Images can increase customer engagement in general by about 40%, and customers who identify with your brand are twice as likely to buy. Find out where you can find feminine styled stock photos for free or cheap so you can uplevel your brand design!
Read MoreLast year I set two goals for myself. One was to not work on the weekends and the other was to get seven or more hours of sleep each night. There have been some bumpy moments along the way, but for the most part, I've managed to stick to these two rules. And let me tell you, the difference is HUGE. My energy levels are up. My productivity levels are up. My ability to focus is way up. So you can see how this would have a direct impact on business.
This is why I'm so excited to have our guest author, Jill Merkel, here today to talk to us about how your diet can affect sleep quality. Because not only do we want between 6 and 8 hours of sleep every night, we want those hours to be restful and rejuvenating. Jill is a Registered Dietitian, so she definitely knows her stuff. Read on to find out more about the foods you should eat for a better sleep.
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Sleep is so important for the body and may be the first thing to go from the “to do” list when life gets busy. Some even wear their poor sleep habits as a “badge of honor,” re-emphasizing how busy they are or their lack of need for much sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for adults by the National Sleep Foundation is 7-9 hours. It’s not recommended to get less than 6 hours or more than 10 hours. A consistent sleep routine is better than a sporadic sleep pattern.
Inadequate sleep can be described as shorter sleep duration or poor sleep quality. Sleep deprivation is 4 hours (or less) of sleep per night!
Did you know that consuming certain foods might help you sleep better? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating a variety of foods and nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds. Consuming a well-balanced diet appropriate in calories is vital for maintaining a healthy weight, preventing certain disease states (obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and more), and aiding in overall health. But we often overlook the effects of certain foods on sleep quality.
Melatonin is a “sleep hormone” that helps to control your sleep and wake cycle. It is released when the sun goes down and alerts the body that it’s time to wind down. Melatonin supplements are a popular item because you can get them over the counter, but there are also foods that naturally contain melatonin.
Lifestyle factors can also affect your sleep habits. Engaging in regular physical activity, limiting sitting and screen time, and finding ways to reduce stress will help to facilitate a regular, healthy sleep pattern.
Sleep is important for overall health—weight loss/control, recovery, immune health, and cognitive function. Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet can help facilitate better sleep quality.
Jill is a Registered Dietitian currently living in Minneapolis. She specializes in sports nutrition and works with athletes of all ages. She is passionate about helping others realize that small changes over time can lead to big results. She started her health & fitness blog RunEatSnap in order to provide quality nutrition information and to inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle.
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81 Percent Of Dollar Store Products Tested Contain Chemicals Linked To Learning Disabilities, Cancer and Serious Illnesses <-- Um, that's alarming.
Why I Hate Dieting and the Restriction Obsession
You Know You’re A Healthy Living Blogger When… <-- I know some of you can relate!
Beauty Uses For Calendula: Say Hello to Clear + Calm Skin <-- Definitely want to try this. Has anyone else used it?
Keep the Winter Blues at Bay With These 7 Foods
Frozen Homemade Breakfast Burritos
Homemade Dark Chocolate Almonds <-- One of my favorite snacks!
Is cooking more complicated than it should be?
What to do when you feel too quiet in a loud market? (Psst..for introverts)
Rockin’ Twitter Chats For Bloggers & Creatives
15 Hidden Instagram Hacks & Features Everyone Should Know About
A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
Slowly getting settled in to our new place ☕
A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
+ I moved to Pittsburgh on Monday! We drove out to look at places last Monday (see above) and got everything approved and set up super fast. Join me on Instagram to for a behind the scenes look at my business + life.
It's January, which means I'm deep into reviewing stats for 2015 for clients and myself. I'm a huge believer in tracking everything you do in business and adjusting accordingly. It might sound like common sense, but many bloggers don't do this!
If you've been following along this year, you may remember that I took a few months off from new clients, slowed down on blogging and accepted guest posts instead, and slowed down on social media.
I was going through a break up from a 7.5 year relationship and moving across the country, so naturally, things had to slow down. I gave myself time and room for the transition.
My reason for sharing that is to show that it's okay to not reach your goals.
In the end it gave me more clarity on the direction I want to take my business (and life in general, obviously).
It's okay to have slow business months - seasons - years. Success doesn't happen overnight.
It wasn't what I had intended for this year, and I didn't reach all of my numbers-related goals, but overall everything worked out how it was supposed to.
And looking over my stats above, I guess my growth was actually pretty good.
Referrals to my website from Pinterest grew 1,300%, from 1,000 in 2014 to 14,000 in 2015 (making up 61% of my social traffic this year). That number is not to be taken lightly!
The key here was improving some of my older images and trying to keep Pinterest in mind when creating new ones. Large, easy to read text is important.
I also started scheduling my pins to post in the evening when more people are on Pinterest. You can do this with a number of tools such as Buffer or Viral Woot (which were the two I used).
Stitch Fix was also a very specific reason I had so much Pinterest traffic. A few of my pins send decent traffic every day, but this one in particular has over 5350 repins.
Now, you might think posting my Stitch Fix reviews is unrelated to business, but I did get a client through a review. PLUS, I strongly believe in my client Ustyled's philosophy on the power of your presence and how you show up.
Referrals to my website from Twitter grew 306%, from 920 in 2014 to 3,737 in 2015 (making up 16% of my social traffic this year).
I can attribute this partly to three things:
Not sure why or how to get started with Twitter? Check out my Beginners Guide to Twitter Part 1 and Part 2.
One of my top referral traffic sources was Running with Spoons. Each Sunday she posts a Sunday Link Love similar to what I post, but she includes a link-up at the bottom where readers can add their posts.
Adding my link to her link-ups referred 1,514 people to my blog in 2015, which made up 12% of my referral traffic. I didn't post my link every Sunday because I often forgot or was trying to not work weekends, but I can see that it was worth it.
If you choose to try this method, make sure it's an appropriate match. Amanda's link up is great for me because her audience is mostly health and fitness bloggers, which makes up a large part of my target audience as well.
The posts I share with them have value, and I enjoy clicking through the other links because it's in my area of interest.
As I mentioned above, I switched to Buffer this year. I mostly use it for Twitter, and my favorite feature is the analytics (naturally..I'm an analytics nerd).
Being able to sort tweets based on how well they performed has been a game changer for re-purposing content.
Not only does it make it easy to re-buffer them, but I also get an idea of what copy or language resonated best with my audience. It's an easy way to split-test headlines or blog post titles.
You can use Buffer for all of your main social channels excluding Instagram (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest). I had been using Viralwoot for Pinterest, so this made it much easier to have all my scheduling in one place.
Another aspect that helped my click-through-rates was setting up a pre-determined schedule so I can easily add content to my queues and they will post at my best times.
My organic search traffic grew 425% during 2015, which accounted for 12.6% of my total traffic. I consistently optimized each post and photo, as well as gained more back-links. Those are just a few of the on-page factors, but the longer you have your blog and consistently post quality, relevant content, the better your SEO will be overall.
If you'd like to improve your SEO for 2016, you can start by checking out my SEO Basics series.
