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Thursday, December 20, 2018

Lessons from My Dad

Just back from a much needed vacation at the beach.  It was perfect.  Off-season so no people to share my beach with!  And our condo was just yards away from the ocean.

Hubby and I spent a lot of time walking the beach and talking.  And on one of those walks during  one of those conversations, we started talking about my dad.  My dad suffered from Alzheimer's in the last years of his life and so lived with us for 8 years.  I will always be eternally grateful that he was able to spend his days at home with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids instead of in a home.  I am thankful that Dearl and I were by his side at the end.  Not everyone has that.


My dad taught me a lot about life and business.  Of course, I didn't realize it at the time.  I guess we don't always appreciate our parents until we are older and wiser.  But it wasn't easy to appreciate him. 


You see, he had "issues."  Or at least that's what I called them back then.  He was what was termed back then as "slow".  So growing up in a town where most of the dads I knew were business owners or doctors or teachers made it difficult for me to admit that my dad was a janitor.  How embarrassing!


He also couldn't drive.  His vision was so poor he couldn't pass the eye exam for his license.  So he walked back and forth to work every day no matter the weather or time of day.  Again....embarrassing.  Seeing your dad walking in the rain or snow when everyone else's dads drove nice cars.  And it was made even worse by the fact that he always wore some ratty old coat.


Often at night he would stop at the local tavern on the way home for a beer or two.  (Not much entertainment in the town I grew up in so the local taverns were the hangout places!).  Bullying is not a new phenomenon.  And it doesn't only happen to kids.  Often he was the butt of many jokes and pranks by others there.  How humiliating!  And what made it even worse was he didn't seem to mind.  He thought these people were his friends!


Yes, I grew up totally embarrassed and ashamed to be his daughter.  Because I only bothered to see him through the eyes of those around us.


Fortunately I had the opportunity to see him with clearer vision later...and that's when I realized all that he had taught me.


My dad worked every day.  It didn't matter if it was snowing, raining, 100 degrees in the shade, 2 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon.  He walked to work EVERY DAY.  Because he had to provide for his family as best he could no matter what.  Which is also why he wore that ratty old coat.  He made sure my sisters and I had good coats.  And then what was left went to my mom.  He taught me that family comes first and that nothing is more important than taking care of the ones you love.  Which is why he came to live with us and how I first started my quest to work from home.  Without that lesson I might have just put him in a home when my mom died and never embarked on my current path.


My dad wrote poetry.  Beautiful poetry.  He wrote poems commemorating every important event of his time.  One of my prize possessions is a collection of letters written to him  by the people he sent these poems to.  Presidents.  Kings.  Astronauts.  Political figures.  Showbiz people (as he called them).  He taught me that everyone has a gift to give.  Which has helped me grow an amazing team of people I might otherwise have dismissed. 


Although he wrote many poems, he was never recognized locally for his work which always bothered him a little.  But he kept writing and one day it happened.  He was so proud when he asked me to come home for a visit and to wear my uniform because they were dedicating a monument to veteran's in our local park and on the monument was a poem he had written.  At last, he was being acknowledged in his own town.  He taught me to keep reaching for your dreams no matter what and to never ever give up.  A valuable lesson to remember during all those times when nothing was working and I was not sure where my next dollar would come from and I just wanted to quit.


I already mentioned how he never got angry with the guys who would tease him or play jokes on him at the tavern.  He always said they were just fooling around and didn't mean any harm.  He taught me to always look for the best in people.  Which has helped me build wonderful friendships with people I might have otherwise avoided.


My dad taught me that there were always those less fortunate than we were and to give what we could freely and without expectation of reward or acknowledgement.  If you don't know why that is an important lesson, Google Ray Higdon and Wealth Wednesday.  Sorry Ray, but my dad beat you to it!


My sister and I look quite a bit alike despite the 10 year difference in our ages.  And sometimes, the Alzheimer's would cause him to confuse us.  This was always entertaining because for some reason he could always remember my husband, Dearl but didn't always recognize her husband, Mark.  So there were many times when he was visiting her that he would do everything from shutting the door in Mark's face to trying to take his seat in the car or at the table.  Because you see, Mark didn't belong there.  When he had me mixed up with my sister, then he expected to see Dearl and when he didn't he knew that something wasn't right.  And like a good dad, he was going to protect "me" from this strange man who was trying to get in our house or our car.  This is more a lesson for my kids than for me.  No matter how old you are, you will always be my kids and I will always try to protect you.  So deal with it!  But he also taught me to laugh at my own foibles.  Because he would eventually remember Mark and then we would all have a good laugh at the lengths he would go to keep Mark away.  And my dad laughed hardest of all.  Today, I think my ability to laugh at myself is one of my greatest gifts.


