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Aligning Your Business With Purpose & Passion
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There’s no question that social media can be a big help to your business, whether you’re trying to reach current customers or target new ones. There are also many people who say that social media takes up too much of their time, and they don’t feel like they get enough out of the time they spend on it to make it worthwhile. Here are five tips for spending less time on social media without missing out on all the great benefits as a business. These are the same tips I follow when it comes to all my businesses; Modern Market, Wordsmith & The Essential Studio Manager.
THE IMPORTANCE OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A BUSINESS
We live in a digital world. Most people use social media, so if you’re trying to grow your business, you have to be where your customers are: on social media. But there’s more to it than that. It’s no longer enough to just have a Facebook page and hope for people to like it and engage with it—you actually need content and strategies, or you risk losing valuable leads. Take some time out of your day and design a plan that will allow you to maximize your presence without wasting all of your time (or missing out on opportunities).
WHY YOU NEED AN ONLINE PRESENCE
There are plenty of reasons why businesses (and individuals) create social media accounts. It’s a way to share content with your audience and spread your business’s name, establish yourself as an expert in your field, network with other businesses or people in your niche, even find a new employee. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with social media while running a business (particularly if you work solo), then it might be time to evaluate how much time you spend on these platforms and how you can still get all the benefits of using social media, without having to spend so much time on social media.
CREATING CONTENT PILLARS
Content pillars are a core component of every successful social media strategy because they take the guesswork out of what to post, making it easy for you to stay on target and have fun with your content. Pillars are relevant topics and themes that keep your audience engaged. The content pillars I’ve always built my content around is:
1. Personal
2. Educational
3. Promotional
4. Engaging
5. Passion
Depending on what kind of business you have, you could adjust these content pillars, or change them to something more specific that your audience enjoys.
CREATING CONTENT AHEAD OF TIME
Write out a schedule for content creation and stick to it. Schedule your social media posts several days or weeks in advance. Utilize tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to plan content in advance and save yourself time. These apps allows you to create a queue of pre-written posts, which you can then schedule at different times over an extended period of time. This way you’re not having to do all the work on the go and can dedicate one day to plan and schedule all your content.
TIP: Just because you automate your posts doesn’t mean you can get away with not showing up online. I try to schedule my posts but then push the notification to my phone so I can post it manually and engage during the best time. Which is typically shortly after posting.
SHOWING UP AND ENGAGING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
Let’s not forget one of the most important ways to participate in social media is to simply show up. Engaging with your audience requires you to use social media as a place for interaction and presence, even if it doesn’t directly lead to sales or customers. Using it only for promotion means you’re missing out on half of its value. Let’s not forget what makes social media great. It’s a place you can connect. Although I’m all for planning ahead and scheduling my posts in advance, one thing I won’t ever miss (or outsource) is the opportunity to show up and connect with real people.
Promoting your business or brand on social media is important, but it’s just one use of a diverse and valuable tool. You’ll get more out of it by showing up and connecting with people in your industry on a regular basis. Even if you’re not being asked for advice or solutions, being there to support and encourage others can help build relationships that lead to collaboration later. Sometimes all you need to start is an introduction, so never be afraid to say hi!
EMAIL MARKETING VS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
It’s obvious—email marketing is one of, if not THE, most effective ways to reach customers. If you’re hoping to spend less time on social media, then getting your email list started might also be a really great idea. I learned a valuable lesson after spending years building up my Facebook fan page (back when we could still reach our followers organically) and overnight losing that connection when Facebook pushed new changes on who saw our content. I promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake with Instagram or any other social media platform. Instead, I used social media but focused more on building my list. A direct connection to my customer and clients. Thanks to my list, I was also able to spend less time on social media, but still reach my audience directly anytime I sent an email. Email marketing is also just one piece of the marketing puzzle, but a piece that I truly enjoy utilizing.
LIMITING TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS
Many entrepreneurs say that social media is addictive, and believe it’s holding them back from focusing on what really matters. By spending less time on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll be able to invest more time in other areas of your business—and get much more done in your day-to-day operations. Start by determining how much time you currently spend on social media each day, then figure out if that is the best way forward. Figure out how much time you really need to spend on social media, and then make that your goal. Often enough, when it comes to social media it’s easy to let those quick 5 minutes turn into two hours. By being more aware of how we spend our time on social media, we become more productive with how we spend our overall time.
IT’S OK TO NOT ALWAYS WANT TO CREATE CONTENT
Being on social media is important because it provides another way for people to engage with your brand and business. But just because social media plays a big role in how we market our business these days, doesn’t mean we should feel obligated to spend all our time on it. I’ve actually had more success with marketing by being less on social media because it’s allowed me to focus my time on other parts of my marketing strategy that so often got pushed to the side. Remember: Social media marketing is just one tiny piece of the marketing game. There are many other ways you can go about marketing your business. What’s most important is that you find a way to market your business in a way that you enjoy. If social media isn’t at the top of your list, then stop making it such a huge priority and instead focus on marketing you enjoy.
Thankfully, I specialize in creating social media captions that can easily be customized to who you are and what you do. They are perfect for any kind of business owner ready to start showing up online consistently.
WORDSMITH SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTION EXAMPLES:
1) BIG WARM HELLO (PERSONAL)
I haven’t introduced myself on here for a while so I thought I’d do that again. A big warm hello to all of you My name is [name] and I’m the [girl, woman, man driving force, dreamer] behind [your business name].
When I was [age or time in your time] I fell in love with [what you do] after [an experience that helped you find your passion] and in [year you started your business] I decided to go for it and [your business name] was born.
I spend most of my days [what you typically do for your job] and love every minute of it. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it’s something I picture myself doing for years to come because it allows me to [your favorite part of what you do], and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
I’m also a [something else you are, parent, mom, occupation] and obsessed with [something you love to do, like spending time with your family, drawing, reading, etc.] in my free time.
I’d love to get to know you a little better, comment below and come say hello and tell me where you’re from, it’s always so much fun to see where everyone is!
2) THE PERFECT FIT (EDUCATIONAL)
What’s the number one thing you look for when you’re searching for the perfect [enter your job title]? Is it [list a few things like price, style, location, personality, etc]? If you’ve been looking for a [your job title] you’ve probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming at times and I’m here to help you in your search with my 5 best tips on finding the perfect [your job title]!
