THANKS for visiting the "IDEA" Coach website, whatever brought you here, I'm glad you stopped by!
My personal passion is helping businesses use "positive possibility" thinking and collaboration to increase profits and career fulfillment.
Beliefs:
I believe in optimism as a business and life tool. I believe everyone has unique strengths, passion and God given gifts, some we may or may not recognize. I also believe that many times someone else can have a better idea for us then we might have for ourselves. Remember... there is always a next "best" idea, if we are open to hearing it!
Speaking of ideas... Being creative is HAVING ideas, being innovative means IMPLEMENTING your ideas. I love activating and implementing ideas. In fact, implementing ideas is where the REAL fun comes in!
Working or "playing" with others is an ideal way to collaboration and brainstorming. Collaboration is a "short cut" to financial and emotional success. Find out people's passions and strengths, let them utilize these passions and strengths and it creates magical synergy in the collaboration process. A true collaboration is an incredibly strong team, and you've heard it before... "Team Work Makes the Dream Work".
"Activator" Background: 
- Co-founder of City of Experts www.CityofExperts.com
- Co-founder of Joy of Goalswww.joyofgoals.com
- Co-founder of NichePOWER! Media Guide for St. Louis Metro area www.nichepower.com
- Co-founder of Encouraging, Promoting, Supporting Women (ESPW) www.espw.org
- Barter industry from 1980 to 2001, owned Trade Resource International, sold to ITEX Corporation, managed Midwest office.
- Former Executive Director for IRTA-International Reciprocal Trade Association
- A former magazine owner/publisher (St. Charles County Business Network, Sports St. Louis and St. Charles Living)
- Former radio host WGNU "Women Inspiring Women"
Passions/Hobbies:
- Positivity & Optimism
- Family & Friends
- Creativity, Collaboration and Brainstorming
- Personal Growth, Learning
Accomplishments/Celebrations:
- Received the International Business MatchMaker Award from eWomen Network in 2007
- Received the Home Based Business Champion from the Small Business administration for St. Louis, MO and District VI in 2007
- First woman to receive the Regional Commerce & Growth Association (RCGA) "Pacesetter Award" for helping small businesses in St. Louis, MO
- Former Board member for the Pay it Forward Foundation, CA, now Board Advisor www.payitforwardfoundation.org
- Co-creator of an event for over 4,000 sixth graders at the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO to help "Pay it Forward" movement
- Co founder, Board member for Encouraging, Supporting and Promoting Women (ESPW) www.espw.org
- Recipient of the "50 over Fifty Award" from St. Charles Business Magazine for helping to shape the community
- Speaker for Woman Entrepreneur Program-St. Louis Community College
- Former St. Charles, MO Area President for the RCGA
- Ovarian cancer survivor!
Personal:
- Grew up in Ferguson, MO and married high school sweetheart in 1971-Rick Hoffman, still married! In 2001 the company Rick worked for moved east so he started "Your Handyman" which has grown in to "Streamline Remodeling and Repairs" with our son, Joe Hoffman.
- Two daughters, Mitzi-born in 1974, Jaime born in 1976; a son Joe-born in 1980; granddaughter, Melia, born 3-16-2005; granddaughter Ava, born April 15th, 2006; granddaughter Danielle born July 5th, 2006.
- A "bonus" daughter Carol-born in 1970; "bonus" grandchildren: Jessica-born in 1990 and Cody-born in 1992
- Family dog is "Uncle Marty"
- Myer Briggs: ENFJ
- Gallup Strengthfinder: Activator-Strategic-Maximizer-Ideation-Learner
Lastly, I believe in making strategic business "connector". Making business introductions is a way of creating even more opportunities for my clients.
If any of these ideas interest you, then let's talk! Email me at karen@theideacoach.com today!