Gail Nott, CPDC

The One Habit That Changes Everything: Sharing Your Voice

Gail Nott — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:08:00 +0000

How small business owners can build trust, attract clients, and make a difference without burning out or selling out.

For decades, I was taught to stay quiet.

Not just in words, but through culture, school, and family dynamic safety was modeled for me. Don’t cause trouble. Don’t make waves. Don’t be too much.

I carried that instinct to shrink myself into adulthood, most of the time. There were other times I would finally burst with anger and rage at the continuing oppression or unfairness and not having the words to describe what was happening. Or more likely, my feelings and point of view were being dismissed and minimized.

The funny thing is, I still didn’t feel safe. I felt invisible.

When I became first a freelancer, and then a small business owner, I realized that being invisible doesn’t help anyone. Not my business, not my clients, not the people I want to serve. You have to put yourself out there. You have to talk about what you do. You have to promote yourself.

And that can feel… gross. Selfish. Arrogant. Especially if you were raised to believe that humility means silence.

So I’d overthink. Hold back. Wait too long. A too-late social media post or email that came out more reactive than intentional.

I still wrestle with those patterns. I’m finding my rhythm and I have great support. I also have more responsibilities.

I want my rhythm to feel more grounded, aligned with my values, and actually be effective.

I know it starts with sharing my Insights. The Expertise, Experience, and Wisdom that can help someone else.

Why Sharing Your Voice Changes Everything

It’s your turn: You already have so much knowledge and experience. But are you sharing it?

Think about how you found your last hairstylist, mechanic, or favorite small cafe. You probably asked around, searched online, or looked at reviews. You wanted to know not just what they do, but who they are.

Your future clients are doing the same thing.

And if they can’t find you, if they don’t know what makes your work meaningful, or what it’s like to work with you, they’ll keep scrolling.

One of my clients, a parenting coach, started recording short weekly podcast episodes and posting them on YouTube. Nothing fancy. Just consistent insights and stories. And it worked. His message is reaching the right people, and they started reaching out.

The Three Fears That Keep Us Quiet

Let’s name what gets in the way, because it’s not just about time or tools.

“I don’t know what to say.”
Start with what your clients ask you all the time. You don’t need to be profound. Just be helpful.
“What if people don’t like me?”
I won’t sugarcoat it—criticism happens. And in this current environment, it can be dangerous for marginalized people. But the people who are meant for you will hear you more clearly when you speak your true thoughts – unfiltered. Start small, start with something easy. Protect your privacy. And test the waters.
“I don’t have time.”
You don’t need to batch a month of content or be everywhere at once. You need consistency, not volume. One tip, one thought, one post a week can start building momentum on the right platform.

How to Start (Without Overthinking It)

Here are a few simple ways to share your voice this week:

Answer a question.
Think about the last thing a client asked you. Your response can be a short blog, a video, or even just a few sentences in a social post.
Share a behind-the-scenes moment.
Show us your desk, your whiteboard, your dog curled up next to your chair. These glimpses make your business feel human.
Get involved in your community.
Whether it’s a local event or an online group, relationships matter more than algorithms. Connection builds trust.
Use your real voice.
Don’t try to sound like an influencer. Be the expert you already are, with your natural tone, quirks, and personality.

A Small Challenge With a Big Payoff

If you’ve been quiet, I get it. I’ve been there. But staying silent won’t move your business forward.

So here’s what I want you to try:

Take five minutes today. Write down one question your clients often ask. Then answer it in your voice. Post it somewhere—LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Substack, an email newsletter.

Don’t over-polish it. Don’t wait until it’s perfect.

Just share it.

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Lessons from a Mompreneur’s Day

takewing — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:52:11 +0000

This week, I faced a day that could only be described as a test of everything I had.

My to-do list was packed: a networking luncheon, a podcast interview, two Zoom meetings, and somehow, I still had to manage the needs of my autistic daughter, getting ready for a vacation, and even a stubborn car that seemed determined to drain its battery.

If you’re a mompreneur juggling a business and family life, I know you’ve had days like this too. The kind where every minute feels like a tug-of-war, and mom guilt sneaks in at every turn.

