majestic

Vitality Is a Power Source, Not a Luxury

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:02:00 GMT

Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too... L.R. Knost

I want to introduce you to Carmen, a 58-year-old real estate broker who radiates energy. But it wasn’t always that way.

Three years ago, Carmen was running on empty. She was successful on paper—top producer, award winner, always “on.” But behind the scenes? She was skipping meals, running on caffeine, and feeling disconnected from her body. Her wake-up call came when she fainted at an open house.

That moment changed everything.

She started prioritizing her vitality —one step at a time. Morning walks. Midday yoga. Swapping fast food for smoothies. And—this one shocked her— blocking 15 minutes a day just to breathe.

Today, Carmen is still top of her game. But now, her energy is magnetic. Her clients comment on it. Her team feeds off it. And most importantly—she feels alive again.

Vitality is your power source, not a reward for checking off your to-do list.

�� Tip for You: Start your day with 10 minutes just for YOU. No phone, no demands. Breathe. Stretch. Walk. Dance. Set the tone before the world claims your energy.

Carmen’s story reminds us: when we protect our energy, we protect our success.

Your vitality isn’t optional. It’s foundational.
So I ask you:
✨ What’s one small thing you can do today to reclaim your energy?
✨ What would your business or career look like if you felt 20% more energized?

Let’s inspire each other— drop your tip or your story in the comments on LinkedIn . ��

The Power of Reinvention at Any Age

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:31:06 GMT

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis

Ladies,

I recently met a woman who switched careers at 55. She said, "I’m just getting started!" Her excitement was contagious.

Reinventing yourself isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. ��

Stay open to learning new skills or exploring new passions. Reinvention is key to relevancy.

For more insights on longevity, vitality and relevancy, join the conversation on LinkedIn!

Reclaim Your Vitality: Small Shifts, Big Energy

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:23:39 GMT

Ever feel like your energy just isn’t what it used to be? You wake up tired, need more coffee than usual, and by mid-afternoon, you’re crashing hard.

Let me introduce you to Lisa, a client of mine who was once in that exact spot. She was 52, an executive, and constantly drained. “I just don’t have the energy I used to,” she admitted.

But the truth? It wasn’t age stealing her vitality. It was her habits.

With a few simple tweaks, Lisa completely turned her energy around. And today, I’m sharing those shifts with you.

Why Energy Declines After 45 (And How to Fix It!)

Your energy isn’t just about sleep—it’s about how you fuel your body, mind, and soul. Here are three things stealing your energy (and how to reclaim it):

1️⃣ You’re Not Hydrated Enough.
Dehydration is sneaky—it mimics fatigue. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already depleted.
✔ Fix it: Start your day with 16oz of water. Keep a bottle nearby and sip all day.

2️⃣ You’re Overloading on Caffeine.
That second (or third) coffee? It’s draining you. Caffeine spikes energy but leads to a crash.
✔ Fix it: Swap out an afternoon coffee for green tea or electrolytes to sustain energy.

3️⃣ You’re Not Moving Enough.
Exercise isn’t about weight loss—it’s about energy circulation. Sitting too long slows blood flow, which makes you feel sluggish.
✔ Fix it: Set a timer to stand up and move every 30 minutes. A quick walk or stretch does wonders!

Your Energy Makeover Challenge
Lisa committed to hydrating more, cutting caffeine in half, and walking 10 minutes every morning. Within two weeks, she felt like herself again—alert, focused, and full of life.

Now, it’s your turn.

�� CTA: What’s ONE energy-boosting habit you’ll start today? Join the conversation on LinkedIn!

Let’s reclaim your vitality together. ��✨

The Science of Play: How Fun Boosts Longevity

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:58:21 GMT

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever." - Walt Disney

Do you remember the last time you played just for fun?

A study in the Journal of Aging Research found that adults who engage in playful activities have lower stress and live longer.

Meet Lisa, a successful entrepreneur who had lost her sense of joy. She decided to take a pottery class —just for fun. It transformed her mindset. She felt more creative, relaxed, and energized in her daily life.

Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a vital part of mental and emotional well-being.

✔ Dance, paint, or sing— do something just for fun.
✔ Try a new hobby— curiosity keeps the brain young.
✔ Laugh often— joy is a powerful anti-aging tool.

�� CTA: What’s one fun activity you’ll try this week? Join the conversation on LinkedIn!

Do You Want More in 2022?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:15:32 GMT

Do you feel the pressure to raise the bar in your business at the beginning of a new year? I've felt like that, too. This year I decided that I want more in my business and life; more ease and grace, more play time and more joy. I want my business to be driven more from within, my higher-self and source. This requires surrender, listening and trusting the journey.

For me, surrender means letting go of the outcome and the “how”, especially the “how”. I have a morning routine that includes meditation. I’m now asking during my meditation time; what do you want me to know, do and be? Whatever message comes through, I have committed to follow and trust that it’s for my highest good and in response to my ask for “more”. I’m, in essence, an employee to my higher-self. What a fresh way of looking at my business! Right?

Did you know that you, too, can have the CEO of your company be your higher-self – Source. Did you know that when you apply this way of running your business, everything changes, transformation happens and your imagination goes beyond what you thought was possible?

In my 35 years of working for corporate, I never received training that taught me to surrender and trust my higher-self for the answers. I’m committed to you, as a mentor, to bring this way of running your business with ease and grace.

Are you ready to shift to a different way of growing your business and making an impact? Let’s chat about how you are doing business today and create a path to more ease and grace, fun and joy. Click the button below to schedule a complementary 30-minute session where you will walk away with at least one idea to implement.

How Do You Begin to See Things in Their True Nature?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 18:28:19 GMT

Like a hummingbird, when we live our day empty, there is a delicious freedom of not having to be anything other than who we are. The rest of the story:

We are fully present to our senses. We see things in their true nature. We smell the sweetest of scents. We hear even the smallest of leaves fall and our skin is sensitive to the slightest of breezes. We live empty and open.

Are you full of the noise of the past or worrying about the future? Distractions from the present moment prevent us from receiving intuitive messages, and seeing the opportunities in front of our eyes. Take a deep breath and bring your attention to the present moment.

“Excerpt from the Amazon’s bestselling book “Katherine’s Quest: One Woman’s Journey to Elation”. To order the book click here

How to Optimize on the 2021 Business Trends

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:57:06 GMT

The coronavirus pandemic forced businesses to adjust to ensure their survival. We all welcome 2021 with open arms. It’s important to stay on top of the latest business trends. As entrepreneurs, we need to be ready for these trends.

Work from Home… for real! The lockdown orders due to the coronavirus forced businesses to quickly adapt to a remote workforce. Many companies are rethinking their entire business model. While some employees loved it, it wasn’t ideal for others. Think about the support your team needs in order to be productive. Do they have the right office equipment? Do they need mental health support?
Data as an Asset. Customer data is king. Businesses who use their customer data to make better decisions will thrive. An important aspect of data is how to mine the data to glean decision making insights from it. How do you that? You invest in systems that can help you process, analyze and the store data effectively and efficiently. Businesses need to protect and secure this data. How are you analyzing your customer data?
Business Model Innovation. Those business that thrived during the pandemic were quick to change. As a yearly practice, reflect on your business decisions. What went well? What would you change? The market shifts and so must you.
Automation. Evaluate your business processes for efficiencies. Wherever it makes sense to take the people out of the process when they aren’t adding value, do so.
Social Media Engagement. Many businesses relied on engaging with their customers across social media. This trend will continue in 2021. What’s important is to create a more authentic presence, for example: real behind-the-scenes look at your company. How would that look for you?

