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...
Stop Working So Hard
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What I Don’t Want You To Know But Am Telling You Anyway
What if I told you that I am afraid most days? What if I told you that growing my business and putting my name and face in front of the world is scary? When my clients hit rough patches in their business, I tell them that starting and growing purpose-driven businesses is one of the most challenging personal development programs you could undertake. It requires you to Continue reading...
How to Get More Done Than You Ever Thought Possible
Tell the truth: Are you working too much? Does your family need to rip you away from the computer in order to spend time with you? Are you looking a little pale from being inside all day? I know many business owners who work far more than they need to. It's not that they want to work hard; it's usually that they don't know how not to. Today I want to tell you why Continue reading...
Maximizing the Do-Good Factor in Your Business
You're someone who wants to make a difference in the world, aren't you? (I love people like you.) Through your business, you really change lives. (I love that you do that!) In today's video I'm going to talk about how to maximize the do-good factor in your business. I share with you three small ways you can impact more lives than you already are, really transforming the Continue reading...
Do You Make This Deadly Mistake When You Set Goals?
As a go-getter entrepreneur, I'm sure you're great at setting goals. You set your sights on what you want and plug away until you get there. However, there is one major mistake that many people make when they set goals, and it can actually keep you from getting what you really want. In today's video, I'm going to tell you about this deadly mistake and how to steer Continue reading...
How to Have Fun This Summer Without Neglecting Your Business
Happy Summer, Superhero! Have you ever had a summer pass you by where you felt like you didn't get in enough play time? That the months of sunshine were spent indoors at your computer instead of outside having fun? Do you worry that if you do go outside and play, you won't get enough done to keep things moving in your business? It can be quite a balancing Continue reading...
One Question You Must Ask to Create a Business That Supports Your Dreams
As busy entrepreneurs, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks required to run a business. It's as if email, social media, and sales pages have become the focus of our lives. But are email, social media, and sales pages the real reason you created your business? I doubt it. My guess is that you created your business to support a bigger vision you have for Continue reading...
Dreaming of a Business That Supports Your Life? How to Get Exactly What You Want, No Visualization Required
Nearly three years ago I exited the card-locked corporate office building for the last time and walked into the wild unknown. I was finally going after what I wanted: work that filled my soul and supported me financially. At the time, I believed it would be easy to make it all work. I was, however, very, very wrong. Even though it wasn't easy, I still got what I Continue reading...
Are You Making Smart Business Investments? Why Marie Forleo’s B-School Was the Best Decision I Made Last Year
Today I am going to let you in on a secret. I'm going to tell you the best business decision I made last year. This one decision had a huge, positive impact on my business. My income, list, fan base, and confidence all grew as a result of this decision. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if I had chosen differently. As a business owner, I know Continue reading...
Filled with Self-Doubt in Your Business? Wondering If You Really Have What It Takes? It’s Part of the Process
Lately I've found myself talking with new entrepreneurs who are panicked about business. They're afraid they don't have what it takes to make it online. They're comparing themselves to more experienced entrepreneurs and feeling like they're coming up short. I know the feeling. We all know that feeling. If you ever feel fear and doubt about being in business, listen Continue reading...
Happy 1-Year Anniversary to Me! I’m Celebrating with the Top 10 Lessons I Learned in My First Year in Business
March 1st marked the one year anniversary of jennyshih.com. It almost passed without me even realizing what a big occasion it was! A lot has happened over the last twelve months. I'm blown away when I look back at all that has transpired. To honor this anniversary, I'm sharing the top 10 things I learned about business in the last year, Late Show Top 10 Continue reading...
How to Stop Fear and Perfectionism from Holding You Back (What Held Me Back from Creating My First Video Blog)
Have you ever had something on your business to-do list for so long that you wondered if you'd ever get around to doing it at all? Fear and perfectionism can be two of the biggest roadblocks to doing what we know we want to do in our business. Simply calling attention to the situation can nip it in the bud and get you moving. Today is my first video blog ever. I Continue reading...
