Do Not Delete
For years, I believed that the only way to grow my business was through working longer hours, posting more content, showing up every single day, hoping that organic marketing alone would bring in enough leads and sales. I thought if I just worked harder, the results would come.
And while organic marketing absolutely has its place, it wasn’t until I ran my first ad that I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t have to work more to grow. I just had to work smarter.
I went from feeling like I constantly had to grind for every single sale to seeing my business scale in a way that felt… dare I say, effortless? That’s when I knew: ads were the missing piece.
And I’ll never go back.
I’ll never forget the moment I launched my first paid ad. I had poured so much time into growing my business organically, yet it still felt like I was stuck in a cycle of needing to work around the clock. When I stopped working, the sales stopped coming.
I figured I had nothing to lose, so I took the leap. I started with a small budget, testing out just $5 a day. And then something wild happened—
For every dollar I spent, I was making three dollars back.
I watched as people who had never heard of me before started clicking, signing up, and buying. I could see exactly what I was spending and exactly what I was earning in return. For the first time, I wasn’t just hoping my marketing efforts would work—I had actual numbers to prove it.
I wasn’t just throwing content into the void and waiting for engagement. I was actively bringing in leads and customers on autopilot.
That one ad completely shifted how I looked at my business. It’s been over 10 years now, and I’m still running ads today.
Don’t get me wrong—organic marketing is incredibly valuable. SEO, email marketing, and social media all play a role in growing a sustainable business.
But organic marketing alone has its limitations:
With paid ads, you control your reach. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms. You can take your best offer, put it in front of the right audience, and see results without waiting months (or years) for organic marketing to work.
Each platform has its strengths, and depending on your business, one might work better than another. Here’s how I use each:
Out of all these platforms, Pinterest has been my best-performing ad platform in the most recent years, which is why I created an entire class breaking down exactly how I run my Pinterest ads for maximum ROI. If you want to learn how to use Pinterest ads to scale your business, you can check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course!
Pinterest is also a wonderful platform for anyone who might not yet have an established audience to market to. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where ads are often shown to people based on their past engagement or behaviors, Pinterest users are actively searching for solutions, ideas, and products. This means you don’t need a massive following or an email list to start seeing results. Your ads will reach people who are already looking for what you offer, giving you a direct path to potential customers without spending years building an audience first. That’s the power of Pinterest—it connects you with warm, ready-to-buy leads, even if you’re just getting started.
If there’s one thing I’ve studied and tested more than anything else in my years of business, it’s how to set up ads that actually convert. Because while ads can be powerful, running them the wrong way can feel like throwing money into a black hole.
So here’s the simplified version of how I make ads work:
Before running ads, you need a clear, irresistible offer. Whether it’s a digital product, a course, or a service, you need to be able to answer these questions:
✔ Who is this for?
✔ What problem does it solve?
✔ Why would someone choose this over a competitor’s offer?
Ads won’t magically fix a weak offer. But when you have an offer that works? Ads amplify it. And if you’re not quite sure what to try and promote in a paid ad first, just look at your best sellers and start there—those have already been proven to sell to your audience.
All too often, I see people getting excited about jumping into paid ads and creating something new just for it, or trying to promote the thing they are most excited about. But here’s the truth: the best-performing ads come from promoting what’s already working. If you have a product or service that has sold well organically, start there.
A good way to guarantee your ad performs? Go with the product that has the best chance. Let the data guide you, and build from that success.
The biggest mistake I see people make with ads? Going all in too fast.
Instead of dumping a huge budget into an ad right away, start small—$5 to $10 a day. Run a few different versions of your ad, testing different images, headlines, and copy to see what resonates most with your audience.
Let the data guide you. The numbers will tell you what’s working. Once you have an ad that’s converting well, then you scale.
Not all metrics matter. Forget vanity metrics like likes and comments—when running ads, here’s what you should focus on:
Click-through rate (CTR) – Are people actually clicking on your ad?
Cost per lead (CPL) – How much are you spending to acquire a new lead or customer?
Return on ad spend (ROAS) – Are you making more than you’re spending?
When you know these numbers, running ads becomes a simple math equation—if you’re making $3 for every $1 spent, why wouldn’t you keep going?!
Running ads was the best decision I ever made for my business because it freed me from the constant grind of having to show up every single day just to make sales.