How You Are Ruining Your Leggings
DIY Guide To Relieving Sore Muscles
How Using Your Hands Creatively Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety
How To Survive A Party: 42 Experts Reveal Their 3 Best Party Tips For Introverts
10 Ways to Have an Active & Healthier 2016
Yoga Has Some Major Bone-Boosting Benefits
How to Make Yourself Do Everything You Hate Doing
5 Things To Add To Your Diet In 2016
45 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes That Are Anything But Boring!
Healthy gingerbread cupcakes with date crumble
Whole Wheat Chai Spice Muffins
Common mistakes you’re making in your about page
5 Free Market-Research Tools to Read Your Audience’s Minds (And Create Content to Delight Them)
5 Ways to Improve Your Facebook Page’s Organic Reach
7 things I did to double my blog traffic and hit 100k monthly pageviews
Mandatory Christmas picture 🎄🎄
A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
Looking for adult coloring utensils. What's your favorite?? #adultcoloringbook #adultcoloring #zencoloring #zencolouring #arttherapy A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
A photo posted by Danielle Zeigler (@danielleadairz) on
Join me on Instagram to for a behind the scenes look at my business + life.
In the comments, tell us what your favorite memory was from 2015!
When you're running your own business and website, there are times when certain tasks get pushed further and further down the to-do list. I know one of those tasks for a lot of people is website security. You might find yourself saying things like, "I'll get this taken care of next week," or "I know I need to do this, but it can wait until tomorrow." Tomorrow turns into the next day. The next day turns into next week, and pretty soon it's months later, and you still haven't taken care of it. Our guest author today is Anna Bogushevskaya. She helps build and maintain websites, so part of her job is ensuring all of her clients understand and keep up with website security. Lucky for us, she's sharing 8 powerful tips for WordPress security. These are simple and quick things we can do right now. And on top of tighter website security, we'll have a greater peace of mind! Read on for her awesome tips.
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Several years ago, when I started building websites, I learned about WordPress security the hard way.
One morning, I switched my computer on, opened my site, and…Boom!
I saw a black screen with a brutal man carrying a couple of pistols, saying, “Your site has been hacked.” There was even some rock music playing in the background. Yes, the hackers went all out with background music and a graphic.
I wasn’t impressed.
The situation was terrible. The whole site was gone. I had no access to the dashboard, and moreover, I hadn’t backed anything up.
I looked for support from my hosting company, but they deleted all my databases and returned everything I had to zero because I was hacked.
“Amazing” support, right?
So I had some major damage control to work through. First, I had to rebuild the website from scratch. Second, I never wanted this to happen again, so I asked myself, “What should I do to avoid this situation in the future?”
I studied a lot of resources to get the answers, and after implementing the following tips, I haven’t had any more hacking experiences.
So, now I want to share some basic tips to keep your WordPress site secure. These 8 tips for WordPress security are quite simple. Anyone can follow them, even if you’re not technically savvy. Let’s go!
When you install WordPress, it uses “admin” as the default username for the administrator account. This admin username should be changed right away because most hackers know that WordPress suggests “admin” as the login name by default. Of course, hackers will try to gain access to your site by using this username. It’s the first thing hackers will try.
Here’s a great post that will walk you through changing your WordPress username if you didn’t do that when first installing.
These days most people know the importance of backing up your site. But, just in case you haven’t thought about it yet or you haven’t taken steps to make it a regular task, I want to reiterate how important it is to never miss this task. Make sure your website and all databases are backing up to some external disk or the cloud, preferably once a week.
Many hosting companies suggest you back up services as well. But, at the very least, it’s always a good practice to back up your site and databases to external sources, like your computer, an external disk, or Dropbox.
There are some WordPress services that make this process very easy for you. Two of my favorites you can check out are VaultPress or BlogVault.
Another option is to install a backup plugin.
Here are a few great plugins I’ve tested.
1) BackupBuddy
This is a premium backup plugin for WordPress, and it’s the most popular. You can schedule your backup as a daily, weekly, or monthly task. You have the option to store the files in Dropbox, Amazon, FTP, or to email them to yourself. They have different payment options, as well, either a yearly subscription or a lifetime license.
This plugin allows you to create a complete backup of your site, as well as to store it on the cloud service or download it to your computer. This plugin is free, but it has a premium version with extra features.
3) WordPress Backup to Dropbox
This is a free plugin for WordPress that allows you to create a backup of your entire website and its database then upload it to your Dropbox account. Dropbox is also a free service, which gives you space to store files on their cloud server. Another great thing about this one is that by backing up everything to your Dropbox, you can access your files from any device. All you need is an internet connection.
The premium version of this plugin allows you to create scheduled backup tasks and get a backup status e-mail that reports copy, clone, or migrate websites.
With the free version, you’ll need to backup manually.
4) BackWPup
This free plugin is one of my favorites. I use it on almost all my websites and suggest it to my clients as well. With this plugin, you create a schedule, upload the files automatically, and store them on the cloud (Dropbox, Amazon S3), FTP, email them, or store them directly on your computer.
I like BackWPup because it’s extremely easy to set up and use.
Many people still think WordPress is not a secure CMS (Content Management System) because of its open source. But the WordPress platform takes security seriously. Even some big media and government sites are using WordPress, so it’s a secure and stable platform, especially if we’re talking about a small business website.
The most important issue here is that you should keep WordPress and all plugins up to date. Because, normally, every update contains the most important security updates as well. When you see the notifications that an update is available, make time to keep everything current.
This is simple. Uppercases, numbers, special symbols, and long passwords work well. Never use your name, your spouse’s name, your date of birth, or any other personally identifiable number in your passwords. Make it harder for automatic tools to guess your password. The more random the better.
I have a lot of personal experience with different hosting companies, both good and bad. For instance, the one I mentioned above, who deleted all my files from their account, was simply bad and not a helpful company.
Moreover, sometimes some bad hosting companies will even make your site “hacked,” and then instead of any support, they quickly suggest you use their partners’ services to clean your site from malicious code. Of course, this requires money and is usually not cheap!
Look for a hosting company that gives their attention to security. Choose hosting that:
The best hosting companies I’ve ever dealt with are BlueHost and HostGator.
But when we’re talking about hosting, the most crucial thing I look for is how their support system works. I'll only work with a hosting company that cares about a lot of things for me. Even if I’m asking them something silly or something they’re not responsible for, I want to know that they'll help me out. Also, they must take their security system seriously.
I can’t stress this enough. Good hosting is big deal.
Even though this is a bit on the technical side, it’s an important part of keeping your WordPress site secure.
Setting a directory with permissions of 777 could allow someone to upload or modify a file, which can ultimately cause a malicious attack. Here are a few quick and dirty tips.
For more details, check this WordPress guide about changing file permissions.
To get started, simply go to your File Manager from cPanel and check the codes there, just in case.
This is one of my favorite things because it’s so simple but so very useful.
When you install WordPress, it gives you a default login URL for your admin dashboard. It’s either “/wp-admin/“ or “/wp-login.php.” Malicious parties know this, so they try to attack your login page. Moving your login page makes it difficult for hackers to perform a brute force attack.
Here are few good plugin solutions for this.
Hide Login+: This plugin allows you to create a custom URL for login, log out, sign up, and Admin pages.
Lockdown WP Admin: Another plugin that hides the WordPress admin.
