I give you permission.

I give you permission to begin (even if you’re not ready).

I give you permission to be bold (even if it feels scary).

I give you permission to quit (even though you’ve worked so hard).

I give you permission to change your mind (even if others will think you’re crazy).

I give you permission to lean in (even if you’re used to holding back).

I give you permission to step back (even if leaning in seems like the ‘right’ thing to do).

I give you permission to do it YOUR way (even if others protest).

I give you permission to take care of yourself (even if you have always taken care of others).

I give you permission to stand up for yourself and your values (even if it means upsetting someone).

I give you permission to really GO FOR IT (even if you’re terrified it won’t work out).

I give you permission to have fun and let go (even if you’re used to taking things seriously).

I give you permission to redefine what is possible (even if you’ve felt stuck for months).

I give you permission to tell those gremlin voices to piss off (even if you’ve let them run the show).

I give you permission to go for simplicity and ease (even if you’ve been told you need to hustle).

I give you permission to honour the truest part of you that says “this isn’t my path” (even though it scares you to say out loud).

I give you permission to want what you want (even if it feels selfish).

I give you permission to CLAIM what you really want (even if it feels too big).

I give you permission to say exactly what you need to say (even if not everyone wants to hear it).

I give you permission to be unapologetically YOU (even if not everyone likes it).

I give you permission.

And yet, it’s really not my place or role to give you permission.

It’s yours.

What if you were to give YOURSELF permission?

What if you no longer waited for someone else to green light what you already knew to be true?

Giving yourself permission is a gift. And an act of courage.

It will liberate you, empower you and align you with your greatest potential.

Please tell me in the comments, what will you give yourself permission for today?

Photo Credit: Eddie via Compfight

As you may know, I’m the publisher of the Going Pro Magazine.

Publishing this magazine has, without question, been one of the best business decisions I’ve made. And the feedback has been tremendous. I’ve had women tell me that they’ve printed it off at Kinkos and have a dog-eared, highlighted copy in their purse at all times. Others told me that it inspired them to keep going in business, especially when they ready to throw in the entrepreneurial towel.

I’ve often been asked why I chose to create the magazine, and how it’s worked for me, so I thought I’d share the 7 reasons why I publish a digital magazine:

1. I love magazines. I always have. I buy many print magazines, subscribe to that many more online, and can think of nothing more satisfying than curling up with a hot cup of coffee and one of my favourite publications.

2. In my previous career, I had been an editor and writer for a magazine, so I knew the process well and felt confident in my ability to pull together a high quality publication (which is what I’ll be teaching some of you in an upcoming program — see below).

3. Before publishing the first issue of Going Pro, I had a very small list. I had clients, but not enough to create a high profitable business. With two young kids at home, I knew that I needed a powerful outreach strategy that could work quickly and predominately online. I pulled together my first issue and the results were nothing short of remarkable. My itty bitty list grew by 1500+ people in less than a week. I suddenly had more people to talk to about my philosophy around Going PRO, and potential prospects to purchase some of my offerings.

And now, each time I publish, I have an influx of new people come into my business – whether they be readers or customers.

4. As I was reflecting on the ways I could grow my community, I was incredibly resistant to using the tried-and-true strategies that everyone else online seemed to use. I wanted something that differentiated me and that people would be compelled to pay attention to. It worked. I received so much feedback thanking me for doing something unique.

5. The Going PRO philosophy is centred around helping women step up and claim their greatness. But I knew all too well that fear, self-doubt and envy often got in the way of women playing bigger. I wanted a medium to show other women entrepreneurs – those that were aspiring, new or struggling – that the women they idolized all went through similar struggles. I wanted those that had reached levels of success to normalize the journey and share their candid, behind-the-scenes perspectives on how they got to where they are. I believed that it would be inspiring and liberating for women in their early days of business.