I encourage you to take one of the trends and implement it.

Fives Ways to be a More Thankful Person

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:51:38 GMT

Gratitude is one of the highest and most empowering states you can achieve. Being grateful raises your vibration level and truly magnetizes you to attract more positive energy into your life.

When you are grateful you feel joyful, satisfied and filled with heartfelt appreciation for what you have received and continue to receive. You basically tell the universe, “Thank you, this is wonderful – send me more please!” The universe dutifully responds to your request by sending you even more reasons to be grateful. It must respond in this way; universal law demands it.

How do you become more grateful and therefore, attract more of what you truly want? These five practices are a good start. Choose one and practice it for 30 days.

Express gratitude to others . This could be as easy a phone call, a text or a thank you note. Rarely do we receive cards any more. Imagine the smile on their face when they receive your note. Wow! Can you imagine the positive impact you would have on their day?
Adopt the “gratitude is an attitude” lifestyle . Everyday write down five things you are grateful for and why you are grateful for that particular experience or thing. Just 15 minutes a day focusing on the things you’re grateful for will significantly increase your body’s natural antibodies. This can be done at the beginning or at the end of your day.
Look for what you want to see vs. what you don’t want to see. Too often we go about our day waiting and expecting awful things to happen, or we expect to be disappointed. Some of us walk around saying, “I don’t like this, and this, and that….” and look for things that need changing. I wonder what your day would look like if you focused on what you did indeed want to see. “I like this, I like that…. oh, and I really love that!” You would be a better a mood, smile more and see the good in all.
Thank yourself. Gratitude doesn’t always need to be focused on what other people have done for you! Make sure you give yourself a thank-you for the healthy habits you’ve cultivated in your day and life, such as eating a balanced meal or giving yourself enough time for rest each night.
Look for the silver linings. Even the most difficult times in our lives come with some benefit—you just have to look. Making a mistake teaches you a lesson. Being sick draws the attraction of family and friends. When things seem hard, ask yourself: What’s good about this situation?

Gratitude is a magical therapy. Start collecting the magic today. What are you most grateful for?

Embrace Each Morning as a New Beginning

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:49:59 GMT

Have you had a day where you have said “I hope to not have another day like this” or “I wish all my days were like this”? We all have those days.

Some days we live our day from the neck up. Our mind chatter dictates our mood or how we feel about ourselves. Our chatter instills a lack of confidence and we play small, make decisions from fear or worse take no action at all. The bummer part about it is that sometimes we are unaware that this is happening. Each morning we get to start brand new and be conscious and intentional about our day. I love it!

Have you had that kind of day when you wake up feeling rested, positive and full of energy? You connect with what truly matters and your decisions throughout your day come from this place. There’s this wonderful and peaceful place of alignment. Ahh…you want more of these days. It’s all there for you every morning.

Embracing each morning as a new beginning allows you to be open to possibilities, to remind yourself what it feels like to make decisions from your heart and to acknowledge that you are exactly where you need to be.

“Embrace each morning as a new beginning” …. Pat Alva-Kraker – excerpt from Katherine’s Quest: One Woman’s Journey to Elation. Pre-Order at https://amzn.to/2EP69O0 .

Five Ways to Find Your Passion (Again!)

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:21:47 GMT

Passion is an essential piece of the entrepreneurship puzzle. Without it, it’s more challenging to get your footing as a new entrepreneur. It’s a driving force behind preliminary success, and it’s easy to find in the beginning. But what happens when it starts to wane? How do you find your passion again and again?

Any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you that passion will fade. It’s inevitable. But the key to prolonged success in starting and running your business is always to find your passion, even when it takes a temporary hiatus. Why? Because without it, it’ll be challenging to keep your energy infused in your daily tasks.

The Magic of Passion in Entrepreneurship

Passion is like a magic wand for new entrepreneurs: it can change the things you don’t like into exciting endeavors. When you’re enthusiastic about something, those menial, tedious tasks magically become stepping stones leading you to your goals.

Of course, not everything will be butterflies and rainbows. But doing something with emotion will always feel more natural than doing it without, and it will often bring you more success. So what do you do when that magic is gone?

Find Your Passion at the Start

When your energy fades, or you start to experience burnout, it’s often a loss of passion. You had it once before, where is it now? The secret is to go back to the beginning. If you seek business coaching, you’ll learn the importance of keeping a personal record of your journey. If you write down why you started this endeavor, you can quickly and personally remind yourself of that essential ingredient. We all need those reminders of why we dove into entrepreneurship in the first place!

Connect With Clients & Customers

As new entrepreneurs, life is usually inspiring despite the challenges. Your adrenaline is pushing you through, dominating roadblocks. But when we start to sink into the pile of mundane tasks, the passion can quickly begin to fade. Remind yourself of why you started your business (as in #1) and then connect with the people you’re helping.

When you take some time to reconnect with the WHY and interact with your devoted clients or customer base, then you’ll eventually start to feel the magic again. This process will need repeating as you continue your journey. Seasoned entrepreneurs know that passion is something that you’ll chase for many years.

Find Your Passion in Other Things

Life cannot be all about your business! If that’s the case, you’ll undoubtedly experience burnout and lose passion forever. Instead, diversify your sources of energy. If passion starts to fade in your work, take a little break, and explore it in something else for an afternoon. Maybe it’s baking or gardening or hiking. Refresh your passion in something else so that you can insert it back into your business.

Reach Out to Your Community

In business coaching, this step is imperative to both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Sometimes, you merely need to connect with someone else who “gets it.” Every business owner will experience this multiple times, so reach out to your safety net and ask them to help you find your passion again. Most likely, it’s just a phone call or a cup of coffee away.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Here’s the catch: when your passion starts to fade, it’s still inside you. It never leaves your mind; it’s usually just clouded by exhaustion and negative thinking. Enter the power of positivity and positive thinking. It might sound silly at first, but positive thinking is a common tactic in business coaching and successful entrepreneurship. By focusing on the good, you’re essentially focusing on your passion. Don’t squash honest emotion—when you feel bad, let it out. But then, try to center yourself around positive energy, which passion loves.

Grow Your Business & Stay True to Your Values

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 14:47:28 GMT

For many entrepreneurs, lofty, admirable, and authentic dreams are what inspired you. You view big business or other entrepreneurs, and you vow to do better. You passionately research how to grow your business and stay true to your values and the person you are. And it works! At least, it works until “business” ironically gets in the way of your business.

We’ve all been there. Bills come in, the reality of economics hits, competition wears you down, and you wonder if it’s possible to stay true to your values as an entrepreneur . To grow your business ethically and morally isn’t impossible. It may take a more conscious effort, but you can certainly do it!

Identify Your Values

The first step is to identify your values . What’s important to you, and what do you want your business to emulate? Use others for inspiration: what to do and what not to do. But when deciding how to grow your business under your values, try to focus on your beliefs. Not every entrepreneur has the same values that you do, so it’s okay if your business plan is different.

Maybe you want to hire a diverse staff, use domestic manufacturers, or use sustainably-sourced materials. Perhaps you’ll vow to be transparent and honest throughout your business. Whatever your values are, take time to honestly think about how you can add them to your overall business plan.