Anything you can do to make a hacker’s task more difficult is a win for your security. They might just move on to a less secure site that will take less time and effort to get into.
You may also want to consider an all-in-one security solution to protect your website. WordPress has a few good plugins that will take care of a lot of security issues for you.
If this interests you, check out iThemes Security or Wordfence Security.
Just remember to install plugins from reliable sources only. Preferably, they should be published on the Wordpress.org website.
Your website’s security is something you need to take seriously. If your site is hacked, there’s a high risk you’ll be blacklisted because your site will send spam (usually this is the main purpose of hacking your site). Even if your site is new, don't think it'll go unnoticed. Newest websites are even more likely to be hacked.
Start with these simple tips and you'll greatly reduce your risk of meeting a hacker's smile one day, like I did.
Anna Bogushevskaya is a founder of "Digital Drive with Anna." She's a Digital Marketing Strategist with a focus on Search Engine Optimization. Anna helps bloggers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to optimize their websites, get more free traffic, and achieve better positions in search results.
Staying focused is one of the hardest parts of running your own business. Most days my mind is all over the place, from thinking of social posts for a client to redesigning my own website...to "why is my cat throwing up on everything I love?"
So while this is still a work-in-progress for me, I wanted to share what has worked in the past and what I'll be trying again.
If I find myself procrastinating on a specific project, I tell myself I only have to work on it for 10 minutes. Then I set a timer and get to work.
I either get into the groove and work on it longer, or get some work done in that 10 minutes and come back to it later. Most times it's the former. For some reason, just starting the task is the hardest part.
There are specific techniques you can use if you want to get fancy. I've tested the Pomodoro technique for time management after reading Holly's post on balancing work and blogging. But I've also used the basic E.ggtimer.
You've probably heard by now that responding to email and checking social media all throughout the day is hurting your productivity.
I've heard this a million times and am still guilty of doing both, but when I DO batch similar tasks together, I get more done.
Think about everything you have to do in a given week, or even just a day, and separate the tasks into similar groups. Designate a few specific times throughout the day where you'll respond to emails, check your phone, and check social media.
If you're a health coach or life coach, lump all of your coaching sessions for the day together, if possible.
This is actually one of the hardest ones for me. I have some kind of natural inclination to hate routines, but yet I know how effective they are.
Establishing a routine helps your body and mind get into a groove. It also helps you focus on the task at hand because your day is already planned out.
Make sure to include regular self-care and exercise into your routine. If you make it a habit, you'll see better results overall.
I started writing a paragraph with "My loose routine includes..." but it just made me realize how bad of a job I'm doing lately. The past few weeks I wake up anywhere from 6-8am, get coffee, write for an hour or so if I don't get sidetracked by an email, look at my phone approximately 578 times, dig into client work for about 6 hours, then either drive an hour to Crossfit or continue working until I realize it's 9pm. Somewhere in there I remember to eat. SO, you can see I have a lot to work on myself! I've gone through periods of great discipline and focus, but we all go through these days/weeks/seasons. I promise you.
Exercise is so important to staying focused. It keeps blood flowing and releases neurotrasmitters that help increase cognitive function.
Schedule in breaks to stretch throughout the day, as well as trying to establish a workout routine. This doesn't mean you have to do the same workout every day, or commit yourself to a specific program like I did. Just setting up any exercise routine will help.
It could be a long walk around your neighborhood or trying different classes at your local gym. Whatever keeps you interested and keeps your blood pumping.
Sometimes blocking out time for tasks isn't enough. You may need to close all open browser tabs, remove your cell phone from your office or install an app that blocks social media channels.
There was a point when I was experimenting with the Pomodoro technique mentioned above, but I still had my phone in my office. While the timer was running I didn't check my phone, but hearing it buzz or light up was still distracting and caused a lot of anxiety knowing I had to wait to look at it. When I completely removed it from sight, it was much easier to forget about.
While I recommend reading and engaging with other bloggers, sometimes it can be distracting from doing your actual work.
Try limiting the number of blogs you read per week or limiting the amount of time you spend reading them. For example, set aside 30 minutes every morning to scroll through your RSS feed and only click on the posts that grab your attention the most. Then mark all as read and move on with your day.
It's true that I get a lot of ideas from reading other blog posts but some of that time would be better spent implementing the things I learned or ideas that were sparked. Most of us spend so much time consuming information and too little time implementing our ideas.
“Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.” -Greg McKeown, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Get organized in the morning (or the night before). Plan out what you need to do that day.
One of my favorite questions is, "What 3 things can I do today that will have the biggest impact on my overall goals?"
Then I also do a brain dump of all my other ideas so I don't lose them. Having everything visually laid out helps me prioritize and gives me more time to think about the smaller ideas. They're still written down, but I have more time to process how much impact they'll really have. Don't just use the brain dump area when you're planning; use it throughout the day as you accomplish your listed tasks, then re-address the ideas later.
One thing I cannot recommend enough is to do the hardest or "worst" task first thing in the morning so it's not zapping your energy and hanging over your head all day.
Below you'll find a simple daily planner I've designed to help you stay organized in the easiest way possible.
Lastly, pause and think about why you're procrastinating on that particular task. If it's taking up too much time (even just mental energy to avoid it), it might be time to outsource it or eliminate it completely.
Is there a deeper reason you're avoiding it? Does your gut tell you it's not the right thing to do? I love this post on how procrastination can be productive.
In case you're new to Stitch Fix*, here's a quick run-down on how it works: I've gotten eight fixes overall (one I didn't have time to review). Although I usually only end up keeping 2-3 pieces, those items I DO keep I find myself wearing the most.
Stitch Fix helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over– the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it’s like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for several fixes I've requested dresses for specific occasions.
Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
I left my comments completely blank for this fix to see what would happen.
And you know what? It was one of the best yet. I ended up keeping everything!
Which meant I got the 25% discount for keeping all 5 pieces. I was pumped.
Thanks Katie! You did an awesome job.
1 + 2. Mauli Stitch Detail Knit Top + Adorra Skinny Jeans - Kept
I'd prefer the top to be a little longer, but overall I love it. It's super soft and thin, so it can be worn through different seasons.
I'm obsessed with these Adorra Skinny Jeans and have already been wearing them nonstop. They're stretchy and flattering, and the exact shade I like.
3. Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse - Kept
This blouse is perfect for dressing up or down (as you'll see below).
4. Heidi Scallop Hem Pencil Skirt - Kept
I don't wear skirts often, but when I do have to meet with clients I love the opportunity to dress up. This skirt is timeless, so it's a great addition to my more professional wardrobe.
5. Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - Kept
The blazer is another piece I could dress up or down because it's a cotton material. It's also the first flattering blazer I've found. Most of them make me look really boxy and too masculine.
Stitch Fix recently released an iPhone app, which I'm hearing great things about. You can upload a profile photo to make the experience even more personal, and it makes leaving notes for your stylist easier than ever. You can also preview what you'll be getting in your fix before it arrives.
I don't have an iPhone, so I couldn't actually use the app. But Stitch Fix did send me this adorable selfie stick for being a Stitch Fix Influencer!
Did you know Stitch Fix also offers gift cards?