It wasn't all laughs though.  Alzheimer's is an ugly disease that robs a person of everything that makes them who they are.  And on some level, no matter how far the disease has progressed, I think they know it.  And it scares them.  I remember one time in particular when I had to go out of town and there was no one to stay with him.  I had to place him in care for a weekend.  (I lied and told the facility we were checking them out to see if he liked it there).  His parting words to me were, "You won't forget me, will you?"  He taught me that sometimes we are all afraid and it's okay.  And I know that sometimes it pained him to have to ask for help with things like remembering if he took his pills, or preparing something to eat or helping him find his glasses.  But he knew he needed the help and so he asked.  He taught me that we don't have to do this alone and that it's okay to ask for help.


My dad taught me to dance a polka and a czardas, to make halupki and pierogi, and to speak Slovak (a little).  He gave me my love of music and dance and theater and food and languages.  All good things for a girl who would spend 20 years in the Navy as a Russian linguist.  But even more important was the reminder of where we came from and the realization that I come from a long line of strong, determined men and women and some of their blood flows in my veins. 


And he taught me my faith.  Which has sometimes been the only thing that kept me going when life was dark.


My dad lived with me for the last 8 years of his life.  He gave me the gift of building the relationship with him I didn't have growing up.  He gave me the opportunity to see him with his grandchildren who always adored him.  And to watch him pass on his gifts to his great-grandkids.  He died loved and respected by everyone who met him here, with his family by his side.   


So this is for you dad.  As I said to Dearl that day on the beach, I might not be where I am right now if weren't for the lessons you taught me.  I know this is long overdue.  But you also taught me something else.  It is never too late to say "Thank you."  I love you.







Thursday, December 6, 2018

Use Instagram & Pinterest to Kickstart Your List

Social networks are a great way to drive traffic back to your website and start building your mailing list. Two of the best sources of apps for doing this are Instagram and Pinterest. Both sites focus on images and videos to send people to your website. Here’s what you need to know to harness these social media tools…

Create a Landing Page

When you have a freebie or gift that you give subscribers, make a separate page on your website for it. This page should be a landing page template. Many WordPress themes come with this template.

If you aren’t using WordPress or you want another landing page option, you can try using a service like
LeadPages or Optimize Press. Or use a tool like SoloBuildIt to build your website, since these have landing page templates. Both websites will allow you to create landing pages and will guide you through the process so it’s simple and easy.


Link to Your Landing Page

Both Instagram and Pinterest allow you to place a link in your bio area. Some online business owners link to their home page. While this may drive traffic back to their website, doing this make it harder to grow your mailing list.

When you send your followers to a landing page, they’re more likely to sign up for your free offer. That’s because they don’t have as many choices that could potentially distract your visitors.

Make an Opt-In Board

Once you have your landing page up, it’s time to add it to your Pinterest profile. Start by making a custom board for your opt-in gift. Then create 10-15 images that show off your freebie so other users will clickthrough and sign up.

Creating these additional images doesn’t have to be hard. Just think about how you can display some of the content from your gift. For example, Keri wanted to send traffic back to her opt-in, which was a 7-day keto-friendly eating plan.

She created 10 meal images. Then she pinned each image to her board named “Keto Start: 7 Day Meal Plan”. Every image was linked to her landing page. This brought her a flood of visitors that were interested in joining her list so they could access the menu.

Link Your Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are videos that are under 60 seconds. Not only are they wildly popular, they’re great for sending traffic to a website. However, there are a couple of hurdles you may run into.

While any user can create an Instagram story, you can’t make it link to a website of your choosing unless you meet two requirements. First, you need a business account (they’re free and it’s easy to upgrade to one) and second, you need 10,000+ followers.

If you’re just starting out, getting 10K followers isn’t that easy. So, when you create a story in Instagram, tag yourself. Then when users click on your Instagram story, they’ll be taken to your profile. From there, they can click the link in your bio. It’s not the most elegant solution but it gets the job done.

Using Pinterest and Instagram can be a fun way to drive traffic. Make sure you study what techniques are getting you the most engagement so you can duplicate your success again later.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Guest Blog on Popular Websites

When you first start out online, it can be hard to get any traction. You know you have a great message and you know who your ideal audience is, so why is it so hard to get their attention?

In order to begin growing your list and attracting customers, you need a large platform to send traffic to your website. You can borrow someone else’s platform (and their traffic) by guest posting on a popular website. Here’s how to do just that….

Find Popular Blogs

The first thing you’ll want to do is create a list of popular blogs. You can find these sites by using a search engine. Look for your niche and the word ‘guest post’ or ‘guest contributor’. For example, your search might look like this: “natural skin care + guest post” or “skin care + guest contributor” (without quotations).

