Can you feel it? There’s something about this time of the year that gets me ridiculously excited about setting goals for next year. If you’re the goal-setting, to-do list checking type you probably know the feeling well -- when you’re bubbling with excitement about your next big project. But after the planning buzz wears off, you’re stuck with having to actually make Continue reading...
Setting a New Income Goal? Avoid This Common, Dollar-Draining Mistake (An Honest Conversation About Money)
When a new year approaches, most business owners do something smart: They set an income or revenue goal. Then they make a terrible mistake (one that usually ends up costing them money). I don’t want you to fall into this money-sucking trap, so if you’re planning your income goals for next year, listen up. It’s time to get really honest about money, so that you can Continue reading...
Raise The Bar: In a Money Mess? The Critical Strategy You Need to Keep Your Small-Business Finances in Order
Last week I began a new series called RAISE THE BAR, encouraging you to up-level your business and show up as the professional you are. I talked about the all-too-common new business stressor: the cost of taking credit cards and how to deal with it. This week I want to encourage you to raise the bar again. If you’re in business for the long haul and are serious about Continue reading...
Raise the Bar: Understand the Cost of Doing Business (Including Those Pesky Credit-Card Processing Fees)
Today I’m starting a new series called RAISE THE BAR, where I’m sharing simple things you can do to raise the bar in your own business. After working in the online world for five years, I hear a lot of the same worries, fears, and complaints over and over. Many of them, with experience and hindsight in my favor, are really non-issues. But they can be difficult or Continue reading...
How Many Failures Can One Woman Survive? You’d Be Surprised (How I Eff’d up My Way to Making Six Figures, Part 2)
Last week I shared with you more details of my entrepreneurial story than I’ve ever before shared publicly. You learned that my first half-year in business I only made $830 but spent $23,026.81 to get there. You learned that my first business actually failed! And that when I stopped focusing on income and started playing the hot-or-cold game, things started to Continue reading...
I Eff’d Up: The Story Behind How I Failed My Way to Creating a Successful Online Business That I Love (Part 1)
Five years, two months, and one day ago I left my corporate job forever. I didn’t have a website, and I didn’t have any paying clients. But I did have a plan to make big bucks fast. When I announced my departure, some coworkers thought I was leaving to get pregnant. (I wasn’t.) Others thought I was quitting to enjoy life as a well kept woman to a sugar daddy husband. Continue reading...
Steal This! My 14 Questions for Guaranteed Juicy Marketing Gems That Convert Prospects into Paying Customers
Last week I told you how using a survey to get into the minds of your readers doesn’t usually work. If you’ve tried it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I promised that I’d come back this week to give you my proven Steal This! guide to asking questions that will actually help your business. When you ask the right questions in the right way to the right Continue reading...
How Surveys Lead to Bad Business Decisions and What You Should Do Instead to Create Offers Your Clients Want
Using a survey to get into the minds of your audience usually doesn't work. If you’ve tried it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Your people say they want something, you create it, and then it doesn’t sell. There are two reasons this happens, and they’re totally fixable and within your control. I’m going to share the scoop on what you should do to create Continue reading...
The Controversial Truth About Making It Online: It Takes More Time, Effort, and Tenacity Than You’ve Been Told
Starting a business is an emotional experience. No one can argue with that. There is, however, something that we all argue about. Whether you realize it or not, there's an internal battle waging within you. You're conflicted by two messages: first, the messages you read about how easy it is to make money online; second, your actual experience of how challenging it Continue reading...
Easily Distracted? How I Cut My Distractions By 90% and Increased My Focus (Hint: It’s Easier Than You Think)
Running an online business from a home office is a setup for mega distractions. One simple idea I implemented cut my distractions by 90% and doubled or tripled my focus. In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to share with you the simple thing you can do to cut your distractions and increase your focus. You can’t Continue reading...
Freedom. Good Money. Creative Expression. Can Entrepreneurs Really Have It All? The Answer Might Surprise You
Entrepreneurs want it all. Freedom. Autonomy. Good money. Great work. Creative expression. Downtime. And more. Can you really have it all? In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I have the answer for you in a simple 8-letter word. I can’t wait for you to watch my controversial opinion and tell me what you Continue reading...
Want to Sell Digital Products and Create Passive Income? You Must First Consider This Commonly Overlooked Element
Many new entrepreneurs get excited about creating passive income by selling digital products and online courses. There's one important thing most of these folks forget when they go to create their next big thing. If you don’t keep this in mind, I have a feeling you’ll fall woefully short of your revenue goal. I certainly don’t want that to happen! I give you the full Continue reading...
The Big Blunder I Made When Scheduling My Client Coaching Calls (And the Wildly Simple Way You Can Avoid It)
I teach my clients and you, my viewers and readers, to block out times for things like client sessions, blogging, social media, and anything else you regularly do in your business. This ensures you get everything done that needs to get done each week without stress, hassle, or worry. In case you missed it, be sure to read the post on being a calendar master. Although Continue reading...