You can have it mailed, emailed, or print it out yourself. You can choose from amounts starting at $20 and up.
If you want to get me something but don't know what.... ;-)
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here. It's been a lot of fun so far!
What do you do to make sure you get a good fix from Stitch Fix?
I've implemented something new over the past few weeks, but haven't officially announced the addition. To show appreciation for everyone on my email list I've started including a weekly homework assignment to improve your business + online presence.
How many times have you read a list of "25 ways to XXXX" and then didn't do any of them? Maybe you pinned it for later, but chances are you'll move on to the next list of improvements to make and forget about the last one. I've done this a million times. Probably every week, if not every day.
It can be so easy to get overwhelmed by all the tips out there, so this way you'll at the very least be taking one simple step each week.
By doing this, you'll be able to identify what works and what doesn't for your particular business (because it's different for everyone!) and then you can spend more time on what has helped.
I've identified eight areas in a solopreneur business that we'll focus on improving. Each email from The Growth Notes series will include an action item from one of the eight areas.
Community building includes everything from growing your blog traffic to making more genuine connections (online and in real life).
You could also think of this as building and strengthening your tribe.
We'll focus on improving your blog posts, repurposing your most popular posts, and expanding your reach.
Your website is your ultimate home or hub online. It should reflect your personality, clearly express what you do and how you help people, and be easy to navigate.
With the website and design assignments, we'll make improvements in small, manageable steps.
This is one area that most new solopreneurs struggle with, but they're very important. The right analytics make the difference between working smarter and harder.
We'll work on identifying which metrics matter and use them to improve your business.
How much time are you wasting on admin tasks because your business isn't streamlined? Or because these things just aren't a priority with the 100 other projects you have open?
Some weeks the assignment will be a quick task to help you get organized and clear some of the clutter from your day.
Do you have goals in place for your business? Do they make sense for your big picture?
We'll work on everything from your monthly or yearly goals to your pricing.
Gaining blog views and social likes isn't enough to keep your business going (obviously). So we'll work on getting clients and keeping them satisfied.
For example, there are a huge percentage of solopreneurs who are missing opportunities because they don't follow up with leads.
As I say, you'll do your best when you feel your best. As you improve your health and wellness, you'll improve your productivity, creativity and overall mood.
Sign up here to receive the above exclusive weekly action steps to get found, grow traffic & gain clients.
Running this blog and my business, I meet so many women who are would-be entrepreneurs. But many of those women, immediately after telling me their business idea, share a reason (sometimes more than one reason!) why they can't go for it. My guest author today is Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci, a former fashion model turned professor and career coach for women in wellness. She's sharing and debunking four of the most popular myths about starting and building a business. Whether you're just starting out or have been a solopreneur for years, her post has some great insight and inspiration for you!
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I want to debunk four common myths about building a holistic business.
I’m constantly speaking to women who are brilliant at understanding holistic concepts like the mind-body connection, but clueless about the mind-set you need to build a valuable thriving business.
When I first started out as a massage therapist back in 2001, I didn’t know the first thing about getting new clients or building a business. When my massage instructor insisted that I had to do 100 massages if I wanted to graduate, I was in a panic. I thought: Where am I going to find 100 people who want massages?!?! I was living in a high-rise building at the time, so I decided to go door to door, like a Girl Scout selling cookies, and ask people if they wanted a massage. I got about 100 no’s and 1 yes – an elderly woman who lived in a dusty one-bedroom apartment. She was my very first client.
Fast-forward a few years and my massage practice was so full that I had to turn people away. The more I put myself out there and promoted myself, the more my practice grew. If you think that you can just set up a website or roll out a yoga mat and clients will manifest out of thin air, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s going to take a lot more work than that! You CAN build a thriving prosperous business, but you will have to roll up your sleeves and make the magic happen yourself.
Some people read my bio – which says all kinds of fancy things about me like I am a Ph.D. Professor, an “expert blogger,” featured in national media, traveled to 40 countries and so on – and they think: How the $#@% am I going to do all that?! I used to think the same thing when I would read the bios of my professors or others that I admired. It seemed like they had accomplished so much and I was SO far away from my goals.
Things take time, people! You don’t eat an elephant all at once – you eat it one bite at a time. My Ph.D. took 10 years of college and grad school to accomplish. My media appearances span another decade of teaching, writing and presenting. You will not manifest that national media appearance during the first week of your business, but you can definitely get there after a few years of building your personal brand (and pestering the right producers and editors).
As a solopreneur, there are so many things that we have to juggle on our own – clients, bookings, classes, marketing, networking – it can seem totally overwhelming and draining. After years of doing everything on my own, I was going crazy. But no matter how much busier I got, I never felt like I was doing enough or earning enough to justify hiring help. I thought: Help is for rich people and I’m not rich (yet).
This past year was the first time that I said: #@%! It. I need help. I hired a web designer, a social media marketer, and a book editor. Wow! What a difference a team makes! Just because I am self-employed does NOT mean that I have to do everything myself. I need support. I need people to do the things that I don’t know how to do or don’t like to do so that I can focus on the things I love – like writing this blog post for you!
This is one that has been surfacing a lot lately in my conversations and interactions. If you’ve ever cried about getting a B+ or winning second place in a contest, there’s a good chance you’re a perfectionist. I’ve procrastinated on all kinds of things because I was afraid that they wouldn’t be good enough – I couldn’t possibly write a book if it wasn’t going to be a NY Times Bestseller. HA! That’s so ridiculous.
I guarantee that the first time you try something, you’re not going to be good at it! Who cares!? You’re driven by passion, a mission to serve, a deep longing to help others. Get out there and be your imperfectly perfect self. When I created Women In Wellness Career Training to help women overcome perfectionism and other challenges, I was blown away by the strength and courage of the amazing community – and that’s more important to me than the NY Times Bestseller list.
You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to do it. 
Dr. Gabby is a Holistic Health Expert and Founder of Women in Wellness Career Training. Dr. Gabby has more than 2000 hours of training in Holistic Modalities and is certified in Massage Therapy, Healing Touch, Kundalini Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation. She is regularly featured in national and local media such as MSNBC, Huffington Post and Spirituality & Health Magazine. Dr. Gabby offers private coaching for a select number of clients who are looking to create more success in their work and life.It's been awhile since I've done a book review post, but I've read some good ones lately that I just had to share. Some that didn't make the cut for this post include The Maze Runner series, The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak, Not After Everything, My Heart and Other Black Holes and Suicide Notes From Beautiful Girls. While I didn't dislike any of these young adult novels, I didn't feel they were important enough to include. You can check out all of my recently read books over on Goodreads.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Book Description:
"With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.”
My Take:
I can't say enough good things about this book. It made me think about creativity and ideas in a new way and inspired me to keep writing. There's a reason everyone is raving so much about this book, and I definitely understand why now!
Interesting Quotes:
“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
“You can clear out whatever obstacles are preventing you from living your most creative life, with the simple understanding that whatever is bad for you is probably also bad for your work.”
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”
“Debt will always be the abattoir of creative dreams.”
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Book Description:
"The Way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. It is not a time management strategy, or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter.
By forcing us to apply a more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy – instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us."
