Have you ever felt like you are the biggest thing getting in the way of what you want? I know I have. 🙋 What’s your version of getting in your own way? Maybe it looks like: A behavior you repeat, even though you know it’s not in your best interests. Sabotaging yourself Fear of failure Fear of success A behavior that makes you feel bad about yourself, but you just can’t seem to stop Something else… We all have some…
Have you ever felt like building a profitable and purposeful creative business is a lonely, uphill struggle? I know I have. I’ve also known the joy of feeling fully seen, heard, and supported by peers, professionals, and community members as I navigate uncharted (and often scary) professional and personal territory. We ALL need people who – unencumbered by the personal baggage and demons we carry – are able to see our vision and are willing to hold space for it…
As a business coach for creative business owners, I can honestly say most clients entering my practice aren’t charging enough. Not nearly enough. And I understand why. I remember a pricing conversation in my days as an agent for independent creatives with a prospective client that I’m sure will sound familiar. The prospect was a large national brand looking for an estimate for tagline development. When I quoted the fee, the woman on the end of the phone practically fell…
It’s January 20th, 2021 – Inauguration Day in the US and a new chapter has begun. And while I’m aware of the work ahead, I’m feeling SO much hope and gratitude. I hope you are too. As Joe Biden reeled off the crises (very much plural) this administration is inheriting, he talked about heart, intention, and purpose as much as he talked about policy and action. He spoke of how values, the right people, a clear plan, and consistent action…
What qualities do tough times bring out in you? What gets you through, maybe even stronger than before? For me, that quality has always been hope. Defined by Wikipedia as “An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large,” hope is a powerful and nuanced emotion. Used well it can inspire, fortify, and sustain us through the toughest of times. Used…
Have you ever thought to yourself Now, these are my people? Do you remember the warm and fuzzy feeling that came from being seen, understood, and connected? Now think about what made you similar to those people and what made you different. I’m willing to bet that even if your life experiences were very different, what connected you was remarkably similar. Am I right? For example, in the 10 years I’ve been a business coach for creative entrepreneurs, I’ve learned…
How do you feel about planning? Does having a plan make you feel more secure and productive? Or does it feel restrictive, overwhelming (where to start!), even intimidating? Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it’s cool. But make no mistake; when it comes to getting the results you want, planning beats winging it every day of the week. But with sheer number of options available to you, from analog journals all the way to slick software programs designed to keep…
How many of you became accidental business owners? I’m willing to bet a few hands went up. I know that in my case the choice to go out on my own in 2006 wasn’t inspired by some great vision to change the world, make a greater impact, or do things particularly differently. I just didn’t want to work for someone else anymore. Anyone else relate? And while this is as good a reason as any to go out on your…
Have you ever woken in the middle of the night gripped with fear because you don’t see a future for your creative career or business? If you’re feeling anything other than a Zen-like calm right now, you’re not alone. You’re definitely not alone. But your fear IS misplaced. While it’s completely normal for our minds to convince us that the constraints we see before us are a path to certain unavoidable doom, it’s nothing but a cheap trick. And once…
How do you feel about sales? You want them but don’t want to “do” them, am I right? Now, let me ask you this. How does your ambivalence or lack of process around sales impact your business? Right?! Lack of attention or process when it comes to sales leads to unpredictable results. And unpredictable results lead to the dreaded feast or famine cycle. So, today I’m going to share my tried and tested sales and on-boarding process that will help…
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