A Must-Have Tool for Every Business Owner That Saves Time, Hassle, and Headaches When Scheduling Consultations
There's a simple tool I consider to be a must-have for all business owners. It saves time, hassles, and headaches, and I make sure all of my clients use it. Whether you’re a coach, nutritionist, private yoga teacher, massage therapist, copywriter, or anyone else who sets meeting times, you must implement this in your business. In today’s Build Your Business Continue reading...
“That Won’t Work for Me!” How These 5 Words Will Kill Your Business and What You Should Start Saying Instead
A few weeks ago someone emailed me a marketing question. I didn't know the exact answer, but I did know how to help them find the answer they were looking for. I replied with a few questions. Within an hour, I got a reply with the 5 deadly words that will kill your business. In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going Continue reading...
Turn Your Opt-In Offer into a Client Magnet: How One Small Tweak Can Turn New Subscribers into Paying Clients
I know you’re a smart cookie and know that an opt-in offer (a.k.a. freebie) is a perfect way to turn visitors into subscribers. Did you know that with one small tweak your opt-in offer can become a client magnet, turning new subscribers into paying clients? In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to tell you Continue reading...
Want to Get More Subscribers from Your Opt-in Offer? Introducing My Set-It-and-Forget-It 5 Minute List-Builder
I know you know that a growing list is essential for success in the online world, but sometimes “list building” feels like an insurmountable amount of work. It doesn’t have to be! In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to share with you one simple thing that will help build your list starting today, and it will Continue reading...
One Thing You Must Do to Achieve Expert Status in Your Industry (Hint: It’s Super Easy & Only Takes 10 Minutes)
I love the online business world and feel so fortunate to be a part of this business and lifestyle revolution. At the same time, success in the online world isn’t easy… but it is possible. In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to share with you the one thing that most people avoid doing but you actually must do if Continue reading...
Have You Caught Comparisonitis? It Halts Your Creativity & Business Growth, So I’m Sharing My Simple, Go-To Cure
When I was first starting out, I caught a common illness that strikes many entrepreneurs: comparisonitis. This disease halts creativity and leaves you immobilized. Have no fear, I have the cure for you today! In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to share with you how I caught this awful illness and the simple Continue reading...
Have You Put an Offer Out and Are Hearing Crickets? Here’s Exactly What to Do If You’re Not Seeing Results
Have you ever put something out there and got nothing but crickets in response? It’s a downer! My question to you is: What did you do next? In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to share with you the important next steps you must take if you aren’t getting the results you want in your business. Check out the Continue reading...
Have a BIG Goal and Don’t Know Where to Start? Use My “Bunny Hill” Method to Make Your Big Dream Come True
Do you have something big you’re dreaming of doing in your business, like hosting a retreat or working with clients for a full year, but aren't sure exactly where to begin? In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds Or Less, I’m going to tell you the first step to making that big dream actually happen. Funny enough, I had the idea for Continue reading...
The Must-Have System If You Work with One-on-One Clients (Without It, Clients Are Slipping Through Your Hands)
If you work with one-on-one clients, you need this system. Period. Without it, you’re letting business slip out of your hands. In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to tell you exactly what this system is and how to implement it. Best of all, if you have this system in place, you could sign up more clients than Continue reading...
One Email That Could Double Your Client List and Turn Subscribers into Mega-Fans (In Just a Few Minutes a Day)
There’s one email that you can’t not send if you’re looking for new clients. Skipping this means you’re leaving money on the table and missing a huge opportunity to turn subscribers into megafans. It only takes a little time each day and it has the potential to change your business forever! And since I know you’re in your business for the long haul and are really Continue reading...
6 Emails That Bring in More Clients: How to Create an Autoresponder Sequence That Turns Subscribers into Fans
Did you know that there are six simple emails that can easily bring in more clients to your business? There are, and they’re easy to write. I’m going to give you the details today in a new video series I’m calling Build Your Business Challenge: Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less That’s right. 60 seconds or less. You can spare 60 seconds to grow your business Continue reading...
My Mastermind Blunders: How Your Mastermind Is Holding You Back (If You’re Not Watching for This Common Trap)
Just a few months ago, a client told me a story that really got me thinking about how a mastermind group -- even great ones with great intentions -- can hold us back. My client (I’ll call her Betsy) joined a mastermind group for all the right reasons: the network, the advice, a tight-knit community of like-minded women working toward similar goals, and open-minded Continue reading...
Steal This! My 3 Step Formula for Making Smart Business Investments (Plus, My Worst and Best Investments)
You’ve probably seen ads like these in your Facebook sidebar or just about anywhere else on the web: “Buy this cash machine formula, and triple your profits in 24 HOURS!” “Unlimited wealth. Total freedom. 2 hour work week. Guaranteed.” Ads. They’re everywhere we go – and they promise the world. And for the most part, things like this are bogus. I know you’re too savvy Continue reading...