My Take:
This is a great book to read as you prepare your business and/or life for the new year. It helps you put the important things into perspective. It may not be full of information you didn't know, but it will inspire action and clarity.
Interesting Quotes:
“Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”
“Essentialists see trade-offs as an inherent part of life, not as an inherently negative part of life. Instead of asking, “What do I have to give up?” they ask, “What do I want to go big on?”
“What if we stopped celebrating being busy as a measurement of importance? What if instead we celebrated how much time we had spent listening, pondering, meditating, and enjoying time with the most important people in our lives?”
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Book Description:
"'I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will.'
One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life. "
My Take:
Recommended for anyone who liked books like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. The suspense kept me interested and wanting to know more. I wouldn't say it was as good as Gone Girl, but I can see the similarities and it's still well written.
Interesting Quotes:
“I know how betrayal and disillusionment feel, when someone who could give you the world refuses even a tiny piece of it.”
Paperweight by Meg Haston
Book Description:
"Seventeen-year-old Stevie is trapped. In her life. And now in an eating-disorder treatment center on the dusty outskirts of the New Mexico desert.
Life in the center is regimented and intrusive, a nightmare come true. Nurses and therapists watch Stevie at mealtime, accompany her to the bathroom, and challenge her to eat the foods she’s worked so hard to avoid.
Her dad has signed her up for sixty days of treatment. But what no one knows is that Stevie doesn't plan to stay that long. There are only twenty-seven days until the anniversary of her brother Josh’s death—the death she caused. And if Stevie gets her way, there are only twenty-seven days until she too will end her life."
My Take:
This is a young adult novel dealing with anorexia nervosa, grief, and control. It was clear the author did a good job researching the topics and powerfully portraying the emotions. I would warn that it could be triggering for anyone who is dealing with or has dealt with anorexia.
Interesting Quotes:
“But we are a group of girls so overwhelmed by our mere existence that it's almost paralyzing, the idea of dealing with the "big picture" issues. It's the reason we got this way to begin with. The reason a single caloric unit takes on such importance, the reason the pound becomes our currency of worth. These are things we can manage.”
“Yes, the illness took away. It clawed at family and time and the very beating of our hearts. But it gave, too. For me, it was the only way I could move through life blurry, without having to see things as they really were. It would have been too much that way, having to stare at my life head-on.”
Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán
Book Description:
"Libby Miller has always been an unwavering optimist—but when her husband drops a bomb on their marriage the same day a doctor delivers devastating news, she realizes her rose-colored glasses have actually been blinding her.
With nothing left to lose, she abandons her life in Chicago for the clear waters and bright beaches of the Caribbean for what might be her last hurrah. Despite her new sunny locale, her plans go awry when she finds that she can’t quite outrun the past or bring herself to face an unknowable future. Every day of tropical bliss may be an invitation to disaster, but with her twin brother on her trail and a new relationship on the horizon, Libby is determined to forget about fate. Will she risk it all to live—and love—a little longer?
From critically acclaimed author Camille Pagán comes a hilarious and hopeful story about a woman choosing between a “perfect” life and actually living."
My Take:
I chose this as my free October Amazon Prime selection and was very surprised at how much I liked it (gave it 4/5 stars). The novel managed to be hilarious and light while dealing with heavy topics like disease, divorce and our over-busy society. It has an Eat, Pray, Love feel to it.
Interesting Quotes:
“It’s permanence that distinguishes grief from other emotional pain. The unfixable nature of never—that’s what makes it so terrible to bear.”
“...to see the night sky clearly, you can’t overfocus; it’s the stars outside of your direct vision that come in brightest.”
Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider
Book Description:
"At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.
There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.
But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down.
Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances."
My Take:
I was really hesitant because a lot of people were comparing this book to The Fault in Our Stars and even Looking for Alaska. John Green is my favorite author, so I get worried about anything that could seem like an impostor. But I'm glad I didn't let that stop me. Yes, it IS similar to those two novels, but in a great way. I have a soft spot for quirky young adult literature I guess. I definitely recommend it.
Interesting Quotes:
“There's difference between being dead and dying. We're all dying. Some of us die for ninety years, and some of us die for nineteen. But each morning everyone on this planet wakes up one day closer to their death. Everyone. So living and dying are actually different words for the same thing, if you think about it.”
“That's all you can do in this world, no matter how strong the current beats against you, or how heavy your burden, or how tragic your love story. You keep going.”
“Being temporary doesn't make something matter any less, because the point isn't for how long, the point is that it happened.
What's on your list to read next?
Chances are over the next few days you might be returning to your hometown, seeing family you haven't seen in ages, reconnecting with old friends, or even just getting a chance to take a few deep breaths.
This post is just a reminder to be mindful and stay in the moment over the next few days.
Put your phone down at Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell your parents or your grandparents something you're grateful for that they've done. Something that has taught you a lesson or helped you along the way.
On Thanksgiving, don't feel guilty about eating the pie. Just be grateful for the food on the table.
If you don't get to spend this holiday with friends and family, take some time for yourself. Read a novel or spend the day binge watching your favorite show in your pajamas.
Just do something that will make you happy and relaxed.
Not only should you pause to be in the moment with loved ones, but this break is vital to your business success.
Take a moment to think of what you're doing when you get your best ideas, or finally solve a problem you've been struggling with.
You're usually in the shower, or driving, or out on a hike, right? Something that has removed you from the situation and your normal work environment.
It's the end of 2015, so you've likely been reflecting on what you've accomplished this year and planning your goals for 2016. There are probably a million things you'd like to do.
If you pause and remove yourself from the planning and day-to-day work, you'll return with more clarity for the next year.
So let's all pause for clarity.
A few months ago I saw a Facebook ad for this lovely little health tracker I had never heard of before. I clicked through to the site and sent it to my sister, gushing about how cool it looked.
I already owned a Fitbit Flex that I had worn every day for about a year and a half, so I was hesitant to buy a second tracker.
I contacted Bellabeat to see if I could test out the product, and to my delight, they agreed! The following review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. The only compensation I received was the health tracker and accessories.
The LEAF brings a new level of quality to your life. A beautifully designed health tracker that helps you monitor your activity, sleep quality, stress levels, and understands your menstrual cycle. It helps you improve specific aspects of your daily routine so you can feel your absolute best.
You are unique in every way. The LEAF understands what makes you tick and gives you personalized insights for you to feel energized and ready to own your life. The LEAF is designed to allow you to be creative in the way you wear it. Wear it as a necklace or bracelet with LEAF accessories or items you already own. You can also clip the LEAF to any clothing item as a stylish accent. You choose what fits your style best in any given occasion.
We shape the LEAF the same way nature shapes the curves of every single leaf on every tree. Made of 100% American wood, each LEAF is unique, just like the person wearing it. Its advanced technology is hidden inside a 100% American wooden housing, giving it a soft natural appeal that isn’t found in other wearables.
Favorite aspects:
How I wear it:
I clip it to my clothing whenever I'm sleeping or exercising, then usually wear the bracelet other times. The necklace is easier, but I love how the bracelet looks.
Activity Tracking:
For the first two days I wore both my Fitbit and LEAF to compare how the steps are tracked. They matched up pretty closely, so I'd say the LEAF is accurate. There is a bit of a difference depending on whether you wear it clipped to clothing vs. as a bracelet, but Bellabeat has recently updated the app so you can choose how it was worn.