6. I was ready to create more income in my business. My primary objective with the Going Pro magazine has never been about money, but money certainly does flow through it. The first time I published, I offered a beta program on the backside of the magazine and had a 5-figure week. For someone with a 20-month and a 4-month old at home – I was over the moon!

7. And finally, I desired connection – with my readers, but also with the women featured inside each issue – a group of women that I respected and valued for their contributions to the business world. The magazine has been an incredible way to forge new friendships, collaborations and general support of each other’s work.

Publishing the Going PRO magazine continues to be a true labour-of-love. It’s an outlet for my creativity, and a powerful way to showcase the stories of successful women in business and inspire thousands of rising entrepreneurs just what is possible. And that’s what Going PRO is all about.

Bottom line? If you’re looking to increase your influence, grow your list and create more income, publishing a digital magazine can achieve all three – in less than 90 days. It’s truly a triple-threat strategy. And the best news? It’s actually much easier than you’d think.

If you have questions, or if you’ve published your own magazine, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

P.S.

Want to create your own digital magazine but don’t know how or where to start?

My colleague and friend, Gina Bell (publisher of the Rebelations magazine) and I have teamed up to create the From Mags to Riches program that will walk you through our 3-step process to Plan, Publish & Promote a digital magazine. We kick off on March 14th, and we’d love for you to join us.

*NOTE: We’re getting lots of questions about attending live. This is totally up to you. EVERYTHING will be recorded, so rest assured that if you miss any or all of it live, you won’t miss anything at all. We just wanted to deliver it in one day so that you could get to work creating your first publication. Join us!

Ever wonder if you stand any hope – any hope at all – in cutting through the noise online to have your voice heard?

Do you find yourself reading mediocre blog posts, subscribing to formulaic newsletters and watching Pinterest quotes fill your Facebook feed, and ask yourself, “How on earth can I contribute anything unique to this cacophony of sameness I see everywhere I turn?”

I’m betting that if you’re striving to go PRO, it’s on your mind – a lot.

Let’s face facts.

The barrier to entry is lower than it’s ever been. Today, you need all but an idea and an internet connection to start a business.

This is amazing and dangerous at the same time.

Yes, it’s easier than ever to set up a website and start making money. The possibilities for income potential are significant, and the dream of leaving cubicle nation really can be realized for anyone who wants it badly enough.

But it’s not without it’s pitfalls.

As of this writing, there are over 59 million WordPress sites online, with numbers only expected to rise significantly. And chances are good, a number of them are talking about the same thing you are.

Which means you need to be pretty damn remarkable to get noticed in a sea of sameness.

And that might be where you’re stuck – wondering HOW to be remarkable without being someone you’re not or working yourself into the ground.

Ready for the good news?

It’s not that complicated. We overcomplicate it because it keeps us safe, but being remarkable starts with one simple choice:

Do you want to be good, or do you want to be great?

The blogosphere is filled with good. Good content, good ideas, good products and good business people.

But I’m challenging you to be great. And so is your audience. They’re craving a distinct voice, a distinct perspective and a distinct offer in a marketplace saturated with me-too brands and half-baked ideas.

“Good is the enemy of Great.” ~ Jim Collins, Good to Great

Good is not on the path to greatness. You don’t start with good and hope one day you become great.

Don’t strive for greatness as some long-shot ideal. It’s a mindset you can claim now. Be great TODAY!

Click to Tweet.

Here are 3 distinct ways you can move toward your own leading edge:

1. Look for the gaps:

The GOOD approach

: Spend too much time studying your competitors. Look at their offers, price points, positioning and marketing tactics and create your version of them.

The GREAT approach

: Study your competitors and identify the gap. What problem isn’t being addressed? What’s being overlooked? Where can you fill a gap no one else is filling?

2. Show up like you mean it:

The GOOD approach:

You run your business spontaneously – blog posts for three weeks straight, then nothing until inspiration hits a month later, offers made in rapid succession because you’re feeling a little, well, tapped.