If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. I break down everything you need to know so you can get started with confidence. I show you exactly how I go about setting up my own ads, and give you unique examples that you can apply to your business. All under 90 minutes.
Because once you get ads working for you, there’s no turning back.
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Let’s talk about the powerhouse of marketing that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—Pinterest ads. When I built Wordsmith, I had two goals: 1: To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say. 2: To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.
Fast forward, and I scaled Wordsmith to over $600K in revenue using two incredibly powerful things: Pinterest ads + my email list. No viral videos, no dancing on Reels, no posting 24/7 to stay relevant. Just a smart, strategic way to get my offer in front of the right people at the right time.
Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can use Pinterest ads to grow your own business too.
First things first, let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a visual search engine—meaning that when people are on Pinterest, they’re actively looking for solutions, ideas, and products.
Unlike Instagram or Facebook (where your content disappears in hours), Pinterest content lasts. People can search for and find your pins months—even years—after you post them. And when you pair that with a strong ad strategy, you’re literally getting your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you have to offer.
That’s why Pinterest ads work so well. They put your brand in front of ready-to-buy customers without the constant content grind.
Before I poured time and energy into building Wordsmith, I wanted to make sure there was actually demand for it. Enter: Pinterest ads.
I started with a simple strategy:
The result? They ate it up.
That validation was huge. It meant I wasn’t guessing—I knew I had something people wanted. That’s when my husband (who’s a developer) jumped in to help me build Wordsmith exactly the way I had envisioned it. And once we had a solid product? We scaled it even more.
Once I knew Wordsmith was a hit, I doubled down on Pinterest ads and followed a strategy that allowed me to scale to over $600K in revenue. Here’s the exact formula I used:
Remember, Pinterest is a search engine—so your ads need to be optimized just like SEO. I focused on:
Your Pinterest ad creative matters. Unlike social media posts, your ad needs to stand out in a feed full of visuals. I focused on:
I didn’t just send people to a homepage and hope for the best. I made sure my ad traffic went to a conversion-optimized landing page that:
You can see the homepage for Wordsmith HERE.
Once I had tested different ads, I was able to turn off the ones that weren’t performing and run the same ad for over two years without needing to change a thing. I kept an eye on:
The more I refined my strategy, the better my results got—and the faster Wordsmith grew.
One of the many reasons I love Pinterest ads so much is because they let you get hyper-specific with your audience targeting. If you know how to choose the right keywords, set up conversion tracking, and focus on the right metrics, you can scale your business in a way that feels sustainable and strategic.
But here’s something I realized early on—so much of the marketing advice I saw online came from experts who were operating at a completely different level. They had massive email lists, established audiences, huge spending budgets, and built-in connections that most small business owners just don’t have when they’re starting out.
When I built Wordsmith, I wanted to do it in a way that would prove it’s possible to scale a business from scratch—without relying on a huge following or existing brand recognition. I wanted to create a strategy that would work for someone who didn’t have thousands of followers or a big email list yet, someone who was just trying to build momentum. And Pinterest ads made that possible.
After hitting over $600K in revenue for Wordsmith, I knew I had to share my formula. So, I put together a 90 minute Pinterest Ad Strategy course that walks you through the exact process I used to:
✅ Set up profitable Pinterest ad campaigns
✅ Target the right audience (so your ads don’t get wasted on the wrong people)
✅ Track conversions and scale effectively
✅ Focus on key metrics that actually matter (instead of getting lost in vanity numbers)
I’ve taken everything I’ve learned—from testing, tweaking, and scaling—and turned it into a step-by-step system to help you get your business in front of an audience that’s ready to buy.
👉 You can check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy
If you’re tired of posting on social media and hoping for traction, it might be time to switch things up. Pinterest ads aren’t just another ad platform—they’re a long-term strategy for getting your business in front of the right audience.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale, I know this strategy can work for you—because it’s exactly how I built Wordsmith into a thriving business that has generated over $600K in revenue.
So, what do you say? If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting your business in front of people who are actually looking for what you offer, let’s do this together. I’d love to help you make Pinterest ads work for you—because if I can do it, so can you.
Have you ever scrolled through social media, someone’s blog, or even your inbox, stopped on a post, and thought, Wow, this feels like it was written just for me? That’s the magic of a personal brand—it doesn’t just sell, it connects. It’s the kind of brand that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood.