The app was also recently updated to track activity (similar to the "active minutes" for Fitbit). There are limited activities you can input as well.
Health Tracking:
The LEAF automatically tracks your sleep (whereas you have to turn that part on for FitBit). It's almost always accurate too, but if not, you can adjust it.
I've never really tracked my cycle before, so that aspect was interesting. The app shows an estimate of when you're ovulating. I take an oral contraceptive, however, so I don't believe this aspect applies to me.
I'll be honest, I haven't used the breathing exercises, but I think it's a great feature. It will also buzz if you are inactive for too long.
There are many more features I haven't mentioned, so be sure to check out the website.
**To be clear, I would recommend both the band the LEAF. It just depends on the functionality you're looking for. The LEAF has more support for your mental well-being, while the FitBit has more support for weight loss.
The LEAF is relatively new, so I expect even more great things to be available in the app during 2016.
My contact at Bellabeat has also hinted at a few surprises for the holiday season, so I'm excited to find out what those are! At $119, it would make a perfect gift.
These lovely trackers have a waiting list, so I recommend heading over to the website and signing up!
Having a self-hosted website and email list is still vital to operating an online business. Having your tribe opt-in to your email list is much different than having them follow you on a social media channel.
Read MoreThis interview is part of the Chasing Dreams interview series. I’ve interviewed a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who have chosen a different path in life in order to go after his or her dream career. Have an entrepreneur in mind you’d like to learn more about? Let me know! Today’s interview is with Batani Khalfani, who was recommended by Crystal Chin (who I interviewed last year). Batani is a creative powerhouse, from fashion design to dancing, acting and writing. She also has a great positive outlook and is an inspiration for any multi-passionate women out there.
Let's dig in!
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At what point did you know you wanted to follow this career path? How did you know this was the right direction?
I was born to be who I am in all aspects. All of my talents are innate. I am self-taught in all that I do artistically. I am a self-taught designer, dancer, artist. When I was 4 years old I was asked what I "wanted" to be when I grew up. I said, "I'm going to be an architect, fashion designer, actor, model and dancer." I am all of those things and soon I will be going to school for architecture.
What are the biggest struggles you've faced while trying to achieve your dreams?
I don't look at anything as a struggle, I look at things as a learning process. I really just do what I feel in my mind, I do what compels me always if it's in a positive direction. Sometimes I move too quickly and miss a few steps and then I have to go back. I've done that a lot. Right now I am making sure I take care of all of the essential steps in order to have a better outcome. But when I finally get it right it is RIGHT!
Owning your own business can be tough on the body and mind, between long days, instability and really putting yourself out there to reach your goals. How do you stay healthy? Do you have any rituals that help you stay centered?
While owning my own business I make sure I do what I want. If I want to hang out with my friends and family I do that. I make sure I put myself around people, especially family, where I can give and receive unconditionally that helps me day by day. Sometimes I get so busy though that I forget to eat, hence me being so thin...I am making a better effort to eat all throughout the day to maintain my health and energy. I love to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. I love spinach and kale, and I love all fruits.
Speaking of putting yourself out there, overcoming rejection is a big part of chasing dreams. How do you bounce back?
Ha! I am so hard on myself and honest with myself that I don't care what anyone thinks. Seriously. I talk to myself all throughout the day, but I have fun with myself in making sure I'm doing what I feel is best for me and my path. I am my biggest critic. So any type of rejection is nothing to me. I have the thickest skin of anyone I know.
When I was younger people used to laugh and talk about my forehead and how skinny I was, and I laughed right with them because the jokes they said were funny. Nothing anyone says can affect me, the only thing that can affect me is if someone does something to me physically then they have a problem, not me.
What do you do when you're having an off day- maybe feeling down, struggling with self-doubt, or just unmotivated?
When I'm having on off day, I usually just sleep to rest my mind. Sleeping is fun sometimes because it renews. People are like, "Team no sleep" I'm like, "Yeah whatever."
Sometimes I will go to the beach and look at the water and let it run over my feet. I find that very cleansing. Maybe sometimes I will go to the park. I like to unify with nature if I'm feeling a little off balance.
What is one misconception people have about you and/or your profession?
One misconception that people have about me is that I only design, when in fact I'm very well rounded. Not only do I design but I dance, I act, I write, I paint and sketch. I know Spanish, I am learning Japanese and I know a little bit of Korean. I can talk about anything from foreign policy to indigenous cultures. I like to learn so any chance I get to learn, I'm always on it.
In my upcoming projects I get to show my mind, my thought process and my views of the world and all of what I can do. I'm excited.
I understand, though, why people may have misconceptions about me because most of the time I'm very quiet, I just like to observe things around me. I don't go along with the crowd, I'm always standing out of it watching all that's around me and I've come to find out that sometimes that makes people uncomfortable because people are taught that they have to do things to fit in. I never wanted to fit in because I am not designed to fit in. So people have their thoughts...and I let them have them.
What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to do the art for the art and not for the money.
The money will come. Just dedicate yourself to your craft and the rest will follow. I recently just learned that, and I'm glad I learned it at this point because the experiences leading up to it are invaluable.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a path similar to what you have?
Well no one really follows anybody else path unless they're a copycat, but anyone who wants to do anything in life, the most valuable advice I can give is to just do it.
A person should do what they want and what they feel to achieve the success they desire and not let anyone dissuade them.
Since I was a child I've never let anyone tell me I shouldn't do something because I've always known what I wanted in my mind and have always had a very clear vision of my future.
When do you feel the most inspired, alive and the most like YOU?
I feel most like myself every single day of my life. If I'm having an off-day or a very fulfilled day I know each step is a part of my process. I am grateful that I have a keen sense of awareness which allows me to be very introspective and check myself if I'm not elevated towards my higher self.
Sometimes, not that often, I let myself vibrate on lower frequency just to get the experience out but I immediately check myself and go back up. I really enjoy myself and love myself so that love keeps me on high feeling like myself all of the time.
What people, books, music, etc. inspire you?
Anything that has substance, that has a soul, life, character, gets my attention. In a world where most things are mundane and lack substance, the things and people that are true to their core catch my attention.
One of the people in my life who inspire me though is my dad. He has great character and integrity that he's had all of his life and he has never wavered and is very well respected. He gives me something to aspire to. Its also great to know that I have a lot of his attributes.
My mom also inspires me because as I get older I see how wise she is and her thoughtfulness in the decisions that she made towards her children. She always bought paint and sketch books for me. She bought me my first sewing machine when I was 15, and I didn't even ask for one. Her dedication to people outside of herself inspires me.
Describe your favorite moment or accomplishment in your career so far.
My favorite moment in my career so far has been all of the moments leading up to this point and my future moments. I really am grateful for this process. I enjoy it all. Like I said I love to learn and each day I am learning and going higher and right now at this point in my life I am excited because of what's coming.
What’s the most exciting thing going on in your life right now?
The most exciting thing in my life right now is that I am living and experiencing. I am having fun and doing what I want. I'm meeting new people everyday and having fun with the people I've known for years. I'm seeing people get wiser, I'm seeing some regress lol.