Grow Your Business with Solution-Based Thinking

The next step is to anticipate roadblocks. Any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you the same thing: there will be a temptation to abandon some of those values. Why is that? Because “business” gets in the way. What happens when profits are down, and you can outsource production for much cheaper? Or when demand is down, and you can use a fishy marketing scam to boost sales? Bills don’t stop, so you may be lured into making decisions that compromise those values.

What can you do? Anticipate these moments and plan accordingly! Let’s take the example of a too-good-to-be-true marketing scheme. They’re out there, and boy, are they intriguing! Avoid temptation by creating numerous back-up plans that allow you to stick to your values. Plan ethical marketing strategies that you can regularly apply to support authentic business growth. There are thousands of resources out there, and many share ways to avoid schemes that trick—and often disappoint—customers.

What about the lure of cheaper products? Add a back-up plan for that, too! Instead of outsourcing manufacturers, can you reduce costs differently? Are there more low-cost domestic manufacturers? Or, can you find alternative and less expensive materials that create a similar quality? Create lists, plans, and solutions for anything that you think might get in the way.

Accept Feedback

When determining how to grow your business without compromising your values, learn to accept feedback in a way that supports your endeavors. That feedback may come from employees, customers, clients, your community, or partners. Entrepreneurs know the importance of building a passionate and loyal community , so it’s imperative to listen to your community members. They’re an excellent resource for business growth, and you can learn from them.

If you have a loyal customer base or clientele, you won’t have to worry about compromising values. Instead, you’ll have support and income you can rely on from a group that cares about your work as much as you do.

Virtual Leadership Retreat

This month’s posts all focus on the idea of personal and business growth as an entrepreneur. If you’re interested in learning more, Majestic Coaching will host a virtual retreat from July 31 – August 1, and I’d love to see you there! We’ll discuss topics like staying true to your values, as well as building authentic leadership, bringing more purpose into your work, and impacting the world around you.

As new and seasoned entrepreneurs, we often get stuck in a mindset that doesn’t serve the people we are or the clients we help. I want to encourage you to shift the paradigm of your business toward a more conscious one! If you’re interested in attending our virtual retreat, please contact me for more details !

How New Entrepreneurs Can Become Authentic Leaders

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 14:45:12 GMT

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Entering the world of entrepreneurship can be intimidating. New entrepreneurs might feel nervous, afraid, or doubtful. Or, maybe you feel all of those emotions at once! You may even wonder how will you ever become an authentic leader yourself? Many seasoned business leaders will advise you to be patient. Leadership comes with time, but there are a few things you can do to help accelerate the process.

Virtual Leadership Retreat

This month’s posts all center around the idea of personal growth as an entrepreneur . If you’re interested in learning more, Majestic Coaching hosts a virtual retreat from July 31 – August 1, and I’d love to see you there! We’ll discuss topics like building authentic leadership, bringing more purpose into your work, staying true to your values, and impacting the world around you.

As business owners, we often get stuck in a mindset that doesn’t serve the people we are or the clients we help. I want to encourage you to shift the paradigm of business toward a more conscious one. If you’re interested in attending our virtual retreat, please contact me for more details!

New Entrepreneurs as Authentic Leaders

Okay, back to our topic! Building a business while becoming an authentic leader is challenging for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for new entrepreneurs. As newbies, we’re still getting our footing, and that takes energy, time, and resources. Before you know it, you’re months or years into your business, and you may feel like you’ve missed the leadership boat. Well, it’s never too late to become a leader!

Mistakes of New Entrepreneurs

Let’s start by acknowledging a few common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. By knowing these easy-to-make missteps, you can work to avoid them and channel that saved energy into becoming a business leader.

But don’t worry if you recognize yourself in these mistakes. Remember, they’re common, and the first step is to recognize them.

Focusing Only on Business.
Of course, you have to pay the bills, but be careful about getting wrapped up in the mundane tasks of entrepreneurship. Stay organized or delegate work so you can also focus on why you started your business and why you love it! That enthusiasm is what will make you an authentic business leader.
Feeling Like an Imposter.
You’re new to the scene, so maybe you feel shy or inappropriate in speaking out or leading. You don’t have to be! Your passion, skills, knowledge, and more make you a reliable source of inspiration for others. Maybe you’re not an expert yet, but with time, that knowledge will grow. For now, you can still authentically inspire others.
Giving Up To Easily.
When things don’t go your way, you may want to throw in the towel. Don’t do that — there’s still hope! Many resources are available to help you when you feel overwhelmed or like you hit a wall. Retreats , networking, classes, or partnerships can all help you build those leadership skills. And your never-give-up attitude exudes authenticity!

Harness Your Passion

Now that you know the common mistakes, let’s look at some of the best advice you can get: use that passion for good!

When starting a business, you probably have a lot of passion for your idea. Over time, that emotion and enthusiasm can wane. You have to work hard to maintain that energy and excitement , but you can use it to become a more authentic leader when you do. When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to learn about it, advocate for it, and help others to do the same.

By using your passion, you can push yourself to become a knowledgable voice in your field. People naturally look up to those who know their stuff, so you’ll already have an audience to grow. And when you care about something, that translates into respect. When people respect you, they are more likely to listen to what you have to say. Through it all, your passion will help protect and amplify your authenticity.

Don’t Do it Alone

The other prime piece of advice is to remember that you’re not alone. Use your passion to stay authentic, and then use your community to build leadership skills. Network and connect with others who are where you want to be. Seasoned entrepreneurs who you respect are a great source of information. Read their blogs, attend their workshops, connect with them on social media. Chances are, they want to help! Learn what they did and then match it to your style (which will help you stay authentic).

Business Retreats: Work or Play?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:29:59 GMT

Retreats, in general, are an excellent strategy for entrepreneurs to boost business growth. They are unique opportunities for networking and reaching new clientele, and they also work their magic by increasing energy, creativity, and passion within you and your team. And we can all use a little help with those—burnout is real! But when planning business retreats, there is a big difference between using that time for a good break or turning it into a work retreat.

How do you know which one to choose?

Benefits of Business Retreats

The first step of the process is to learn the different benefits of business retreats and determine what you and your team need the most. Both seasoned and new entrepreneurs can vouch for the advantages of escaping the office and renewing your spirits!

Work Retreats: Networking & Business Growth

There are two main categories of business retreat benefits. The first one is focused mostly on your business growth and future success because they get you and your team in front of a new audience. With a work retreat, you can network with seasoned masterminds to help you in your endeavors. In return, you gain advice and build a support network of amazing entrepreneurs who have already been through the nitty-gritty of business ownership. They can also be potential collaborators on future projects or even prospective business partners.

Work retreats can also introduce you, your business, and your brand to new clientele. They’re an excellent way to build relationships with potential clients and customers and get the word out about your business. Different retreats draw different crowds, so choosing the right one is critical.

Break Retreats: Relaxation, Teambuilding, & Renewed Energy

Another perk of business retreats is that feeling of renewed energy after spending much-needed time outside of your usual environment and focusing on getting the creative juices flowing. Even if you love your job and your business is your baby, we all lose passion from time to time. Any business coach will tell you to break out of the norm and spend time in a different environment.

Why does this strategy work? Because when you take a break from everyday tasks, relaxation and renewed energy allow you to focus on the aspects that you love. You can build heighten bonds within your team and return to the office, ready to tackle all the fantastic ideas you brainstormed together. A relaxing retreat doesn’t even need to have a work focus at all. But, because the stress melts away, you and your staff will naturally start to feel more passionate and creative.

Which one to Choose: Break or Work

Now that you know the benefits of both types of retreats, you need to assess your business. All entrepreneurs are different, so ask yourself what you need the most right now.