Are You Ignoring This Like I Did? How to “Go Pro” and Embrace the Unsexy Parts of Running Your Own Business
When it comes to our work, who doesn’t l-o-v-e diving into the sexier side of things? Writers adore writing. Coaches are obsessed with coaching. Designers dig their art. Our work is the sexy stuff in business. Doing the things that are aligned with our specific slice of genius feels fantastic and puts us in an awesome frame of mind about what we do. While it’s Continue reading...
Struggling in Your Online Business? Here’s What You’re Missing (And It’s Not More Business or Marketing Skills)
Ever you feel like you’ve done the best you could with something new in your business but have nothing to show for it? No sign ups, no clients, no purchases? We’ve all been there. Maybe you’ve also done everything I’ve taught you so far, like using a scientist’s mindset, tweaking your way to success, and checking to it w sure you’re determined, not desperate. But Continue reading...
Desperate or Determined? How to Stress Less, Sell More & Catapult Your Business Without Pushing Prospects Away
Can you tell the difference between a savvy strategy and frantic over-selling? Most audiences can. But there’s a good change if you’re the one doing the selling, you can't see the subtle distinction. And that can kill your business often before you even get started! When you’re behind the product, it’s really challenging (maybe even impossible) to clearly see the vibe Continue reading...
Is Something Not Working in Your Business? How to Know Whether You Should Face a Tough Challenge or Call It Quits
When something isn’t working in your business, you can’t tweak it indefinitely (even though you have lots of ways to troubleshoot those not-so-perfect outcomes). At some point, you may need to call it quits; some experiments just won’t work no matter how many changes you make. The difficulty is knowing when you’re facing a tough challenge and when it’s time to call it Continue reading...
Epic Fail? Huge Success? Discover How to Build on What You’ve Learned to Create More Success in Your Business
For the past two weeks, we’ve been discussing the importance of approaching your work with a scientific mindset and using experimentation to learn and grow in your business. This is so you can avoid panic and stress, and so you can eliminate all unnecessary pressure as you put new ideas out into the world. Today I want to marry these two ideas so you can learn from Continue reading...
Experimenting Your Way to Success: My Simple 5-Step Process to Test, Analyze, and Refine Your Business Ideas
Have you ever had a grand idea? One you you were really excited to put out into the world? (Of course you have.) Did you ever have an idea you loved so much that you were equally excited and afraid to put it out there? What if someone didn’t buy it, this idea you loved so much? It’s a funny relationship we have with our favorite ideas. We love them and want to share Continue reading...
Afraid of Failure? The New Approach You Desperately Need to Reset Your Mindframe and Experiment Without Fear
Have you ever put a new idea out there -- a new class, blog post, product, or coaching package -- and not gotten the instant, positive response you expected? (No need to be embarrassed. It’s happened to everyone.) I’m curious: what happened next? Did you burst into tears, have a little freak out, and declare that you’re quitting your business for good? (Don’t Continue reading...
Ass on the Line? Why Having Your Back Against the Wall Is Key to Doing What It Takes to Make Your Business Work
There’s an interesting commonality I see among successful business owners that might surprise you. It’s something I’ve been thinking for the past two years but have been too sheepish to say out loud. I’ve remained quiet because I know that some people will hate me for saying this. It shines a light on a truth that many don’t want to admit. But I’m tired of holding back Continue reading...
Does Business Feel Difficult? The Simple, Powerful Concept That Tripled My Income and Doubled My Fun in a Year
Has business felt harder than you think it should? Most people wish business could be easier. Myself included! You've most likely cried over your laptop, sweated over whether your clients would pay on time, and pulled one too many twelve-hour days just trying to make it work. I’ve done all of these things. But thankfully, about a year ago, something shifted. Continue reading...
What Should You Do with Your Money? 5 Basic Money Management Tips for More Financial Freedom in Your Business
Freedom. It’s the entrepreneur’s dream. When you’re free, everything is incredibly clear. You know how you spend your time, what income you’re making, and where you’re headed in life and in business. Unfortunately, too many business owners feel far from free. Working long hours, not sure if they’re making enough money, and wondering if and exactly how much they can Continue reading...
How to Land Your First Speaking Opportunity and Deliver a Speech That Magnetizes Clients and Builds Your List
Have you ever thought about adding speaking to your marketing plan? It’s a great way to magnetize new clients, and if helping a lot of people all at once with your expertise is your idea of a good time, it’s also a fun way to get new clients. In fact, it happens to be one of my very favorite topics! You know why it's my favorite? Because there is nothing that brings in Continue reading...
Get Your First 10 Clients: How I Booked $10,000+ Worth of Business and Filled My Waiting List in Just 2 Months
Let’s be honest, building a business isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be. But just because it isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it has to be so hard. When I first started as a client attraction coach, I was able to book over $10,000 worth of business and build a 3-month waiting list to work with me in less than 2 months. It wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t that hard and I’m going Continue reading...
The Psychology of Pricing: How to Help Clients Get Past Sticker Shock and See the Value in Your Premium Packages
Have you ever avoided buying something amazing because it was “too expensive,” and then regretted not just doing it later? If so, you know it’s a rotten, sinking-in-regret, why-was-I-so-chicken feeling. You don’t ever want a prospective client to feel that way. Especially if you’re the type of entrepreneur who pours her heart and soul into what you do, it feels Continue reading...
