Archive for Clearing the Way
PUSH That EJECT Button!
Posted by: | CommentsDo you ever get that antsy feeling – like you’re on the verge of something big and you want to switch things up and shake loose anything that isn’t working for you?
I was feeling that way just recently.
Thanks to Joanne Russell for the image
I had my finger on the eject button and was ready to cast off a few things that weren’t rocking my business world……BUT…I was noticing a slight hesitation to PUSH that EJECT button because I was worried about what people might think.
I was afraid that people would think I was flaky or unreliable, and they would be mad at me for changing up the things that they were used to.
Have you ever been there- afraid to ditch the stuff that isn’t working for you because you’re afraid someone won’t like it or think poorly of you?
I had to laugh at myself when I sat down and looked at my hesitation and I realized what was going on!
I’ll be the first one to tell you that what other people think about you is none of your business- you can’t control their thoughts. When I waste my time worrying about what other people think, I am not honoring what feels right to me. If I continue to offer programs that don’t feel right to me, just because I’m afraid that someone else won’t like it, I’m not acting from a place of alignment.
Doing things that don’t feel right is no way to run your business, or you life!
But we still do it way too often.
Where are you doing things in your business now that don’t feel right?
Maybe it’s the way you communicate with your list, or the programs that you offer, or the way you work with people?
I’m committed to flying my freak flag and creating from a place of alignment, and that means NOT doing things that don’t feel right to me. If that means hitting the ejector button every now and then so be it!
Eject Away!!!!
I took a good hard look at my business and realized that there were a number of things I was doing that didn’t feel right to me.
I was creating group programs because I was told that it was the way to make money- but for me it didn’t feel right- so I ejected it! Now I’m having fun getting up close and personal with you during Unfurl Your Freak Flag Sessions!
I also decided that I didn’t like the formality of the fancy e-zine template that I had. I’d wanted to ditch it for a while but felt attached because I had spent a good chunk of money on it; so I might as well use it. But every time I thought about writing my e-zine and coming up with all the content I felt pressured and unwilling. So I ejected it! Now I write love notes and whisper sweet nothings in my peoples ears.
The last thing I ejected was a private online community that wasn’t working for me. I created it because I thought it was a good idea and everyone else was doing it, then I realized I wasn’t a group site kind of girl. I’ve always drifted away from every group site I’ve been a member of and gone off in pursuit of something new and shiny. Now I embrace who I am and have set myself free to flit about as I like.
I’m now creating my business form a place of alignment and it feels good!
What about you?
What are you ready to eject?
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.
4 Fool Proof Ways to Make Your Marketing FUN
Posted by: | CommentsToday’s guest blogger is Cheryl Heppard
Do you sometimes feel like your marketing isn’t FUN? If you aren’t excited, inspired and energized by your marketing plan, imagine how your readers, website visitors, and clients might feel? What kind of marketing do you personally feel drawn to? What types of social media posts do you enjoy the most? If you’re like me, anything that is witty, creative, imaginative and just plain FUN is what makes me sit up and take notice, and even click the “like” and “share” buttons!
If your marketing feels too serious, businesslike and boringggggg, here are some strategies you can use to make your marketing a lot more interesting and memorable.
1. Don’t be BOSSY
When writing your blog posts, newsletters, blog posts, articles and any other narrative types of marketing, stay off the soapbox. Avoid positioning yourself as the example to be followed, the worthy mentor, and the pillar of strength. Preachy pieces of advice are rarely received well, it can be perceived as overbearing or condescending. Use personal stories and case studies whenever possible, stories are interesting and memorable. Try to write clearly and use a light, undemanding tone. Keep in mind that presenting an image that is too “perfect” can have the opposite intended result. Be real, just be YOU!
2. Be HUMOROUS
Humor is a universal language, which means that by using your sense of humor, you can influence the way people see things and the way they view YOU and your business. Whenever possible, try to include humor into your writing and marketing. Be FUN and write with enthusiasm. If you’re bored, it will be reflected in your promotions. Don’t be afraid to make people laugh because people are drawn to things that make them happy. (The ridiculous Halloween videos I created last week got more responses and comments than ANY other videos I’ve ever created! And guess what? They were the most fun I’ve ever had creating videos too! Our crazy caricature card got a lot of rave reviews as well)
3. Less is MORE
Some of the most loved and well-known writers used simple, easy to read language. Anne Rice, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck,(my FAV) Paulo Coelho and Isabel Allende are the kind of writers that did not require their readers to read with a dictionary next to them. As a result, their readers found it easier to understand and appreciate their work.
To keep the mood of your copywriting upbeat and fun, don’t try to exert too much effort to impress your readers. They want to be entertained and to be informed, not bewildered or confused. Don’t make it too hard for them. If they have to work at, they simply won’t.