I Need a Break!

Are you or your team feeling burnt out or overwhelmed?
Are all your recent ideas a bit lackluster?
Are you questioning why you started your business in the first place?
Do you wish your team was closer?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you most definitely could use a break! The secret to a break retreat is to keep business out of it. As noted above, the time and space away from the usual duties will naturally freshen your team’s minds, prompt new ideas and creativity, and renew fading passion. And having fun will undoubtedly bring you closer to your staff.

I Need to Grow Business!

Do you want to grow your business?
Do you feel that you’re at a crossroads, and you’re not sure what direction to go?
Could you use some sound advice from seasoned professionals?
Would you benefit from fresh ideas and new visions?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a work retreat is best for you. Sometimes, all you need is a sounding board to help you conquer roadblocks. Sometimes you need more diversity in your network to help you expand on projects. Work retreats are an excellent method for building your business organically.

What is the Difference Between Work From Home and Remote Work?

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:24:53 GMT

With the implementation of lockdown and social distancing measures due to COVID-19, the world is seeing a rise in opportunities to work from home. This increase comes with some benefits, as most Americans who transitioned to working from home feel more productive and satisfied. Major companies like Microsoft have extended orders to work from home until the fall, leaving many questioning if it’s the way of the future.

So what happens if companies keep their employees at home? If this happens, workers will transition from working from home to remote work. Although these two terms are similar and interchangeable in many ways, there are some differences to consider.

What Does it Mean to Work From Home?

If your friend tells you that she’s working from home, you might automatically think she’s now a remote worker. Yes, technically, she works remotely, but the terms are different when you consider business strategy. Even before COVID-19, it was common to work from home on occasion. All it means is that you can efficiently complete your duties from the comfort of your home. The resources at the office aren’t necessary for the tasks at hand. It’s often reserved for temporary situations or contract workers.

Some jobs and duties cannot accommodate this trend. Some roles require face-to-face meetings or shared in-office resources that you can’t take to your house. But for many companies and businesses, COVID-19 has opened up the door to allowing more employees to work from home. If you’re a new or seasoned entrepreneur, you may consider this option for your staff to reduce costs. (See more benefits below!)

What is Remote Work?

Now that you better understand working from home, how does it compare to remote work? The main difference is that remote working is more permanent. Many corporations use remote workers for contract work or work that doesn’t require a lot of face-to-face time. Many digital nomads and freelancers opt to be remote workers, as they can take on numerous roles at a variety of businesses.

Remote workers can be full-time employees, part-time staffers, contractors, or even temporary workers. They work remotely permanently. Remote workers can make up entire businesses—it’s not uncommon for a whole online agency or organization to have a full staff of remote workers, and even start that way. With advances in technology, many daily tasks are possible over the internet.

Should Entrepreneurs Pursue Remote Working?

With COVID-19 pushing many of us to work from home, companies are starting to consider the idea of remote workers. There are some benefits to this concept, including reduced costs and more productive workdays, as mentioned above. What happens when you aren’t paying for office space, equipment, and the like? You save money! Entrepreneurs certainly enjoy saving money, although logistically, it can be more of a challenge to coordinate with your team.

Another benefit of remote working is that you can hire skill-specific staff short-term. Let’s say you require a web designer for your new website. You don’t need to hire a full-time employee for this, as you’ll only need this role temporarily. Remote workers can offer specific skills that you can infuse into your business when you need it.

Online Tools

Although it is a challenge to organize a remote team, there are so many online resources available. There are numerous project collaboration apps and software to keep you organized, and there are tons of communication tools that help you stay in contact with your staff. You can organize payroll online and even coordinate employee benefits if you offer them! As many entrepreneurs are learning, working from home or remote working may very well be the future of business.

How Mentors Can Create Entrepreneurship Success

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:37:04 GMT

New entrepreneurs, listen up! The business world in one of the hardest to navigate. Its complex and ever-changing structure makes it challenging to get your footing. Before you know it, there’s a new focus, trend, or tool that needs your attention. It can be exhausting, confusing, and frustrating. This is where mentors come into play.

Business mentors can assist new entrepreneurs in navigating their fields. Let seasoned entrepreneurs use their past mistakes, expertise, and experience to help you reach success more quickly and smoothly. Here’s how mentors can play an essential role in your business endeavors.

Mentors Develop Hard and Soft Skills

As a business owner, it’s often vital to develop both hard and soft skills. It’s beneficial to hone skills in the actual trade itself, so you can take the necessary steps to succeed, but it’s often the personal abilities that make or break a company. You can be a top professional, but a lack of organizational and people skills will make it harder to grow and reach your goals.

When a seasoned professional mentors you, you get access to the tips and tricks they wish they had known when starting. Sure, it’s not a college course on business management, but it’s the type of information that holds the highest value. Why? Is there some secret to securing a contract or pitching to potential clients? Only those with years of practice know that! And if your mentor wants to share those tips with you, then you struck gold.

New Perspectives are Key

Many of us get stuck in our heads and find it challenging to see things outside our peripheral view. When you work with anyone new—whether it be a business partner, colleague, or mentor—you benefit from a new perspective. When we’re stuck in a routine, we’re not challenging ourselves. And without that push, we’re left stagnant. Sometimes, we need a new view to get those creative wheels turning.

Because mentors tend to be seasoned entrepreneurs, their fresh perspectives come with years of industry knowledge. Unlike a newbie, they can think of many ways to approach a problem or enhance a project. You’re different than your mentor, so it’s important to brainstorm together and think of creative solutions that fit you and your business.

They Give You a Voice & Boost Confidence

Business mentors play two critical roles for new entrepreneurs: they act as an informative sounding-board and a personal cheerleader. You want your mentor to be wise and professional with you, offering sound advice that helps you clarify and reach your goals. But, at the same time, you need encouragement to get there.

If you feel stressed or exhausted with your business, imagine what would happen with a little dose of daily encouragement. You can do it! You got this! Keep going! Learn from your mistakes! It’s all good! Do you feel better already? Mentorship helps new entrepreneurs boost their confidence, which, in turn, enhances work performance and success.

It’s Good for the Mentors

Maybe you’re the seasoned entrepreneur. Would a business mentorship help you, too? The answer is a resounding, yes! Being a mentor hones your leadership and management skills, but it also encourages you to explore creative solutions and enhance your business. A brainstorming session has a lasting effect on everyone involved. Plus, playing cheerleader and helping someone all day can boost your mood, make you feel good, and bring you happiness.

How to Plan Ahead When The Future Seems Uncertain

Fri, 29 May 2020 17:41:43 GMT

An important strategy for new and seasoned entrepreneurs is to plan ahead, anticipate challenges, and work toward goals proactively. But what happens when the future is unknown? COVID-19 has stopped us all in our tracks, forcing many of us (51%) to work from home and putting business planning on hold. Entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide are all trying to get their footing in this new world order.

There’s still hope, however. You can plan ahead despite an uncertain future and use the current circumstances to focus on building and growing your business. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an established veteran, there are some strategies to keep you going.

Plan Ahead with What You Can

The first step is to evaluate. Many entrepreneurs have found themselves with extra time on their hands as they work from home. Although this spare time has translated, for many, into lost revenue, it still holds its value. Time is money, and it’s always worth something. As many business coaches advise, use any spare time to evaluate and improve your business.