Words That Sell (or Destroy) Your Offers: How to Improve Your Sales Copy, Connect to Customers, and Make Money
Running an online business requires many skills. One of the most important skills to master is communicating with our target market, something online business owners do through words. Whether it’s a sales page, social media posts, or sales emails, new entrepreneurs spend very little time crafting their words compared to experienced business owners. Let’s do a simple Continue reading...
Don’t Work So Hard! Discover the Unexpected Way to Get More Done in Your Business Without Burning Yourself Out
I’m going to be honest with you: I’m freaking exhausted. My body aches. And some days I want to curl up on the couch and do nothing but watch Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. Something’s not right with my body and hasn’t been for a few years. Doctors keep uncovering another “reason” for my ailments, but they’ve yet to nail exactly what’s going on. Treatment protocols, fancy Continue reading...
5 Feel-Good Ways to Effortlessly and Authentically Grow Your Business and Get More Clients by Being of Service
I often hear business owners complain about having to market their business because it takes time away from what they love most: serving their clients. What if I told you that the thing you love to do most is what brings clients to you? What if you could get more clients by doing exactly what you love, namely serving others? You’d be game, right? Now, what if I told Continue reading...
Overwhelmed by Your Business? Steal This! My Rock-Solid System for Getting It All Done (and Having a Life!)
To keep giving you relevant and timely content, we update our most popular posts. This article was last updated in September 2020. I don’t work very much compared to many entrepreneurs. Now, I’m not saying I spend hours playing fetch with my dog on the beach or lounging with the new baby at the park instead of taking care of clients! Au contraire. Everything gets Continue reading...
Ready to Leave Your Job and Run Your Business Full Time? 11 Things You Must Consider When Working for Yourself
Nothing is more exciting than a client who's ready to jump from her full-time job into her booming business. She's done everything to set herself up for success. She's built a solid reputation, created a steady stream of new clients, and nearly matched her business income to her job's paycheck. She's ready to leave the job behind and work for herself full-time. Continue reading...
Overwhelmed by Too Many Ideas? My Top 3 Ways to Manage Your Creative Mind So You Can Stay Calm and Focused
To keep giving you relevant and timely content, we update our most popular posts. This article was last updated in November 2020. I was supposed to take some time to relax. The stage was set. Epsom salts and lavender essential oil were in the tub. A cup of tea was on the ledge. Everything was ready … except my brain. After a five-month creative hiatus, it just. Continue reading...
Steal This! A Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Big Ideas Actually Happen so You Can Grow Your Business Faster
I’m going to guess you’re something of an idea machine. Am I right? Fabulous! Now tell me: What happens after you’ve been inspired to do something great? If you’re like most business owners, you have a notebook full of ideas you haven’t had the time or energy to implement. Maybe your excitement fizzles out before you have the chance bring your idea to life. Or you Continue reading...
The Top 10 Myths About Business Success That Are Holding You Back from Success (and the Truth Behind Each One)
Last week I talked about my big newbie mistake, the one that halted my business success for two years before I figured out the big, missing piece. In addition to not realizing the importance of knowing about business, I also picked up a ton of stories (many of which were wildly conflicting!) about what it takes to really make a business work. After figuring out the Continue reading...
The Danger of Being “Too Busy” and How You Can Be More Productive by Building a Solid Business Foundation
I hear this from business owners all too often: “I’m just. So. Busy. I’m constantly at my laptop. My husband’s starting to complain about how I’m working all the time. But even with all the hours I’m clocking, I’m just not making any money.” Now, from the outside, “busy” sounds like a good sign for a growing venture, right? When someone says they’ve got a lot to do, it Continue reading...
Do You Know Exactly What Steps to Take to Grow Your Business? Why Copying the Pros Will Never Create Success
It’s no secret: when it’s time to get a new business off the ground, the first instinct most entrepreneurs have (myself included) is to copy the people we admire most. Now, when I say “copy,” I don’t mean literally -- though that happens, too. I mean, we look at successful people and try to follow their steps to the letter. The logic is, “It worked for them, so if I do it Continue reading...
Stop Striving for Perfection in Your Business! Research Shows That Authenticity Can Increase Your Bottom Line
Do you ever think you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all perfectly figured out? Or feel like you’re supposed to show only your perfect side online? It's an awful feeling we can all relate to! What if I told you that being perfect was a bad idea? And that there was a benefit to your business to not having it all figured out? Well, it's true! Being real can Continue reading...
Kitchen Confessional: Why Now Might Be the Time for You to Hit the Reset Button and Stop Working Out of Habit
Last week I was struggling, feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place and clueless about how to handle it. I called a friend to ask for advice. And as all good friends who have solid life coaching skills, she saw through my mess and helped me see through it, too. It wasn't until the next morning that it really clicked. And the moment it did, I picked up my phone Continue reading...