Once you find a few websites, look at the blogger’s platform. How many subscribers do they have? How many followers on Instagram and Twitter? What about their Facebook page or group?

Ideally, you’re looking for bloggers that have 10K-100K in followers and fans. You can reach out to bloggers with millions of followers but it can be much harder to get their attention since they typically receive hundreds of guest posts.

Read the Posts

After you’ve found a few bloggers that look like they might be a good fit for you, start reading their posts. You want to read the past 2-3 months of content. This ensures that you don’t pitch an idea that they’ve recently covered.

As you read, look for gaps that the blogger may have forgotten to cover. For example, Keri found a keto blog that would be a great fit for her audience. As she read posts on the site, she quickly discovered that the blogger hadn’t talked about how to handle the holidays without abandoning the keto diet.

Engage in the Community

The next step you want to take is to interact with the blog’s readers. You can do this by commenting on posts, participating in Twitter discussions, and joining in Facebook groups or commenting on Facebook Live videos.

Spend a couple of weeks on this task. Take your time to really get to know the community. Keep in mind that many of these people may very well become your subscribers in the future.

Follow the Guidelines

Many bloggers have submission guidelines on their sites. They explain what the blogger expects and gives you inside information that can be useful. For example, some bloggers prefer to only receive a “pitch” or short idea from you rather than a long blog post you’ve already written. Knowing this saves you time and effort.

Reach Out to the Blogger

Once you’ve read the guidelines, it’s time to contact the blogger behind the scenes. The best way to do this is usually by email. However, some bloggers may prefer you fill out their contact form. When in doubt, use the method that the blogger asked for.

In your message, let the blogger know that you are a regular reader. If the blogger prefers a pitch, let her know what your idea is and give a brief outline of your post. If the blogger prefers to receive the full post, send it in the body of your email. This makes it less likely to be flagged as spam since you haven’t added an attachment.

Guest blogging is a simple way to grow your mailing list. But it’s not an instant process. It takes time to find good blogs and build a rapport with the communities behind them.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Using Video to Grow Your List

My friend Keri has started her very first list. But she wants to grow it quickly so she asked me for suggestions on what to do. And I recommended she post videos to social networks.

But each network is different in the types of content that your viewers expect as well as how long your videos can be. So I'm sharing some tips with you…

Facebook Live for Discussions

Facebook Live is one of the best social networks for getting engagement in the form of likes, comments, and messages. It’s also the social network where viewers stay the longest. That means followers are more likely to watch your videos all the way to the end, rather than abandoning them halfway through.

When you start a broadcast (live video) on Facebook, the social network begins letting your friends and followers know that you’re on video. This notification system boosts the number of viewers you get. 


But Facebook doesn’t start telling your followers about your video until you’ve been recording for around 10 minutes. Many of your viewers will expect a longer video as well. So you’ll want to plan to be on Facebook Live for at least 15-20 minutes.

Instagram Stories for Behind-the-Scenes

While Facebook Live is great for discussions, Instagram Stories are designed to feel a bit more personal. That means they’re perfect for behind-the-scenes moments and quick check-ins.

Keep in mind that Instagram Stories are limited to sixty seconds or less. That makes it easy for you to create a lot of content but it also means you need to keep things brief. If you have a large amount of information to share, try to break it up over the course of several stories.

YouTube Videos for Search Results

When it comes to videos, don’t overlook YouTube videos. YouTube is considered the second most popular search engine in the world. That means you can send a lot of traffic back to your website or blog by simply posting videos to YouTube.

But YouTube video content is different from Facebook Live or Instagram Stories. The content on YouTube tends to be educational in nature. 


It’s also expected to be more polished and less “off the cuff” than other video sites. For this reason, you’ll want to use YouTube for tutorials, product demos, DIY content, and tips or “hacks” that your audience would find helpful.

Have a Link Ready

In your video, you’ll want to invite your viewers to check out your website. But take it a step further and provide a link. This link should be a landing page with an offer for a free gift with a sign up option. When visitors fill out the form, they should be automatically added to your email list so you can contact them in the future.

Video can be a wonderful way to reach your community and grow your list. But before you press record, make sure you have a few content ideas and a landing page prepared. This will make your videos flow much smoother and be a more enjoyable experience for both you and your viewers.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Participate in Giveaway Events

One simple way to grow your mailing list is to participate in giveaway events. If you’ve never been part of a giveaway, you might be wondering what happens during one. Here’s how they typically work: one business owner decides to create a giveaway. She asks other online business owners to contribute a product of their own.

After the giveaway goes live, people can sign up for it. They typically give their email address and name. In exchange, they receive instructions on how to claim their goodies from each of the business owners. Then they use a coupon code or special link to access the product you’re giving away.