During this process, you can plan ahead by taking an in-depth look. Determine what needs improvement or investment, or what you can let go. Prioritize your tasks and trim the fat where you can. Then, use the time to discover what you can still do right now. There are, of course, some aspects of your business—big or small—that can still go on as scheduled.

Focus on Marketing

Along with focusing on what you can do, use your time to concentrate on how you can promote your business. Because most of us are on our computers and working from home, we can do what we can to perfect and build upon our brands and image. Seasoned entrepreneurs know the game of marketing all too well. Marketing, whether you like it or not, can make or break your business. If you’re a new entrepreneur, a strategic PR and marketing plan is even more critical.

Establishing a brand or perfecting what you have can help you prepare for when things are up and running. Business planning doesn’t have to stop, even in a pandemic. Enhance your website, start a blog, promote your social media sites, and create a bank of fantastic content. New entrepreneurs can start to build SEO-driven content that puts them on the map. Seasoned entrepreneurs can develop their current reputation with reviews, press releases, and collaborations with other businesses. The sky is truly the limit when you have extra time.

Plan Ahead for a New Future – Be Innovative

Sometimes, in times of crisis and change, we can’t plan ahead as we once did. COVID-19 is changing the world, and the future might be uncertain. However, the future might also be new, and you can still employ a business planning strategy that’s proactive and solutions-oriented. However, it may require some innovation and creativity.

Will COVID-19 put businesses online? Enhance your website, make it interactive, and establish your business’s presence on the internet. Will socially-distanced social media be the key to future client and customer interaction? Join all the channels, start to build your following, and make it fun. With so many people on social media these days, it’s essential to stand out. Is there another way that your business can survive and thrive in a post-coronavirus world? Your best strategy to plan ahead with an uncertain future is to be an innovative and creative business owner.

Why Empowerment is Vital in Public Speaking

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 28 May 2020 01:31:13 GMT

Public speaking is a common fear amongst entrepreneurs. With stage fright and nerves, it can be a challenge to stand up in front of a crowd and share your thoughts. But for many female entrepreneurs, public speaking is a form of empowerment and can empower others. And, as many business coaches will assure you, empowerment is one of the keys to success.

Purpose of Public Speaking

As you prepare a speech, it’s essential to determine its purpose. Common reasons for public speaking usually include telling a story, giving information, persuading a crowd, and more. Regardless of the goal or style, any form of speech-giving will benefit from using empowerment to motivate and engage your audience. By doing so, you increase your chance of success and aid in reaching your goals. In turn, you empower yourself.

Types of Speeches

Let’s look at the three most common types of speeches: storytelling, informative, and motivating. With any of these styles, you can both empower your audience to reach your goals, and help yourself. By using empowerment, it’s easier to accomplish the intentions of your speech.

Storytelling

Adding a story to public speaking is a powerful and natural tactic. People love a good story, so, most likely, your audience will, too. With storytelling, you set the scene, and the crowd imagines that they are there, too. You detail the conflict, and everyone feels the weight of the struggle. But, in the end, you allow your subject to have its moment of triumph and victory. Not only does your audience walk away feeling motivated and encouraged, but the tale itself can empower them.

With storytelling, you allow your audience to relate to the tale. Through the process of relation, the attendees can find their voice, understand their identity, and alter their path. They feel empowered. Empowered to move, make, do, and try. And for female entrepreneurs, the power of the story can alter common stereotypes and work as a form of advocacy.

Informative

There are specific places and times for storytelling, and it doesn’t always fit into a speech meant to be informative. But, still, you can find a way to empower your audience while remaining educational. Sharing facts and figures can stir emotion, and emotion can turn into motivation and empowerment.

When something feels shocking, that emotion can translate into the desire to problem solve. For example, did you know that women only start about 30% of new businesses? That type of statistic can seem staggering to the point of wanting to change it. Female entrepreneurs know the challenges of starting and owning a business. But, understanding that they have more skin in the game, can light a fire they didn’t think they had.

Motivating

When giving a speech meant for motivation, it’s easier to turn your words into empowerment. Speaking with confidence means that you can help your audience join in a movement or make changes they need to be successful. Business coaches know the power of motivation well—when you believe in yourself, you feel empowered and take action.

How Public Speaking Empowers the Speaker

Perhaps the goal of your speech is to enable and encourage your audience. The beauty of public speaking, however, is that the practice can also empower the speaker. As you prepare to give your speech, you can find your own voice, too. Public speaking allows entrepreneurs to establish their mission, brand, and identities. It helps them to network, meet potential clients, and build your business. As you step on stage to encourage and motivate your audience, you won’t be able to help you feel empowered yourself.

Five Ways Retreats Support Business Growth

Thu, 14 May 2020 01:44:20 GMT

Whether you’re a new or seasoned entrepreneur, you may want to explore ways to enhance your business growth. Many methods support your business, but one option comes with a unique set of benefits: retreats. This strategy goes beyond the traditional advantages of growth and gets to the core of your business.

What are Business Retreats?

There are a couple of different types of retreats that help to support business growth. One focuses internally (staff retreats), one externally (business retreats), and the other on you (entrepreneur)—all benefit business people, but in slightly different ways.

Staff Retreats

When you have staff—and not all entrepreneurs do—maintaining a sense of community is essential to your business growth. As the boss, you’re the one who sets the tone for morale, communication, passion, and more. Staff retreats are an excellent strategy to make those expectations clear and to build fellowship within your employees.

When your staff bonds, they develop a shared interest in you and your business, which will lead to natural business growth. By letting their guard down at staff retreats, your team starts to build relationships and partnerships. With newfound energy, your staff can set goals, get creative with projects, and partner across divisions.

Business Retreats

Although the outcomes are similar, the purpose of business retreats is a little different. Entrepreneurs can use these escapes to strengthen relationships with their clients and build connections with new customers. By bringing people together, you’re exposing more and more faces to your business.

Entrepreneur Retreats

Lastly, some retreats serve you, the entrepreneur. Sometimes, you need to get out of your office or space, leave your four walls behind, and refresh yourself with a retreat. For female entrepreneurs, these escapes are especially beneficial, as they are places to network, collaborate, and find needed inspiration amongst other women.

Business Growth with Retreats

Now that you understand the different types of business retreats, let’s look at the ways they can support your business growth.

1. Gain New Clients for Business Growth

By hosting or attending business retreats, you’re putting your company in front of a new set of eyes. And one of the best ways to grow your business is to gain new clients naturally. When you’re marketing your business online with your website, blog, social media, and more, you’re missing that face-to-face interaction and connection. Retreats allow you to meet people organically and build relationships more authentically.

2. Network with Other Entrepreneurs

Likewise, some retreats allow you to meet with other entrepreneurs. Networking is a beneficial tactic for business growth, especially if you’re just starting. You can swap ideas, share challenges and solutions, and help one another with the typical struggles of entrepreneurship. You may find the key to your specific business growth by speaking with another entrepreneur.

3. Boost Creativity and Find Partners

And by networking with others, you can secure cooperative partnerships that encourage business growth. Your business could benefit another person’s endeavors and vice versa. Collaborations—like attending and hosting retreats—expose your business to new potential clients and customers.

It also forces you to get creative. We’ve all been there: stuck in a creative rut, which can kill productivity and growth. Escapes take you physically out of your usual space and allow your creativity to flow.

4. Renewed Energy to Focus on Your Business

In the same way, leaving your common space behind and taking a “break” can leave you feeling refreshed and with renewed energy. When you go back to work, you can’t help but feel excited and passionate about your business. Learning new strategies, finding solutions to problems, and getting creative all help you focus on what’s important: business growth.