And the best part? Building a brand that feels personal isn’t about having the perfect logo or the trendiest aesthetic. It’s about showing up as you.
If you’re ready to create a brand that feels personal and relatable, let’s dive into the secret behind making it happen.
Here’s the thing: people don’t buy from businesses, they buy from people. Sure…a lot of us shop at big-box stores like Target or Lowe’s, and most of the time, we’re not thinking about connecting with the owner or founder of those companies. But as small business owners, we have a unique advantage—something those larger companies often struggle to do: we can connect on a personal level.
Think about your favorite small businesses. Chances are, you feel connected to them not just because of what they sell but because of how they make you feel. Maybe it’s the way their emails feel like a note from a friend or the way their social media posts seem to speak directly to your heart. Maybe it’s because you’ve gotten to know the person behind the work and feel more like a good friend, than just another customer. That’s the power of a personal brand.
When your brand feels personal, it builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every successful business.
Every personal brand starts with a story—your story. Your audience wants to know the person behind the business. They want to know why you do what you do, what drives you, and what makes you, well, you.
Start by asking yourself:
When you share your story authentically, it creates a connection that goes beyond sales. It shows your audience that you’re not just selling a product or service—you’re sharing a piece of yourself.
One of the secrets to building a brand that feels personal is learning how to speak your audience’s language. What are they struggling with? What are they dreaming about? What words do they use to describe their challenges and goals?
When you use language that resonates with your audience, it feels like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with them. They’ll see your content and think, Wow, they get me.
Pro tip: Start talking to your audience as if it was just ONE person. You’ll quickly see how this little trick makes it feel much more like a 1:1 conversation with a good friend.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be polished and perfect to build a personal brand. In fact, the more real and relatable you are, the better.
Let your audience see the human side of your business. Share the behind-the-scenes moments, the lessons you’ve learned, and the little quirks that make you unique. Whether it’s a funny story about a mistake you made or a heartfelt post about why your work matters to you, those real, raw moments are what build connection.
Remember, authenticity isn’t about oversharing—it’s about showing up as yourself and letting your audience see the heart behind your business.
Building a brand that feels personal means focusing on relationships over transactions. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about building a community of people who feel connected to your brand.
Here’s how you can do that:
When your audience feels like they matter to you, they’ll stick around—not just as customers, but as loyal supporters of your brand.
Stop focusing so much on the next sale, and focus on how you can best serve your audience. (I promise you, the sales will come!)
A personal brand isn’t built overnight. It’s built through consistent, intentional effort over time.
Make sure your brand voice, visuals, and message align across all your platforms. Whether someone’s reading your Instagram post, your email newsletter, or your website, they should feel like they’re hearing from the same person.
Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. It means showing up regularly and staying true to your values and your story, even as your business grows and evolves.
The secret to building a brand that feels personal isn’t complicated—it’s about showing up as yourself, connecting with your audience, and focusing on relationships over transactions. When you lead with authenticity, trust, and heart, your brand will naturally attract the people who resonate with what you have to offer.
Monday, January 27th, 2025
Wednesday, January 8th, 2025
I never set out to build a content creation platform. I wasn’t dreaming about algorithms or content calendars. But what I was dreaming about? Helping business owners like you step out of the endless hustle and finally feel seen, heard, and connected to their audience—without burning out.
Because if we’re being honest, showing up online can feel exhausting. Trying to balance family life, work responsibilities, and the constant pressure to post fresh, engaging content? It’s a lot. And I know that struggle firsthand.
That’s why I started Wordsmith.
As a mom of four who homeschools, I get how chaotic life can be. The never-ending to-do lists. The constant tug between family and business. The desire to be present with your kids while also chasing your dreams. It’s a delicate dance—and it’s easy to feel like you’re failing at both.
I started Wordsmith because I saw too many incredible business owners struggling to show up online. They had powerful stories to share, services that could genuinely help people, and products that deserved to be seen. But they were stuck. Stuck on what to say, how to say it, or where to even begin.
It broke my heart to see women working so hard to build their businesses, only to feel invisible because they didn’t know how to share their message in a way that felt authentic.
I knew there had to be a better way.