The GREAT approach:

A solid marketing calendar that works. A consistent presence across your targeted marketing channels. A growing platform that you feed and seed regularly. Supports in place to keep you moving, even during low-energy or low-inspiration periods.

3. Identify the HIGH barrier to entry area. Play there.

The GOOD approach

: Do what everyone else is doing. Telesummits all the rage? Create one. Newsletters being touted as your 6-figure solution? Create one according to the prescribed template.

The GREAT approach

: Play where most won’t. Create a premium product that solves your ideal customers most pressing needs. Set up a back-end sales strategy that keeps you off the cash flow roller coaster. Write the book. Pursue the speaking gigs. Go after the big fish client.

It’s not that good doesn’t work. It does. Many a business was built on good.

But as new businesses sprout up every minute, good just isn’t good enough.

So make the decision to go for great.

Greatness is far easier than being good. The air is much clearer, quieter and calmer in the spaces where few dare to play.

Click to tweet.

P.S.

Want to learn how I took my business from good to great? I’ll be announcing my newest program – a joint project with Gina Bell on how to publish + promote a digital magazine. This ONE great idea took my business from virtual obscurity to a thriving, successful company. Stay tuned for details.

A new year is upon us!

While I was tempted to add my voice to the endless loop of “Make this your best year yet” posts online, I am still coming out of a 2-week digital sabbatical (save for a few Facebook checks) and feel more inclined to just ease on in with some cool stuff I want you to know about. (We’ll get down to business next week).

So, to start your new year out right, here are five cool things that you may want to check out as you continue your new year planning.

1. Real Growth Retreat

I don’t know about you, but one of my priorities for 2013 is to get out and in-person more. I’m finally over the hump of having two tiny little babes at home, leaving me more free to attend conferences and events.

And it just so happens that I’ll be a featured speaker at Shelley Streit’s Real Growth Retreat. I’ll be talking about how to build a powerful presence by activating Brand YOU. This intimate gathering of women in business may be just want you need to re-ignite your passion and enthusiasm.

Join us this April 18-20 at the beautiful Stoney Nakoda lodge.

What makes this in-person event SO unique – even priceless – is in addition to the focused time you’ll be working ON your business, you’ll also connect on a deeper level with other attendees AND the experts with time to network and mastermind! You’re not just an attendee in a chair.

All the details, speaker line-up and registration info is here.

2. Build Your Biz and Blog with Love – Digital Guide

Last year, the lovely Julie Parker asked me to be part of her amazing digital guide, “Build Your Biz and Blog with Love.” Julie rounded up some pretty fantastic women like Alexandra Franzen, Tara Gentile, Amy Smith and yours truly.

This book is beautiful and is just $27 or Pay What You Want.

I promise that 2013 will feel more inspiring and possible after you turn the last page.

Grab your copy here (aff link).

3. My fave new technologies

I have a love affair with technology. I get totally excited when I come across some new tools that may make my business run better. Here are a few I’m experimenting with that you may want to give a try too (leverage the free trials to really be sure they’ll work for you).

• FollowUpThen – I’ll admit it publicly. Email is my achilles heel. I do my very best to keep up, and have discovered a few hacks to help streamline, but some still slip through the cracks. That’s why I’m so pumped about FollowUpThen.Instead of hoping you’ll remember when to follow up, you can simply BCC your messages with a predetermined date (e.g. 1week@followupthen.com) and you’ll automatically get an email in one week reminding you to follow up. Brilliant! And it’s just $4.99/month. Check it out here.
• Satori - For all you coaches out there, this might be a wonderful new platform to manage your clients. I’m giving this one a test-drive right now, but it looks pretty promising (and the customer service is fantastic).I love having scheduling / coaching agreements / questionnaires and more all housed in one place. Talk about streamlined!Have a look here and take it for a free 30-day test drive.
• Habit List (app) – I’m always on the hunt for useful apps for my iPhone/iPad. And I love the simplicity of the Habit List app. If you’re looking to make some small, but consistent habit changes in 2013 this might be the tool to help you make it happen. Simple, clean and easy-to-use, the Habit List app is quickly becoming my favourite tool to check off those daily habits. Check it out here.