5. Business Growth Support for a Lifetime

Lastly, retreats of any kind leave entrepreneurs feeling connected with others. As business owners, it’s easy to spend all day in your head, which can make you feel alone in your quest. But by hosting or attending retreats, you’ll build business relationships that can last forever and craft a support network that can help you with your business growth goals.

8 Things To Grow Your Business From Home

Mon, 11 May 2020 01:31:13 GMT

It’s now been several weeks of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders keeping us inside our homes and away from our businesses. Entrepreneurs across the country are suffering losses in income because of COVID-19, and they’re left wondering how to navigate this new norm of working from home.

But just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean that you can’t still grow your company. Here are eight ways to improve, enhance, and polish your business, all from the comfort of your sofa.

1. Polish Your Brand

Many entrepreneurs know that a brand is best developed over time as you grow your business. But as we see, again and again, it’s easy to get distracted and never actually create it! Now that you’re sitting on your computer all day, it’s time to discover or polish your brand.

Maybe you need to design a new logo, or perhaps you can finally order those stickers you’ve wanted to give to customers. Working from home could allow you to re-design menus or work on the mood and aesthetic of your shop. Whatever it is you do, make sure you’re telling the story of your business and attracting the customer base you want.

2. Plan The Rest of the Year

With lots of time on your hands, why not plan out the rest of your year to get a jump start? There are a lot of unknowns, that’s true, but there’s also a lot that you can plan. Getting organized now is a great way to truly rock your business once we can say goodbye to COVID-19, and we’re all able to leave our homes again.

3. Market, Market, Market

Focus your time working at home on marketing. Publish SEO-infused content on your website or blog, write press releases about your business and distribute them to the media, collaborate with other brands, and prepare advertisements for when you’re open. Entrepreneurs know that our to-do lists are usually 1,000 items long at any given time, and marketing tends to slip through the cracks. Use your time now to check the important stuff off your list!

4. Develop Social Media

We know, we know—the dreaded social media. But guess what? Everyone is on social media right now, which makes it the perfect avenue to keep your current customer base updated on your business and to attract new clientele. You don’t have to learn a TikTok dance, but with so many people working from home due to COVID-19, you might as well post some beautiful snaps on Instagram and develop some behind-the-scenes looks to keep your business growing.

5. Switch to Delivery, Curbside, or Online

Many entrepreneurs are ahead of the game and already thinking about ways to make their endeavors work despite COVID-19. If your customers are stuck inside, can you transition to online or delivery? Can they pick-up goods from your shop? The fact is, we may be working from home longer than we think, and sales might be affected for years to come. Developing coping mechanisms now will help you soften the blow.

6. Try Those Good Ideas

Most likely, you’ve been staring at a long list of ideas for weeks, months, or even years. Now is the time to try some of those creative endeavors! Maybe that’s developing a loyalty program at your business or a webinar for your customers. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write an ebook or have a monthly sales theme. Not only can these fresh, creative ideas keep your current customers happy, they can also attract new ones and work as independent income streams.

7. Connect With Your Community

Chances are, you’re not the only one suffering in your town or city right now. Many entrepreneurs are panicking and wondering about the future, meaning you can combine forces and help each other. Is your shop next to a bookstore? Offer gift baskets combining your products or start a virtual book club selling some of your goods. Maybe all the small businesses on your street can have an online “sidewalk” sale. Two brains are better than one, so get those creative juices flowing and team up with your community.

8. Simplify and Streamline

Now that COVID-19 has demanded your attention and you’re stuck working at home, you can start to do a self-audit of your business. Look at your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks and see where you can simplify and streamline your business. This task is beneficial to entrepreneurs because it allows you to shore up time for other endeavors. If you simplify now, you can focus on building your customer base with marketing, branding, social media, and more.

What You Can Do About Burnout

Fri, 08 May 2020 01:31:12 GMT

Starting and maintaining a new business is hard work. It’s not uncommon to feel the pains of job burnout. Those who know and understand this struggle best are seasoned entrepreneurs, who have weathered the storm of burnout and lived to tell about it.

Like clockwork, burnout sneaks up on you. Everything seems to be going well, you’re making plenty of progress, and then—all of a sudden—exhaustion reins its pesky little head, perched on your shoulder trying to get you to give up. Chances are, burnout has been building up for weeks, but your excitement and adrenaline pushed it aside. Now it’s leaving you feeling unmotivated, tired, lost, and maybe even a little bit lazy.

But as many seasoned entrepreneurs will tell you, now is not the time to give up. This isn’t the end! Don’t let the bully of burnout get to you. Instead, many strategies can help you power through and emerge on the other side stronger than ever. In some ways, you may even find that burnout can be a helpful tool in bettering your business.

The Take-A-Break Strategy

The most common cause of burnout is that, as an entrepreneur, you’re doing too much, too fast. Again, adrenaline and excitement help push you through the beginning stages of opening your business, but they don’t last forever. Sometimes, seasoned entrepreneurs get so far into their companies that they never take a break. The moment they’re able to reflect, they discover that they’ve been working seven days a week, 10+ hours a day. It’s no wonder you feel burnt out.

One-Time Refresher

For some seasoned entrepreneurs, taking a break is as simple as it sounds. Take an entire afternoon off and sit outside for lunch, read a book, drink some tea, and, above all else, don’t work. Maybe you need to take it a step further with a weekend escape to a rural cabin in the woods. Physically leaving your space makes it easier for your mind and emotions to follow. When you return, you’re left feeling refreshed, and burnout is long gone.

Scheduled Self Care

But for many business owners, it’s not that simple. One afternoon or weekend isn’t enough to stave off burnout. Instead, you must build regular breaks into your days or weeks to maintain that feeling of freshness. That tea break might become an everyday break, or maybe on Wednesdays, you take an extra-long lunch to help clear your mind. Whatever it is that enables you, remember that a healthy work-life balance is vital to successful entrepreneurs.

The Assess-Your-Business Strategy

If breaks aren’t working—perhaps because your business is booming and you can’t afford a break—then try to dig deep and find out what’s going on. You need to take a step back and assess your business. For a lot of seasoned entrepreneurs, this strategy is helpful and forces them to uncover areas of waste and areas of improvement.

Restrategize

Use this time to assess your business strategies. Look at your analytics and ask yourself what is working and what isn’t working. Do your research and find strategies that can help you improve. Burnout creeps up when we don’t have time for ourselves. But when you’re working hard and aren’t seeing the results you want, it’s probably less about needing a break and more about needing to restrategize.

Taking your mind off the day-to-day helps to clear it so you can take a refreshed look at your business, and be truthful about the steps you need to take. It also gives you time to reassess your goals, look at your tools, and start to focus on what’s important.

The Hire-Some-Help Strategy

Wait, is burnout trying to tell you something? Is it time to celebrate? Exhaustion can be a sign of business growth when there’s too much to do on your own. It may very well be time to hire some support. Your first employee—congratulations!

Hiring a staff member alleviates your burden, which is like burnout kryptonite. Not only does your day-to-day feel better, but you also have more time to focus on the aspects of your business that you love. Many seasoned entrepreneurs make the mistake of waiting too long to hire support. When you do this, you miss the opportunity for real growth in your business. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money in hopes of making money, but that’s what we call an investment. If you’re strategically investing in your business, then you’re doing something right.