The advantage of contributing a product is that it grows your list. Depending on the giveaway you’re joining, you may get hundreds or even thousands of sign ups. Plus, you get to form valuable relationships with other online business owners.

So, if you’re interested in participating in a giveaway, how do you get started? Begin by following some of these tips…

Look for Giveaways

Before you can participate, you need to find the giveaways. Go to your business groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Make a post and ask for giveaway recommendations. You’ll probably have a few comments that can get you going in the right direction.

You may also want to try using a search engine. Go to Google and type in the names of marketers you know and the word giveaway. For example: Kelly McCausey + giveaway event. Another word that may be useful is “free summit”. For example: Angela Wills + free summit. (I have experience with both of these ladies - which is why I use them as examples. Check them out!).

Make a Product

Once you have a few giveaways that you’d like to participate in, you need to create a product. Don’t panic if you’ve never made a product. You can create one easily by using PLR content from
Coach Glue or Piggy Makes Bank.

Simply buy a PLR product, add your own branding and upload it to your website. Just make sure your product is relevant to your business.

If you sell weight loss products, then creating a product on Google Analytics isn’t likely to attract your target customers. But if your product was about natural cleaning solutions, then your ideal audience would enjoy your product and happily download it.

Write 2-3 Emails

A requirement for many participants in a giveaway event is that they email their list. Even if you only have one subscriber, create a series of emails about the event.

Your first message could be about the giveaway and how excited you are to be part of it. In the second message, talk about the giveaway and highlight a few products that might appeal to your subscribers. 

Your third message should be sent to your subscribers on the final day of the event. Mention how much you’ve enjoyed the event then remind your list that it’s the last day to claim their freebies. Encourage them to sign up so they don’t miss out.

Don’t Be Bummed…

Some (but not all) giveaways have certain requirements. For example, one host only wants contributions from business owners who have a list of 5,000+ subscribers. Others may want you to have a product on a specific topic in order to participate.

If you see these giveaways, don’t get discouraged. Keep a list of them and when you’ve grown your list or have a product on that topic, you can join next time.

Participating in giveaways is fun and rewarding. But there is some initial set up work to make sure everything flows smoothly for your new subscribers.

Monday, November 19, 2018

List Building Basics

My friend Keri just started a website for her new keto lifestyle. She enjoys sharing her fitness journey. Although she’d originally meant for the site to be a hobby, she has decided to turn it into a business thanks to some encouragement from me!



When Keri reached out to me to say she was going to start her business, she wanted to know the first step she should take in her new venture.

And of course, the first thing I told her was to start growing her email list.


How do you build a list if you don't have one?  You can do this by offering a free gift. When visitors to your website sign up for the gift, it’s delivered to them automatically. Their email address is kept in a database so you can email these subscribers again and again.

Start by Choosing a Service

Before you can begin building a list, you’ll need to subscribe to a mailing list service. The mailing list provider will keep a copy of your subscribers’ personal information so you can email them again in the future.

I use AWeber. I have used them for several years and have found them to be very dependable and affordable. Another budget-friendly option for new entrepreneurs is MailChimp. If you have a larger budget or need custom help from a mailing list provider, then you’ll want to give ConvertKit or Drip a try.
 

Create a List

Once you have an account with a mailing list service, you’ll need to create your very first list. You can call this list whatever you like but in some cases, subscribers can see the title of the list. So, it’s usually best to go with something generic like “Newsletter Subscribers” or in my case  “Ninja Marketers”.

Make Your Welcome Email

When someone subscribes to your new list, they’ll be sent an email automatically. This is the welcome email and it’s one of the first emails that your subscribers will see from you.

In your welcome email, you’ll want to greet your subscriber. Thank them for signing up then provide a link to your free gift so they can download it. Remember, the opt-in freebie should be something that your visitors will find valuable.

Keri’s opt-in is a seven-day keto friendly menu. She did this so she could introduce newbies to the keto way of eating. In her welcome email, she includes a link to the PDF that contains the menu.

Email Often

Some online business owners make the mistake of building an email list that they never message. They rarely email their subscribers and on the rare occasion that they do, they see a high number of unsubscribes. That’s because they were quiet so long that subscribers forgot about their brand.

You don’t want that to happen to your list, so make it a priority to email yours regularly. When you’re first starting out, you want to send out a message 2-3 times a week.

Share Valuable Content

Of course, you shouldn’t email your subscribers just to say you did it. You need to send emails with valuable information inside. If your list doesn’t feel they’re getting anything helpful from you, they’ll stop reading your emails.