This story isn’t just about surviving that day—it’s about the lessons I learned along the way, lessons that might help you, too, as you navigate the beautiful chaos of being a mom and a business owner.

When It Feels Like You’re Failing

The morning started as most do in my house: full of love, energy, and a little bit of chaos. My daughter Caidynn, who’s recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, needed extra support.

We’re in the early stages of therapy and are learning how to incorporate occupational therapy exercises at home. It feels like learning a new language—one I’m terrified to get wrong. The stakes feel high.

Every time I lose my temper when I’m overwhelmed (thanks to my ADHD), the mom guilt floods in. Am I failing her? Am I making things worse?

After taking her to my parents’ house for babysitting, the separation anxiety walked in. Caidynn didn’t want me to leave for my meetings. She clung to my leg, pleading, “Can you work upstairs, please?”

Her words transported me back to a time when I could work quietly at my parents’ house while she played downstairs with them. But things are different now. Her needs have evolved and the challenges have grown more complex.

Her request broke my heart. I wondered if our once-a-week babysitting arrangement was making her anxiety worse. But I also knew I needed this time—not just for my business, but for myself.

The Bubble Gum Ice Cream Moment

One of the challenges we’re working on with our daughter is her limited diet. Safe foods—the few she’ll reliably eat—are essential to her sense of comfort, and literally to her body and mind’s feeling of safety.

That day, it was Baskin Robbins bubble gum ice cream in a waffle bowl. As I handed her the small treat, she settled onto the floor with her favorite Pokémon video playing in the background. For a moment, everything was calm.

Watching her, I realized that as much as I worry about getting everything right, sometimes it’s the small acts of care that matter most.

The ice cream wasn’t just a treat; it was a moment of reassurance for her and a chance for me to catch my breath. And let’s be honest—we all need those moments.

Grace in the Imperfect

With her settled, I grabbed my keys, slipped on my shoes, and dashed out the door, hoping my car would start without the dreaded low battery warning. Thankfully, it did.

But after reading about this common issue in my car, I worried that I would get stuck in a town 30 miles away. I decided to not take that chance and I headed back home.

Instead of spiraling into frustration over a missed opportunity, I let myself breathe. That last-minute decision gifted me an extra hour of unplanned free time. I used the hour to recalibrate, preparing for my podcast interview and Zoom meetings.

That hour reminded me of something crucial: It’s okay to pivot.

As busy moms and business owners, we won’t get everything right every day. But giving ourselves grace in those imperfect moments can be transformative. It allows us to move forward instead of staying stuck in guilt or overwhelm.

Lessons for the Busy Mompreneur

Here are the key takeaways from that whirlwind of a day:

Small Wins Are Worth Celebrating
- Whether it’s finding a moment of calm with your child or crossing one thing off your to-do list, those small wins build resilience. They’re the stepping stones that keep us moving forward.
Grace Over Guilt
- It’s easy to beat yourself up for not doing everything perfectly. But the truth is, showing up with love and intention—even imperfectly—is enough. Your kids see your efforts, not just your mistakes.
Flexibility Is Your Superpower
- As much as we try to stick to schedules and plans, life happens. Learning to pivot with grace can turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.
Your Needs Matter Too
- It’s not selfish to take time for yourself or your business. In fact, it’s necessary. When you fill your own cup, you’re better able to pour into others.

A Note to Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed

If you’re reading this and nodding along because it feels all too familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone. The juggling act of being a mom and a business owner is hard, especially when neurodivergence is part of your family dynamic. But it’s also filled with opportunities to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity.

Give yourself permission to celebrate the small wins, embrace the imperfect moments, and create space for what truly matters—for you and your family.

Ready to Reclaim Your Time?

If you’re ready to align your business with your life and create more time for what matters most, I invite you to try the LIFT group coaching program.

And I know you’re busy. If you can’t make it to the group call, or you have a last-minute question, you get text and email access to me and you’ll get support and accountability on your time.

Start your free trial and discover how to streamline your marketing, attract aligned clients, and grow a thriving, purpose-driven business—without sacrificing your sanity.

Start Your FreeTrial Today

7 Steps for Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs to Turn Challenges into Growth

Gail Nott — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 18:10:19 +0000

Resilience for Empaths

I had some interesting conversations the day after the election with friends and clients. To be honest, I’ve been numb off and on for over a year as I’ve opened my eyes to what’s really going on in the world.