How to Set a Schedule When Working from Home

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:45:44 GMT

As the entire world grapples with life under COVID-19, we’re all adapting to a new normal. Stay-at-home orders and strict measures of social distancing have us confined to our homes, all to curb the devastation of the virus. In our combined efforts, a lot of workers are attempting to master how to work from home.

On the surface, it all seemed easy enough. Stay in the comfort of your home, work in your sweats, and take a leisurely lunch break with your favorite TV show. Well, we all found out that attempting to work from home—with all its lures and perks—has its share of distractions.

Those cracking the code advise treating the day as if you were going to the office: wake up at a usual hour, shower and dress, and adhere to a schedule. All that’s easier said than done when you can hit the snooze, Netflix beckons, and—oh, yeah—we’re still dealing with a pandemic. But this advice does ring true—setting a schedule is the secret to productivity and efficiency in the time of COVID-19.

So let’s take a look at how to set a schedule when working from home.

Remember Your Old Routine

Most US states and countries have been under lockdown orders for at least a few weeks. As the novelty starts to wear off, consider what your routine was like before COVID-19. What time did you wake up? Did you bathe at night or in the morning? When did you exercise? Did you have a designated time for lunch? All these questions will help you craft an outline of your new routine. And if you can keep some of the measures the same, you’ll be more productive.

Using your old routine to help you build a new schedule is strategic. You want to mentally create a space that allows you to work from home at your highest potential, one that mimics your old office life. For example, even though you don’t have a commute anymore, it still helps to wake up at the same time. This strategy accommodates your day mentally when you can’t carry out your old routine physically.

Consider New Limitations

Implementing old routines is critical, but the reality is this: your new COVID-19, work-from-home schedule isn’t going to be precisely the same as it was in the office. The fact is that you’re not physically in your office—you’re in your home, and that’s different. There’s also a pandemic happening, and it’s worrisome. So now that you have your outline, you’ll need to adjust it for any limitations.

For many, the stress of life with COVID-19 is distracting and anxiety-inducing. Therefore, to work at your fullest potential, you need to schedule several moments throughout the day to destress and relax. These breaks could include a breathing exercise, an afternoon walk, a daily cup of tea, or an actual break to scream into a pillow. Whatever coping mechanism you choose, be sure to add it to your schedule.

What Barriers Require Change?

Not all of us can seamlessly transition from office to home, and our schedules must change. Struggling parents can relate—how do you work from home while caring for your children? You need to acknowledge your circumstances, building a schedule that allows for work while considering any barriers. These challenges include caring for kids, teaching your children, or minding a family member or neighbor.

What other barriers do you have? Do you need to walk the dog a few times a day? Are you preparing meals for yourself and others? When will you schedule your trips to the grocery store or other essential errands? You’ll need to add any necessary duties to your routine.

Crafting Your Schedule

Now that you’ve built an outline based on your old routine, and considered any limitations and barriers, you’re ready to craft your schedule.

First, choose start and end times that reflect your old schedule. These are your anchors, so only alter them if limitations or barriers require it. Next, schedule a lunch hour and take it! Don’t skip it for the sake of work, and don’t extend it too long for Netflix. Add in any necessary breaks you need for self-care—time outside, cups of tea, a quick yoga session.

Lastly, consider your barriers and start to make any changes. If you need to prepare your kids for remote learning, alter your start time. If you need to drop off lunch to your elderly neighbor, extend your lunch hour by an extra 15 minutes. Do you walk the dog three times a day? Schedule it in.

And once you have built your schedule, remember that it’s okay if things change. Your kids might need you more one day, or you may need to go to the grocery store. As long as you have a general schedule to work from home, you’ll stay productive, focused, and as efficient as possible during this unprecedented time of COVID-19.

How a Great Speaker Engages an Audience

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:51:27 GMT

So you’re giving a speech? You’re probably either excited, terrified, or confused. Most likely, you’re a combination of all three. A lot of people have natural stage presence and can woo an audience with little effort, feeling energized and excited to perform. But maybe you’re in the terrified camp, nerves getting the best of you and stage fright taking over. Performance anxiety is one of the most common fears around the world, so even professionals fall victim to it. You’re not alone.

But for most of us, we don’t know how to give a great, audience-engaging speech. We’re left scratching our heads, wondering how to shake the nerves and offer fantastic performances. So, how do great speakers do it? They tend to assess, plan, personalize, and adapt. Let’s take a look at what that means for the average speaker.

What Gets in the Way?

When you have a fear of public speaking, your goal can quickly change from ‘give a great speech’ to ‘get through your speech at lightning speed.’ Most audiences want to be entertained and engaged by their speaker, so it’s vital to use your time on stage as best as you can. When nervous, we tend to babble and lose our natural cadence. Speeches fall flat, leaving the audience wanting more.

The Steps of a Great Speaker

So, how can you—despite your nerves—engage your audience? There are a few tricks that you can adopt that will take the attention off your stage fright and properly involve your guests. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you can follow the steps of a great speaker.

Assess the Situation

Every audience is different. That’s an obvious statement, but it covers more than just the people in attendance. What time is your speech? Does it fall within dreaded sleepy zones, such as early in the morning or after lunch? Is it late in the afternoon, the last performance of the day when everyone is ready to go home? Where is it located? Are guests sitting in rows or tables? How many people are attending? All of these factors contribute to how you can best engage your audience.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Now that you’ve assessed your particular situation, it’s time to plan. The average speaker imagines their performance as a simple act: you get on stage, you give your speech, and you say goodbye. If you approach every address like this, you will inevitably fail. If you want to engage your audience as a speaker, you must plan for your particular situation.

For example, the way you present your information will be distinct for a broad audience sitting in an auditorium. To engage so many people in an impersonal setting, you must utilize your voice, your humor, and lots of visuals. If you have a smaller audience sitting in round tables in a small room, you can be far more interactive with them. Interacting with your audience is one of the best ways to keep them engaged.

Don’t forget to consider the timing and lighting. If you’ve drawn the short stick and must give your speech after lunch in a darkly-lit room, you’re in for a challenge. A lot of people will be late, and the rest will be sleepy. In this case, it’s essential to consider your presentation style. You’ll need to use visuals, videos, music, and other tactics to keep the energy high.

Personalize It

You’ve already personalized your speech techniques for your precise situation. Well done! But now you must make your content personal. Start your speech with a story so your audience can get to know you. If they care about you as a person, they’ll care more about what you’re presenting.

Getting personal is one of the best speaker strategies when engaging your audience. But if you don’t feel like you can be particular for yourself, then try to be intimate with them. Start with a story to which they can relate. Maybe it’s an everyday struggle in the industry or something that pulls at their heartstrings. Soon enough, they’ll be nodding along thinking, wow, this speaker gets me!

Prepare to Adapt

Guess what? Regardless of who much you plan, the situation might change. Great speakers know how to adapt. Maybe you scored the prime speaking time, but then your audience turns out to collectively carry the energy of a sloth. You’ll need to adjust by upping your energy, asking the audience questions, telling a story—something to wake up your guests.

Because things don’t always go according to plan, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Have more interactive handouts that you can employ if you need your audience to get moving and talking. Include a nonessential video or two that you can play if your guests need some stimulation. If you assess, plan, personalize, and adapt, you will surely engage your audience and feel successful as a speaker.

What Do I Do Next?

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:00:35 GMT

If there’s ever a moment in your business when you’re wondering, “what should I do next?” it’s now. Our world has been turned upside down with the covid-19 virus. We’ve all been impacted in some way. There are infinite possibilities in our business we just need to know what questions to ask. The power is in the questions.

