Oh yes, here we are again, talking about one of my favorite topics.  Money.   And what it takes to make oodles of it.   We’re all in this to make some, so let’s cut to the chase. One of the biggest roadblocks I see for business owners, especially the service based ones, is that they are not super clear on what they’re selling. True confession, this is a giant soapbox place for me because it’s SO important to me that businesses are successful. When business owners aren’t clear on what they’re selling, they say different things to different people, depending on who they’re talking to.  Every client gets a slightly different version of their service, they overcomplicate things, and they are not clear and confident on what makes them incredible at changing lives.   And that muddiness, that un-focus, repels … Continue reading →

Hey there online business owners, let’s talk. I know you’ve been siting there, glued to your computer for hours, eyes glazing over with ideas and inspiration.  Smack in the middle of all that I’m sure, are the stunning promotional videos for B-school.  If you haven’t seen them yet, you’ve surely caught an episode or 50 of Marie TV, so you know how polished and sharp Marie’s content is. I know you’re watching her, because I have seen and heard so many of you lamenting how you’re not like her.  Your videos aren’t as good, message isn’t as clear, and hair not as did – or is that last one just me?  Gracious I want a hair team to follow me around! It makes my heart hurt to think of anyone sitting around, lamenting their ‘non-Marie’ ness, because it’s the worlds … Continue reading →

Today, we’re talking about strategies to a successful Beta Test. A beta test is when you have an idea for an offering or service, but you want to test the waters first before you decide to go whole hog. This is a great idea because it lets you try out your idea in the real world, not just in the incubator of your brain. It enables you to gain the necessary insight and skills to run your service even better for the folks paying you a higher price point down the line, especially if this is your first go charging for your services. It’s also a great opportunity to get better at selling your service.  If you can’t enroll anyone in a beta test, which tend to be free or lower priced, it’s a big neon sign that you need … Continue reading →

It can be hard out there.  Sometimes clients bail on you, sometimes your dog/kid/husband gets sick, sometimes YOU need a break.  Sometimes you feel like nothing is going to go your way, or you wake up realizing that you totally need to shift business directions.  Sometimes things happen that you have no control over. There’s a ton that goes into having a successful business, and business stuff is only one part of the pie.  We are complex, amazing women with families, social lives, friends and adventures to have.  It’s not all roses and kittens.  Sometimes, things kinda suck. What I’ve really learned over the last few years of being in business for myself, plus all the other adventures, setbacks and ‘opportunities for growth’ life has thrown at me, is happiness is a choice. As creative entrepreneurs, it’s sooooo easy to … Continue reading →

So, I have been hearing this A LOT lately “I can’t post/upload/launch/create until I know exactly what I want to say.” To which I say, “Say something, it’s infinitely better than nothing.” Unless you’re talking about hurting other people, which you’re totally not. Because here’s the thing, you can edit as you go.   The internet is a living breathing document.  It’s not set in stone, thank god.  You can take down posts you decide you hate.  You can redesign your header with a new tag line, or even business name.  You can write your title 16 different ways on 16 different posts if you want. The truth is people are not paying as much attention to you as you think they are. So say something.  Launch the opt-in.  Post the video.  Have fun with a new title.  As long as it … Continue reading →

I LOVE ME a creative project!  A challenge and creative expression that grows and transforms you? Yes please.  So when Dave showed up asking to do 50 conversations with a purpose, I of course said yes, I want to be a part of this. Dave Ursillo is a writer, author and entrepreneur who helps creative self-starters live their leadership through business and artistry.  He’s founded the Literati, a very cool and engaging writing community, loves yoga and traveling.   Plus he’s super smart. Here is our video interview of us talking about creative process, our desire and need to connect, owning and expressing your story, talking about being enough, how this relates to online dating, changing lives, and of course, why you need to love and trust yourself. This is a seriously captivating interview. Click here or watch below. Isn’t he … Continue reading →