Dreams Unrealized: How to Overcome the Fear of Claiming Your Big Dreams and Go After Exactly What You Want
I’m a sucker for a woman with a big dream, ready to make her visions a reality. There’s nothing more fun than swooping in, crafting a plan, brainstorming, troubleshooting, and ushering her toward the door of success. I’ve certainly found my sweet spot. But I wasn’t always so clear. And even today, in other areas of my life, a veil keeps me from seeing my dreams with Continue reading...
My Secret Business Tool Revealed: How I Use My Intuition to Make Big Business Decisions with Total Confidence
It's confession time. There's something huge I've been hiding from you about how I run my business. It's an important detail I've left out of the equation. I've kept it a secret not because I wanted to keep the goods to myself or because I'm afraid you'll judge me. It's neither of those things. I've kept it a secret because I'm not sure how to explain what this Continue reading...
Finally End Content Creation Burnout! Discover the Right (and Wrong) Way to Repurpose Content You Already Have
You’re probably familiar with the online adage, “Content is king.” Does your stomach churn when you think about all of the new content you have to create to live up to that standard? I can totally relate! Sure, producing new material and keeping your web presence dynamic is essential for the growth and success of your business. It establishes you as an expert and keeps Continue reading...
Too Much to Do? My 5 Simple Rules for Getting More Done by Working Less, So You Can Avoid Stress and Burnout
What entrepreneur doesn’t have too much to do? It’s okay. You’re among friends here with your long hours and frazzled look. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let me cut right to it. There’s one thing about the way I run my business that always surprises people: Some days I hardly work. Other days I don’t work at all. Even on weekdays. (Gasp!) Honestly, the Continue reading...
My Business’s Essential Tools: The Programs, Apps, and Software I Use to Run My Business
This post was first published in 2013. It was last updated in 2016. Tools change frequently and fast. Back in 2013, I wrote about my can’t-live-without programs, apps, tools, and software—and the behind-the-scenes post quickly became a reader favorite. A lot has changed since 2013, but one thing hasn’t: You’re still curious about what to use to start, grow, and Continue reading...
Ever Feel Trapped by Your Business? How to Get Out of the Daily Grind and Enjoy the Freedom You’ve Been Craving
I have a confession to make: Most of the time I take life way too seriously. I'm better at handling the serious, important things than I am at embracing moments of lightness and joy. Though this has served me well in some areas of my life, overall it's a stressful place to live full-time. When I felt myself going too far down the path of super seriousness a few Continue reading...
Have a Choice to Make in Your Business? 3 Crucial Questions to Help You Make Your Toughest Business Decisions
I’m sure you know this problem when it comes to running a blooming business: you don’t get to hit the “pause” button. You can systematize, optimize, hire an assistant, and create a to-the-minute schedule of everything you’ll be doing for the next decade... but despite all your preparation, you can still feel like you’re drowning. Unfortunately, when your business Continue reading...
Email Management Secrets: 3 Ways I Use Boomerang to Manage My Clients, Daily Tasks and Outside Commitments
You’re spending an evening powering through some catch-up work, when you get a new email - a question from a colleague. You scan it quickly. It’s not life or death. “I’ll come back to this later,” you decide, and get back to what you were doing. Then you wrap up, and wake up the next morning with every intention of responding... but your inbox is bursting with new Continue reading...
Stuck Comparing Yourself to Other Business Owners? How I Avoid Self-Shaming in Business and How You Can, Too
Let's be honest: the internet offers plenty of opportunities to feel like shit. Facebook proves that the cool kids from high school keep getting cooler. You're colleague's email newsletter proclaims that she's hit yet another income milestone in her business. You're still trying to make enough to pay the bills. The artist whose work you admire is being shown at that Continue reading...
Steal This! My Step-by-Step Guide to Telling Your Clients You’re Raising Your Rates (Without Scaring Them Away)
Once a client is ready to raise their rates, there's a panicky moment I brace for, the one where they're freaking out, saying things like: How do I tell my clients?! They'll all leave me! Maybe I'll wait a few more months to do it! So if after the last few articles on pricing (here and here) you realize it's time to increase you prices, I've got you covered in the next Continue reading...
Steal This! My Perfect Pricing Strategy to Drastically Increase Your Bottom Line (and Boost Your Confidence)
Previously, I shared my tried and true method for knowing if it’s time to raise you rates, which then raised these questions: What do I charge now? How do I tell my clients? I’ve got answers for you, in my famous, gotcha-covered, step-by-step, Steal This! fashion. Today you’re going to discover the perfect pricing for your services, and afterwards you’ll find out how Continue reading...
Charge What You’re Worth! 5 Tried-and-True Signs It’s Time to Raise Your Rates (Even If You’ve Been Afraid To)
Someone recently asked a really awesome question on my Facebook page: “Was there something specific that gave you the confidence to crank your rates up? Was it list size? Community engagement? Or something that gave you the sign to go big? I'm not sure what to look for.” I got excited about this one. Raising rates is a fun topic because everyone has opinions about it and Continue reading...
How Badly Do You Want It, And How Far Are You Willing to Push Yourself to Make Your Online Business Succeed?