4. My PRO Marketing Calendar Workshop – Jan 10

There’s still time to grab a spot in my PRO Marketing Calendar Workshop. The first workshop was held December 12th, but upon registering, you’ll instantly get access to all the worksheets (there are 9 gorgeous planning tools) plus the three audio call recordings (more than 4 hours of step-by-step training on planning your year) from the session so you can quickly catch up.

We’re having part-two on Jan 10 from 8:30am-4:30pm MST – a day to finalize your plans or ensure that all the ideas swimming around in your head make their way to paper and key dates. Even if you can’t make it live – you’ll have everything you need to plan an entire year’s worth of marketing. Bonus? This workshop also gets you clear on your revenue goals, your key offers and what supports the lifestyle you truly desire.

Grab a spot today and join us on the 10th! (or catch the replays).

5. A new program! (Because you keep asking for it!)

Just a few weeks ago, a client said to me, “I LOVE your Going Pro magazine!! I seriously printed the entire thing off at Kinkos and have been carrying it around with me in my purse – dog eared and highlighted like crazy!”

I can say that one of the very best things I’ve done for my business is create that magazine – not only was it unique and different from what everyone else was doing, but it was a huge list builder and revenue generator too. AND people got immense value from it.

I’ve been asked countless times how I did it – what were all the steps to making it happen. I won’t lie to you – it’s a lot of work, but the payoffs are huge.

So, I’ve teamed up with my good friend and business pal, Gina Bell (and fellow digital magazine publisher), to give you the goods on how to create your own digital magazine.

All will be revealed very soon.

***

Phew! I hope these resources serve you as you step into this new year.

Here’s to a phenomenal 2013!

I planned to write today’s post with tips and ideas on how to set yourself up for success in 2013.

I wanted to build on our last post where I asked you some specific questions to evaluate 2012 and let you know about my upcoming PRO Marketing Calendar Workshop. I was going to give you some  key questions to really spark your thinking on designing your business in a way that is profit-driven AND excites you.

I changed my mind. 

Instead, I got more curious about what actually gets in the way of doing the work to strategically plan how you want your business to look.

Why is it that so few entrepreneurs even take an hour to get clear about their vision, their profit plan and how they’re going to build their platform? Why do most just wing it – taking it week by week, and continually asking themselves, “What is it that I should be working on???” 

I’m sure part of it is that planning sounds boring, hard and like the last possible thing you’d want to spend your time doing. I hear you tell me that you’re not sure where to start, or what to do, or what to consider.

Fair. But we both know that’s not really it.

You’re resourceful, strong, smart and creative – you have tools, resources and people all around you that can show you the path to a more empowered and profitable business.

I think you’re just comfortable in your own chaos.

You’re very familiar with this place of not knowing what’s coming next – you’ve been operating your business like that from the beginning. You’re used to taking it day-by-day, flying by the seat of your pants and operating reactively instead of with purpose.

You probably don’t love working this way, but it’s the well-traveled path.

It’s working for you on some level. For one, it requires less of you. You don’t have to step up and really claim it. You can hover below your potential and nobody but you needs to know that you’re giving way less than you’re actually capable of.

And secondly, if you don’t get the results you want, it’s easy to say, “Well, I didn’t really plan this out – so no big surprises.” You validate your results the way a University student who crams the night before justifies a B- (they could have done better if they had studied ahead of time….)

I get it.

People are generally resistant to change. We do things the same way again and again – even when we know they aren’t working for us.

No human being is immune. We all hover.

But it’s such a disempowering place from which to operate. It sells us short and wears us out.

And I want better for you. Which is why I’m writing this tough-love love letter.