[offer tips to help them in their search. ex; if you’re a photographer you might mention that they should view their portfolio to see if they have the right style, or that cheaper prices can sometimes be a red flag]
1. [Tip number one]
2. [Tip number two]
3. [Tip number three]
4. [Tip number four]
5. [Tip number five]
I hope these little tips help you with your search. If you’d love to talk more about hiring me as your [job title] then shoot me a message! I have a few [available appointments, spots, sessions, etc] in the next [week, month, year] and would love to send you some more information to see if we’d be a great fit!
3) WHERE ARE YOU FROM (ENGAGING)
I’d love to know; where are you from? There are so many new faces, and it’s always fun to see where everyone is located! Most of you probably know, but I live in [your current location] and have been calling this beautiful place home for [how many years you’ve lived there].
Near or far, comment and below and let me know where you’re from!
FREE INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS
You can get a whole month’s worth of social media captions when you sign up for the free trial for Wordsmith. A platform dedicated to helping business owners create great content. I publish new content for you to use every single month!
If you’re a business owner, spend less time on social media without missing out on any of its benefits and be more productive with how you use social media to grow your business. This will in turn help build your brand and give you back valuable time. Start by creating daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly goals for yourself on social media so that you can track your results over time. You don’t need to spend hours each day managing your social media pages. Sometimes it comes down to using these marketing tools more efficiently to get the most out of them.
Ready for more? Join my newsletter and be the first to know about new articles published on the blog, business tips, and of course, all the best strategies and free resources. There’s a reason this list is 70,000 strong!
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I’ve always been one of those people who wanted to do as much as possible, as fast as possible. Which sounds great in theory but doesn’t actually work so well in practice. Over the years, I’ve learned the value of batch working. Which has helped me become significantly more efficient in my workflow. Now I have far more time available to dedicate to the things that really matter.
In the world of startups and entrepreneurs, working longer hours means you’re working harder. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting more done or spending your time in the most effective way possible. In fact, working too much can become counterproductive. As your brain will start to lose focus, and you’ll waste time on unnecessary activities. (Like checking your Facebook notifications or refreshing Instagram). If you want to be productive, learn how to batch work. This way you’ll get more done each day with less stress and fatigue.
WHY ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD LEARN TO BATCH WORK
Entrepreneurs are well-known for working long hours—and that’s a good thing. But, entrepreneurs often struggle with not enough time in the day. They often find themselves not getting enough time for other important things. (Like sleep or exercise, and not spending enough time with family and friends). However, entrepreneurs can learn to manage their time better.
Here’s how: By learning how to batch work.
WHAT IS BATCH WORK?
In a time where everyone is expected to be available all of the time, batch working can give you valuable control over how much work you take on in a given period. If you’re strapped for time and need more things done in less time, batch working is an excellent way to get stuff done. This also frees up your mental capacity so that when you are not on duty for one specific task, you can focus on other aspects of your business. Here’s what we mean:
Let’s say you find yourself spending a lot of time doing many tasks throughout your workday; you bounce from checking emails to a client call, then work on a new blog article, jump on IG or Facebook for a few minutes, all while searching the internet for something you need. You’re doing A LOT all at once every day.
WHY DOES BATCHING WORK SO WELL?
Batch work, on the other hand, divides specific time-consuming tasks (like checking your emails, responding to clients or writing IG captions) into a set time frame. During this time, you focus only on that one task.
By dedicating time to doing only one thing, you become more focus and more efficient in the work you do.
For my business, I’ve learned to batch work for many different things. One of the main ones is writing social media captions. Something that used to take me so much time! As someone who writes social media content for others (in the Curated Captions Membership). I’ve learned that I write better when I have a set amount of time to just sit and write and really focus only on that one thing. I turn off my phone and remove all other distractions. Instead of writing one caption per day, I spend a few hours and write ALL captions for the months. Now that task is not something I need to do daily, and the work I produce is far better because it was created with 100% of my attention.
BATCH WORKING FOR EFFICIENCY
The idea of batch working involves breaking down work into manageable chunks. Business owners who successfully incorporate batch working into their schedule say they now spend less time worrying about their to-do list and more time actually getting things done. It’s a matter of learning how to manage your energy rather than an endless stream of tasks. It may be tough in the beginning—and definitely requires some discipline—but after a few weeks or months, you’ll likely begin to notice that you have days where you just get loads done with very little procrastination.
WHAT IS TIME BLOCKING
This is when you schedule chunks of time for specific tasks. The idea behind it is that if you block off time for each task, you can accomplish more during your workday since you’re not trying to multi-task or manage distractions. Block off uninterrupted times in your calendar specifically for certain activities. Schedule appointments with yourself, basically. If there are times during your day where you tend to get distracted or find yourself unproductive, blocking them out could help keep you on track. For me, time blocking & batch editing go hand in hand.
THE POWER OF BATCH WORKING + TIME BLOCKING
Entrepreneurs are often so busy jumping from one thing to another that they don’t even realize when they might be falling behind. Using time-blocking in your schedule allows you to see exactly how much time you’re spending on each task, and when you can allocate more time to something that needs it. When used alongside batch working, entrepreneurs can be more efficient at work than ever before!
How you can batch work and get more done in less time
There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to how you want to manage your time and still get a lot done. Find a method that works for you and stick with it. For example, say you check email only one time per day—during the morning. Keep that routine daily (or weekly, or monthly depending on what the task is).
START BATCH WORKING TODAY!
You’ve heard of The 4-Hour Workweek—but what about a 4-hour workday? What if instead of working for eight hours, you worked just four hours in the morning, leaving the rest of your day free for personal activities or even working on another project? It might sound crazy at first, but batching can save you an incredible amount of time—and could be one of your best tools for moving forward in reaching your biggest goals!
Speaking of getting more done in less time, I have plenty of resources to help you with your business. If you’re interested in becoming my newest client (and letting me write ALL your IG captions every month), then head on over to the Wordsmith to learn more!
Ready for more? Join my newsletter and be the first to know about new articles published on the blog, business tips, and of course, all the best strategies and free resources. There’s a reason this list is 70,000 strong!
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An open community that’s built around your brand is the hub for ALL, and I hope that more business owners realize just how powerful communities can be. Maybe by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be inspired to start your own community too. Here’s how to grow your community online.