How badly do you want your business to succeed? How badly do you want to make money? How badly do you want to change lives? Enough to work late into the evening? Enough to put yourself out there -- to be loved, to be criticized? Enough to put the time in to really make it work? Or do you prefer to distract yourself with other things? Make excuses for why you're not Continue reading...
Is Life Getting in the Way of Your Business? How to Find the Balance You Crave While Still Meeting Your Goals
All my internal STOP signals were flashing. The message was clear: Don’t take another step! Wait! Not now! Stop, Jenny, stop I just didn’t want to hear it. Why? Well, for one thing, I’m stubborn. I also just didn’t think stepping back was an option for me. Whatever was going on that my body wanted to STOP, I thought it had to take a backseat. I’d sort it Continue reading...
When You Stop Sharing Your Unique Gifts, The World Suffers: What Boston and The Voice Taught Me About My Life
I feel really lucky to do the work I do. To have created a business that lets me design my own schedule. To meet and work with incredible people. To have clients who inspire me to do a better job and to make a difference in the world. And then tragedies like the one in Boston make my heart ache for all of the pain in the world. I question whether I'm doing work that's Continue reading...
Finally! An Editorial Calendar That Works for Me: How One Piece of Paper Saved Me from 3 Months of Stress
As you likely know by now, I’m all about organization, systems, and planning ahead. But strangely enough, there was one piece of the efficiency puzzle that I kept dodging. Like, hands-over-my-ears-shouting-NO level avoidance. The offending party? Editorial calendars. In case you’re not sure what an editorial calendar is, I’ll tell you! It’s a plan of what you’ll publish Continue reading...
Too Long Since Your Last Vacation? 4 Surprising Benefits of Ignoring Your Business That Will Inspire a Getaway
I'm back in the groove of business, slowly putting my post-vacation inspiration into action. First up is today's surprising post, which found itself in my head one day while I was sitting on the beach. I grabbed a rock and etched it into a coconut so I wouldn't forget what I wanted to tell you. Here goes... Taking a vacation is great for several reasons. Obviously, Continue reading...
Steal This! My Work-Free, Stress-Free Vacation Checklist That Will Keep Your Online Business Running Without You
When was the last time you felt comfortable enough to take a vacation? A real one, that is. By “real,” I mean work-free. Not being stuck on your laptop in a hotel room. Not checking emails on your phone between Thanksgiving dinner and dessert. Not worrying about the ever-mounting workload that’s awaiting you when you return. Most business owners are anxious about Continue reading...
Success Circle: What It Is and Why You Need One to Increase Your Success as an Online Business Owner
Have you noticed that I tend to dish a lot of secrets on this blog? Business system secrets, secrets for getting more clients, and my smartest business investments, to name a few. Today I’m going to let you in on another secret. This one simple idea helped me become a successful corporate manager at age 26, quit my job just a few years later to start my business, Continue reading...
5 Common Business Myths That Are Wasting Your Time, Blocking Your Productivity, and Creating Unnecessary Stress
There are no two ways about it: business gets hectic. Whether yours is brand new or you’ve been chugging along for years, overwhelm, crammed to-do lists, and stress still find their way in. When you’re at the helm, it can be hard to manage everything at once. A simple google search reveals thousands of resources regarding the best ways to do business and streamline Continue reading...
Steal This! My Simple, 4-Step System for Using Twitter to Build Your Email List (While Avoiding the Time-Suck)
As you may know by now, I’m not a fan of making business any more work than it has to be. In fact, I’ll forgo major business details if they seem to require more effort than reward. As a result, I avoided Twitter for a really long time. But one day I got an inner nudge to give Twitter a try. I setup my account and started goofing around. Within a few months, I was in Continue reading...
6 Keys to Hitting 6 Figures: Discover What Made the Difference in My Business, My Mindset, and My Bottom Line
Today’s topic can be a hot button for many: money. Some love it. Some hate it. Whichever camp you’re in, you can’t ignore the importance of making at least some money. After all, unless you have a trust fund, you have rent or a mortgage to pay, food to put on the table, and an electricity bill so you don’t have to power your laptop with a bicycle. When it comes to Continue reading...
8 Weeks That Changed My Business Forever and Could Change Yours, Too (I Just Can’t Keep This Secret to Myself!)
March 1st marks my official two year mark in business here at jennyshih.com, and as the day comes closer, I couldn’t be happier about how far I’ve come. As I look back on the past two years, there is one 8 week stretch that truly changed my business forever. These 8 weeks had such an impact on my clarity, my confidence, my business and marketing know-how, and my bottom Continue reading...
Why You Shouldn’t Sell Coaching and What to Sell Instead So That You Consistently Get More Clients to Hire You
I can't believe I wrote a title like that. But I did. Because it's true. The words were a shower epiphany. I raced out of the shower, dripping wet, but covered in a towel, mind you, to my office to jot it down. I heard the audible *click* in my brain when the epiphany hit. Not that the words were anything that new. I had been teaching this idea to my clients for the Continue reading...