Why Heart-Centered Business Owners Feel Guilty for Wanting to Make More Money and How to Shift It Immediately
Alright, Superhero. It's time for a little heart-to-heart chat. First, let me tell you that you are amazing and the world needs you and what you do. Unfortunately, you could be limiting your world-saving abilities because of one little lie you're telling yourself. Do you know what that lie is? It goes something like this: It's not right to make Continue reading...
“So, What Do You Do?” My Step-by-Step Method for Quickly Explaining What You Do in a Way That People Understand
You finally caved. "Sure, I'll go with you," you say with a reluctant tone. Networking events aren't your thing, but you do enjoy hanging out with your friend. You arrive, hang up your coat, grab a drink, and plaster on a smile. You and your friend find a small huddle of not-too-strange-looking folks. They say their names, then ask the dreaded question: "So, what Continue reading...
The Simplest Trick for Staying Focused and Getting More Done When You’re Overwhelmed with Too Many Ideas
It's Wednesday already and you haven't accomplished nearly as much as you've hoped to. It's another one of those weeks. You've have a long to-do list, a million ideas, and big plans for saving the world, yet all that seems to be happening is, well, not much. It doesn't have to be this way, superhero. You can get through your to-do list, execute your million ideas, Continue reading...
Is Frustration Holding You Back? How to Express Your Feelings in a Healthy Way So You Can Work with a Clear Head
You're ready for another great day of saving the world, but you've got this nagging frustration that won't leave you alone. You try to ignore it, but it's still there. No matter what you do to distract yourself from it, it lingers. How are you supposed to save the world if you're quietly simmering inside? What you're doing wrong Most of us were trained to be good boys Continue reading...
Imagine What Wants to Happen: The Martha Beck Exercise That Helps You Decide Which Direction to Go in Business
Last week I suggested that you could be lying to yourself about what you really want. Many of you agreed. Between the comments on the blog and the personal emails I received, you admitted to not being honest with yourself about what you want. You also said you are ready to claim your dreams. Bravo! But what if you truly don't know what you want? I recently learned Continue reading...
Too Afraid to Admit What You Want? How to Face the Truth and Chase Your Dream (Even If You’re Scared Sh*tless)
Have you ever felt like you were ready to do something new but didn't know exactly what it was? Maybe you knew you wanted to change careers or rebrand your business or try a new hobby, but the specifics eluded you. It happens a lot. I saw it when I was a life coach, and I see it now with my business coaching clients. There is a way to get around it. Let me start Continue reading...
2012 Is Going to be My Best Year Yet… And It Scares the Shit out of Me: Discover What I’m Going for This Year
2012 scares the shit out of me. It's not because of the whole "world coming to an end" Mayan calendar thing. I'm not worried about that. 2012 scares the shit out of me because I'm taking some huge leaps of faith. I'm taking some chances, and I'm betting on my success. You may think I'm practiced at this. You may think I'm a pro. If you did, you'd be wrong. I've Continue reading...
Been Putting Off Your Goals? Now’s the Time to Make Them Happen! My One Simple Step to Finish 2011 with a Bang
What's that thing that you've been putting off doing but want to complete before 2011 is over? Pitch and write a guest post? Write an ebook? Finalize your website? Hire an assistant? I know you know it's time to get it done. Last week I made a list called My Final 2011 Priorities. It has 3 things I want to accomplish before the year is over. I've been dragging Continue reading...
Struggling to Stay Motivated? Overwhelmed by What It Takes to Run Your Business? Here’s How to Fix It [Video]
Today I’m being featured on shesnext.com, where I did a video post (yes--me, on video!) on how to stay motivated. How to Find All the Motivation You Could Ever Need Do you ever struggle with motivation when you have so much to do to start or grow your business? I give you my most honest insights and advice in this video. Leave a comment and let me know what you Continue reading...
