The “I hate marketing myself” antidote

Marketing to your ideal clients

Does the thought of marketing make you want to run away screaming? Does it feel uncomfortable, sleazy or boisterous to you? (yeah, it does to a lot of other women in business too!) What if there was an antidote for the I hate marketing myself feeling? I think there is! Because sometimes all it takes is a different perspective to change our perspective. So today, I’m offering up this: I think marketing is a lot like choosing friends.

So, what do your friendships look like?

When I look back years ago, I admit that for a long time I was a “convincer”. I tried to convince people (that I thought were my friends) to spend time with me. It was always me initiating calls. Always me asking them to get together.

Finally, I got tired of chasing. I got tired of these relationships that were one-sided. I got tired of doing all the work to try to breathe life into something that should be left to fade away!

But I still didn’t understand why these ‘friendships’ didn’t work out.

I was frustrated! What was wrong with me? Like a little kid, inside I felt like “why don’t they want to be my friend?”. Then, one day, I finally I realized THEY weren’t the source of my angst – it was ME.

I had been acting more like a love-starved puppy dog than a woman who respected who she was and what she brought to the table. And you know what? Those were exactly the kind of people I had attracted!

That was the day I decided – no more chasing people who don’t appreciate and love me for who I am! No more convincing people they should be my friend or spend time with me!

And so it is with your ideal clients.

This quote really resonates with me about business. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6)

So often in business, time is wasted with the people who don’t resonate with you, what you do, or how you can help them. Either you’re working too hard to get their business or working with them makes you feel like ripping your hair out.

Just with the one-sided friends, it’s time to realize it’s not a good fit, and quickly move on.

Identifying your ideal clients, and surrounding yourself with those who are crazy about what you do, can’t wait for the next thing you’re doing, and totally enjoy interacting with you – well, that changes everything! As I always say, spend your time in life and business around those who think sunshine comes out of your … skirt. Ya, skirt.

If you’re frustrated by the people around you in your business and you feel like you’re chasing them down – STOP. Look at who you’re choosing to seek out. Ask yourself, are you being a convincer?

It’s easy to talk about what you do and how you can help people (a.k.a. marketing) when the people around you like you, they’re already listening for what you have to say, and they know you’re the one who can help them!

Put your pearls before those who understand their beauty and value and who WANT them – your ideal clients, and you don’t have to hate marketing yourself anymore!

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Money: When it’s not your first priority

When money isn't your first priority

Do you feel that you’re in conflict with what the world is saying, when money isn’t your first priority? When you look around at the business and marketing messages that bombard you at every turn, promising to teach you how to make millions, does it feel like they just don’t click with you?

Though we live in a very money-centric time, it’s anything but new.

Recently, I was reading a business book that has been around for many years (in fact, considered a “must read”). It had such severe practices around making money, that I felt as if I were being instructed to worship money (and that just isn’t cool with me.)

You and I both know that making money is crucial to being in business (otherwise we don’t really have a business, do we?). Money is a necessary tool that helps you thrive, grow and reach more people with your message AND it can help you have the lifestyle you want (taking care of your family, etc).

BUT

When you begin to position money first, I believe it changes the foundation of everything you do. Not only does it show in your work and to those around you, but you can feel it inside of you. I believe it takes away from your authentic message and mission. And if you’re like me, it’s goes against the very spirit of putting God first.

Don’t let what the world says skew your personal priorities.

Stay true to the ones you know that are right for you in your heart. Step out into the power of being a leader for yourself in your beliefs, and you will step into the power of being a leader for others too.

How do you feel about money as a priority in your life? Share your thoughts!

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Are you tired of feeling stuck?

Where has the time gone – can you believe it’s March already?

The hope of spring abounds! Last week on a beautiful warm sunny day I got out for a run and it felt so amazing! The little birds were chirping and squirrels were making their squirrel noises and running around like crazy! It was cheerful and energizing!

Get unstuck change the world entrepreneurs!

But honestly, it was hard to get going! I knew after not running outside for awhile that it would be challenging and I really had to give myself a powerful pep talk to get out the door! It would have been so easy to put it off – to stay stuck in the house and to have missed out on such a beautiful day and great run.

But the day was full of potential, and I made myself do what I needed to do!