I am seeing more people wake up to who they really are and right now in my life I am becoming who I will ultimately become. I can't wait to meet myself 6 months from now, a year from now, 5 years from now, 10. This is all exciting to me.
When I am older and ascend to my next life, I will just smile because I know that I will have lived my life the way I wanted to live it and not how anyone else wanted me to live it, and that excites me.
I am self-taught artist. I am in love with my family and in love with great things. I design, I paint, I act, I dance and I write. In the near future I will release a book about my life which is way too interesting and I am releasing a documentary about my father who is a very influential figure in South Central Los Angeles. I am working on several projects in the film arena.
I have a blog called Agent of Fashion which you will see more of as well as my YOUTUBE channel under the same name. I am working a non-profit for children. My couture line, which the new collections haven't been released yet, is www.batanikhalfani.com. My couture line is where my creativity and the different levels of it can be seen.
I'm hiring a virtual assistant to help with social media, graphics, administrative tasks, and more. I'm not opposed to more than one virtual assistant depending on areas of proficiency for those who apply.
For example, if someone is strong in graphics and someone else is strong in writing social media posts, I'm willing to consider splitting the duties.
The first two are the most important. Overall they are all very user friendly, though.
Hours will be light to start out to see if everything is a good fit, then we will build from there.
Compensation is competitive and dependent on experience and skill.
Payment will be on an hourly basis (at least to start) as a contractor/subcontractor. I use Paypal for payment.
There will be opportunities to grow with my company as things continue to pick up.
Send me an email at danielle @ daniellezeigler.com with a little bit about yourself and your experience, skills, and availability. Please let me know if you have any questions or input as well.
There are SO many tools available to help with your business from project management to social posting...you name it. While I use different tools for different tasks, there are some I use day in and day out to manage my business overall. Here's a quick breakdown of what I use every day:
Toggl is a free project and time tracker. You can organize your clients and projects by color, see visual graphs, and even add team members.
I love this tool for the simplicity. I color code my clients and use it for the basic time tracking and reporting.
A lot of my projects are still service-based, hours-for-dollars type of work. So to accurately track my time, I use Toggl. It's also a great reference if any questions come up from clients.
I'm also horrible at estimating, so this gives me a good idea of how long certain projects take.
If you have multiple clients at one time, Asana is an excellent project management solution. As with many online tools, there is a free version and then tiered pricing depending on your needs.
This tool is a bit more robust than Toggl for managing your projects. You can organize from client to project to individual tasks required to complete the project, along with setting deadlines and communicating with team members.
I'm a Type-A List Maker, so I love Asana.
If you have a VA or other people on your team, it's a good way to share notes and communicate about projects and deadlines.
I currently use Asana for my clients, but I also have a separate account for a large company I contract with (below).
I inevitably end up needing to edit graphics at some point most days, whether for my blog, a client's blog, or quick edits for social media.
I've used Photoshop in the past (and failed at mastering it), so Picmonkey has been an amazing alternative. There's a free version and a Pro version (called Royale), which gives you access to more graphics and tools.
My favorite aspect is the ability to load in your own fonts so you can keep branding consistent.
My least favorite aspect is that you can't go back in and edit individual layers once you've closed out of it. But despite this, it's still a very handy tool.
Buffer is a social media management and scheduling tool with built in analytics to help you see how your posts are performing.
I currently use the $10/month subscription which allows 1o social profiles (including Pinterest) with 100 scheduled posts per profile, with 30 days of analytics history.
The analytics are my favorite part because you can easily go back and rebuffer (reschedule) your most popular posts.
You can also attach photos to your scheduled Twitter posts and they will show up in the Twitter feed, whereas with some other tools, the photo only shows up as a link when pre-scheduled (such as Hootsuite).
I run my own blog using WordPress (self-hosted through BlueHost), along with assisting many of my clients with WordPress blogs.
There are some great alternatives out there such as Wix and SquareSpace, but for now I like the customization available through WordPress. There are endless plugins available so you don't need to know a lot of code and can still make it do nearly anything you'd like.
If you haven't chosen a blogging platform, I suggest reading through my post on creating a WordPress blog in 5 minutes.
Which ONE online tool could you not live without?
Naming your business can be one of the most stressful parts of getting started. I thought about it off and on for a full two years while I was freelancing under my name. Ultimately I decided to stick with my name. Whenever working with entrepreneurs in the very beginning stages, I almost always get that question,
There isn't one correct answer for this, but for coaches or service-based entrepreneurs, I lean toward using your name.
Using your name as your business name allows you to:
So that's ultimately the first question I want you to consider to set the foundation for the remaining questions.
This is perhaps the most important question, whether you use your name or a business name.
Will people be able to spell it when searching online? Or if you introduce yourself in person, will the name be memorable?
Consider your long-term business goals. Is your business name general enough that if your business evolves, it will still make sense?
If it does evolve, what else might you offer?
If you think you might change or expand your offerings in the future, could you use a tagline to describe your business instead of a specific name?
Could you benefit from using your location in your name?
Do you have any plans to move or expand your business in the future?
Make a list of words and values you want to be associated with your business. Does your chosen name align with these?
Google your ideas and see if they're taken or what similar names are out there. You don't want to be associated with something negative even if it's only similar!
Is the domain available? You can check using the WhoIs database here.
Speaking of domains, double check what your domain looks like as all one word with lowercase letters. Sometimes different words can be made out of your domain name, and you don't want it to come across as something it's not.
You can check for trademarks here.
How did you choose your business name, if you already have one?
In September, I took the first real vacation off from work in about three years. Earlier in the summer I had implemented what I call "no-work-weekends," but that's really not enough.
Did you know that studies show after about 50 hours a week, productivity actually starts to go down?
While working less than 50 hours a week isn't realistic for some entrepreneurs, I urge you to schedule vacations and breaks into your life for your sanity, health AND business success. They aren't just luxuries. They are completely necessary.
Your mind needs time to relax in order to foster creativity.
Have you ever found that when you step away from a problem, such as taking a shower, the answer to something you've been working on hits you?
This Huffington Post article claims, "It's been proven that allowing your brain to day-dream allows you to better solve problems and be more creative."
If you keep moving full-steam ahead in your business, you can lose track of your intentions and miss signs that things don't feel right. Stepping back gives you the chance to realign.
This past spring/summer I've been in a transitional period in my life + business. Taking time off has allowed me to step back and think about which direction I'd like to go in.
Try new things
Vacations are the perfect opportunity to try new things, and as I mentioned in this post about the secrets to happiness, this is a vital building block of a happy life.
Trying new experiences and surrounding yourself with different environments will help inspire creative solutions inside your business or job.
While I was in Estes Park, CO I tried a few new things, such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains and watching a blue grass performance in the park.
Disconnect
Vacations are also a great way to force yourself to disconnect.
[read more on how to do a technology cleanse here]
While I still had my phone, I purposely left my laptop at home. I put up auto-responders and warned my clients weeks ahead of time that I would be unavailable. There were a lot of places in the mountains where I didn't even get reception, so that was a bonus.
Because we're constantly connected, there's a decrease in true bonding time with friends and family. Getting out of your normal environment, trying new things and disconnecting will help bring you closer to those you're with.