How to Train an Assistant in 5 Minutes: Delegate Recurring Tasks with Ease So You Can Focus on Your Genius Work
Hiring and training an assistant can seem like a Catch-22. You would hire and train someone to lighten your work load if you only had time to do it. However, by not taking time to hire and train an assistant, entrepreneurs end up spending more time doing recurring tasks and less time doing their genius work. Why have a business if you're not able to spend time doing your Continue reading...
Changing the World and Pissing People Off: What I Really Want to Say to the Person Who Sent Me a Critical Email
The email began, "I am offended by what you wrote." My breathing stopped. My heart pounded. I froze, then I started trembling. A stream of uncomfortable thoughts appeared in my mind. I knew I shouldn't have written that. How many other people did I piss off? Maybe I should send an apology to everyone. I had put off sending that email for over a month. I finally sent it Continue reading...
Jenny Elsewhere: The Pull of My Purpose and What It Means to Me, Featured Blog Post on Lifebyme.com
Today I’m being featured on lifebyme.com. I wrote about what purpose means to me. Purpose My purpose has its own life force. It pulls me up out of bed every morning. It drives me, propels me. Like a tree deeply rooted in the earth, I am clear and strong when I'm connected to my purpose. When I forget why I do what I do, I wobble, waver, and stagnate. During my childhood, Continue reading...
40 Hours a Week? No Way! How I Manage to Work Less (Or Not At All) While Staying Productive and Stress-Free
Last week I was chatting about business with a friend and fellow entrepreneur. The conversation came around to productivity and getting things done. At some point I told her, "Some days I don't work at all." "Really?!" she said. "Wow. That's good to know. I wouldn't have guessed that about you." I was shocked that she was shocked. Doesn't everyone not work now and Continue reading...
Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Business? 9 Ways to Get More Done in Less Time, Without Pushing Yourself Too Hard
How would you like to get more done in less time, without pushing yourself any harder than you already do? This week I've got a quick list of tips on how to get more done without pushing too hard. 1. Manage overwhelm before it shuts you down. Learn to catch yourself before overwhelm sets in and leaves you utterly stuck. If you can nip it in the bud as soon as it Continue reading...
Passion Alone Isn’t Enough to Make Your Business Work: How to Improve Your Brand, Marketing, and Finance Skills
Sounds silly, doesn't it? A superhero telling you that focusing on your passion doesn't always work. Allow me to first clarify one thing: I believe wholeheartedly in passion and doing what you love. However, I also believe that passion alone isn't enough to make a business work. It takes passion plus a whole lot more. I really, really, really wanted to believe it was Continue reading...
The Ebb and Flow of Creativity: How to Successfully Navigate the Natural Rhythm of Creative Floods and Droughts
Before it even arrived, I knew August was going to bring a creative drought. I could feel it in my bones. I was prepared. That doesn't mean I liked that it was coming. But I embraced and accepted the reality of it and am now reaping the benefits of my creativity's return I've come to learn that creative droughts are always temporary and usually necessary. Without these Continue reading...
Jenny Elsewhere: Guest Posts on Do What You Love, Plus Named One of Dr. Shannon Reece’s Inspiring Entrepreneurs
This week I've been so lucky to be featured on two different sites. Check 'em out! 1. Some sacrifices aren’t sacrifices at all Find this story on Beth Nicholl's dowhatyouloveforlife.com 2. 19 Entrepreneurs Who Are Rockin’ It Out! Thanks to Loralee Hutton for nominating me as an inspiring entrepreneur on Dr. Shannon Reece's blog Continue reading...
How to Chase Rainbows, Leprechauns, and Pots of Gold When Everything Goes Wrong in Business and in Life
Two weeks ago I found myself stranded on an Interstate 5 off-ramp in Washington state. It was sunny at 4:30 that afternoon. I had had a good day. My puppy Mei Mei and I met a friend and her dogs at a fabulous park on Lake Union in Seattle. Later, I relaxed in the sun outside a Starbucks while Mei Mei napped. Then, I headed to meet my husband in a small town called Castle Continue reading...