As a Filipina American growing up and working in mostly white spaces, I’m not surprised. Tired, but not surprised.

What’s helping me is finding local and online community where our values are in alignment. Ultimately, I value collective liberation. Because if the most marginalized person is free, healthy, and, secure — we are all free, healthy, and secure.

Now what does this have to do with business?!

As business owners, we ARE the business. If we’re not feeling calm, grounded, and safe — it is hard to work on our business. Sometimes I think, “What’s the point?”

However, I know there is power in small business. We support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We may not have control over what the country or the world does, but we do have a say in our own pods.

Here are 7 steps you can use to process any challenging situations:

Key notes

1. Reflect and Reframe

When things feel overwhelming, I take a step back to reflect on both the situation and my reaction to it. Sometimes this means journaling or jotting down thoughts about what’s actually happening versus what I feel is happening. Emotions are powerful, and getting them out on paper can often help me distinguish between a temporary frustration and a deeper issue.

One helpful question to ask is: *What’s the lesson here?* This small mindset shift can transform challenges into valuable learning experiences. For instance, when I first launched my business, I faced an unexpected financial hurdle. Initially, it felt like a roadblock; later, I saw it as an invitation to refine my budget and services. This approach empowered me to keep learning and adapting, instead of feeling stuck

2. Create Grounding Rituals

This democratizes design for non-technical users while offering developers a way to extend WordPress functionality and provide more options to their clients.

3. Seek Connection and Perspective

Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel isolating, and challenging times can magnify that. I’ve learned that when I open up to trusted peers, whether in networking circles like Entrepinayship Toastmasters or other supportive communities, I often find fresh perspectives or simply the reassurance that I’m not alone.

Sometimes, talking it through with a friend or fellow entrepreneur brings insights I hadn’t considered. Additionally, I try to step back and think: *What advice would I give a client in this situation?* By coaching myself with the same compassion I offer others, I gain clarity and see solutions I may have overlooked.

4. Focus on Small, Actionable Goals

When challenges feel huge, I break them down into small, manageable steps. In business, it’s easy to feel pressured to solve everything at once. However, tackling small steps toward a larger solution can help build momentum and reduce overwhelm.

This is why I’m a fan of setting 90-day goals. If you’re facing a hurdle, look at what you can do within the next day, week, or month. By setting smaller, focused objectives, I’ve found that I can make progress without feeling bogged down. These incremental wins boost confidence and make the larger challenge feel more manageable.

5. Visualize the Bigger Picture

One of the reasons I chose a flight theme for my coaching business is the symbolism it brings. When I picture challenges as “turbulence,” it helps me realize that while they may shake things up temporarily, they don’t change my direction or final destination. It’s a reminder that I’m still on course, even if the ride gets bumpy.

Another visualization that resonates with me is the image of a dragon flying through a storm. The dragon isn’t deterred by the storm; it flies with strength and resilience. When facing my own challenges, this imagery reminds me of my own strength and ability to weather the storm. It helps shift my mindset from feeling powerless to feeling empowered.

6. Use Challenges to Enhance Your Coaching Skills

As a business coach, I often encounter clients going through their own tough moments. I’ve learned that my personal challenges can serve as a source of empathy and insight. They deepen my understanding of what my clients may be experiencing and allow me to offer even more genuine guidance.

For instance, when I faced a season of change in my business model, I used the experience to develop new resources for my clients. My LIFT program, focused on business growth and sustainability, grew out of that period, enabling me to help clients build resilience and self-sufficiency. This is a reminder that when we embrace our own growth, we have even more to share with those we serve.

7. Emphasize Impact, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of self-criticism when things don’t go as planned. In those moments, I remind myself that the purpose of my work is to inspire and support changemakers, not to achieve flawless results every time. Perfection isn’t the goal; making an impact is.

One of the most grounding questions I ask myself during challenging times is, *What would I want other aspiring change makers to take away from this experience?* By shifting the focus from personal achievement to collective impact, I find renewed motivation to keep going, even when things are tough.