Think of quick tips that you could easily share with your audience. Keri often emails her list with sugar-free dessert recipes, ideas on how to make popular dishes keto-friendly, and thoughts about her own food log. Sending this information helps her subscribers connect with Keri and open her emails. 

I share marketing tips and frequently host challenges for subscribers to my list. My information is designed to help my readers build a thriving business through online marketing.

Starting your own list can be fun and exciting. But remember, that your goal is to help your people. By sharing useful information, you’re serving your community and they’ll appreciate that.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Work?

I'm pretty sure I'm about to piss off a whole lot of people...


But if you've been around me any length of time, then you know I call it like I see it.


So here goes...


How come so many people who say you want to make money don't want to do the work to actually make money?


And then when you fail, you get all angry or defensive?


And then when I challenge you on what action you actually took, you act offended?

Did I miss something? Or are you still looking for that magic, non-existent get-rich-quick-in-your-sleep-with-no-effort-kinda-business?


Personally, I think that's exactly what you are looking for.  Because it seems that we have become somewhat "entitled."  And that is not a good thing.


In this era of instant gratification, have we forgotten how to work for what we want?  Work first.  Then reward.  That's how it is...or at least how it used to be.  If I wanted good grades in school, I studied and did my homework and took my tests.  There was no "extra credit" to help me pass if I was failing due to lack of work.  (On the other hand, there was always help available for those who were putting in their best effort and still having problems).


If I wanted my allowance, I was expected to do my chores.  At the end of the week, I was rewarded with some money.  When I was 14, I got my first "real" job.  And I noticed it was the same way there.  I was expected to complete my work.  At the end of the work week I was rewarded with a paycheck.


When I decided I wanted to try out for sports, or choir, or orchestra, I had to perfect my skills (practice!  More work!). If I did, I was rewarded with a place on the team.  And if I wasn't good enough, I was told "Sorry, you didn't make it."  And I survived.  If it was something I really wanted like music or academics, I went back and practiced more and harder so I could try again.  And sometimes I just had to admit that athletics is just not my thing.


It's still the same today.  When I decided to launch my own business, I studied with other successful entrepreneurs.  I did what they told me I should do.  Occasionally, I found something they suggested didn't work for me.  But I discovered that if I just kept putting in the effort and learning all I could, eventually everything clicked!  And I was making money!


I know this probably sounds very old-fashioned.  I am officially classified as a "senior citizen" now.  But if just seems to me that there are more and more people expecting someone to just hand them success without them ever having to put in the work. 


I see more and more of the ads like these:


"Make 6-figures in 90 days with no selling, no product, no website, no list."  Seriously?  What business is this?


"Join today and we'll build your team for your!"  Really?  Do you really want a team filled with people who are expecting someone else to do the work?


And it's not just business...


"Eat all you want, eat what you want, and still lose weight!"  What kind of drug do you have to take for that to happen?  And what are the side effects?  


"Does something bother you?  We have a pill (or a lawyer) for that!"  Don't get me wrong.  Sometimes pills and lawyers can be good things.  I can definitely vouch for that!  But it seems to have gotten a bit excessive.


I have a suggestion for all of you "would-be entrepreneurs" who are busily blaming it on the industry, their coach, the government, their lack of family or friends support, their age, their gender, their education, or all the other excuses for your failure.  Why don't you just try doing the work!


Now that I've ruffled more than a few feathers, I'm sure...I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Saturday, November 10, 2018

I'm Hobnobbing With Hollywood! Meet Joie Gharrity!


Facebook Groups...you know I love them,  I'm not talking about those spammy everybody-vomit-your-links-endlessly type of groups.  I mean real Facebook groups designed to create a community.  Done properly, they are a great place to build relationships.  That's where I met this month's Success Story.  She runs an awesome group called Branding for Professional Business Women!  Everyone meet Joie Gharrity.  And when you're finished reading this, go join her group!  See you there!



1. Joie, tell us about yourself.

I am the Founder of 113 Branding Digital Media Studio. I'm a Brand Director, Creative Producer, Author, and International Speaker. I have worked in the Hollywood entertainment industry for 15+ years at top companies, in film, television, original web content, and branded entertainment. I was hand-picked by the ABC Studio President to launch the first multi-media startup business for The Walt Disney Company.


I was inspired to launch 113 Branding because I realized that most entrepreneurs were not focused on standing in their own Spotlight and selling themselves, which impacts their long-term success. I integrate my strategic branding and content development vision with both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry. 

 

2. Tell us about your book

In my book The Red Carpet Guide to Visibility and Influence, I share branding strategies, techniques, tools, and tips that can be implemented easily. I am passionate about being of service and working with entrepreneurs to help them gain Superstar Visibility and Influence in the marketplace. 