At its core, Wordsmith is about helping women entrepreneurs show up authentically—in their own voice, on their own terms.
When I first launched Wordsmith, it was just me, sitting at my kitchen table, writing my heart out. I created pre-written captions that business owners could use as-is or customize to fit their brand. And guess what? It worked. We could barely keep up with demand.
But as Wordsmith grew, I realized we could do even more.
Now, with the help of a passionate team and the latest AI technology, we’re empowering entrepreneurs to create on-brand content faster and more efficiently than ever before. Wordsmith doesn’t just give you templates; it gives you the tools to make your content truly yours.
We help you:
One of my superpowers in business has been my ability to plan, organize, and automate. As a homeschooling mom, I had to figure out ways to streamline my work so I could be present with my kids. I’ve poured those same strategies into Wordsmith, making it a tool that helps you get more done in less time.
Because let’s face it—we didn’t start our businesses to spend all day creating Instagram captions or writing email sequences. We started them to make a difference, to create freedom for our families, and to do work that lights us up.
Wordsmith is here to help you do just that.
Here’s what I want you to realize: Your audience doesn’t need perfect. They need you. They need to hear your story, your perspective, and your passion. And when you show up authentically, you build trust. You create real connections that turn followers into loyal customers.
It’s not about selling. It’s about serving.
At Wordsmith, we believe that your story matters. We believe that your voice deserves to be heard. And we’re here to help you share it in a way that feels true to you.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck—if you’ve been dreaming of a way to show up online that feels easy, natural, and aligned—I’d love to invite you to join us at Wordsmith.
We’ve built this platform with you in mind. From pre-written captions to an AI writing assistant that helps you create personalized content in seconds, everything we do is designed to help women entrepreneurs show up authentically.
Because when you show up as you, magic happens.
Let’s make it easier for you to share your story, connect with your audience, and build the business of your dreams—without sacrificing what matters most.
Your story is powerful. Let’s make sure the world hears it.
Join us over on Wordsmith: www.modernmarket.co/wordsmith
Content Prompt: “Let’s cut to the chase: [your service] works because it’s [specific unique feature]. While others focus on [common approach], I make sure [specific differentiator]. This means you get [specific benefit]. Let’s make it happen!”
Wordsmith Prompt:
Write a blog post that explains why my service works better than other options. Focus on the specific features and benefits that make it stand out, and end with a CTA encouraging readers to experience it for themselves. [Add Content Prompt From Above].
Here’s how to make the “Here’s Why It Works” prompt your own:
This formula is a classic for a reason. It’s all about building trust and showing your audience exactly why your service is different and better. By focusing on the specific features of what you offer, their unique advantages, and the real-world benefits they provide, you can clearly communicate why your business is the best choice.
Why it works: FAB helps you cut through the noise and get straight to the point. It highlights what makes your service stand out, giving your audience the clarity they need to trust you and take action.
Let me guess—you’ve stared at your screen more times than you can count, trying to think of something fresh to share about your business. Been there, done that. That’s why I’m introducing something new to help: Weekly Content Prompts.
These prompts are here to take the guesswork out of showing up online. They’re designed to help you:
Each week, I’ll share a prompt to spark inspiration and make it easier for you to talk about your business. Whether you want to craft a blog post, whip up a newsletter, or create a scroll-stopping social media caption, these prompts will have you covered.
Here’s a little secret you’re not alone in: coming up with content is hard. You’re not the only one staring at a blank screen wondering what to say. In fact, a recent study found that 60% of marketers struggle to come up with fresh content ideas. Yup, even the pros hit roadblocks.
That’s where a content prompt can change the game. Instead of wasting time second-guessing yourself, you’ve got a starting point—a nudge in the right direction that makes showing up feel a whole lot easier.
(Source: Ziflow’s content creation challenges report)
If you’re already using Wordsmith, creating content just got even simpler. Add the prompt and some info about your business, and let Wordsmith do its thing—turning your ideas into beautifully written, on-brand content in seconds. Think of it as your personal copywriter in a box.
Not using Wordsmith yet? No worries! You can still use these prompts with tools like ChatGPT. But here’s the truth: Wordsmith takes it to the next level, automating the process and ensuring your content reflects your unique voice every time. (Psst… You can sign up for Wordsmith here!)
