The other day my friend Illana Burk (of Makeness Media, she’s amazing.  I’ll link you at the bottom when you’re done reading) talked to me about business being an abusive relationship.  As soon as she said it, I leapt to my businesses defense “It’s not abusive! My business has been the BEST relationship I’ve ever had, because it forces me to deal with my shit, keep showing up and choosing me, love and possibility instead of cowering in fear.” <– that’s a direct quote from my reaction to her. That might sound mellow dramatic, or romantic, but I do believe that my business has been one of my greatest relationships to date. It’s TOTALLY taught me to be a better person.  With the exception of loosing a loved one, nothing else has made me look at all my stuff, and work it out in … Continue reading →

{Guest post by my brilliant + talented sister, Alice Walker} Last Sunday I was driving up a sunny, blissfully open freeway, windows down and the surrounding hills green and inviting. The weather was hot, and the cows that dappled the side of the road where all laying down, or jostling for the prime spot under stretched oak trees. A warm breeze picked up, and began to blow hard, whistling through the car window. I glanced up to the sky and saw a hawk (or similarly sized bird) hanging suspended mid-air. Its wings were flapping furiously, it was clearly working as hard as it could to stay in place, and not get knocked off course by the wind. I was struck then, with how much easier the bird would have it if it simply extended its wings and let the warm … Continue reading →

I like to call this the sand trap.  Because once you’re in the sand trap, it takes a LOT of effort and focus to get out of it.  Usually, you just end up dumping more sand on top of yourself and feeling bad + frustrated about it.   Or at least that’s how I play golf. Here’s how it goes: You set a big shiny goal for yourself. Land my first client.  Get 3 guest posts published.  Quit my day job.   And then, as soon as you do that thing, you IMMEDIATELY look to the next thing, or feel bad about the goal that you just achieved.  I landed my first client! Only 10 more to go…. Or Only 3 guest posts out….I need to do like 10.  Better not go out tonight.  or Holy crap I have no more stable income! … Continue reading →

It’s the worst part of being in business for yourself.   The financial instability. I’ve spent years being totally stressed out and when and where my next payment would come in. When I was doing more general coaching, I had my clients pay me monthly at the top of the month.  And that last week of the month I would be so stressed out wondering if they were going to continue and pay me the next month.  Mostly they did, but sometimes they didn’t.  It was incredibly stressful, and kept me from building my business because I was so stressed out. Now, that’s not the case.  I know when my next payments are coming in, and I have eased the feast or famine roller coaster.  There’s a stabilization to my income that I am so grateful for. I introduce to … Continue reading →

Something I hear over and over again from my clients and readers is  that they want to know how they can make more money.  While there is way more to it than this one column can cover (for the more comprehensive experience, you need this) we can look at one simple thing that will make you more money, fast. Charging in accordance to the value you’re giving for your services, without feeling like a pushy sleazebag. Remember: You deserve to charge good money for your services! And it’s likely time for a raise. When You’re Ready To Raise Your Rates, Do So With Dignity Be honest with your clients. Let your clients know what has changed. Maybe it’s your hours, or a new degree, walk them through your updates.  The honest, direct approach is almost always best.  Help them understand the value … Continue reading →

Happy Friday Creativas! Last weekend I was at an incredible Coaches Summit, which was 4 days of non-stop leadership talk and connection with other Co-Active Coaches.  It was inspiring, but exhausting.  This week I’ve barely done anything besides work with clients and sleep. I really walk the line between introvert and extrovert.  While I’m at the big event? Extrovert! Talking, making friends, hatching big plans.  And then as soon as the excitement dies down, Introvert! I really do recharge by taking time to myself to recover, and I often forget how exhausting these big events can be for me. Which is a long way of saying there is no red hot business advice + strategy for you this week, I am wiped out.  But, there are loads of cool things around the internet that I think you’ll enjoy, so I … Continue reading →