According to an article in the New York Times, "Those who failed to take annual vacations had a 21 percent higher risk of death from all causes and were 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack."
Plus, hiking in the Rocky Mountains re-inspired me to be more active and return to healthier eating habits. Sometimes we all need a little jump start.
The same article says, "After a few days on vacation — and it usually took two to three — people were averaging an hour more of good quality sleep. And there was an 80 percent improvement in their reaction times."
Better sleep, health, and increased reaction times translate to increased productivity. You'll be able to do more in less time with better focus.
Where will you go on your next vacation?
This interview is part of the Chasing Dreams interview series. I’ve interviewed a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who have chosen a different path in life in order to go after his or her dream career. Have an entrepreneur in mind you’d like to learn more about? Let me know! Today’s interview is with Chrissy Gruninger, a fellow member of the Female Entrepreneur Association. Chrissy is the founder of Sanguine Collective, as well as many other actions in the pursuit of a happy and whole life through intentional actions. We have a lot in common with a love for travel and intentional living, so I have a feeling you'll all enjoy her message as well!
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I’ve always loved writing and creating. I remember writing my first little “book” way back in Junior High but somewhere along the way, life went in a different direction. Then a few years back while I was in grad school and writing my thesis, I really felt called to write more and to create messages of happiness and harmony in the world. I started by writing a basic quarterly newsletter which turned into a blog and eventually I wrote several books on living intentionally and eco travel. What I like to call “eco wellness.”
When I sent one of my eco travel memoirs to a hospitality management firm in Costa Rica (as I had visited all their hotel properties), I was then contacted by the President of the company and offered a position in their online marketing department, managing all of their social media channels. I knew this was the right direction for me –creating content that I love and sharing stories of eco wellness with a worldwide audience.
It was only recently that I acknowledged (and accepted) that I’m a multi-passionate. When I realized that I wanted to both create harmony in the world as well as support others in doing the same, that is when everything finally fell into place and I started to feel like I was not only on more solid ground but had finally created my dream life.
About a year after I got the social media management position, I decided to move to Costa Rica. I didn’t realize however that the combination of starting my own business AND living in a foreign country would be such a major (and challenging) adjustment. Not only was I spending an enormous amount of time trying to grow the business, I was also living in a totally different culture (one that I’m still trying to understand, 3+ years later).
To make matters worse, at the time, I had no idea of the concept of an “ideal client” and I was running into a lot of problems with working with clients who were really not a good fit for me or my business. That caused lots of time to be wasted and many headaches.
I love my yoga practice. I live it every day, on and off the mat. I also love being in nature. Fortunately, living in Costa Rica, I’m surrounded by the natural world. It helps bring me back to my center. At times, I’ll admit it can be distracting – wild monkeys running around and macaws squawking in a nearby tree. But that is what helps keep me grounded and a reminder of why I’m doing this work – to create more harmony and wellness for all.
In the beginning, it was really hard on me and I took everything personally. Over time, I began to realize that it usually wasn’t about me, or that maybe the client just wasn’t a good fit.
Most of the clients I have now, I’ve had for several years, and I adore them.
Depending on the day, the weather, my overall energy level… I love to read, listen to music, get on my yoga mat and just rest in balasana or savasana.
In good weather, I’ll head down to town or the beach, being in the warm tropical air and seeing the world around me helps me center myself and reminds me of all that I’m grateful for.
That being a writer and understanding how to show up in our busy online world is easy and/or not a high value. That a high school kid with a Facebook account can do it so it must not be worth more than a minimum wage salary (so far from the truth!)
To really understand my value and what that is worth. When I was just starting out, I did a lot of work for free and really undervalued my services. I was trying to please everyone and because I was a single business owner, with just the one income to support me, I didn’t ever want to say No to clients. I was terrified of losing clients.
Now, I have learned how to say No. I will still say Yes, sometimes…but it has to feel right to me and my relationship with the client has to be one in which the work that I create is valued and respected (and paid for).
Clients that are constantly asking me to tweak my contract or add something in for free…I know pretty quickly now those situations are a rabbit hole I don’t want to jump down.
I like to say: Make the grass green where you are first.
You have to be happy with who you are and where you are. Then you can begin to think about making changes.
Changing jobs, moving countries… they won’t necessarily make everything better, those choices won’t make all your problems go away. Sure some of them might change with a new job, new boss or new location but often, you will find yourself continuing to be unhappy, only for different reasons.
Look within, find contentment, and then decide what it is you want to do and how you want to show up in the world.
Fortunately, now, that is how I feel every day. I love every moment – even the not so good ones. It’s not that life is so easy (it definitely isn’t!) but I’ve learned how to live with ease and presence, courage and strength.
My favorite books are In the Heart of Life by Kathy Eldon, The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill and Learning to Breathe by Alison Wright. On those days when I find myself on the mat in balasana, I love listening to Sita’s Light, a beautiful, heartfelt collection of kirtan songs. Or Michael Franti when I need to do a more challenging vinyasa sequence.
The people who inspire me are those who are doing something with their life to make the world a better, more beautiful place. The authors above and Miriam Zernis from Sita’s Light all fall into that category. Colin Beavan, No Impact Man, is another person who I admire.
All these people…they inspire me because they’re actively living their lives. They’re choosing not to be on the sidelines but instead to show up and really make a difference. I’m fortunate to know some of them personally and while they’re not perfect, they do walk their talk as best they can. Authenticity is what inspires me the most.
My absolute favorite accomplishment is my first book, An Intentional Life. While my eco travel memoirs are a big part of who I am and having a feature in Colin Beavan’s upcoming book is so surreal (and exciting!), really An Intentional Life is the epitome of all that I am, all that I believe and value. It’s my heartfelt desire for the world – in a beautifully designed photojournalistic book.
I purposefully wrote it to reach a wide audience and both kids and adults have found it to be inspirational and moving. To know that it has touched the lives of others and supported others in recognizing (and remembering) that we are all One… That has truly made all the difference for me.
What I want my legacy to be is that I helped create more harmony in the world and I supported others in doing the same. An Intentional Life was my first real public step in doing just that.
What I’m most excited about now is my signature program, Inherent Harmony. It’s based on my newest book, Lost and Found in the Land of Mañana (coming out in early 2016!).
I absolutely love supporting people in transforming their lives and really showing up in the world in a meaningful way. With Inherent Harmony, that’s exactly what I get to do. I want more people to be able to say: I’m in love with my life (and really mean it). Learn more about the program here.
Chrissy Gruninger is the founder of Sanguine Collective, an eco wellness & travel author, yoga teacher and creator of the Inherent Harmony mentoring program. She loves her 400 square foot jungle home in Costa Rica, the sunshine and the rain and passionately believes that through intentional actions we create more happiness, health and harmony in the world.
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I’m an SEO + content marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in the industry.
I work with passionate, purpose-driven business owners and marketing directors who are tired of trying to do All The Things and spreading their efforts too thin. They want to know what's working, what's not working, and where they should really be spending their time and money.
But I'll be honest- I'm not here for the people chasing vanity metrics. My philosophy is grounded in people-first marketing and what I've dubbed #SEOwithSoul. I don't believe in hacks and "beating algorithms" as a long term strategy.
Read more about me here.
