with and who I believe will benefit most from my services. I stand by using the term until I find another one I believe represents my values and my ideal client better. Thanks for the post and opening up the conversation!
Ha! That’s awesome, Faith!
I am Australian. We are naturally not as shall we say polite as you Americans but as a nation have become as gullible. There are a collection of monikers that have the effect of sending up a red flag or instantly operating the gag reflexes. I now find the word Entrepreneur taking its place amongst that list as well. It needs a marketing makeover of its own. It instantly conjures up visions of charlatans in suits, marketing razzamatazz and hard sell chat. The ‘get rich whilst still feeling good about yourself, you know you deserve it’ kind of thang. I am always dubious about organisations selling any form of salvation.The higher the price the warier I become… If it is really heart felt the knowledge on how to achieve that balance should be shared gratis not turned into yet another marketing and money making opportunity. Donating money is not a sign of altruism its a v ery specific tax deduction. Donating time is truly altruistic. Time is our most valuable possession after all.
Butt-centered women of the market place, UNITE!
I am standing with you on this one, sister, so long as you’re not “spiritual” and “conscious.” 🙂
Super glad a new friend made me hip to your website.
Butt-centered women of the marketplace, UNITE!
I am standing with you on this one, sister, so long as you’re not “spiritual” or “conscious.” 🙂
Super glad a new friend made me hip to your website.
Oh Stella, I’m so glad you said this! I always found the whole ‘heart-centered’ entrepreneur movement so ‘precious’. Unfortunately, by process of elimination, it leaves one with the alternative of potentially being considered a capitalist cretin until proven otherwise!
Amen to the subversion! I end every presentation with “Use your new found super powers for good.” Let’s make that the norm and I’ll come up with a new closer.
I found this post when searching Google for a good article to highlight the way a business SHOULD be run when it plants itself in a long-established neighborhood. While the term may not be spot-on, it seems better than putting “non-belligerent, considerate of locals, in-harmony, and willing to improve flaws” on business cards.
?
Any way you say it, in a neighborhood setting I’ll always choose a heart-centered business to one that is money-grubbing bully-acting and disregards harm to nearby families. Those terms all apply to a venue that was allowed to set up an outdoor stage for rock, rockabilly, zydeco, etc. What they blast out is extremely loud, bass-driven, more than annoying, downright destructive to my family. This stage area was set up less than 300ft from my house, just 100ft from my neighbor. Many complaints have done nothing to get this place to change. Some families have started to seek fellowship with others harmed by this place, some people actually defend the atrocious behavior in the name of running a business.
I don’t have a problem with “heart-centered” because it’s a quickly transmitted message to clients and community that owners strive for good values while making their living, they keep harmony, peace, are good neighbors.
Give me good neighbors any day over the current atrocious noise-blasting cacophony -producing venue that has been so destructive around here!
When I read heart-centered I have the opposite response. I feel safe. Like I’m in the hands of someone who understands how sensitive I can be. Like I’m with someone who gets the importance of being kind and compassionate and who cares not to offend me and who understands that hurt feelings hurt. Heart-centered to me is refreshing when you live in a world that tells you to toughen up, be strong, stop taking things so personally, you’re too sensitive, dust yourself off and get back up already. Heart-centered to me says, your heart is important. Yes, I’m a business. Yes, I earn money but how you feel working with me and your emotional well-being is as important to me as the skills you walk away with. But that’s the joy of being human. We can all respond to copy the way we respond and perhaps that’s the perfect filtering device.
I absolutely love your brutal honesty! I am learning to find my voice and it is refreshing to hear you speak your mind so unfiltered and politically correct. Thank you for being you and being someone I want to learn from.
Maria,
Happy to help.
/st
Yes I see what you mean. As someone branching into entrepreneurship though I guess I do see how I really want to be as heart centred as possible. I love Richard Branson (who I’d see as heart centred for sure). I don’t like Donald Trump (who I think isn’t).
I agree that the term Entrepreneur in the truest sense means doing good and leading from the heart but I think maybe people (like me now just starting out) really are identifying and feeling the sense with the type of Entrepreneur they want to be and don’t.