If you have a business, you might be wondering how to start, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite tips on doing exactly that. This way, just like me, you’ll have amazing people who are delighted to be part of what you’re doing.
I’m talking about loyal people who value what you do, are excited about the things you are working on, and are the first in line to sign up or purchase your service or product. You are there for them, and they are there for you. I believe all business owners deserve to have that because let me tell you; it makes the world of working for yourself a whole lot more fun!
Ready? Let’s dive in!
DEFINING COMMUNITY
Let’s define community first; a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
I have this sense of community woven into my business. On my website, social media, the newsletter, you can find it everywhere. Truth be told, I actually love the fact that I have a business that’s not all about ‘me’. It’s about the resources I share to help others. Creating a community feel around my business has always come very natural, because I personally want to include others in what I do. Over the years, I’ve used social media to connect to people, but quickly realized that the conversation can sometimes feel a little one sided.
The whole concept of speaking at people, rather than with people. If you have a business, with social media you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
- Newsletter, YOUR sending an email to others.
- Instagram, YOU post your photo and captions.
- Facebook page, YOU post your status.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS VS COMMUNITY PAGES
Now, don’t get me wrong. ALL these are forms of communities and a chance to connect with people, and that’s what makes them great. They are platforms built for you to share what you are most passionate about.
BUT…if we’re all being honest, it often feels like we’re standing on a stage speaking AT people rather than WITH people.
When I think of the word community, I think of like-minded people being together. Chatting about the things we care about and sharing things we love. It’s a busy, welcoming place to be and feels like our favorite place to hang out with people who simply get it because we have things in common.
For the sake of keeping things focused, I want to teach you how to build a community. A place for your ideal customers/clients to hang out and spend time. Where you can share the things you’re passionate about with people who care and connect with them on a personal level. Where you can have open conversations with people rather than being the sole speaker.
The perfect place for this is in a Facebook Group.
Maybe you’ve thought about starting one. Perhaps you already have one but are struggling to get it to grow with the right people. If that’s the case, I’m excited you’re here because I’m about to tell you everything you need to know to build your very own Facebook group community.
You’re probably wondering; How the heck do you build an online community around what you do, and have it grow into a space for you, your business, and those who will become some of your loyalist supporters?
I’m here to tell you, and it’s actually a lot easier than you might think!
FIND YOUR FOCUS
The first thing you need to do is figure out the focus of your group. If you have a business or a passion, you probably already know what you’d like the focus on. Ideally, you want to create a space where you can connect with people who care about what you do, the service you offer, or the products you sell.
What kind of community do you envision?
If you had to choose three topics as the focus, what would they be?
How will the focus benefit those in the group? How will it benefit you and your business?
CREATE GUIDELINES
For a moment, I want you to imagine that you had 10,000 members in your group. What kind of guidelines would you want in place? This will be your group, and you’ll be in charge of making sure that this space is the kind of space people want to spend time. Think about the groups you’re currently in. What kind of posts do you enjoy, and which ones make you want to leave?
Some of my guidelines are (and you’re totally welcome to copy paste these for your own group guidelines!)
GUIDELINE EXAMPLES
- This group will be a positive space to learn, grow, and share. Please refrain from venting, bashing, complaining. All negative posts or comments will be removed immediately.
- Always be respectful and helpful. I will personally help educate, others are welcome to give tips and advice. Please be sure to remain encouraging to others so they, too, can learn and grow.
WHY GUIDELINES MATTER
You probably noticed, but it’s VERY important for me to build a community that is a welcoming space for everyone. I want people to be able to learn, grow, and share what they love. I’m proud to say I get raves about it being exactly that all the time, and I couldn’t be prouder.
When someone joins the group and is quick to judge, bash, or be negative towards other members, they quickly end up leaving because they learn that my group isn’t the space for that. Even with a group with over 16,000 members, this happens maybe once a year…if that. I’m telling ya…it’s a whole lot of sweet people in my group.
Think about guidelines/rules as a way to ensure that the people in your group will remain happy there in the long run. Focus on what guidelines you feel are most important, and you’ll see how over time, those core values of a group just become stronger and stronger.
CONTENT STRATEGY
You’re going to want to come up with a game plan for content because let me tell you, being a group, where no one is active is not very much fun. The more active your group is, the faster it will grow. People enjoy spending time with other like-minded creatives, and a community group is a perfect place for that.
The best advice I have for your group is to come up with your content posts ahead of time. Post them in the group, even when there aren’t a lot of people. It might feel funny at first with a smaller group, but I promise, if you continue posting, others will as well.
Make a list of 7 types of posts, then use this as your weekly guide.
This could look something like
EXAMPLE
- MONDAY – Weekly Goals: Share what you’re working on.
- TUESDAY – Introductions: Tell us about what you do.
- WEDNESDAY – Share: Post some of your work.
- THURSDAY – Help post: Post about something you need help with.
- FRIDAY – Follow Friday: Post your social media account. Fun way to connect with everyone in the group.
- SATURDAY – Helpful Tip: Give your group a helpful tip.
- SUNDAY – Promotion Sunday: Promote one of your products or services.
Of course, you can alter these to match your services and products and create an environment for your community to engage and connect with topics that align with what you and your business are all about.
INVITE MEMBERS
Once you’ve started a group, you’ll need to start telling people about it. You can post about your group and invite people using your current social accounts or newsletters. Since groups have a much higher organic reach, they work better than Facebook pages and Instagram pages so it’s not a bad idea to try and get your followers/customers/clients into your group.
ENGAGEMENT
Now, this is often the tricky part of groups. Getting the engagement up. The truth is this; you’re group MIGHT be slow to start, and that’s ok. Consider it more like a very private hang out for your favorite people. I promise if you stick with it, it will grow, and engagement will go up as well. In no time, you’ll have a group filled with people who love what you have to offer.
ADJUST YOUR FOCUS
Now, as time goes by, don’t be afraid to revisit your focus. It’s normal and perfectly ok for you, your business, your vision, and your group to adjust as time passes by. Take notice of what people are posting in the group. What are the hot topics, and how have you been able to help those in your community the most? Try to incorporate these into your focus moving forward.
GROW YOUR COMMUNITY
Continue to grow your group and make sure to invite those that find you elsewhere to join you there. When it comes to social media, I put the most effort into growing my Facebook group. Even though it has fewer people than my Instagram and Facebook, it outperforms organic reach by a long shot.