Stressed About Money? Stop Thinking You Can’t Profit From Your Superpowers and Start to Embrace Financial Freedom
Are you a superhero with money worries? This one's for you. Click here to tweet about this video! Continue reading...
What I Learned During My First 2 Years in Business: How to Embrace Fear, Find Love, and Change the World
I did it. Two years ago today I left my corporate job. I said good-bye to my staff, my bosses, and my colleagues, people with whom I had spent much of my previous 10 years. It was all sweet, no bitter. I couldn't stop smiling. When I walked out of the office for the last time, I felt like I was taking the biggest risk of my life. I was leaving behind a 6-figure Continue reading...
Need a Productivity Boost? Bribery Is Your Best Ally When You Want to Make Things Happen and Get Things Done
Bribery can be your best ally when it comes to making things happen and getting things done. It’s always a good idea to have a list of easy bribery items to use when you need ‘em. Here are some of my favorite bribery items: extra-hot mocha small bouquet of flowers a walk outside playing with my puppy bite of chocolate bake or cook something yummy Continue reading...
Why Fear Is a Good Sign When You’re Working on Something Important and Sharing Your Ideas with the World
Are you creating something big? Are you sharing your ideas with the world? And, are you afraid? Perfect! Fear has a message for you. You're onto something important. If you're working on an idea and it came from a clean place, and you're still scared, it's a good sign. It means you're doing meaningful work, pushing your boundaries, and on track to making a Continue reading...
Bad Ideas Can Halt Your Business Growth and Waste Your Time: Here’s How to Know if Your Idea Is the Right One
Have you ever had an idea or an inspiration to do something, but you weren't quite sure if it was the right one? Here's a little trick for knowing if your idea is a good one to act on right now. Use the clean or dirty test A clean idea is one that’s pure. It comes from an inspired place. A dirty idea is one that comes from desperation, lack, worry, anxiety, or similar Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: An 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Part 8)
This is final in a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done It’s Time to Get Real Wow! You made it. Thanks for sticking it out for some seriously long, detailed, and intense posts on how to make your ideas actually happen. Yipee!! It’s more than Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: An 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Part 7)
This is part of a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done Get It Done Wow, you’ve come far. Everything is set so you can make your idea actually happen. I love this part! Reap the benefits of your hard work The work you’ve done to get to this Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: An 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Part 6)
This is part of a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done Conquer Your Fear [Cue scary music.] You’re scared. You should be. Changing the world is scary. And it’s wildly fun. You’ve got to do it anyway, fear or not. The world needs Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: An 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Part 5)
This is part of a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done Ask for Help As I told you last time, help is not a four-letter word. I don’t know where it came from, but so many of us think that asking for help is a bad thing and that we should do Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: An 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Part 3)
This is part of a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done Figure out the Steps Once you’re clear on your idea, it’s time to figure out the dozens (or millions) of tiny tasks required to make your idea actually happen. Start with a brain dump. Continue reading...
How to Make Your Ideas Actually Happen: 8-Part Blog Series for Creative, Online Business Owners (Introduction)
This is part of a series of posts about how to make your ideas actually happen. I’m going to start off with a little story. Introduction Figure out the Steps Bring Order to Chaos Ask for Help Conquer Your Fear Get It Done How They Had It Wrong Three years ago I was working in my corporate job at a high-tech company managing an engineering staff of really smart Continue reading...
Spring Cleaning for Your Business: 3 Ways to Spruce up Your Physical Space, Client Relationships, and Mindset
Spring has arrived, April is here, birds are chirping, and the sun gloriously illuminates the dust all over my office. (Good thing I work with clients over email and the phone.) Spring cleaning isn't just for our houses anymore. Your office and your business could use a little lift, too. By "spring cleaning" I don't just mean the dust in your office. It's so much Continue reading...
Superhero Postcard Giveaway: Winner Announced
Congratulations to Helen Samson Mullen for winning my superhero postcard giveaway. This is no April Fools' joke! Congrats, Helen! Looking for some of your own superhero postcards, keep watching for future giveaways or order some right now! Continue reading...