We tend to ask questions when things aren’t showing up the way we want them to. Ask questions no matter what happens. Below are expansive questions to add to your tool kit.

What could we institute today to create more for now and the future?
What magic could show up today for me and the business?
How does it get any better than this?
What else is possible?
What would it take for more money than I ever thought possible to show up today and in the future?
Who and what can contribute to my business?
If money weren’t an issue, what would I choose?

Get used to asking questions when you make a sale and when you don’t. Stop for a moment and have a look at all the places you’ve made conclusions about your business. Every time you go into “this is not working” or “this can’t work,” ask questions. If you would like support around what to do next, schedule a free 30-minute My Best Next Step call.

If you know of any female professional who has been laid off, I’m offering a free 30-minute Career Coaching call.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:10:37 GMT

International Women’s Day has a rich history dating back 108 years — the first glimpse of it was in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America celebrated 15,000 women who protested long work hours, low pay, and the lack of voting rights in New York City.

Today International Women’s Day (IWD) is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The day, collectively founded by women, also brings attention to gender parity and women’s rights.

“If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself.” Mindy Kaling
“I think beauty comes from actually knowing who you are. That’s real beauty to me.” Ellen Degeneres
“If there’s one thing I learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.” Michelle Obama
“Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.” Oprah Winfrey
“If you truly pour your heart into what you believe in, even if it makes you vulnerable, amazing things can and will happen.” Emma Watson
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.” Audrey Hepburn
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart
“One of the first steps to happiness is deciding that you want to be happy and knowing what that means.” Julia Roberts
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” J.K. Rowling
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” Lucille Ball
“Where there is a woman, there is magic.” Ntozake Shange
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” Maya Angelou
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” Rosa Parks
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” Melinda Gates

Celebrate the women who have come before you and have inspired you to be who you are.

Are you doing the right things but not seeing the results? Schedule a free 30-minute Clarity call.

5 Ways to Love Your Business More

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 19:17:16 GMT

Sometimes, in business, we lose ourselves in the everyday rhythm of it. The Monday through Friday of running the business turns into “another day at the office”. Just like in our romantic relationships, it’s important to schedule that “date night” to keep the fire going and stay connected. Our businesses need Tender Loving Care, TLC. Here are five ideas to get some love going in your business.

Invest in your company. What do you do with the profits of your business? Do you reinvest them in your company, or do they go towards a new pair of shoes or purse? Putting money back in your business is the best investment you can make; it can grow your business faster and become more efficient. For example, you could invest in software that will automate your business. Does your brand need tweaking? There are a number of ways you can reinvest in your business. Make sure they improve your business.

Hire help. Are you still trying to do it all? Trying to wear all the hats takes you away from your genius. Even if you start by hiring an intern from a local college or a virtual assistant, you will be surprised at the difference it will make.New Paragraph

Develop processes. In order to scale your business, you must have processes set in place. It’s hard to improve a business if you do a common task, such as onboarding a client, differently every time. Documenting your processes make them repeatable, they are easier to delegate, and you have a base line from which to improve them.

Manage your stress. Stress is caused when things in your business aren’t as you would like them to be, i.e. an unrealistic customer deadline, inconsistent income or difficult finding the right employee. Take a deep breath and know you are exactly where you need to be. Ask yourself “what is my next best step in this situation?” and do it. Sometimes managing your stress is self-care. Book that massage, facial or yoga session. Plan a gal’s night out with your besties.

Review your goals. At the beginning of every month, review your yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly goals. Are you on track? If not, what adjustments need to be made? It’s about taking action, pausing and adjusting.

A little TLC goes a long way. Your business will thank you for it!

Why You Don’t Want to Be the Smartest Person in the Room

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 19:24:26 GMT

How many of you have heard “You want to hire people smarter than you” or “Don’t be the smartest person in the room”? Most of us have. What does it really mean?

Being the smartest person in the room is about NEEDING to be the smartest person in the room. It is the need to ALWAYS be right. Usually it’s a result of someone with a big ego and an inferiority complex. These two characteristics seem contradictory, but they can exist in the same person.

The issue sometimes happens when someone is really smart in one area and therefore think they are smart in all areas. Another common way for this to show up is based on status or position. It sounds like this “Since I’m your boss, I am smarter than you. So, shut up and do what I say”. Don’t be that person.

As an entrepreneur, you are smart in a specific area. Your team should be smart in other areas. Some ways to avoid “the smartest person in the room” issue are:

Don’t think and feel you always have to be right. Who wants to live under that kind of pressure?
Surround yourself with smart people you respect.
Hire people that are book smart, people smart and street smart. They should have at least one of these characteristics.
Be humble.
Listen.

In order to avoid being the “smartest person in the room”, check your ego at the door, be vigilant, let the team drive some decisions and get everyone at the meeting to contribute something.

Tips for CEOs To Make Smart Decisions Faster

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:36:46 GMT

If there’s one thing you do more than anything else in your day; it’s make decisions. Yes, I know you have endless meetings and conversations with clients, vendors and employees. These actions are important, too. CEOs who make fast and effective decisions create for themselves better opportunities, less anxiety and lasting positive impressions on clients.

You want to stay ahead of your competition, decide quicker than they do.

As an entrepreneur, you are the sole commander of your business. Your actions and the power of your decisions, define the fate of your business and the team that supports you. Every entrepreneur should have a mentor or coach. They are a great sounding board for what’s on your mind. Ask them for advice. Chances are they have “been there – done that”. Tap into their wisdom. My coaches are priceless. They shortcut my lessons.

Even with the advice I get from my coaches, I still meditate and connect with my higher self for the answers. Your higher self is always whispering the shortest path to your dreams. It’s important to schedule quiet time and consciously listen to the whispers.

How do you get good at making quick decisions? Make more decisions until the process becomes a subconscious one. Whatever decision you make, you make good of it, because just like everything else in life, every situation can be converted to an opportunity.

Perfectionism and analysis paralysis can be serious limitations. Entrepreneurs are perfectly imperfect.

Do the homework, connect with your wisdom and decide quickly.

Are you doing the right things but not seeing the results? Schedule a free 30-minute Clarity call.

Are You Doing More This Year?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 19:50:05 GMT

So much of what I see and hear in December and January is about what you plan to “do” in 2020. We are so programmed to focus on the “doing” in order to be successful.

What if we focused on what we want to “become” in 2020? Do you think that in the “becoming” we actually create an aligned business that brings us fulfillment, joy and abundance?

Becoming is a personal development journey. When I think of becoming, I think about the parts of us that we want to grow. As Tony Robbins says, “it’s raising the bar on yourself”. How do you do that? You tap into your personal wisdom. Below are three questions you can ask yourself:

What talents do I want to amplify? Many of you connect with your prospects and clients in person, through speaking, or writing. Hopefully, speaking or writing is a talent for you. How would you amplify this talent? You could become a better storyteller.

How can I manage myself more effectively? Maybe you can invest your time on projects that align with who you are. You could better manage your calendar.

How can I better manage my energy? The two most valuable resources we have are time and energy. Our energy comes from exercise, nutrition, and sleep just to name a few. What could you do to ensure you have the energy you need to accomplish what you desire?

If you haven’t given any thought to who you want to become this year, I invite you spend time in a quiet space where you can tap into your wisdom and ask yourself the above questions. You can also journal for the answers. The results of your efforts in this area will directly affect your business in a positive way.

If you are curious about your top five talents, click here to schedule a Discovery call.