MAKE SURE TO GROW YOUR LIST
The backbone of my business marketing all comes down to my email list. Of course, I love my Facebook group, and social media pages, but since it’s not something I can control (Dear Mark could literally change the rules on all of us tomorrow), I always make sure to maximize the way I grow my email list. An easy way to do this is to include a freebie in the questions they have to answer so you can welcome your new members with a nice freebie, while at the same time growing your email list as your community grows!
BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY
So if you’re ready to start building your community with people who genuinely care about what you do, then start your community group today! You’ll be so happy that you did. Interested in learning more about Facebook group?
Then hop on over to my newsletter list and Facebook Group so you’ll be the first to get my upcoming tips on building and scaling your business!
Ready for more? Join my newsletter and be the first to know about new articles published on the blog, business tips, and of course, all the best strategies and free resources. There’s a reason this list is 70,000 strong!
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As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand that running a business can feel like a never-ending marathon. We juggle tasks, manage projects, brainstorm strategies, and often, in the whirlwind of it all, our personal health takes a backseat. Mix that into being a mother of 4 who works from home full time and it’s so easy to push my own health to the side. But here’s a truth bomb for you: prioritizing your health is not just essential; it’s non-negotiable. Today, I want to talk about the art of balancing and prioritizing personal health while running a business.
The Unseen Connection: Health and Business Success
Think about it: when you’re feeling your best, you perform your best. Your mind is sharper, your creativity soars, and your energy levels are high. This isn’t just feel-good talk; it’s backed by science. Studies show that regular physical activity boosts cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. And let’s not forget, mental health is as crucial as physical health. A clear, focused mind is our most powerful tool in decision-making and problem-solving.
It’s a Choice: Choosing Your Hard
Here’s the thing: both neglecting your health and taking care of it are HARD. The difference? The hard of neglect leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. The hard of self-care leads to longevity, resilience, and a thriving business. So, ask yourself, which hard are you choosing?
Neglecting your health is an easy trap to fall into, especially when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of business. You might think skipping a meal, cutting down on sleep, or ignoring stress is a small price to pay for success. However, these small oversights accumulate, snowballing into significant health problems. This path, though it may seem easier in the short term, leads to a hard reality – burnout, decreased productivity, and a host of health issues ranging from chronic fatigue to serious diseases.
This isn’t just about feeling tired or under the weather; it’s about compromising the very engine that drives your business and life forward.
On the other hand, the hard of self-care, though seemingly daunting at first, is an investment in your most valuable asset – yourself. This path requires discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put your well-being at the forefront. It means making time for regular exercise, ensuring you’re eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It’s about listening to your body and responding to its needs. This might mean saying no to a late-night work session or delegating tasks to make time for a health check-up.
The rewards of this path are manifold. By taking care of your health, you’re building a foundation of longevity and resilience. You’re not just working towards a thriving business but also towards a thriving self. With good health, you bring your best self to your business, enhancing creativity, decision-making skills, and overall productivity. You’re able to lead by example, fostering a culture of wellness within your organization. This isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better, with the vitality and energy to enjoy the success you’re working so hard to achieve.
So, the question remains, which hard are you choosing? Are you willing to endure the short-term discomfort of building and maintaining healthy habits for long-term benefits? Or will you choose the seemingly easy path of neglect, with its long-term consequences? The decision is yours, and it’s a critical one. Remember, in this journey of entrepreneurship, your health is the compass that guides you towards true success.
Practical Steps to Prioritize Health in the Hustle
Schedule It In: Treat your health like an important business meeting. Put it in your calendar. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, a yoga session, or a mental health break, make it non-negotiable.
Nutrition Matters: Eating well is fueling your body for success. Plan your meals like you plan your business strategies. Quick, healthy meals can be just as convenient as fast food if you prepare in advance.
Mindfulness Practices: Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply practicing gratitude, mindfulness helps keep stress at bay and enhances focus.
Delegation is Key: You can’t do everything yourself. Delegate tasks in your business to make room for your health. It’s not just about freeing up time; it’s about mental space too. If social media captions is on that list, sign up for Wordsmith already!
Listen to Your Body: Tune into your body’s signals. Feeling drained or stressed is a sign to slow down and reassess your priorities.
The Ripple Effect of a Healthy Entrepreneur
When you’re healthy, the benefits ripple outwards. Your business thrives, and your personal life flourishes. It’s a holistic approach where every aspect of your life gets a piece of the wellness pie.
The Reality of Rough Days
Let’s be real: it’s not always smooth sailing. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming, and your health seems like the least of your concerns. It’s okay. The key is to not let these days become the norm. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and get back on track.
Your Health, Your Wealth
Remember, your health is your wealth. Without it, no amount of business success can compensate. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built. When you’re healthy, you’re in a better position to make sound business decisions, lead effectively, and enjoy the life you’ve built.
Merging Movement and Work: The Walking Treadmill Desk
I want to share a personal experience that beautifully illustrates how we can combine self-care with our work. Recently, I invested in a walking treadmill desk for my office. Now, this might sound like a novelty to some, but let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
The Concept: Walk While You Work
The idea is simple yet revolutionary. With a walking treadmill desk, I can take my daily walk without stepping away from my desk. It’s an incredibly efficient way to rack up the miles each day, all while staying on top of my work. I love it so much that I even moved my iMac to it permanently because I realized how much I enjoy walking while working.
Overcoming Initial Skepticism
Initially, I was skeptical. Typing and walking simultaneously seemed like a multitasking challenge that could end in more distraction than productivity. But, to my surprise, it turned out to be the perfect combination for someone like me – someone who loves to keep both body and mind active.
The Surprising Benefits
Here’s the crazy part: I can walk up to 5 miles a day while answering emails and working on projects. This isn’t just about physical health; it’s a mental boost too. Walking while working keeps my mind fresh and my body active, leading to clearer thinking and a more energetic workday.
Is It for You?
Now, a walking treadmill desk might not be for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for innovative ways to integrate health into your busy schedule. It’s a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity, we can find solutions that help us maintain our health without sacrificing productivity.
My experience with the walking treadmill desk underlines a crucial point: prioritizing health doesn’t have to come at the expense of work. In fact, when we find ways to merge the two, we create a sustainable lifestyle that supports both our business goals and our personal well-being. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are those that address multiple aspects of our lives simultaneously.