Wednesday, January 8th, 2025
Saturday, January 4th, 2025
Can we have a real talk? I see you. I see the overwhelm, the content exhaustion, the hours spent staring at a blinking cursor thinking, What the heck do I even say today? It’s like you’re running on a hamster wheel, creating post after post, and still feeling like you’re going nowhere—because you don’t have a content strategy tool to make the process easier.
Sound familiar?
I get it—because I’ve been there too. Showing up online can feel like a full-time job, and let’s be real, you already have enough on your plate. But what if it didn’t have to be this hard? What if there was a way to take the stress out of content creation and actually enjoy showing up for your audience again?
Spoiler alert: That’s exactly why I created Wordsmith—a tool to help you flip the script on content creation and take your business from stuck to thriving.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Before we talk solutions, let’s talk about the problem. Because if you’re feeling stuck in the content grind, I promise you’re not alone.
Here’s what I hear from entrepreneurs all the time:
If any of those sound like you, let’s just take a deep breath together. Because guess what? You’re not the problem. The problem is that no one taught us how to consistently create content that feels authentic, connects with our audience, and doesn’t take forever.
That’s where Wordsmith comes in.
Think of Wordsmith as your personal content creation sidekick—the one who always knows what to say and how to say it in your voice.
Here’s what makes it different from all those other AI tools out there:
Basically, it’s like having a copywriter in your back pocket—without the hefty price tag.
Let’s talk about transformation. Because that’s what this is really about—helping you go from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to feeling confident and excited about showing up online.
Here’s what happens when you start using a content strategy tool like Wordsmith:
Imagine waking up, opening your laptop, and having your week’s worth of content ready to go. No stress. No overthinking. Just a plan that feels good.
Let me introduce you to Sarah. She’s a graphic designer who came to Wordsmith feeling completely drained by content creation. Writing captions? Pulling teeth. Blog posts? Forget it. She knew she needed to show up online, but the process felt exhausting. She had no ideas how much of a difference the right content strategy tool would make in her business.
After just one week with Wordsmith, Sarah’s outlook on running her business changed.
Here’s what she told me:
“I created a month’s worth of social media content in a few hours. I wrote a blog post that actually sounded like me. And for the first time in forever, I felt excited to show up online.”
Her audience noticed too. Engagement? Skyrocketed. Inquiries from dream clients? Rolling in.
And that’s the magic of Wordsmith. It doesn’t just help you create content—it helps you create content that connects.
Listen, I know there are a million AI tools out there. And if you’ve been here from the start, you know we launched Wordsmith well before AI was even a thing. But Wordsmith isn’t about churning out cookie-cutter content. It’s about helping you show up in a way that feels real and true to your brand.
Here’s the secret sauce:
It’s like having a content coach who gets you and wants to see you win.
So, friend, what if you didn’t have to dread content creation anymore? What if showing up online felt natural and aligned with who you are? Imagine swapping the overwhelm for confidence—and actually enjoying the process of sharing your story.
That shift?
It’s right here, waiting for you.
If you’re nodding your head, I hope you give Wordsmith a try.
Imagine feeling excited about your content. Imagine hearing your audience say, “It feels like you’re speaking directly to me.” Imagine having more time to focus on the parts of your business that light you up.
Let’s make that happen.
Sign up for Wordsmith today and see the transformation for yourself. Because your words matter—and it’s time to let them work for you.
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.
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 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. ❤️
Monday, June 24th, 2024
Tuesday, September 12th, 2023
Alright, beautiful soul, let’s dive deep into some updates about my newest venture, and oh, it’s all about passive income. But to truly paint the picture, I’m rewinding the tapes and letting you in on some personal I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever share online.
The love and warmth I felt from your responses about diving deep into passive income while still in your cozy pajamas was so overwhelming! Picture this as the first episode of our “Passive Income Chronicles” that’ll land directly in your inbox (or in this case, on the blog).
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of brainstorming sessions. How do I serve you best? The answer felt clear as day – give you an unfiltered, VIP access into the process. It’s like baking a cake. You could tell someone the recipe, or you could invite them into your kitchen and bake it together.
So here’s my puzzle: What magic can I craft that not only gifts me with passive income but also takes you on the entire rollercoaster from the first brainstorm to the final result?