 

3. Why did you write this book?

I truly believe that it is your birthright as an entrepreneur to stand in your Visibility and Influence Spotlight and shine bright. It has nothing to do with the last name you are born into or your vocation. It does have to do with living your true purpose turning up your Visibility and Influence Spotlight and allowing your Influence to shine.

4. How has being a Hollywood insider helped with your current career?

I have taken my Hollywood insider background along with the strategies, tools and tips and repurposed them specifically for entrepreneurs to stand in their Spotlight. I consider entrepreneurs stars in the business world. And I treat them accordingly.

5. What can Hollywood teach us about branding and marketing?

To step fully out of the shadows and embrace your gifts and talents by getting Visible and increasing your Influence. Running a business is much like filling theater seats. It takes a minimum of two years before a feature film goes into the theaters. The minute a movie gets a green light the studio along with the producing team immediately start working on getting the buzz up in the marketplace. They do not wait until the project is complete or perfect. As an entrepreneur, you want to hit the ground running to grow the Visibility and Influence about your projects and services before you launch so that there are buyers waiting when you go live. 

6. It appears that in Hollywood, it’s still “not what you know but who you know”.  Would you say this is correct?  How can knowing the right people help you build your brand and expand your business?

A well know quote of mine is “Only together can we soar higher and higher.” It is impossible to build a thriving brand without a huge tribe and network. Getting out of your own backyard is also an important piece to growing your brand. Knowing lots of the “right people” should be a priority for every entrepreneur who is serious about building a sustainable business.

7. What has been the most difficult part of getting your message out?

Visibility takes courage. Many people have grown up not necessarily being seen and heard in a big way. Nor have they been encouraged to stand in their Spotlight and own their gifts and talents. I encourage people daily to make it a habit. It takes a minute to really get comfortable with the Visibility Spotlight. However, it is so worth it!

8. Do you have any resources that you would recommend for entrepreneurs – or anyone – struggling to make themselves stand out? 

I have a Huffington Post article called Double and Triple Dip Your Way to Massive Brand Visibility. It is a network driven 113 Branding Strategy that is based on the experience of working in Hollywood. We have a very unique way that we network that leverages each other’s influence.

9. I love your book and think the topic is SOOO important.  You’ve been hard at work promoting your book and your brand.  And quite well, I might add.  Do you have any tips to share on promoting yourself?

BRAG, BRAG, BRAG. I have gotten push back on my encouraging specifically women to brag. However, I do not consider this to be a negative three letter word. In Hollywood I was taught and encouraged to embrace my wins and to share them with others. How is someone going to know to work with you or buy your products and services if they don't know about them. Standing in our expertise, gifts and talents is your birthright. Shine a bright light on everything you are doing in pre-production, production and post production is my advice and allow the marketplace to see your greatness.

10. What other advice would like to share with new entrepreneurs? 

Being an entrepreneur is one of the best titles and jobs in the world. Embrace it and shout from the rooftops that you are an entrepreneur. I see entrepreneurs sometimes skirt around their title and what they do at times because there can be a stigma in the marketplace. Kick that to the curb and stand loud and proud.

11. Where can we purchase your book? 


12. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Stand in your Spotlight, get Visible and grow your Influence. Your future self will thank you!

Monday, November 5, 2018

5 Ways to Get Noticed in a Noisy World

My friend Joie Gharrity (you'll meet her later this week!) says everyone deserves to stand in the spotlight.  And it's true.  As business owners, we all want and NEED to be noticed for what we do.  But have you noticed?  It's a bit harder lately.  There is so much noise, so much chatter, it's almost impossible for the small business owner to be stand out.  You either have to be posting EVERYWHERE 24/7 or spend a ton of money on ads.  Maybe even both!  And if we are just starting out, we may not have the time (many of us may still be working a job) or the money.  It's a battle we just can't win...


Or can we? 


The answer to that question is yes...we can!  There are some simple steps you can take to help you stand out and shine in this crowded space.


1.  Choose your space and master it!  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn...and probably a few more I haven't mentioned.  Lots of the marketing gurus tell you to have a presence on ALL of these social media sites.  And I agree...to a point.  It's okay to have a presence on each of them providing your target market is also present there.  And with the automation available today it's easier to manage multiple platforms than in the early years of social media marketing.  But I still say to pick one platform and become the master there.  I am active on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.  Less so on LinkedIn.  But Twitter is my home!  It's where I generate the most leads and interact with thousands of followers.  When I have something big happening, Twitter is where I make the announcement.  


Twitter is my space but it might not make any sense to you.  That's ok.  If you love Facebook, then become the Facebook whiz.  If you love using images and photos to convey your message, then Instagram or Pinterest may be the best spot for you.  It doesn't matter which one you choose as long as you are comfortable there, can master the platform, and build your tribe. 