Moving Forward with Resilience and Heart

Challenges are inevitable, but they don’t define us—they refine us. By taking time to reflect, setting intentional goals, and grounding ourselves in our purpose, we can transform difficult moments into opportunities for growth and service. I’ve seen this in my journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside others as they navigate theirs.

If you’re facing a challenging moment right now, know that you’re not alone. Take things one step at a time, find support where you can, and keep your vision in focus. Your journey is unfolding, one resilient step at a time.

From Chaos to Clarity: Adapting Your Business as a Mom and Caretaker

Gail Nott — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 03:22:59 +0000

As business owners, we often dream of having endless hours to dedicate to growing our ventures. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a side hustle, family responsibilities, or unexpected life changes, many of us find ourselves with just a few precious hours each day to focus on our businesses. So, how do we make the most of this limited time without sacrificing our sanity or success?

Embracing the Reality of Limited Time

Let’s face it: time is a finite resource, and sometimes, life demands more of it than we’d like to give. For me, it’s been my daughter’s evolving needs that have prompted a major business overhaul. Maybe for you, it’s a new side gig or caring for a loved one. Whatever the reason, accepting this new reality is the first step towards adapting your business model.

7 Strategies for Success with Limited Hours

When your time is limited, every minute counts. Here are seven practical strategies to help you stay focused, productive, and successful—even when your schedule is tight. These tips are perfect for busy entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone aiming to maximize their impact without sacrificing their well-being.

1. Conduct a Vision Reset

Before diving into tactical changes, take a step back and reassess your overall vision. What truly matters to you? What are your core goals? This clarity will guide your decisions moving forward.

2. Focus on High-Impact Activities

With limited time, it’s crucial to identify the tasks that will move the needle for your business. Ask yourself: “What actions will bring in clients or increase revenue while decreasing my time investment?”

3. Consider a VIP Client Model

Working with fewer, higher-end clients can be a game-changer when time is tight. It often means:

Less client management
Higher income per client
More focused work

4. Embrace Flexibility in Your Business Structure

Who says you have to stick to one rigid business model? It’s okay to:

Take on freelance work
Consider part-time employment
Explore consulting opportunities

The key is finding a balance that works for you and your current life situation.

5. Prioritize Existing Clients

When time is scarce, focus first on serving your current clients exceptionally well. However, don’t be afraid to evaluate these relationships. Are there any clients that no longer align with your business goals or values? It might be time for some tough conversations.

6. Streamline Your Offerings

Consider “productizing” your services. Create systems and templates that allow you to deliver high-quality work more efficiently. This might mean:

Developing a signature process for client work
Creating templated proposals or workflows
Specializing in a particular niche or problem

7. Leverage Your Network

Don’t be shy about letting your network know you have capacity for new clients. Educate them on the specific problems you solve and the ideal clients you’re looking for. A simple message like, “I have room for two more clients this month. Do you know anyone struggling with X?” can be surprisingly effective.

4 Mindset Shifts for Success

When challenges arise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck. Success often starts with surrendering to what you cannot change, and embracing what you can. Shifting how you view obstacles can make all the difference in navigating tough times and finding new opportunities. In this section, I’ll cover four powerful mindset shifts that can help you stay resilient, focused, and motivated, no matter what comes your way.

1. Reframe Challenges as Experiments

Instead of getting overwhelmed by the myriad of possible solutions, approach changes to your business model as experiments. Test, learn, and adjust. It’s not about finding the perfect answer immediately, but about discovering what works best for you and your unique situation.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so ensure you’re allocating time for rest, rejuvenation, and activities that bring you joy.

3. Let Go of the Savior Complex

For those of us who are natural over-givers, it’s tempting to try to help everyone at the expense of our own well-being. Remember, it’s okay to focus on premium clients or services. You can always revisit more accessible offerings when you have the capacity to do so.

4. Embrace the Journey

Adjusting your business model to fit a limited time schedule isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a journey of continuous adaptation and growth. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and remember that every successful business owner has faced similar challenges.

By focusing on high-impact activities, streamlining your offerings, and embracing flexibility, you can create a thriving business that aligns with your current life circumstances. Remember, it’s not about working more hours – it’s about making the hours you work count.

What changes will you make to your business model to accommodate your limited time? Message me on LinkedIn or on Instagram. I’d love to hear from your thoughts and experiences.