Thinking About Investing in a Business Program? How to Decide Where, and When, to Invest Your Hard-Earned Money
My friend looked me right in the eyes. She took a deep breath before telling me, "I'm going to do it." I tried not to show my unease, but I don't hide my emotions well. My stomach tightened. My breathing grew shallow. I tried to speak, but words wouldn't come out. Besides, I wasn't sure what to say. My friend was clear. She knew what she needed to do even though Continue reading...
The Surprising Upside to Wasting Your Precious Time and Money on Terrible Products, Programs, or Coaching
We've all done it: invest in a product or program that left us disappointed, angry, or down right pissed off. We feel let down, frustrated, and resentful. And we don't like to be let down and certainly don't like to feel angry. What if I told you that terrible investments were great for your business and for yourself? You'd probably think I wasn't making the Continue reading...
Create Your Year of Stunning Success (Part 3): Focus – My 5 Simple Tips for Achieving Superhuman Productivity
This is the third and final round of the Your Year of Stunning Success series. Up to now, we’ve discussed creating systems and getting yourself on a better schedule, two crucial foundational skills that will supercharge all your goals for the new year! Now, onto the third and final shift that will help you knock all your aims for this year out of the park. Without Continue reading...
Create Your Year of Stunning Success (Part 2): Scheduling – 5 Steps for Planning Daily Tasks and Long-term Goals
How is your yearly plan coming along? Are you excited about what you’ve mapped out or overwhelmed by all that you’ve committed to? I often see entrepreneurs cram three years worth of work into 12 months, leaving themselves exhausted and burned out by June or frozen from the get-go. I don’t want that to happen to you, so we’re going to nip those scenarios before they Continue reading...
Create Your Year of Stunning Success (Part 1): Systems – 5 Steps to Crafting Effective Routines in Your Business
This time of year everyone is putting their Big Ideas into motion; from lofty 6-figure business goals, to simple commitments like eating better or hitting the gym. January sparkles with possibility and determination, but as the months and year wane on... it’s easy to get derailed. Factors like bad time management, lack of motivation, and a general sense of overwhelm Continue reading...
A Dose of Truth: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Chasing the Wrong Things in Business (and Life)
Dear world-changing superhero, To kick off 2013, I am sharing a bare-all trust blast. And it's important. It's important because what I'm sharing today is one of THE things that held me back in entrepreneurship and life. It f*ed me up, tore me down, and made me feel like shit. I'm tired of this little nagging bullshit crapola controlling and limiting my happiness Continue reading...
The Top 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2012 (Covering Everything from Fear to Systems to Getting More Clients)
If you're like me, this week is filled with fun, family, and friends, and you're taking a break from work. Good for you, superhero! I decided to take a look back at 2012 and see what topics most resonated with YOU! Below are 10 of the most popular posts of the past year. I'm sure you missed a few, as all busy entrepreneurs are bound to do, so take a look and see Continue reading...
Strapped for Time? How to Set Boundaries and Gracefully Say, “No” Even When You’re Maxed Out And Frustrated
If you’re like most maxed-out entrepreneurs I know, your mental and emotional well-being is regularly challenged by a million to-do’s, have-to’s, and will-you-pleeeeease’s. And with additional pressure from the holidays, you may be on a fast track to burn-out. That’s not a great way to begin the new year. To keep the crazies to a minimum in my life and business, I’ve Continue reading...
Want to Free Yourself from the Feast or Famine Cycle? Shift from Reactive Marketing to Proactive Marketing
I see business owners make this mistake all the time. When their calendar is booked with clients, they have no time to put into marketing their services. It’s great that you’re busy with clients and have money coming in the door. But the problem is, as soon as those clients wrap up, you’re back to square one. No clients and no money. And that’s when panic sets Continue reading...
Which Is Better: Working When You Want or Staying Focused?
I got this question from a client and thought we could stir up some spicy conversation here today. I'll share my thoughts, and I can't wait to hear yours. "I definitely need to keep/stay focused. I am easily distracted with all my emails and social media nonsense. I'm not consistent and work "when I feel like it" - which isn't a good way to get things done. If you have Continue reading...
The Business Truth I Was Warned About But Totally Ignored
Today I'm going to share something you may have already heard. But if you're like me, you've been ignoring it, or at least trying to. How do I know? Because I ignored it for almost 2 years. And I know at least 6 friends who have ignored it, too. When I was very early into my entrepreneurial journey--maybe even before I quit my corporate job to coach Continue reading...
5 Must-Have Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs: Do You Have Them?
When I was first getting started online, I was hungry to make my business work. But truth be told, I had no idea how to make it happen. I only knew two things: 1. More than anything, I loved the freedom and the challenge that came with being an entrepreneur. 2. There was no way I could go back to my corporate job. In other words, I was committed to making my Continue reading...
Does Getting Clients Feel Like a Mystery? Why List-Building Is the Sure-Fire Way to Get More Clients and Fill Your Waiting List
When I first started my online business, I was confused by the list-building, traffic-generating, client-getting puzzle. I had no idea where to start and wondered how it was all going to work. Have you ever felt that way? I tried lots of things: blogging, engaging in social media, old-fashioned poster-hanging, and list-building. Although all of those helped bring Continue reading...