Claiming greatness requires you to shift all the perspectives that severely limit your potential. Owning your results means you stop making excuses and believing the story you’ve told yourself (again and again) that you’re just not organized / smart/ strategic / experienced enough to actually LEAD your business like a PRO.

One of the fundamental principles I live by is that we are always in choice. Whether our results are great or sub-par, we have to take personal responsibility for them – not blaming the economy, your competition or any other external factors for what you haven’t yet achieved.

This is an incredibly empowering way to live – it means that you get to decide what you want more of and what you want less of, and actively create the life and business you want.

So, if you want to create a powerful and purposeful 2013, you also must make a choice.

That choice requires you to decide that operating from a place of chaos is no longer serving the vision you hold for your business and your life. That today you’ll decide that you absolutely CAN enter into the new year empowered, decisive and clear.

It will feel a little awkward at first – as any new change does – but if you continue to remind yourself what you’re creating, you’ll soon start to feel the confidence that comes by operating by design, not default. 

We’ll talk more about this idea in 2013 (hey – I’m writing a book on the topic), but for now, the one wish I have for you is that you believe that a new way of operating is possible for you – as are new results.

 ”It’s never to late to be what you might have become.” ~ George Eliot 

P.S.

If you’re ready to enter the new year in calm, not chaos – join our “My PRO Marketing Calendar” virtual workshop – December 12 & Jan 10 (it’s a 2-day virtual workshop so you’ll have lots of time to design your plan). Whether you join us live, or afterward for the recordings – I’ve designed it to give you everything you need to feel empowered, centered and on purpose moving into 2013. Sign up here! 

 Photo Credit:  Kevin Dooley via Compfight

For anyone who’s had a baby – you are intimately familiar with the nesting instinct. It’s that time just before baby arrives, when you go into hyper-plan mode to make sure everything’s ready for your new bundle of joy. The meals get made and frozen. The mobile gets hung. The onesies get organized. The hospital bag gets packed and waits by the front door.

This is driven from an instinctive need to prepare for imminent change.

As one of my best friends prepares for her new babe, I thought about how I’m deep in nesting mode in preparation for 2013. Not for any new babies (2 under 4 is perfect thank you), but for my business. I’ve got a planning afternoon slotted this Thursday with a friend and business colleague, I’ve started to brainstorm what I want to bring to this community next year and how I’ll uplevel my value and service to you.

It’s an exciting time – filled with hope, possibility and perhaps the chance for a few do-overs.

Have your nesting instincts kicked in?

Over the next few blog posts I’ll share some ideas I have about how you can enter into 2013 with confidence, clarity and a sense of renewed purpose. Because I know that by the year’s end we can all feel a little….well….tired. I feel it, my clients feel it, and I’m betting you might too.

And while we all need time to recharge (so please allocate some time over the next 1.5 months), I also know the power in starting a new year inspired and motivated for action.

So today, before we move to next steps, strategies and planning details, I want you to take stock.

Tomorrow I’m speaking at a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon on how to SuperSize Your Profits – and one of my key recommendations will be to do more of what works and less of what doesn’t.

Sounds simplistic, but the truth is, business isn’t that hard – we just make it hard. WAY harder than it needs to be.

Your first step to move into 2013 with confidence and clarity is to understand what worked this year, and what didn’t. Not to self-congratulate or judge your ‘failures’, but to objectively evaluate from a leaderful position, what your company really rocks at and what you may want to either reconsider, ditch or redesign.

We have a tendency to keep pushing the boulder up the hill – to keep trying and trying to make something work, despite how hard it feels. It’s in these times that I’ve learned to take a step back and say, “Is this not working because I’m missing a key step, or is it because it’s not the right thing in the first place?” Often it’s the latter.

Sometimes it’s not the right thing because we’re doing it for the wrong reason – solely for the money, or because our competitors offer it so we think we should too. Or, even more commonly, we’re doing it because it worked once – even though we’ve lost our passion for it, thereby directly impacting results.