Need clarity on taking the next step to grow your business?

I now offer 30-minute laser coaching sessions to help you get clarity, prioritize, and move into action. Click here to schedule your Clear Path Strategy Session >>

7 Ways for Stay-at-Home Moms to Increase Their Income

Gail Nott — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 22:33:00 +0000

Are you a stay-at-home mom who’s looking for ways to increase your income? If so, you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to bring in more money that can work with your busy schedule. In this post, we’ll outline seven different methods that can help you make more money. So, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or just want to find some extra cash, read on for some great ideas.

1. Ask for a Raise

If you are currently employed, ask for a raise. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work in your favor. Research shows that women ask for raises just as often as men, but they do not receive them. If your work is not being valued, start polishing up that LinkedIn resume, network with your connections, and look for better opportunities. You can even use your new offers as a negotiation tool with your current employer. Since raises and job hunting are not my specialty, feel free to contact me for a referral to a career coach I recommend, especially for women of color.

2. Give Yourself a Raise

If you have your own business, how long has it been since you’ve raised your rates? Keeping up with rising costs is enough reason to increase your rates. Inflation is expected to be at 5% in 2022, and at least over 2% in 2023. Also, take into account your experience and the value of the transformation your clients received by working with you. One of my private coaching clients increased her revenues by 18% in 2021 and worked fewer hours! That’s a huge win and it’s reflected in how my husband and I increase our fees (slightly) every year.

3. Work a Side Gig

Even if you have a job or a business, sometimes a side hustle is the most sensible way to avoid debt. If you’re in desperate need of cash, working a side gig as an independent contractor or freelancer can give you a quicker paycheck than pushing harder for sales in your business. (Prospects can sense desperation and they will run away!) Drive for Uber, shop for Instacart, sign up to walk dogs, clean houses on Thumbtack or TaskRabbit, create social media graphics on Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms enable you to sign up and start working within a week or so, depending on the requirement for background checks. In general, you can sign up now and start working right away.

4. Rent Your Stuff

If you have a spare bedroom, or like my friend did, transformed her garage into an extra room, you can become an AirBnB host. You can live your B&B dream and provide a cooked breakfast (as a guest, this was amazing when I had a three-day conference to attend!) or be hands-off and just provide a key in a lockbox to the amenities-filled room. But it’s not only a room you can rent. If you have an RV, pool, car – depending on where you live, there are apps that facilitate renting your stuff. Do your due diligence and make sure you’re probably insured, whether it’s through the app or your home owner’s policy.

5. Sell Your Stuff

Another speedy way to bring in some money is to sell your stuff. This is my favorite way to make extra cash. I’m a wannabe minimalist, and I’m always decluttering. You’ll make more if you sell your items on eBay, Poshmark, and other sites set up for this, but you can also sell on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and by having a garage sale. Make it fun by asking your entire neighborhood to have a garage sale to bring in more traffic.

6. Sell What You Make Or Grow

Do you have a favorite hobby that you could expand? Maybe you already enjoy making jewelry for yourself or your friends. You could sell the extra jewelry you make or take personal requests to make custom pieces. If you have even a small backyard, you can make extra money selling house plants, seeds, veggies, or microgreens. It doesn’t take as long as you may think to start generating extra cash this way. Just be careful that you have a healthy balance between selling the items and buying more supplies. I have a friend who makes just enough to pay for the hobby, and that’s enough for her. If you’re looking to make a profit, watch those pennies! This leads us to the final tip…

7. Cut Expenses

While this is not technically an income increase, it will free up the money you have to spend on necessities. Cancel your subscriptions, repair/reuse/upcycle instead of buying new, drop down to one car or drive less. My husband and I started a “no-buy” year until we bought a house. We only spent money on necessities like our rent, food, and medical, and held off on buying new clothes, gadgets, and other wants. You could even improve your health by drinking less alcohol or eating red meat. If you have an expense that is not a need, find a way to reduce it or eliminate it until you’ve increased your income.

Earn More Money, On Your Time

Increasing your income can fulfill a need for variety in your work life, as well as contribute financially to your family. Your kids can even get involved and learn valuable money, business, and communication skills

What’s your favorite way of earning more money for your family? Shoot me a DM over on Instagram and let’s connect!