Sometimes Good Enough Just Isn’t Good Enough: Why I Had to Slam on the Breaks Before My Epic Product Launch
I like to think of myself as a smooth operator. Cool under pressure. Scheduling work way in advance to avoid last minute stress. And definitely not working on weekends. But sometimes that's a big, fat lie. Yesterday was supposed to be the epic launch of my new program, Get Your First 1000 Subscribers - Deluxe Edition. It's the best thing I've created to-date, and I Continue reading...
Steal This! My 4-Step Strategy for Always Knowing Exactly What to Work On, Even When You Have Too Much To Do
As a business owner, you have an endless list of things that need to get done. Blog posts need to be written. Newsletters need to be created. Social media needs to be updated. Clients need to be served. List-building needs to happen. And your next big thing needs to be created. No matter how hard you try, you can't ever seem to catch up. Even if you had four more Continue reading...
3 Dead-Wrong Ideas That Are Holding Back Your Business and How to Turn Them Around So Your Business Can Grow
When I kicked off my career as a coach, I believed three ideas with every fiber of my being: 1. I was born to be a coach for people stuck in jobs they hated. 2. If I mimicked every step I saw the pros take, my business would flourish. 3. Calling myself a coach + building a website = clients would find, love, and hire me. It turned out that all three of these ideas Continue reading...
6 No-Fail Strategies for Having Endless Blogging Ideas (Even If You’ve Been Struggling to Consistently Write)
Have you been hesitant to commit to a blogging schedule because you're worried you’ll run out of content? Or have you committed to a schedule but find yourself scrambling at the last minute to write something decent? I can totally relate! We all have days where we've lost our juice for writing, believe it's impossible to find a fresh topic, or have fallen out of a Continue reading...
Is Perfectionism Holding You Back? Why Imperfect Action Is the Secret to Success
Tell me if any of these business myths sound familiar to you: Do what you love, and the money will follow. If you build it, they will come. Just coach (or create or write or do-your-thing) and people will pay you. You’ve likely learned that those statements are generally bogus, magical fantasies designed to frustrate the heck out of entrepreneurs. But there’s Continue reading...
Want More Clients? Discover 3 Client-Repelling Traps And My Surprisingly Simple Fixes to Overcome Them for Good
Whether you're ready for your first client or your thousandth, it's easy to fall into a deadly client-repelling trap without realizing it. I see them far too often, which is sad because they are easy to fix and fixing them will instantly help you attract new clients. Today I'm going to share with you three client-repelling traps you must avoid if you want to fill your Continue reading...
Two Questions to Ask Yourself When You Want to Create a Successful Business That Supports the Life You Want
I have something important to ask you today. Why are you in business? I mean, why are you really in business? In the past year as my business has been really taking off, I continue to circle back to the reason I started my own business. As I've talked to other successful entrepreneurs, I find they have the same reason for being in business. In today's very Continue reading...
Stuck? Here’s My Counter-Intuitive Tip for Getting Unstuck Fast and Finally Finding the Clarity You’re Craving
Today, I'm going to cut to the chase. No fluttering around. No story telling. No metaphors. I'm going to give it to you straight. Let me ask you this: Are you stuck? Do you ever get stuck? Are you unsure how to make your idea happen? Ever worried you're off-track in your business? Been panicked that you haven't found "your thing" yet? Here's the Continue reading...
Afraid to Make a Wrong Decision? The Unconventional Method I Used When I Was Pulled in Two Different Directions
I told you about the lessons I learned in going bigger in business, and how there were many people who helped me get there. There’s another woman who helped make it happen, even though she didn’t design graphics, take my photo, or help me shop for clothes. What she did for me was just as powerful as all of those things. She helped me get past the fear of making the Continue reading...
The Truth About Going Bigger in Business: 3 Things I Had to Let Go of When I Wanted to Take It to the Next Level
The big news: I've got a new look to my website! On the outside, all looks well. (Or so I hope!) But there's another side to the story. I don't know about you, but when I see people do big things in their business, I figure it went… well, easy. I mean, the drama didn't show from where I was standing, so it must have been roses, rainbows, and fairies, right? The Continue reading...
Are You Finally Ready to Move Past Your Own Limitations? Discover My Sure-Fire Way to Defy Your Own Odds
Do you ever put a cap on your own success? Do you see a ceiling on how well you can do in life or business? Are ready to finally move past those limitations? There is one simple thing you can do to rise above that ceiling and defy your own odds. It's also one of the fundamental concepts I teach my clients: Set goals that make you uncomfortable Here's what I Continue reading...
Do You Have Something to Donate? Using the Power of Community and Your Online Business to Change the World
Three weeks ago I made a video on how to maximize the do-good factor in your business. I mentioned that you could donate your time and skills to help those who couldn't otherwise work with you, financially support causes you believe in, and leverage your fan base to make a bigger impact. Today I can't wait to tell you about another way to do good things for the Continue reading...