By the way...if you are on Twitter, I'd love to connect with you.  Follow me here


2.  Embrace the technology!  As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can automate much of your social media marketing.  Tools like HootSuite and SocialOomph or Social Jukebox allow you to schedule posts in advance.  You can link social media accounts so that what is posted on one will appear on others.  Of course, the same tool might not be right for every platform.  So once you have decided where to build your empire, do your research to find which tools and apps work best with that platform.


3.  Reuse your content!  It's hard coming up with fresh content everyday.  Especially if you are still working.  So reuse and revise.  For example, I will take this blog post and break it up into smaller posts for FB and Twitter.  I will use the image to post to Pinterest and Instagram.  I may find a couple of points and turn them into image posts for Facebook.  And when I'm looking for a topic for a video or Facebook Live, I will come right back to this post.


4.  Let your personality show!  When I first started on social media, I thought I had to be all professional and formal all the time.  But that's not me.  I'm the girl that does videos in her PJs or in Cosplay costumes.  I'm often snarky and irreverent and I tend to go against the norm.  When I finally let my true self show, my engagement skyrocketed.  Don't be phony.  People can spot phony a mile away.  So just be you. 


Oh - that doesn't mean you get to be rude, hateful, or hurtful.  If that is your true self, you are in the wrong business. 


5.  Provide value!  If you really want to stand out in the crowd, then share your expertise for free, with no expectations.  In a world full of people screaming, "Buy my stuff!  Join my team!  Notice me!", offering value free with no conditions is a definite attention-getter.  And when people see that you give away good stuff, they are more likely to purchase from you later because you have already proven your worth.


So...are you ready to stand in the spotlight?  Awesome!  Follow me on Twitter and I'll help spread your message if it's worthwhile.  I love retweeting value!  Or find me on any of the other social media platforms. 


Are you already getting noticed?  Share your tips and techniques in the comments!



Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Finding the Perfect Journal for Your Needs


Journaling can be done with traditional pen and paper or you can capture your thoughts digitally by using an app. But one method isn’t necessarily better or worse than the other. It’s just a matter of preference. Still, if you’d like to know the pros and cons, here are a few ideas…

Advantages of Handwritten Journals

Handwriting can boost creativity, so you can make connections faster and easier. It also gives you space to leave the digital world behind, which can help you see your problems in a new light.

Another pro of handwriting your journal entries is that there are fewer distractions. If you’re typing on a laptop or smart device, you may be tempted to stop and check your email, read the news, or do other tasks that keep you from completing your entry.

Some people prefer handwritten journals because the writing is often more emotional and raw. With typing in a digital journal, you can erase and rephrase your sentence as many times as you want, which can sometimes result in more sterile writing.

Journal Options

You can find a variety of journals available in stores and online. But before you buy, think about the type of journal you’ll want. If you’re going for a bullet journal, then you’ll need to shop for one with a bullet grid like this BulletJournal/Notebook with Pen Loop - Elegant Black Leather Notebook with PremiumThick Paper.

If you’ll be doodling or creating artwork beside your journal entries, you may not want any annoying lines to get in your way. That makes this Spiral Daily Notepad a good choice. Not only are there no lines, the paper is refillable so you can keep re-using the journal cover as many times as you wish.

If you need your journal to lie flat and hate spirals, then Studio Oh has some beautiful journals you might want to consider. This cute Follow Your DreamsSloth Journal is as inspiring as he is chill.

Pros of Digital Journals

Digital journals can be more secure, especially when protected by hard-to-crack passwords. With a handwritten journal, anyone can read your entries if they have access to your notebook.

Another advantage is that digital journals can be tagged and searched. This means if you have a journal entry from two years ago, it’s much easier to find a digital copy than to sift through years of notebooks.

Plus, digital journals allow you to include other media. For example, you can write a post about that day at the water park and include videos of yourself going down the tallest slide.

Journal Software

There are several options if you prefer to journal digitally. The Day One Journal is one of the most well-known and popular journal apps. It can be used on both Android and Apple products and it’s free.

If Day One isn’t what you’re looking for, the Journey app is a good alternative. It’s free and has a desktop version that works on both Windows and Mac. It syncs seamlessly between the different locations so you always have access to your latest entries.

Although EverNote is a productivity app, you can use it as a journal if you wish. Just start a new notebook and name it “Journal” or “Thoughts”. Then create a note within the notebook. Each note can be treated like a journal entry. You can add tags, format text, and include images in your entries.

So, Which Should You Choose?
Try both journal options! Spend a week or two writing daily entries in a physical journal. Then switch and spend a week or two writing daily entries in a digital journal. At the end of your experiment, choose the one that felt most enjoyable to you.