Perfect Timing

Gail Nott — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:58:15 +0000

I recently joined the Entrepinayship Toastmasters group and I gave my first speech, the Icebreaker. Typically, the Icebreaker speech is used to introduce yourself, the reason why you joined Toastmasters, and your speaking goals. I swayed from the usual route and introduced myself by sharing my journey in becoming a mother as an imperfect planner with an appreciation for luck and possibility.

My number one love, next to my daughter and my husband, is checking off a task from my to-do list.

That feeling of ink to paper means I am an achiever.

I also love making that list in the first place.

Getting all of the have to’s, the should’s, the dreams, organized and prioritized, into a strategic, step-by-step plan gave me a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and satisfaction.

One month before my 19th birthday, I had the perfect plan.

I moved out of my parents’ home to live closer to my boyfriend.

We would graduate from college by age 22. Be married by 23. Have our first child by 24. And continue having children until we had 5 beautiful babies before I turned 36. Because you know 40– your body’s done by then.

And then I decided to stay in Southern California when he moved back home. I decided to break up with my next boyfriend who called me names when he was angry. I made decisions that moved me away from my original plan.

Eventually, I fell in love with the most important person – myself – and then fell in love with someone who loved all of me too.

At the still young age of 29, I was now on the fence about having children.

I loved my business. I loved having fun with Cory. And my sister had two kids.

I was the awesome Auntie, picking them up from school, playing with them, taking them to museums and parks, and then give them back.

It wasn’t until I was 36, the age I thought I would have the five kids, that I knew I was ready for one.

I watched how my niece would hug her Mommy and I wanted that too.

I started to do all of the things – ate a healthy diet, stopped drinking, tracked my temperature, and calendared our “dates”.

I planned and we implemented, but test after test – I was disappointed, heartbroken, and failed every single time, month after month for years.

There are only so many times you can get your heart broken before you start to harden up.

When my sister came running into my mom’s house, gleefully sharing that’s pregnant with her third when they weren’t even trying.

I’m not going to ruminate on why not me any longer. I was done.

I threw myself back into work. We adopted a lot of animals and they were all my babies. And that gave me the space to focus on my next plan.

To travel the world and have an online business.

It took some convincing, but eventually, my husband and I sold everything and moved into an RV.

We celebrated our newfound freedom, partying every night with BBQ’s, cocktails, and lots of “dates”.

Nothing is sexier than paying off debt, and living in a space that is so small, you are constantly bumping body parts into each other.

On our way back from an RV trip to Washington State, I mentioned to Cory, “I haven’t had my period in a couple of months. I think I should see my acupuncturist to get me regular again.”

He said, “Take a pregnancy test to rule that out.”

I laughed at the absurdity. I’m 42. Cory’s 49 “Fine. We’ll rule it out.”

At our campsite in Oregon, we BBQ’d, drank, and partied.

In the middle of the night, I wake up to go to the bathroom. I had to go to the bathroom a lot recently.

In the dark, I take out the test we bought at the store on the way to the campsite.

I’m too sleepy to wait for the results. I climb back into bed and go back to sleep.

I wake up to the sun shining through the blinds. I have to go to the bathroom again and I remember that test. I pick it up for a quick look before throwing it in the trash.

I stared at the little window. Is that a second line?

I laughed, jumping up and down, making the RV shake. I cried and screamed,” I’m pregnant!”

Cory palmed his face and made an old man sigh. I laughed at him. Guess what I did next?

I started making new plans.

I know that not everything goes according to plan. The past three years have been proof of that.

And my daughter has taught me an important lesson. All of these plans mean nothing —

If I’m not open to possibility,

If I stop dreaming,

Or if I stop cherishing every step of the journey, no matter how long it takes or how difficult it is.

Eddie Huang said that “People talk about perfect timing, but I think everything is perfect in its moment.”

Everything lined up, in its perfect plan.

We have a business that supports us,

A family that helps us,

And at my old age of 45 (ha!), I have the patience, maturity, and wisdom to not take any second I have with her for granted.

My life didn’t go as planned, but it was perfectly timed.