What worked last year does not always work this year. As multi-passionate beings, we change our minds. We get excited about new ideas. We stretch, grow and outgrow what once felt oh so right.

Don’t beat yourself up about this – embrace it and work with it to create a new business reality. That is the joy of entrepreneurship – we are always in choice and able to redesign.

Back to your 2013 planning. Today, grab a recording device of your choice and answer these questions:

• What worked well this year?
• What didn’t?
• What projects / offers / strategies excited me and delighted me?
• What projects / offers/ strategies drained my energy and left me feeling tired or frustrated?
• What brought in the most revenue? Why this? (e.g. was the offer really aligned? did you spend the most time promoting it? Get to what made it successful.)
• What brought in the least?  Why?
• Take a pulse test – how has this year felt to me? (tiring, thrilling, slow, frustrating, powerful, up and down, etc)
• Where did I get in my own way?
• Where did I rise to the occasion?
• My three biggest wins this year were:
• The five key lessons I learned this year were:
• The word that best describes this year in business is:

Taking some time to evaluate your experience in 2012 will set you up powerfully to plan out a fulfilling 2013. If you gloss over your recent history, you miss out on an opportunity to understand and learn what’s needed next.

In the next post, we’ll explore what you want to create in 2013 and what you’ll need to put in place (or get out of the way) to make that happen.

P.S.

It’s the ONE question I get again and again – especially at this time of year – “How do I create a marketing calendar I can actually USE?” So, watch for a special workshop invitation soon where you’ll get all the tools and support you need to craft a kick-ass 2013 marketing plan!

What if, just for today – you believed that you already ARE who you want to become?

That you are a thriving PRO.

That you’re a talented writer / speaker / coach / designer / artist / healer / store owner / entrepreneur.

That you’ve got the chops to make the money and impact you desire.

That you use your strengths, skills and passion to impact the lives of others.

That your business is serving YOU vs. you serving it.

That you are a leader in your industry.

That what you do matters.

Today – these are no longer questions or doubts in your mind – they are statements of truth.

And assuming they are true…let me ask you:

How do you need to start showing up to live this truth?

Believe that you already are who you want to be and your business will change.

Start acting like it – and your life will change.

Stop asking questions that assume it’s NOT working – and start asking questions that assume it IS working.

Become who you already are.

Steph
xo

P.S.

Primed for Profits closes very soon. If you want to start asking different questions and getting different (read: better) results – we’ve got a handful of spots left.  Declare a commitment to your own potential and we’ll give you the roadmap to get there.

She’s friendly, down-to-earth, smart as a whip, full of ideas and easy to talk to.

We started working together a few months ago when she signed up for a 6-week coaching intensive with me. The goal? To get a product or program created and launched just six short weeks.

Susan went above and beyond – she launched a business!

This wasn’t the first business Susan had started, but this time it felt different. She had an idea she adored – one that felt tight enough to know where to focus, but expansive enough to give her room to play (multi-passionate entrepreneurs need a big sandbox, don’t we?!).

As her coach, I was truly blown away by Susan’s perseverance and commitment to her vision – even when the gremlins kicked in (which they do for all of us). She got it done. No excuses. No ‘waiting’. Just strategic action aligned with her purpose. It was beautiful to see.

She Builds a Business is officially LIVE.

Susan’s mission is to help new entrepreneurs overcome the overwhelm with practical, how-to info designed to cut down the learning curve and keep them focused on what matters most. She Builds a Business (SBAB) provides a one-stop resource for you to find simple, accessible and affordable tools to help you expedite the learning curve for all of the hats you’re wearing, and build your empire faster.

My job, aside from some strategic advice and a few how-to’s, was to hold the space for this big dream to unfold. To keep her thinking bigger and bigger and not let her get in her own way of creating what was in her heart. Because she KNEW what she wanted – deep down she knew right from the beginning.