Here’s a confession: When I pressed ‘send’ on that first email, it was like jumping off a cliff not knowing if I’d fly or fall. But isn’t the thrill of creation so much more electric when you’re not alone?
And that’s why I wanted to start this journey with YOU.
With a head bursting with ideas, it felt like picking a flavor at an ice cream parlor.
The real challenge?
Deciding which idea gets the golden star. Whether you’re a dreamer like me with a myriad of thoughts, or you’re at a crossroads, I suggest this: jot down your thoughts, let them simmer, and then pick what feels right in your gut. The most important piece to choosing the *right* thing is choosing something you’re excited about. It doesn’t matter what your best friend, sister, mom or anyone thinks about the idea. If YOU have a vision for this idea and are excited about it that’s the thing you gotta go for.
When I dream of crafting something that trickles in passive income, here’s my checklist:
I had that ‘aha’ moment when one idea, shining brighter than the rest, called out to me. But before I unveil, let’s take a quick detour.
Remember The Essential Studio Manager? Our labor of love that we poured our hearts and souls into and then, with mixed emotions, handed its reins over, hoping it would soar to greater heights? Well, life threw a curveball.
Instead of the anticipated growth, the new owners not only let it slide but went MIA on our beloved community. This heart-wrenching turn from a glittering accomplishment to a bittersweet memory was tough. After an intensive 6-month handover, seeing our creation wither was a pill hard to swallow.
Plot twist: The company was sold again. Our hopes? CRUSHED.
My husband, Jon – the genius who dived headfirst into the world of coding to build the ESM – and I often talked about how to salvage this one day. We knew we could craft a better CRM system, but going up against industry mammoths felt like David against Goliath. Honeybook who’s latest funding round of $250 million, led by investment giant Tiger Global Management, had valued it at $2.4 billion. And being in the same industry is TOUGH when you’re just a one or two person team.
We’ve had countless late nights talking about what this CRM would look like and the features it would have, how we’d build it and make it easier to use than so many other tools out there. Having stepped into the world of CRMs we also know what a huge, long-term project this would be. As the weeks went by I asked myself if there was not something a little more simple I could build that focused on something specific. (Tip: Sometimes, when you have a BIG idea, there are a few smaller, simpler ideas you can get started with first and a great way to get something good going.) It’s always a good idea to try and build something simple to prove it’s something that’s a good fit before investing so much time and energy.
You see, with a CRM (the big project idea) you have a whole lot of different aspects to it. Customer communication, contracts, questionnaires, invoicing, finances, etc. All these pieces to a larger CRM could also be great stand-alone products.
So that’s what really got my wheels turning. The more I thought about it the more I loved the idea of focusing on the invoicing and financing aspect of a CRM. But take it one step further and build something to help with selling not just services but also digital products. The more I thought about it, the more perfect it got. Sharing the process of how to generate passive income while at the same time building a tool to make it possible for others to jump into creating and selling products and generating passive income.
But, here’s a thought: What if I take you on this exhilarating ride of crafting passive income, and in the process, together, we create this tool together?
Hold onto your seats because here’s the twist – I want this tool to be freely accessible. No monthly subscription tags. While I’ll need to put on my thinking cap to weave in the passive income magic, the core idea is clear: serve our community and reveal the magic behind the scenes while building a tool that makes generating passive income a breeze.
Having built a similar tool once that not only ensured a monthly passive income but also led to a $90,000 acquisition would be the perfect way to teach more about passive income. If I could do it, so can you for any digital product or service.
So, beautiful soul, strap in. This is our journey to crafting passive income.
The blueprint is ready, and my heart is set on it. Prepare to be taken on a behind-the-scenes journey of every intricate detail that breathes life into a passive income avenue.
Stay tuned for more updates to land in your inbox. I’ll also publish everything to the blog so you can easily find the information there and cover it as many times as you need.
I’ll be sharing the good, the bad and everything in between. You’ll continue to get emails about the process and I’ll publish all the content over on the blog so it’s easy to find. The content will be free for you to view and will remain on the blog as free content.
Ready to keep reading? Continue reading and find out what we’re calling this new tool, what inspired me, and what I’m doing first to get the ball rolling.
If you’re feeling stuck on an idea, head on over to THIS blog post to get your creativity flowing. I listed out all the ways I’ve generated passive income (and even gave some insight on how much $$$ I’ve earned from some of these ideas).