I want you to remember that taking care of your health while running a business isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for your success and well-being. You have the power to choose your hard. Choose the one that leads to a fulfilling, healthy, and successful life.
Now, I leave you with this thought: What small step can you take today to prioritize your health for a better tomorrow? How can you apply this lesson to not just transform your personal health, but also to elevate your business?
Take this moment to reflect. Your journey to a healthier, more balanced life as an entrepreneur starts with one choice, one step. Remember, in the dance of life and business, your health is the rhythm that keeps you moving gracefully.
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When I first launched Wordsmith, it was born out of my love for writing and my desire to help others show up online. I witnessed firsthand how people struggled to express the things that mattered most to them, often holding back because they didn’t know how to connect their ideas with an audience that would truly value what they had to say.
Over time, the world changed. AI made its entrance, and seemingly overnight, there were new tools everywhere, each promising to revolutionize how we create content.
I waited. I didn’t want to rush into something that wouldn’t genuinely serve the Wordsmith community. If we were going to implement AI, it had to go deeper than what others were offering.
The Power of Personalization
One of the top requests I’ve heard from Wordsmith clients is the need for more personalized content. While they love the prewritten captions and content prompts, many wanted something that felt truly tailored to their voice and audience.
With over 11,000 members, it became clear that offering this level of customization by myself was simply not possible. But with the help of AI? Suddenly, it is.
AI allows me to deliver personalized, high-quality content that feels like it was made just for you and your audience. Over the last few months, I’ve been working quietly behind the scenes to perfect something special—a way to blend the power of AI with the heart of what makes your business unique.
My goal isn’t to create another cookie-cutter AI writing tool. I’m creating something far more personal.
What to Expect from Wordsmith’s Biggest Update
Imagine content so aligned with your voice, it feels like an extension of your thoughts, your vision, and your brand. Copy so good, you’d swear it was written by a human. That’s what I’ve been building for Wordsmith.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be rolling out our biggest update yet. Whether you’ve been a member from the start or are considering joining now, there’s so much goodness on the horizon, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it.
This update will transform the way you create content, giving you AI-enhanced, personalized copy that helps you stand out and truly connect with your audience.
Here’s to embracing the beauty of change—both in the seasons and in business.
P.S. The membership is $9.95 a month right now, and if you sign up today, you’ll be locked into that price—even after we launch the new and improved version.
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Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has always been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The precious moments with my 4 children have taught me that being present is more valuable than any business milestone.
Curious about the secret that makes it all possible?
It might surprise you.
Sixteen years ago, I embarked on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship with a newborn sleeping in my arms. It was a chaotic dance between naptimes and business calls, between diaper changes and client meetings. I remember feeling like a tightrope walker, balancing precariously between the demands of motherhood and the relentless drive to grow my business.
Fast forward to today, and I’m back in a similar place, only this time, I have two more little ones filling our home with laughter and a whole lot of chaos.
Starting a business with young children was, and still is, a balancing act. In those early days, it often felt like I was being pulled in a million directions. My two older kids, now 11 and 15, were once tiny beings who needed my constant attention.
I juggled snack time, playtimes, and sleepless nights while trying to carve out a space for my business to thrive. It wasn’t easy, but it was a journey that shaped me as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
Now, with my older ones off pursuing their passions and my two little ones keeping me on my toes, I am acutely aware of how quickly time passes.
It feels like just yesterday I was holding my firstborn’s tiny hand, and now I’m watching her navigate life, working 40+ hours doing something she loves. These fleeting moments with my children are precious, and I cherish every second. I know that soon enough, my house will be quieter, and the demands of motherhood will shift.
In this season of life, my office time has become a rare luxury. I adore my beautiful workspace, but I’ve learned that being present with my children is far more valuable than any business milestone. The hours I spend with them, building sand castles or making up bedtime stories, are moments I will never get back. My big ideas and ambitious plans for my business might take a little longer to achieve, but that’s okay. This is what feels right for me now.
Creating a Business That Works for You
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of setting up a business that doesn’t require me to be chained to my desk. Even while I’m at home enjoying family time or working on our historic home, my business continues to generate income. This has been the key for me, and it’s something I’m excited to share more about with others.
By setting up ads that drive traffic to my business, I’ve been able to step away from the constant grind of social media and focus more on what truly matters.
This approach has allowed me to maintain a steady income without sacrificing those irreplaceable moments at home with my children.
The Freedom of Passive Income and Ads
The beauty of passive income and running ads is that it offers a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional business models often lack. Once you figure out how to set it up, you realize that running a successful business doesn’t have to mean working 40+ hours a week. It’s incredibly liberating, not just on a personal level but financially as well.
For me, this journey has been about finding harmony between my roles as a mother and a business owner. It’s about recognizing that my children will only be little for a short time and that being present for them is the most important thing I can do. My office might be quieter these days, and my business goals might take a bit longer to reach, but the trade-off is more than worth it.
I’m excited to share more about how I’ve managed to create a business that supports my family life rather than detracting from it. For those of you who crave making an income without sacrificing precious moments at home, know that it is possible. It’s about creating systems and strategies that allow your business to run smoothly even when you’re not there.
Setting up ads, automating processes, and focusing on passive income streams have been my secret weapons. They’ve allowed me to step back from the hustle and enjoy my life more fully. And I’m here to tell you that you can do it too. It takes effort and creativity, but the reward is a life where you can be fully present for your children while still achieving your business dreams.
Balancing business and motherhood is no easy feat, but it’s a journey filled with immense rewards. Embrace the chaos, cherish the moments, and create a business that works for you, not the other way around.
And for anyone reading this trying to balance both motherhood and entrepreneurship, Remember; your children will only be little for a short while, and the time you spend with them now will be the memories you treasure forever. Your business can grow and thrive alongside your family, and you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Here’s to finding that balance and living a life that feels right for you.
So when you feel like you’re not doing enough or growing your business as quickly as others, just know the real work you’re doing is at home. ❤️
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Imagine this: you try to log in to your Instagram account, and you see this error message “INSTAGRAM: ACCOUNT NOT FOUND”. Instagram is NOT working. What do you do?
In 2021…that was the reality facing 70% of businesses that rely on social media to stay in touch with their customers. Millions of users logged into Instagram that morning only to see the message “page not found”. I’m sure you remember when Facebook crashed and took Instagram, Messenger, and Whatsapp down with it.