How to Review Your Goals at the End of the Year

Gail Nott — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 02:23:22 +0000

Make the most of it by reviewing your successes and lessons from this past year.

Update January 1 2021: I now have a full workbook to review your goals

I updated my full workbook on reviewing your goals and planning how you will achieve your 2023 goals.

and plan how you will achieve your 2021 goals.

Go to: https://www.takewingcoaching.com/bestyearever/

3 Tips for Working from Home for Mompreneurs

Gail Nott — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:00:00 +0000

At the present time, your days might be loaded up with adjusting business, kids, tasks, wellbeing, and everything else the world is tossing at you.

Commotion and interruptions don’t make for an exceptionally gainful workplace. It may feel like you can’t complete anything. With everybody stuck at the house throughout the day, it’s essential to make limits so you can remain rational and still focus on your business consistently and productively.

Here are three tips to assist you with remaining engaged and gainful when you’re in work-mode, so you can be completely present and calm for your family.

1. Create Home Routines for Your Family

Schedules create a much-needed structure for the day. Do you already have a schedule for your work? If not, you could structure your time so that you focus on your marketing and sales in the morning and client work in the afternoons. Or you could structure your weeks by scheduling certain days to work on your business, and other days to work in your business.

Ensure your children have an every day standard too. Assign certain times for school, eating, playing, reading, and heading outside. Your children don’t necessarily need a color-coded, hour-by-hour schedule however blocks of free time do wonders if you have little ones running around. It allows you the time to expect to get some important work done, while you know they are busy coloring for 30 minutes.

Maybe it’s an option to work on a different time schedule that everyone else does. For myself, I wake up two hours before my daughter wakes up. (Can anyone say COFFEE!) I’m able to start my day off early by communicating with my team, check in with clients, and work on my marketing pieces.

A normal part of our routine once my daughter wakes up is to go outside to feed the chickens and rabbit together, work on the garden, and then head inside for breakfast. While she eats, I jump back on my computer!

For older kids, try setting up specific quiet times where they can focus on schoolwork or take the time to enjoy their favorite hobby. Your kids will quickly adapt to this new schedule, giving you the time and concentration you need to focus on your business.

2. Be Flexible with Your Routines

Be empathetic with yourself and your children if interferences emerge throughout the day. We’re encountering exceptional difficulties and kids may experience difficulty handling the feelings they are managing.

Just because change is good, doesn’t mean its always easy, give your children some time to adjust.

Somebody will pitch a fit or make a mess. In those minutes, stop your work and handle the circumstance. Be delicate with your children and yourself at these times.

In Shonda Rhimes’s book, “Year of Yes” she talks about always saying yes to her kids. It might be a tantrum or it might be a request to play. What she found is that her kids often just wanted 15 minutes of her time before they moved on to something else.

No matter how busy I am with work, I can always say yes to my daughter.

3. Plan Alone Time

Having a quiet place to think and plan is so important for your workday and for your mental health. It’s hard to run on empty, so taking the time to recharge and think is beneficial to your business.

Maybe this looks like hiding in the house to watch a movie alone or a walk by yourself. Whatever it looks like, just get that time to be yourself.

Finding Time for Both You and Your Family

Setting a routine for you and your household will make working in a full house, a little bit easier. Make sure to set times to focus on business and times to focus on family.

If you’re looking for even more help with focus and accountability right now, download my free workbook on productivity and time management for busy parents.

4 Steps to Marketing Your Business on Pinterest

Gail Nott — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:48:47 +0000

A version of this article was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2020.

At first glance, Pinterest can be confusing. To the new user, it appears to be nothing but a screen of random photos. The experienced, however, see it as an elegantly designed photo-sharing site optimized for planning, inspiration, and search engine optimization.

Pinterest is a powerful search engine optimization tool for small businesses, increasing brand recognition, website traffic, and sales.

The Pinterest Statistics are Phenomenal

Pinterest’s active user base grew 26% to 335 million last year. (Pinterest, 2019)

More than 80% of U.S. women ages 18-64 with children use Pinterest. (SEC, 2019)

There are more than 2 billion searches on Pinterest every month. (Pinterest, 2018)

One out of every two millennials a Pinterest user, but nearly six out of every ten millennials use Pinterest to discover new products. (Kleinerperkins, 2018)

82% of weekly active users on Pinterest say they have bought products based on their brands’ content on the platform. (Pinterest, 2019)

Four Steps to Leverage Pinterest for Your Business

1. Make Your Business Visual

Document your products, services, and staff with your smart-phone camera, or hire a professional photographer or videographer. Then use those images to promote your business on Pinterest.