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:
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.
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 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.
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!
“[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]!
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.
[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!
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.
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!)
Monday, August 29th, 2022
Tuesday, November 16th, 2021
The key to being more productive on any given day is to focus on what you need to do and make sure you get it done before moving on to the next task or activity. If you keep this daily routine, you’ll be more productive by focusing on one task at a time instead of juggling different tasks from one moment to the next. Here’s how I stay focused throughout my workday.
Before you tackle anything else, be sure that you’ve set your end goal clearly in mind. It can take a little time to grasp what you want for yourself in terms of accomplishments and future opportunities. However, once you know what you’re aiming for—and why—the next steps will become more clear. Remember: Write down your mission statement and keep it somewhere easily accessible like your journal or on your phone so that it is always on your mind. Remember that working on the right thing is more important than working hard.
Build a daily routine that centers on your top priorities. I call it my critical-path method, and I use it to make sure I get the most important things done every day. It’s simple: Every morning, I sit down and write down my top 5 most important tasks for the day. Then tackle those things in order of importance. I try to complete all five tasks each day, but if I don’t, the uncompleted tasks get transferred to the next day.
Focusing on just five tasks helps me stay focused and on track. I have another sheet where I jot down random things that still need to happen but aren’t as important. This way I always have a master list of all the things I need to do while still staying focused on the important tasks.
Do What’s Important Before You Do What’s Urgent
It’s not always easy to make your daily schedule fit your goals, but it’s important to try. Organizing your time and tasks using a prioritized list will make you more productive and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Getting organized is an essential first step to take when setting goals or tackling new projects; otherwise, it can feel like you’re busy working all day, without much to show for it. There’s a big difference between being busy and being productive.
One of my methods to getting things done is what I call timeboxing. Timeboxing is a time management technique that requires you to designate a specific time frame for a specific task. During this time, you only focus on the tasks and remove all other distractions. Again, instead of bouncing from task to task, you focus on something specific. The best part about timeboxing is that it’s very flexible. Just about any work activity can be timeboxed–whether you’re writing an email, preparing for a meeting, or building a spreadsheet.
As a small business owners, it’s easy to try and do all the things all the time and lose focus and momentum in actually getting anything completed. I would rather focus on one project and get it done in a few hours than work on many little things and get nothing done. A good example of this is how I write new content for the Social Media Membership. Instead of writing content for my clients randomly, I sit down and put all my focus on writing great captions. By having a set time to really focus on this one task, I create better content and get it all complete much more efficiently.
Another really great way to be more productive is knowing what time during the day you do your best work. I used to wake up and the first thing I would do is jump in my inbox and try and answer all my emails. Some days it would take me a few hours in the morning. (Also the time of day I usually feel the most energy and most creative). I realized that after answering my emails and taking a lunch break, I felt more tired and less inspired to work on other projects.
I now use my morning hours where I feel most inspired to work on important projects. And leave the afternoon and evening hours to answer emails. Something that doesn’t take much inspiration, but certainly a lot of time. Take some time to figure out when you feel most productive vs when you don’t seem to get much done and get your important work done during the right time.
Although there’s a ton of advice that encourages people to focus on urgent tasks first, which might be a good idea for some, but it can be incredibly damaging as an entrepreneur. When things feel urgent but aren’t actually important, it’s easy to become distracted from what really matters. The best way I’ve found to avoid that trap is by creating a daily list in a separate area in my notebook for all the things I still need to do. Then hand-select which ones make it to my priority list each morning.
It can be hard to find time for everything you want and need during a workday. The less time you have outside of work, though, the less effective you’ll be at work. To stay motivated and productive at your job—and happy in your personal life—it’s important to make sure that you’re making time for yourself and your priorities. Although I’m often guilty of putting time for myself last. I’ve realized that when I find a good balance between work and life, I end up getting more enjoyment out of the work I do.
With a never-ending list of things to do, business owners have to become good at time management. We must know how to maximize our results with the time we have. Identifying your top priorities, time-blocking, and knowing what time you do your best work is the perfect way to get more done in less time! Just don’t forget to find the right balance between life and balance so it’s something you can continue long-term.