INSTAGRAM NOT WORKING
Between 11:40 AM and 6:30 PM, social media was simply…gone. No explanation, no way for us to access our own accounts.
In those 7 hours, Facebook lost tens of millions of dollars, but it was a huge wake-up call for us small business owners. Because it’s not a matter of “if” that will happen again. It’s when. And that’s why it’s crucial to the survival of your business in this “new internet age” that you move your customer list to a platform you 100% control, such as email.
WHY YOU NEED A BETTER PLAN
Social media is an amazing tool, but as small business owners, we need to protect ourselves so that we don’t go from having a thriving business to being closed overnight. Now, I know that may sound terrifying, and unfortunately, it is the reality when you build your business dependent on social media with no real way to get that audience on a list you own.
You probably already feel the hardship of using social media for your business when you find yourself struggling to reach your audience organically. The simple fact that you’re not 100% in control there should be reason enough for you to create a marketing strategy for your business that works with (or without) social media.
ALGORITHM-PROOF MARKETING STRATEGY
I’ve created a simple and completely FREE training so that you can easily get started today. The same strategy I’ve used to build a list of 70,000+ loyal subscribers.
Are you ready?
Give me 15 minutes, and I’ll give you a marketing strategy that works. I’m willing to bet that after you watch it, you’ll realize just how powerful it can be for your business too!
Most importantly you’ll learn how to create a marketing strategy that doesn’t only depend on using social media. You’ll never have to fear seeing that dreaded INSTAGRAM: ACCOUNT NOT FOUND message without a real plan in place to reach your audience.
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Ready for some FREE Instagram captions to (ethically) swipe? Tailor these to your audience and offer, and watch your engagement increase! You see, I believe in helping my fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners as much as I possibly can. That’s why I’m giving you 7 free IG captions from my Wordsmith membership for FREE!
So swipe away! Tailor these to your audience and offer, and save yourself from the dreaded blinking cursor on a blank page while you’re struggling to come up with yet another social media post.
There aren’t any strings attached – not even an opt-in to click on!
It’s just my way of saying “thank you” for being here.
So here are your FREE IG captions:
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #1
Well, hello, new friends! It’s been a minute since I introduced myself. I’m [name and title]. When I’m not chatting with everyone here, you can find me [insert favorite aspect of the job] or [favorite thing to do outside of work].
The community we have here is one of my favorite parts of this job because it allows me to really feel like I know so many of you—even if we’re hundreds of miles apart.
INSTAGRAM CAPTION # 2
Do you ever have those moments where you just wake up and think “is this real life” in a good kind of way? Today was one of those mornings and I really made a point to stop and reflect.
It’s amazing what a moment of gratitude can do—especially when my next step is to dive back into the work that makes it all possible!
**[Optional: Insert explainer as to how this business/career has impacted your life.]
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #3
Instagram vs. reality. In an effort to remind you that Instagram is not a full picture of *real life*, here’s what [what’s in the photo, e.g. “work” or “my desk”] actually looks like. No styling, no curation—just the real deal. [Option to talk about what a typical (work/desk/etc.) looks like.]
It’s so easy to start comparing our real life to what we see posted online and forget that it’s just the very little polished pieces that people typically share online.
We need to remember that those messy moments in life and business are exactly what makes life so beautiful. Take a moment to appreciate those little mundane moments you have throughout your day.
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #4
I still remember [landing my first client/making my first sale/etc.] like it was yesterday. Even though I had always known what I wanted to do and believed I could do it, that early moment of validation meant everything to me. I took it as a sign that I was on the right path and that I should keep going—so I did!
From there, I began planning bigger and better things for my business like [a few examples of how your business developed/evolved in the early days]. And here we are!
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #5
“[Review of product or service].”
Tell me this isn’t the best way to start the day!? Thank you so much for the kind words [client, customer name]! It seriously put a smile on my face when I read it this morning.
Now I’m even more excited to get to the office and work on [what you’re currently working on]!
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #6
Starting my own business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I love what I do, and I know my clients appreciate it as well. That’s why this business is more than just work to me; it’s also an extension of my passion, and it feels like I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. And now, with your support, I can do even more! Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me.
INSTAGRAM CAPTION #7
[Insert product or service] is one of my very favorites. Why? Well because [insert details of why you love helping clients with this product or service]!
As one recent [client/customer] said in a review, [insert some kind words from a review specific to this product.]
If you’re interested in [Buying/hiring] then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!
BONUS CAPTION:
Oh my goodness, just when I thought that the [best-selling product or service] couldn’t do any better, you guys just proved me wrong by sending some referrals my way!
This is still my most popular offering and I am just so happy you all find it so valuable. If you’re looking to [insert what this product or service will help with], then please click the link in my bio to get started! I can’t wait for you to try it out.
HOW TO USE THESE FREE INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Have fun using these, and watch your engagement increase! But if you’re not sure how to customize these captions for your business, I’ve got you covered. I created a guide specifically to help you (quickly) learn how to tailor captions so they sound like they were written from you directly to your ideal customers. (You can read my guide by clicking here.) Need more than just 7 captions? Let me keep writing for you!
Sign up for an Annual Plan on Wordsmith, and you’ll get instant access to a whole year worth of social media captions to use. OR choose the monthly plan and get new captions delivered every single month.
TIP: There’s a free trial to try out before you ever have to pay a penny. (It’s my way of making sure you really love the membership!)
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Writing a blog post can be very rewarding, but it can also be time-consuming and daunting if you’re not sure how to go about writing one that will keep readers engaged. These 7 tips for writing a great blog post will help you get started on your next blog piece, whether it’s informational, personal, or promotional in nature. The tips below are designed to help you develop new blogging skills, grow your current audience, and make more money from blogging overall.
KEYWORDS
When writing your post, think about what keywords and key phrases people might use to find your post in search engines. Then include those terms. Every time someone searches Google using one of these terms, they will see your page in their results. Make sure you’re using SEO-friendly language, too: make sure each sentence is between 15 and 25 words long (Google’s sweet spot), and focus on providing value to your readers.
TITLE
Keep your title clear and easy to understand. Use important keywords or key phrases to help your website show up in search results. Make sure that you are targeting keywords on a page-by-page basis; that way you get better visibility within search results. Stay concise: Use crisp, clear language in your posts so people can understand them without spending time decoding them.
