Dear Mrs. Chi,
Would you give me an example of how Feng Shui can make a difference for a business? I'm reading and hearing about Feng Shui and I don't get it.--Curious in Castle Rock

Dear Curious,
If you were to look in the door and windows as you passed by this business, you might never know that inside you could learn to play the best golf you've ever played in your life. And it would be easy and effortless. In fact, you'd never guess that a professional golfer was waiting there to give you one-on-one affordable instruction that would make your game the envy of your next foursome. Many passed by and never stopped in to learn.

That's when Tracy and Tim Grove, owners of The Swing Shop, called me for help. I am a certified Feng Shui practitioner. "From the beginning, we didn't like the way this space felt, but we didn't know what to do," they explained. "There are too many blockages. We need to create some flow." Their concept, expertise, and desire were abundant - paying customers were not.

In Feng Shui, the key principle in any environment is positive 'Ch'i' - life force, vitality,and energy flow. Imagine a favorite aunt, Mrs. Ch'i. She is warm, funny, smart, interesting, and entertaining. You want her meandering in your space at all times, never leaving, because when she's there everything feels so good. The best way to create good Feng Shui in The Swing Shop was to invite Mrs. Ch'i - who is attracted by sound, color, and movement. Once she was flowing through the doors,clients would be attracted to follow her lead.

1. The first step was to clear clutter throughout the Swing Shop, the pre-requisite to Feng Shui. Hidden behind the curtains separating each instructional swing bay lurked unused equipment, filing cabinets, and miscellaneous stuff. Because nature abhors a vacuum, it was necessary to clear the space so that it would be filled with clients and not clutter.

2. The next step was to clear the way for Mrs. Ch'i. That meant removing the feel of a "doctor's reception area" that was the initial view from the entrance: five easy chairs, a coffee table, TV, and bookcases filled with toys and magazines. The solution was open space and a small television sporting The Swing Shop logo and loop film of golf instruction. This movement of furniture created space for new energy, Mrs. Ch'i, and new clients!

3. At step three, large cabinets and a reception desk near the entry that blocked the flow of clients - and energy - were removed and replaced with comfortable seating and a glass, L-shaped desk for Tim.

4. Step four was to attract Ch'i with color. The gray bulletin board directly across from the entry was replaced with fresh, grass-green and white paint and signage that invited potential clients in to play golf. The remaining walls were also covered with a fresh coat of green paint and a sky-blue ceiling.

5. Step five called for a balance of The 5 Elements - fire, earth, metal, water, and wood - essential in Feng Shui. Using color, shapes, and materials found in their golf and office equipment, we included all the elements to create balance and harmony in the space. Fire and spark from red golf posters and equipment to encourage more business; white paint and metal equipment for focus; earth's stability came from natural fabrics and potted plants; water's emotional connection from the glass desk; and new beginnings and growth with wood drivers and green paint.

6. The final step involved introducing Feng Shui cures and enhancements: daily visual reminders that would help Tracy and Tim focus their intention on a growing business. A golf bag was filled with money in their abundance corner, a mirror on the wall behind the conference table was used to double business, and certificates and awards were hung on the Fame wall.

What business doesn't want to attract more customers and clients? In retail space especially, it is imperative to attract positive Ch'i so your space feels comfortable and inviting to potential clients. Like Mrs. Ch'i, they will want to stay and do business with you. Remember to attract Ch'i with color, movement and sound. Clear the clutter for optimum Ch'i flow, include color that symbolizes your intention, and stir up the energy by moving pieces that constrict the flow.

And what's the outcome six months later? "We are thrilled with the Feng Shui," reported Tracy. "People love it. We love it. Business has gone up."

Postcript: Since the writing of this article, Tim and Tracy were notified that the Englewood Golf Course was closing its doors for major renovation. The Swing Shop is now looking for investors and a new location. Contact them at www.TheSwingShop.com.