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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
Sunday, November 7th, 2021
Friday, November 5th, 2021
As an introvert, I often felt like I didn’t have the right personality to succeed as an entrepreneur. I’m happy to report that my skill sets as an introvert have only helped me reach new levels of success in the 10+ years of working for myself. I’ve built a successful online business for fellow entrepreneurs, Modern Market. One of our top resources is Social Media Captions written for fellow entrepreneurs. I’ve even built a Saas The Essential Studio Manager with my husband to help business owners manage their photography business. I hope that this article helps other introvert entrepreneurs pursuing their passions realize just how powerful they are. Here are 10 reasons introverts make great entrpnuers.
While many people believe that entrepreneurship and extroversion go hand in hand. There are plenty of successful business owners who are not only introverts but thriving as entrepreneurs. In fact, studies show that certain personality traits, such as those that make up an introvert’s personality type, can actually be advantageous when running a small business.
Although extroverts prefer to work with others and solve problems in groups, introverts can succeed when working solo. While it may be less enjoyable for them, an introverts’ ability to work alone (and often at their own pace) allows them to focus on tasks without distractions and tackle problems creatively. As a result, they find solutions that would have otherwise been missed by others.
As an introvert, you’re far more likely to go out on a limb and give your own opinion than someone who’s more socially comfortable. You’re not afraid to speak up when you don’t agree with something. And that trait can work in your favor when starting a business. Asking for advice is great, but it doesn’t give you any real-world experience in making your own decisions or asserting yourself.
The idea of building a business around your passions is hugely appealing to introverts. It means they won’t have to spend their time doing something they don’t enjoy. After all, few people are motivated by money alone.
One of your main jobs as an entrepreneur is to listen. Be it your customers, clients, or other people within your industry—it’s important that you can effectively communicate and empathize with others. The ability to do so doesn’t always come naturally to extroverts. Particularly in certain situations. But introverts tend to be natural listeners and communicators. Which makes them great for listening closely and bringing their perspective into a conversation. While speaking is often viewed as a sign of leadership, listening can be just as important when it comes to making good decisions.
Okay, so some extroverts have a tendency to chase shiny objects. They’re constantly meeting new people and trying new things. Meanwhile, introverts love a good routine, and they don’t seek out constant stimulation. In fact, their need for stability can actually be a huge asset when starting a business. It allows them to focus without being derailed by every new fad or shiny object that passes their way.
Because introverts have a lower need for external stimulation, they tend to be less prone to unrealistic quick fixes. They’re also less likely to be distracted by shiny objects that will often distract an extrovert from their goals. In short, when it comes to losing weight, they stick with it.
An introvert is not necessarily a loner, but they can get things done on their own if need be. They are likely to plan and work strategically. When it comes to working, they are more focused on the project at hand rather than being social with others.
While extroverts crave interaction, introverts can thrive as independant workers. They’re able to focus more easily and avoid distractions from those around them. This gives them an edge in getting projects done quickly and with less stress. They keep a low profile. While some extroverted entrepreneurs enjoy being in front of a crowd, others don’t care for all of that attention and actually prefer to be behind the scenes working.
It takes a lot of self-discipline to get an idea off paper and into reality. This is true for any entrepreneur, but introverts tend to be highly motivated once they get an idea in their head. It’s less likely they’ll get distracted and let their ideas fall by the wayside. Also, since they’re good at working independently and alone, they aren’t tempted to rely on colleagues or friends to help them complete a project.
As an introvert, you often have to go off the book when it comes to extroverted coworkers. No one told you how to talk to new people, answer phones, or pitch investors, build a business or launch a new course or product, so you just made it up as you went along—and that makes you valuable. You’re comfortable with ambiguity and are excellent at making on-the-fly adjustments. And since no one told you how things are done, no one knows how they can be done better.
So if you’re a fellow introvert, realize just how powerful you are with your set of skills and personality traits. Stop thinking that it’s in any way limiting you as an entrepreneur. If you ever need a reminder, just come back to this article as to why introverts make great entrepreneurs.
Yes, introverts are often misunderstood by extroverted peers, but that doesn’t make them weak or less capable. Your careful consideration of everything around you. Your tendency to think deeply about things. And your thoroughness in making sure you do it right. These are powerful assets—and they’re all important qualities of being an entrepreneur. Not only that, but being an introvert is great for business owners because it forces you to be independent—another trait that leads to success.
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