In her words of our work together…

“It’s amazing. I have a completely new business direction that felt WAY more aligned with my interests and skills, and one that fills a need in the marketplace. Things started clicking really fast once we landed on the right business idea. I had a direction, my positioning, my message, my model and a website up faster than I ever imagined I would. Stephanie truly lit a fire under me. I’ve worked with other coaches and programs before, but I’ve never made such progress in such a short time as I did working with Stephanie.

Honestly, this is the first time I actually feel like I have a real business (and I’ve been at this for a long time!). I have a model that makes sense and products and services that I feel bring real value to my target audience. I’m really excited to work on this business instead of feeling frustrated.”

Susan is PRIMED for profits. I can’t wait to see it all unfold.

I’m sharing Susan’s story to show any aspiring, new or frustrated entrepreneurs that building a REAL business that is modeled around your passions and skills IS possible. That GOING PRO is doable. You don’t always get it right, right out of the gate (I sure didn’t), but through experimentation, education + support, and a healthy dose of “I CAN do this,” – the business of your dreams is within your reach. Even if it hasn’t worked out the way you hoped it would – tomorrow is a new day.

Susan isn’t different from you (nor are any of us!). She just did the work. And she didn’t let fear or doubt overtake her. She got clear on her purpose, built a powerful presence and is now focused on growing her platform and helping hundreds of women in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Susan sent this gorgeous infographic to me yesterday (see below). I am honoured to be included alongside some truly fabulous business minds!

Want more from Susan?

WELL – I love her practical advice so much (this woman can do everything from WordPress sites to Bookkeeping), that I’ve invited her to be a guest expert in Primed for Profits. We’ll be doing a in-depth training seminar for members on Business Set-up (you know – all those VERY important business details we tend to avoid? Susan will make it easy and fun – trust me).

**Note: Less than 10 spots left in Primed for Profits. We kick off November 5! 

Join me in celebrating Susan’s success – and jump over to her site and send her some love!

~ Stephanie

P.S.

Join me tomorrow (October 25) for a free webinar training event: Your Path to PRO: How to go from struggling hobbyist to thriving professional. It’s at 1pm MST / 3pm EST. I’ll be sharing a bunch of free content and details on Primed for Profits. See you there!

Berta Vicente Salas via Compfight

What does it take to truly flourish as an entrepreneur?

It’s a question (or some version of) that I get asked almost daily.

It’s usually followed up with:

“When will things start working for me? When will all this hard work pay off?”

There’s no doubt that it can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening to work and work and work, only to see modest results. I get that.

But the question likely isn’t, “Are you busy enough doing the work/hustling?” and is more likely, “What are you busy about?”

Meaning, you can fill your days with endless to-do’s and tasks that only move the needle two points closer to where you want to go.

And that means slow growth. Which is fine for some of you, but for the women I talk to – they’re looking for big leaps.

But here’s the thing – big leaps don’t necessarily come from being B-U-S-Y. You don’t have to be spending every waking minute on five different social media platforms, blogging three times a week, hustling at networking events and hosting weekly webinars. You can do that – but your chance of burn out will go drastically UP and your enthusiasm for business will go drastically DOWN.

Big leaps come from being smart, strategic and from simplifying. And they come from having a powerful foundation on which to build. That’s what turns fledgling hobbyists into powerful pros.

That foundation is made up for 6 core pillars. Skip over one and you’ll struggle. Complicate another and you’ll be frustrated as hell.

These pillars aren’t rocket science and you’ve probably heard them before. But the question today is, are they working for you? Have you explored and imagined each fully enough to feel grounded and empowered within them?