Monday, October 8, 2018

How to Rock Your Journal Sessions


I love journaling. I always feel better after doing it. But sometimes, I let life get in the way and I avoid doing it - sometimes for or several weeks. It's a bit like going to the gym. I never regret getting it done but sometimes, I find it difficult to get started.

I shared this with my friend, Kristen, and she suggested a few tips to help me become more consistent with my journaling habit. If you also struggle with consistency, consider trying some of these ideas…

Create a Template

Kristen explained that she had created a template for her journaling time. It meant that when she sat down to write, she didn’t have to wait for inspiration or try to come up with something new to say. A few of the questions on Kristen’s template include:

·         What am I grateful for today?

·         Who did I show kindness to?

·         What I did learn from yesterday?

·         How am I feeling?

·         What’s one thing I want to do now?


My template is a bit different since I journal for a different
purpose. But I find that having some predetermined
questions  that I ask each time really helps get my thoughts
flowing.
Make It Fun

Kristen told me to make my sessions fun. “When it’s fun, you’re naturally drawn to an activity, so make it easy and enjoyable.”

For me, this means brewing a cup of my favorite tea each time I sit down to journal. I savor the tea in my favorite mug and the warm liquid helps me to relax before I begin to write.

Play Music

Another way to make it fun is to play music. Some people, like me, do their best journaling if they have their music blasting. Other people find music is too distracting when they’re trying to write.

If you enjoy listening to music when you’re working on a project, you might be one of those people who finds it inspiring to listen while you journal. Experiment with different kinds of music until you find the one that makes journaling easiest for you.

Have a Special Journal Spot

I like to journal from the comfort of my front porch during the early morning hours. I sit in my rocking chair and sip my tea, often getting out early enough to watch the sunrise.

Kristen has tried to do the same thing but didn’t find the environment stimulating enough. She likes to be surrounded by people and the hum of conversation. So, she decided to make the local Starbucks her journaling spot and finds it works much better for her.

Schedule It

Kristen encouraged me to schedule each journaling session like I would a doctor’s appointment or other event. “By scheduling time to journal, you’re more likely to do it,” she explained.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to make it a daily habit. Kristen enjoys journaling each morning but I find that is too frequent for me. So, I changed my schedule and now journal twice a week.
Journaling might not feel natural at first, but don’t give up on it too fast. Instead, try some of the tips above. Pay attention to what works best for your personality and inspires you to write.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Which Journal Style Is Right for You?


When it comes to journaling, there’s no wrong or right way to do it. Journaling is a creative activity so you can relax and simply do what works for you. But if you’re stuck and not sure what type of journal you need, ask yourself these three questions…

What Do You Want More of in Your Life?

Karen was a real estate agent and single mom. She was busy raising three teenagers and often felt overwhelmed by all the demands on her time and energy. When she thought about what she wanted more of in her life, the answer was clear: peace. Inner peace.

So, Karen started a meditation journal that she used each night before bed. She wrote down positive affirmations she wanted to embrace. She recorded how long she meditated for each evening as well as anything that was troubling her.

As time went on, Karen noticed it was easier to sleep at night because she had taken the time to process the noise of the day. Now, she wakes up feeling peaceful and refreshed and more able to focus on her children and her business.

How Would You Like to Grow?

Cristina’s marriage crumbled after thirty years when she discovered her husband had cheated on her. Her children were already grown and Cristina realized she was alone for the first time in her adult life.

This realization was scary but also exciting. Cristina began to think of the ways she’d like to grow and realized she’d always wanted to travel. So she bought a camper with a goal of exploring every state in America.

Along the way, Cristina kept a travel journal. She recorded what she was learning about herself, who she’d met, and what she was seeing. The trip gave her the chance to seek out new experiences and consider what she really wanted from the next phase of her life. Recently she shared her writing with a friend who encouraged to turn the stories from her adventure into a book.

What Would You Like to Change about Your Life?

Susie had struggled with her weight her whole life. When she was a child, she was obese and other kids bullied her. She frequently binged on junk food like ice cream, candy, and cakes to distract herself from her dysfunctional home life.

When Susie thought about how she’d like to change her life, her health was her top concern. Susie’s therapist knew that giving up junk food meant Susie would need to deal with her emotions, rather than stuffing them down.

So she encouraged Susie to buy a journal to give herself a safe space to explore her emotions. Susie started a health and wellness journal where she began to record how she felt instead of snacking to escape. She began to recognize painful situations that triggered her feelings and how to cope with them.
Don’t feel like you have to commit to one journal style right away. You can start journaling and figure it out as you go. So for now, just relax and enjoy the journey