Create boards to showcase your company’s before and after photos, how-to information, case studies, and reviews.

Develop a special offer just for your Pinterest followers, like a coupon or free report.

2. Know Your Target Market

Pinning photos and videos about your services and products is just the beginning of leveraging Pinterest for your business. The next step is to create boards highlighting your target market’s other interests.

If you’re representing a flooring company, as an example, begin with boards that feature hardwood, tile, and carpet. Next, create boards on dream homes, remodeling, design ideas, house cleaning tips, organization, recipes, or whatever will draw your target market to your site.

Researching your target market will help you create a successful Pinterest strategy specifically, and an overall marketing strategy in general.

3. Drive Traffic to Your Website

Write content for your website on the topics you have chosen. This can be blogs, articles, reports, FAQ’s, or videos. After you post that content on your site, upload the featured image to Pinterest.

Even better, include the name of your content on the image.

Make sure you include search engine optimized keywords, descriptions, and hashtags in your board titles.

Verify your website with your Pinterest account by going to your Pinterest Settings page and clicking on the Verify Website button. This will increase your Pinterest’s profile credibility and trust with your followers.

4. When to Pin

Pin consistently and pin during peak times. Just as with all marketing platforms, to be effective, you must use Pinterest consistently. Scheduling software such as Tailwind is a convenient way to schedule your pins in advance. Because most people suggest pinning 3 to 10 images a day, pre-scheduling pins allows you to consolidate your marketing time.

Pinterest users are most active in the evenings and on weekends. Schedule the majority of your pins for those times.

Put the Power of Pinterest to Work For You

Putting the power of Pinterest to work for you is an amazing way to build your business. Remember, though, that advertising yourself 24/7 gets tiresome for your followers. Therefore, when you pin, blend content from both your own site and other business sites.

Posting your business on Pinterest is a great way to increase your brand recognition, website traffic, and sales. In four steps, you can be successful on Pinterest: be visual, know your target market, create content on your website, and be social.

How to Effectively Use Social Media for Online Networking

Gail Nott — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 22:52:43 +0000

How do you know if spending time on social media to network is working?

Social media is a powerful tool to build, communicate, and engage your business network. It’s also built as a psychological trap, sucking you in where time flies by if you’re not careful.

As a mom of an 11-month old, I do not want to waste time mindlessly scrolling. I only have a few hours a day to work and I want to spend it wisely.

One tool I recommend to help me focus with social networking is called the Networking Scorecard.

The Networking Scorecard was developed by Dr. Ivan Misner, co-founder of Asentiv. It’s a way to track your business networking activities. With it, you can measure the time spent on networking is worth the investment. Meaning, did you earn revenue from your networking activities and was it a profitable use of your time?

Networking activities can include going to mixers, attending conferences, and meeting a colleague for coffee. Online, it means posting on social media, building your network, engaging with your connections, and supporting them when you can.

One relationship building activity you can do to support your network is to share their posts. Your contacts can benefit from the post, and your colleague gets more exposure.

Uplevel Your Social Media Networking

You want to avoid overwhelming your social media contacts with post after post, so you’ll want to share strategically. First, think about which of your contacts you are gonna to help.

Next, decide on when you want to post. Make your marketing calendar the priority and share your colleague’s posts when it doesn’t conflict with your own promotions.

Sharing is just one level. Multiply your scorecard points by sharing the post with a testimonial. Let your audience know why you recommend your colleague.

Even better, collaborate with your colleague ahead of time so that you can coordinate when they want things to be shared with your marketing and editorial calendar.

Become a resource for your followers and your colleagues by curating your network’s posts and helping them receive more visibility. The more you give to others, the more you will attract others who will offer to do the same for you.

Check out Dr. Ivan Misner’s Networking Scorecard app here.

Want more information on how to increase your business referrals? Visit Asentiv to find a coach near you.

Want more digital and social media marketing tips?

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