4. Don’t try to please everyone.
There is no way your writing and marketing will resonate with everyone. Even the best and most talented writers haven’t been able to do that. This is why writers have target audiences or niches, and so should businesses. Can you imagine if scary Stephen King wrote a romance novel? Of course not.
To keep your marketing upbeat and fun, be yourself, take a stand, use stories and case studies. Out yourself when necessary, show that you’re human and have your own struggles, troubles and mishaps. This is what people relate to and appreciate most.
What types of marketing do you find is fun and memorable? If you have any comments or tips of your own to share, I’d LOVE to hear them if you have the time to leave me a comment below.
Cheryl is founder of CherylHeppard.com, a company dedicated to teaching health and wellness entrepreneurs all around the world learn how to utilize proven internet marketing and strategies to attract loyal subscribers, sign more clients, and produce more revenue, freedom and fun in their business, all while sharing their talents, gifts and message in a much bigger way.
After applying Cheryl’s proven online marketing methods, her clients typically experience a significant increase in traffic, subscribers, clients, media exposure, and income.
To get Cheryl’s popular, free “Website Wellness Guide” as well as her weekly tips and ezine on marketing and client attraction for entrepreneurs, visit CherylHeppard.com.
2012 is Shaking Things Up Already
Posted by: | CommentsI can’t believe that it’s less than three weeks till we welcome in 2012!!
I’m excited about 2012, are you?
I’m excited by all the shifts and changes that are happening in the world. I believe that this is what 2012 is all about. The shifting into a new level of expansion where we take a stand for what we believe in and what is important to us. We’ll ditch the status quo and tune into a new way of living and relating that honors the individual and what each of us has to offer.
I’ve felt this shift coming for a long time now. I’ve felt it in your unwillingness to be a cog in the system and your desire to do meaningful work and heal yourself, each other and the planet.
I feel now it in the dissatisfaction with the government, unequal distribution of wealth and dysfunctional justice systems throughout the world.
I feel it in the underlying desire for MORE that I hear expressed by my clients. More connection, meaning, abundance, joy, peace……the list goes on and on. This strong desire for more will not go unanswered! The opportunities are there for each of us.
I’m wondering how this shift is showing up for you? What are you questioning and wanting more of?
On a personal level, I’ve been feeling the shattering of some old stories that I’ve been subconsciously holding onto, and it’s opened the way for some major expansion!
I’m embarrassed to admit too some of these stories…but I will share them with you anyway.
One story said nobody really wanted me around nor did they care what I had to say. Another one told me I didn’t fit in with the cool kids.
Both of these stories are just plain crazy!
When I pay attention to my life, I see proof that they are not true, but deep down inside I was buying into these old stories and they were holding me back. Here are a few examples – I noticed that I was holding back in social situations and feeling like I didn’t fit in around other powerful, successful business women. I was looking for the ways I didn’t fit in rather than all the ways we could be friends. WTF!??
I also wouldn’t call friends up and pursue spending time together last minute because I figured everyone already had plans and they didn’t invite me. Poor me!!! No body likes me!!!
Seriously???!!??
I’m glad I cleared that shit out!!!
I’m enjoying my friends so much more and connecting with tons of cool business men and women that I’m looking forward to collaborating with in 2012.
Are you experiencing all the internal questioning that this shift brings with it? Share what you are releasing and expanding into in the comments below!
Open the Way For Your Ever-Abundant Flow
Posted by: | CommentsIf you’re not in love with what you’re doing and what you’re offering- you’re wasting your time!
Energetically things are all off and you won’t get the results you are looking for.
In order to open the way for that ever-abundant flow of juicy goodness to start rushing in, you need to be in alignment with YOU. This applies to your life and your biz.
If you struggle to figure out what to write about on your blog or e-zine because you’re wondering what people want to hear from you- you are out of alignment.
When you write posts and articles based on what you feel excited to share – the way is open, baby!!
When you do things because they are expected of you, not because you want to- you are out of alignment.
When you fill your day doing things that you are excited about and interested in- your abundant flow is gushing.
When you are in alignment with YOU the way opens up and your next steps seem obvious. You don’t worry about what other people think and it all feels good. You naturally attract people and experiences to you that are resonating with your aligned energy.
Take a minute to imagine what that is like.
You only offer the services that you totally dig offering in your biz. You put your own special twist on what you do and it feels awesome. You get excited just talking about what you offer and it’s so easy to write about and pimp out. The perfect clients appear. It’s a blast working with them and they get fantastic results.
This is what Flying Your Freak Flag in your biz is all about! Coming into alignment with YOU and becoming so bright and shiny that your right people can see you from miles away.
So I ask you- Are you totally in love with what you’re offering and the people you’re working with in your biz?
If not- you need to start Flying The Freak Flag, baby!!
I can help- set up a Kick-Ass Consultation and we can talk about it.