Take the mini-assessment below – you’ll uncover what’s working well and where your gaps are. Then spend your time plugging those gaps with the help of a coach, a course or on your own. For each pillar, ask yourself if the statements below are true for your business:

Pillar #1 :: Purpose

• I have found the sweet spot between my gifts + passion, my skills and a need in the marketplace
• I understand exactly who my ideal client / customer is and I speak directly to them when I market or create new offers
• I own my expertise and can clearly communicate the value I bring to my clients and customers
• I’ve narrowed down my niche or I’ve identified a focused theme/message I want to rally my fans around
• I’m excited about my company’s vision and where its headed – I know where I want to go
• I’m clear on how I want to FEEL in my business and what success looks like for ME

Pillar #2 :: Presence

• I know what makes me distinct in the marketplace
• My message is clear + compelling and draws in my right people
• I can dynamically express in less than a minute what my company does, who it does it for and why it matters
• My website is optimized to create a powerful brand experience for my visitors
• I know what I want my brand to be known for
• I’m clear on how I want my brand to be positioned in the marketplace

Pillar #3 :: Profitability

•  My business model is by design not default and it supports my ideal lifestyle
• I have more than one revenue stream that supports my business (preferably beyond just time-for-dollars)
• I know exactly how much I need to make each month to support myself AND what my stretch goals are to have MORE than enough
• I have a product/program creation plan in place to add new offerings to my mix
• I’m clear on how to package and position my offers to support the brand I want to build
• I feel confident selling and have let go of the fears around appearing too salesy

Pillar #4 :: People

• I reach out to my peers, mentors and clients/customers to build relationships and loyalty
• I have a system in place to capture new leads to my business that works (e.g a list)
• I’m leveraging social proof by getting powerful testimonials and using them strategically in my materials
• I engage with my community regularly and am actively listening to what’s showing up for them so that I may be of service

Pillar #5 :: Platform + Promotion

• I know exactly where to focus my energy in building my platform
• I have a marketing plan and calendar in place to keep me on track throughout the year
• I’ve created a strategy to communicate with my list that raises conversions, loyalty and engagement
• I know the top 3-5 marketing strategies I will focus on over the next 6-12 months and won’t be swayed by the latest BSO (bright shiny object)
• I know how to launch my new offers so that they generate the most buzz and conversions
• I’ve got a blog that attracts, engages and converts visitors into readers and readers into subscribers and subscribers into customers
• I’ve got a client attraction plan in place to ensure that I always have enough work

Pillar #6 :: Pioneership

• I’m ready to step up as CEO of my company and really own my role as a leader
• I look BEYOND the day-to-day and spend time on growth work – those areas that grow my business over the long haul.
• I’m ready to make a powerful impact on the world and I will look for opportunities to expand or deepen my impact
• I’ve mastered the mindset needed to keep me out of fear and self-doubt
• I push my own leading edge of what’s possible – I’m not comfortable resting in the status quo
• I’ve let go of excuses, complaints and pity-parties – I know that I’m 100% responsible for getting the results I desire

How’d you do? 

Don’t panic if you couldn’t say YES to everything – this takes time and it’ll always be a work in progress. Your goal now is to fill the big gaps first, and then work to fill the smaller gaps – leaving you with a tight, clear and focused business that works.

Remember – you didn’t wake up knowing how to do all of this stuff. Entrepreneurship is the ultimate lesson in personal and professional development. Just like you wouldn’t berate your three-year-old for not knowing how to ride a bike – go easy on yourself. Identify what’s working and what’s not, and systematically and confidently look to close the gap.

And when you don’t know, ask. There is no ONE right answer – there’s no magic bullet. But if you focus on filling out and deepening your understanding and actions in these six core pillars, you’ll be powerfully positioned to go from fledgling hobbyist to powerful pro.

Need help? Primed for Profits is open for registration (only 12 spots remain).

Got a side gig, hobby or not-so-profitable venture you just know could be . . . more?

Give me 6 months of your focused attention, and I’ll give you the bones of a business.

A REAL business. With revenue streams, a clear brand identity, and room to rise + evolve.

**Note: We start November 5th. This is the LAST time I’ll be running it live with direct access to me. And I’ve capped spots at 25 – with only 12 left. I’ll be hosting a webinar next week (stay tuned for details), but if this program is what you need to fill the gaps – I suggest you sign up soon.