I’m so excited for you because this year is so full of potential and possibility and the world needs your gifts and passion! The world needs your message and mission and people need you to help them become more empowered and make their lives better.

But that can’t happen for them unless you’re taking action. So let me ask you…

Are you doing what YOU need to do so that you can start helping people in the way you really want?

Have you done the things you need to make that happen, or is your life and business still at the same place it was at the beginning of the year?

Time is your most precious commodity, and life goes by quickly.

Helping people is an amazing way to live your life, and whether you’re already an entrepreneur, or you’re deciding to finally make it happen, this one tip holds the key to making things happen and helping other people change their lives. Because you see…

Your success begins when YOU do. {tweet this!}

I say this because I see how many brilliant, gifted, passionate women are really suffering because their hearts and souls are burning to make a difference in this world doing what they do, but they haven’t taken that next step.

They’re stuck and at the mercy of their inner critic.

They’re holding back. They’re overwhelmed. They can’t focus. They’re afraid they can’t. They don’t really know if they have what it takes to make it happen. They listen to the voices in their head that says “Who am I to…?” or “Who’s going to listen to me?”.

Honestly, it happens to all entrepreneurs at some point, but if you don’t get it in check, it can be devastating to your business!

Take it from someone who’s been there, done that and learned what it takes to move forward – you can get out of that place, get unstuck and take things to the next level – but it takes getting unstuck to take action!

If you’re nodding your head now because you’ve been feeling this way, help is here! Join us this month in the Mojo Diva Biz Club, when we dive deep into Crushing your Inner Critic once and for all!

Here’s to taking action and changing the world with your mission and message!

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Are you doing this to build your business?

You know how sometimes you read a quote that resonates with you so deeply, you can feel it’s impact as your perspective shifts and you get lost in reflecting about it?

Here is a powerful quote I recently read that gave me that same experience, maybe it will do the same for you.

“If you’re interested, you’ll do what’s convenient. If you’re committed, you’ll do whatever it takes.” – John Assaraf

Even as hard-working and dedicated as I am in my business, after reading it, I felt I had to ask myself; “Am I really doing whatever it takes?”.

Sometimes it’s easy to sit back and think you’re doing whatever it takes, but when you reflect on it, you know deep down inside that you’re not.

Maybe you’re sitting in front of your computer and thinking that social media will bring you everything you need, so you neglect to bridge those relationships deeper and into real life.

Maybe there are things you’ve been sitting on and not moving forward with, procrastinating and waiting for there to a “better time”.

Maybe there are things you’ve been afraid of, so you keep putting them off.

Maybe you let discouragement slow you down and hold you back.

Or, maybe there are things you are uncomfortable doing, so you don’t.

Take heart, we’ve all been there. Part of the journey of entrepreneurship is consistently evaluating our efforts and keeping ourselves accountable.

Today, my message is simple.

If you want your business to grow, recognize what you MUST do to make it happen, then do it.

Be honest with yourself, are you really doing whatever it takes?

There’s no shame in answering no, but there’s no gain if you don’t do something about it.

What one thing do you know you need to do, and you’re committed to doing now?

Go ahead, take that step. You can do it, and it will propel your business forward!

Did this speak to you today? Are you already doing whatever it takes? Let me know below, or on my FB wall!

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How do you deal with negativity?

how do you handle negativity?

Even the most seasoned entrepreneurs can struggle with how to deal with negativity. Let’s face it, people don’t always understand you or support you, and that can be hard to deal with!

Whether it’s someone who unfollows you, leaves you a negative comment, says something not so nice about you, or decides to not work with you, negative situations can impact your day in a bad way.

It’s vital to get a grip on how to deal with negativity now, because as your success (and all the good things increase), the negativity does proportionately too. It’s time to nip it in the bud!

Take this quick quiz to see how well you handle negativity!

Choose which way you handle negativity in these three areas, and tally up your -’s and +’s!

1. Are you reactive or proactive?

- You often find yourself feeling “triggered” into a negative emotional state, then you come from a place of reacting to negativity around you.

+ Rather than waiting for the next negative situation to come along before you deal with it, you have a strategy already in place for when negative things happen so you can remain calmer and feel more in control!

2. Is your basis of validation extrinsic or intrinsic?

- You seek validation or look to others for your sense of direction, approval or worth, so when they say negative things, it really affects you.