CREATE AN OUTLINE
One of the most important things to consider when writing is outlining. It will help you organize your thoughts and keep you on track. It’s easier to write an entire piece if you know where you’re going beforehand. So create an outline using whatever method works best for you, whether it be bullet points or mind mapping. Just make sure it’s comprehensive enough that when you begin writing, you don’t feel lost or unsure about what direction to take in each section.
BEST BLOG POST LENGTH
Depending on your goals, you’ll likely have different word-count guidelines to follow. While most posts fit somewhere between 500 and 1,500 words. Set your own benchmarks by keeping in mind what makes sense for readers based on the topic. If you find yourself consistently writing longer pieces, consider breaking your articles into smaller articles.
WRITE A GOOD FIRST SENTENCE
A good first sentence can hook readers and get them excited about reading your article. To start off your post, set a scene or grab attention with an interesting quote. If your blog post will educate them on something, explain to them the importance of learning about what you’ll be writing about. Keep it simple; make sure that it’s relevant to your content and fits in with your topic.
BONUS TIP: It’s also a good idea to include your keyword, key phrase, or title in your first paragraph.
FIND IMAGES THAT ENHANCE YOUR TOPIC
Images can add visual interest to your post and help you share more information in less space. Before inserting an image into your post, ask yourself if it enhances your topic. Does it increase understanding? Is it too obvious or redundant? Images should complement your text, not overshadow it. Always use images responsibly: pay attention to copyrights and don’t just use any image you find online.
If you’re looking for great stock photos to use, there are over 3 million incredible stock photos available on Wordsmith. It’s been my go-to every time!
BONUS TIP: Edit the alt tag and description for each image used in the blog post.
PREVIEW YOUR WORK BEFORE PUBLISHING
After you’ve written your first draft, give it an hour or two, and then come back to read it. Read it like someone who knows nothing about your niche would; put yourself in their shoes. As you scan through what you’ve written, ask yourself how you feel about it: Is there anything that doesn’t make sense? Anything you wouldn’t click on if it was shared on social media? Anything you skimmed over quickly because of confusing language? Fix these problems and preview again. Rinse and repeat until satisfied with the end result.
PUBLISH AND SHARE
Once you’ve got your post, publish it! Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram make it easy to send out posts that people will see. If you use a social media management site, you can even schedule your posts in advance to ensure they go out at optimal times.
SEND OUT A NEWSLETTER
If you have a newsletter, be sure to send it to your readers. Not only will you serve them great content, but you’ll also get them to come visit your site, which is great for traffic.
Blogging is one of my favorite ways to create evergreen content and serve great content that brings people to my site. The best thing about blogging is that if it’s done right, you’ll boost your overall site traffic long-term and connect with more ideal customers and clients who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.
Unlike social media, blogging and SEO is something you can continue to build upon and truly count on. People will always use search engines to find what they are looking for online. Although we can’t control the rules and algorithms on social media, we can blog consistently and start getting long-term traffic from our efforts.
BONUS TIP: Grab a notebook or open a file on your computer where you can add blog post ideas that you might want to write in the future. I have a list of about 60+ articles I’d love to create over time. When I’m ready to write for my blog, I simply open that file, pick a topic, and get to writing. Having a long list of ideas to pick from makes it easy for me to add new content consistently.
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Social media captions are like the cover of a book; it’s the first thing people see and what draws them in. With just one or two sentences, you can get your audience to lean in closer to hear what you have to say next. So why not put some time into crafting the best captions possible? This guide will show you how to write great social media captions, so your content stands out on social media feeds. Here are nine steps on how to write great social media captions that can help you reach more people on social media than ever before.
1) CREATE CAPTIONS WITH INTENTION
Before you even start writing, make sure you have an intention behind every caption. If you’re sharing content from other platforms, it’s important that your caption is focused on two things: prompting users to engage with your original piece of content and driving them back to your website or social media channel. Think about how people interact with captions—then share that level of engagement with your followers.
2) ALWAYS WRITE LIKE YOU’RE TALKING TO ONE PERSON
It may sound silly, but it’s true: When you write on social media, think of your audience as one person. Instead of writing for thousands of people, you’re writing for one individual—and everything you say will speak directly to them. Put yourself in their shoes when you write—will they find it engaging? Does it resonate with them? When in doubt, just pretend like you’re writing a letter to a good friend.
3) PUT THE MOST THOUGHT INTO THE FIRST SENTENCE
The first sentence of your post is arguably more important than any other, so take some time to really think about it. Brainstorming ideas for different types of captions can help you come up with something really good. You want readers to be drawn in by what they read and not just click away because they aren’t interested. That first sentence should grab their attention and compel them to read further. This will help boost engagement throughout social media as well as within search engines that often favor content that has higher engagement levels.
4) KEEP PARAGRAPHS SHORT AND SWEET
If you want them to keep reading what you have to say, try breaking up your posts into shorter paragraphs. The result will be a post that is easy to read and helps you get your point across clearly. As someone who likes to write, keeping it short has always been a struggle, but I’ve also found a lot of success in just writing from the heart. So if you’re like me, don’t worry if not every post you put up isn’t a quick read. Just be sure to break it up a bit to make it easier to read.
5) ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT BRAND VOICE
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to social media. The tone and language people and companies choose to use online will vary greatly; I’ve always found it’s important to stay true to what comes naturally to you. As much as I can appreciate people online who have a fun, witty way of writing, keeping things more professional and direct has worked best for me. Stay true to who you are and what comes easiest to you regarding tone and voice.
6) END IT IN A QUESTION, PROMPT OR CALL TO ACTION
Your Instagram caption should focus on storytelling. Remember, people come to your feed because they’re looking for something interesting and fun. The last thing you want is for them to hit next and go somewhere else because you couldn’t keep their attention long enough for them to read your entire caption. Try to include a question at the end of the post. Give them something to do once they get done reading your caption. It’s also a really great way to boost engagement and create a two-way conversation online.
7) TELL A STORY (AND MAKE IT A GOOD ONE!)
The best way to catch your audience’s attention is by telling them a story. Try using personal anecdotes or stories related to your business. The more you practice telling your story, the easier it will become. Your audience will relate better with you and trust what you have to say, and enjoy reading and relating to the stories you share.