+ You are grounded from within, and what happens in your outside world hardly matters much at all to you. You’re able to keep moving ahead, rather than getting sidelined into stewing about something! You don’t feel like you’re at the mercy of the world.

3. Are you emotional or objective?

- You usually find yourself reacting strongly and emotionally to negativity with anger, frustration, stress or maybe even tears!

+ You see things objectively and feel empowered in negative situations because they don’t trigger your emotions.

Tally up! How did you do?

Your score:

If you have more +’s than -’s

Congratulations! You tend to not let negativity affect you and your ability to stay centered and on track! Way to go!

If you have more -’s than +’s,

You probably find yourself at the mercy of negativity wayyyy more often than you’d like! Learning to be proactive, and more objective will empower you with a greater sense of being grounded and feeling in control when negative things happen!

Need some help? Grab this now!

Love to hear how did you score on this quick quiz? Let me know below!

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What keeps you held back?

What is it that keeps you held back sometimes? Just when you know you should be moving forward, you stop. Almost as if there is a force field between you and the next step.

These mysterious forces can wreak havoc with your head and your heart stopping you in your tracks. Entrepreneurs, especially women, experience the overflow of emotions from life and business, from within and without, and it all plays a big part in the big picture of success.

Sometimes, your outward world can influence your feelings.

Not having the support of those around you, surprisingly family and friends who may not get you at all. Their own emotions of perhaps jealousy, judgement or fear may find their way to you through their actions and words.

Sometimes, it’s junk that’s inside of you that gets in your way.

The feeling that you’re running out of time, out of options, out of resources, out of ideas… these produce an emotional quicksand of overwhelm and anxiety. Pulling you down even further into a layer of discouragement.

Sometimes, it’s that feeling that you’re on the stage and no one is in the audience.

It can be disheartening at times when you’re still early on in building your business and you don’t have validation of feedback or paying clients yet. When you have no guidance as to whether or not people are interested in, like or resonate with what your doing, it can really undermine your feelings of self-worth.

Society has programmed us to expect overnight success. The truth is, success as an entrepreneur is built one small step at a time, with persistence and consistency.

There are three things you can do to get through these common entrepreneurial experiences.

First, get to know yourself better.

Self-discovery and personal development go a long way in helping you understand yourself and empower you to become PROactive rather than REactive. When you’re grounded on the inside, life gets a whole lot simpler.

Second, call upon your faith, whatever it is for you.

For me, reading God’s word each day helps me keep perspective, positivity and persistence in my path. Having faith in something bigger than you can help you feel centered and at peace.

Third, surround yourself with a group of successful and like-minded entrepreneurs.

Support from others who really get you because they’ve gone or are going through the same thing is worth it’s weight in gold. Seek out those who are successful, driven and encouraging! Collaboration, not competition is the name of the game.

And remember, take it easy on yourself.

Click n’Tweet: You can get past whatever has been keeping you held back. Take one step at a time and you’ll get there!

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

What resonated with you today? Please take a moment now to let me know below!

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Your gift, your business and making money

Are you struggling making money in your business as an entrepreneur

You are as unique as a snowflake… there is no one else like you who can do what you do the way you do it. Your gift is that unique too. I believe God has created each of us with a very special gift we’re meant to share with the world, not hold it inside and keep it hidden. We are designed to use our voice and share our gift, but sometimes we struggle to make money doing it.

Do you already know what your gift is? Are you letting it shine? Have you created your business around it?

Maybe your burning desire is to change the lives of others through your business: but have you thought about how you’re doing to change YOUR life?

How you’re going to have the lifestyle you want, help your family, donate to your favorite charity, create a way to give back in a BIG way?

Your gift alone isn’t enough.

If your business is crafted around your gift, your calling, your passion that’s wonderful and fulfilling. BUT – a business MUST be profitable in order to be a business.

If you’re not making money with your business, you’re a volunteer.

Think about any company you’ve ever worked for. If they didn’t make money, you wouldn’t have a job for long – and it’s the same way with YOUR business.

In fact, so many of you have told me you’re struggling with this right now, we’re talking about it this month in the Mojo Diva Biz Club, What if you could stop feeling the pull between what you DO and making money doing it?