8) CHECK SPELLING AND GRAMMAR
This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook spelling and grammar. (*so guilty* ??♀️) The easiest way to avoid these mistakes is to ask someone else for feedback on your post before you publish it. Or take a quick minute to run your caption through Grammarly (it’s free) and my go-to tool when it comes to double-checking my written work.
9) CONSIDER HAVING A CALL TO ACTION
A call-to-action is an extremely powerful tool for connecting with readers on Instagram. A call-to-action is simply an instruction for your audience on what they should do next, like clicking on a link or subscribing to your newsletter. Call-to-actions are a great way to make a post actionable and give your content more valuable.
When it comes to social media captions you often just have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention, so use these 9 tips. Focusing on a few important elements of writing great captions can make all the difference in the engagement you see on your social media accounts. Know someone who might benefit from learning how to write great social media captions? Forward this article to them!
Download our free social media captions written for business owners HERE. We do all the writing for you each month so you can show up consistently and share your story and creation content your audience actually looks forward to reading!
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Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like walking away from something because you didn’t feel it was worthy enough or waited to launch your new idea because you just didn’t feel like it was quite ready yet. I know I’ve been there many times. I realized that for those of us who work in creative fields and have our own business, it’s so easy to let perfection hold us back. The good news is that if we change the way we see progress and embrace the imperfect moments, we can finally let go of the idea that everything we produce and create needs to be perfect before we put it into the world. Always remember; progress over perfection.
As an entrepreneur, you know that building and growing your business, and your brand isn’t easy. You’re also aware that success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. While you want to do everything right, the fact of the matter is you don’t have time to get it all done perfectly—or even near-perfectly—right away, so why not focus on moving forward? After all, progress is more important than perfection when it comes to growing your business and reaching your goals.
PROGRESS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERFECTION
Raise your hand if you would consider yourself a workaholic. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Those of us who have our own business often LOVE the work they do and will spend far more hours working on what we are passionate about than the average person. My kids and husband will tell you that on the days I get to put in some solid work hours, I’m an overall happier person. Why? Because I love what I do. On the days I don’t get to work, I miss it. That sounds a little pitiful, but the truth is that when you love what you do, you might also turn into a workaholic. Or, as I like to call it, someone who’s just really passionate about their work.
But what we forget is that our dreams are not actually about success; they’re about pursuing something meaningful. Once you decide you’re committed to doing something with your life, don’t sacrifice today’s work because you’re worried it won’t be perfect someday. Instead, just do something worthwhile and focus on doing great work rather than perfect work. I promise, in the long run, you’ll realize that’s what really going to get you to your biggest goals.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT
The most important thing is that you realize that you don’t have to be perfect; not only is it impossible, but it’s unnecessary. Don’t wait for everything to line up perfectly before taking action; take smart action today until you reach your goal (or change course). Perfection will come later when you’re at cruising altitude.
Share your imperfect moments, and always know that focusing on progress over perfection is key in moving in the right direction, and often what others are most interested in seeing from us.
Out of curiosity, I did a fun little poll on my IG stories asking if people were more interested in seeing the finished product OR the process that goes into making said product. And a whopping 96% of people said they rather see the process. So next time you find yourself hiding the messy part of running a business, realize that people would actually prefer to see that over the polished finished piece we typically want to share.
START NOW. LIKE RIGHT NOW.
Now, if you’re a type-A business owner with a ton on your plate, there’s a good chance you may think that being productive is about getting as much done as possible. This may work for short-term gains, but it won’t allow you to reach long-term goals.
Building good habits (and the right habits) is critical for helping us move forward toward our goals. Once you’ve identified your goal, it’s time to identify habits that will help you achieve it. To do so, simply ask yourself: what habits am I already doing today that will help me achieve my long-term goals? What changes do I need to make to start moving towards my goal? It really comes down to breaking down your big goals, into tiny little habits you can focus on every day. Eventually, all that progress adds up and will get you where you want to be.
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
Stop comparing yourself and your progress to others in your industry. As a new business owner, you might be comparing yourself to someone who has been doing it professionally for 10+ years. You might also compare your messy behind-the-scenes action, to that perfect polished piece you see them share online. Regardless, it won’t serve you any good comparing yourself to others. So kick that habit to the curb and learn how to appreciate other people’s work and progress without feeling like it takes anything away from yours.
The desire to attain perfection often prevents us from starting projects at all. This is why entrepreneurs should push themselves to create something—anything—even if it isn’t perfect. Entrepreneurs who fail to complete tasks or produce products eventually lose momentum and motivation. They assume that if they can’t do it right, they shouldn’t do it at all. If you strive for perfection, you may procrastinate and even sabotage your own long-term success. Achieving great things takes persistence and resilience: To become a successful entrepreneur, you must learn how to be imperfect while staying focused on your goals and never giving up on yourself or your dreams.
Imperfect progress is still growth.
Sometimes we’re hard on ourselves. We know that being perfect is not a reality, but that doesn’t stop us from striving for it—to a fault. It may be tempting to scrap what you have and start over if you feel like you haven’t hit your mark just yet, but don’t throw good work away just because it isn’t perfect. While perfection can be idealistic, it won’t often reflect your business growth or your personal growth. Imperfectly growing is still growing—and though growth doesn’t always look exactly how we imagined it would at first, progress will happen organically as long as you keep working toward something better.
SLOW PROGRESS IS STILL PROGRESS
When you’re busy launching your new business or working on an important project, it can be tempting to forget that small wins are still wins. Even if they aren’t milestones, they’re still part of moving forward with your goal. Don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back for every little bit you do; if you don’t make time for yourself, no one else will. You deserve it! Work hard and remember why you started in the first place—in other words, remember what progress feels like. A lot has probably changed since then (you might even look back at some of those early days and shudder), but it is still good to remind yourself that feeling proud is not only normal but necessary for business success.
You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.
― Sophia Bush
The act of getting started produces momentum. Momentum fuels motivation. Motivation increases your chances for success. All you need to do is press play and start moving forward—and try your best to focus on progress over perfection. Progress over perfection and you’ll reach your goals in no time!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm Elena, your
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Multi-passionate, CEO of multiple companies, mama of four, obsessed with all things business and marketing, ready to help you attract your ideal client and customer. My goal is to give you the strategies and tools to grow your business so you can save time, get real results and focus on what matters most.
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