Are You Struggling in Business? Focus on Alignment!

June 10, 2021 DanaLeave a comment

Sometimes in business we can feel stuck and like nothing will ever change. Like nothing you try is working in your business. It may be an alignment problem.

What do you I mean?

Let me tell you a personal story. In my married life, there were some misplaced priorities that prevented me from reaching the goals I had set for myself. Because our marriage was out of balance and we had stopped putting Christ in the midst of it, this spun off into our businesses. Everything was dried up. We experienced failure after failure.

At the core, when you peel away the layer of this onion, it’s because we trusted in money, not God. We believed we were slaves, not heirs, and we took on burdens that were not ours to hold. In addition, we did not ask for help but instead tried to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps.

Our lives were spinning out of control, all because the foundation was sinking. We were building our household on a lie.

So God, being the loving Father He is, would not bless us. Since we were stingy with each other, others were stingy with us.

Being a work at home mom or dad is a journey of faith. When we replace that faith with trying to do it all on our own or working out of desperation, joy is sucked out of us. We burn out quickly. Frustration ensues and we can’t seem to make those breakthroughs that we so keenly need.

But when we are in alignment, with Christ, in our marriage and in our family, we have joy, energy, love, and confidence. We stop swimming against the tide, but instead wait for God as He tells us what the next step is and how to complete it.

We begin to dig deep and rely on the Holy Spirit. To depend on Him.
It’s so easy to put off happiness until we get that perfect pot of gold we are seeking. For instance, saying you will be happy when you lose 50 pounds, or you will be happy when you make a certain quota in your business. In our case, we put off getaways and dates because we had to work and we couldn’t “afford” it. In effect, we put off loving each other and as a result we almost lost everything we had, including our marriage.

But the truth is, a marriage counselor, or even worse, a divorce lawyer—is much more expensive than regular outings together! Keeping a balance in devotion to God, marriage, family, and building a brand is so important.

To be successful, we have to stop compartmentalizing our lives. When we live whole and free and motivated by inspired action with a heart full of dependence upon the Holy Spirit, we are able to build with joy and then we will experience results.

That is the epitome of branding success!

A Classic Soap Story From the Great Depression…

April 9, 2020 DanaLeave a comment

It seems to me with the coronavirus crisis we business owners find ourselves in, one of my favorite stories would be a good one to retell… so here goes…

During the Great Depression, there were two soap companies.

One stopped stocking products and pulled their advertising.

The other decided to use a new platform–radio. They combined radio with storytelling.

This soap company would produce radio theater plays that centered around a character named Ma Barker. It was all centered around the drama in her life.

And then the soap company would have commercials.

They invested in this new platform and they increased their advertising.

Which soap company survived the Great Depression?

The one that made the dramas of course!

And what was that soap company called?

Tide!

And they created what is now called Soap Operas!

So how can you learn from this time in history?

Don’t shut down in the midst of this economic hardship. Be strategic and find ways to combine storytelling and this incredible medium we have now called the Internet!

You can take any service you sell and turn it into a product online.

Are you a financial planner? Create a video course.

Are you a fitness coach? Create a customized workout program via Skype.

Are you a coach for local business owners? Create ebooks and video courses. Then you can mentor business owners not only in your own city but across the country and even the world!

Most of all, don’t let fear overtake you. Move forward in faith and get creative. Invest in your business and it WILL pay off!

Photo by Adobe Stock

Handmade soap bars and lavender on white background, top view

By New Africa

Job Vs. Self-Employment: Which is Better Especially with Coronavirus?

April 2, 2020 DanaLeave a comment

In recent times, employment was something to be counted on. After college graduation, you could expect to get hired by a company, move up in the ranks, get benefits, and 30 or 40 years later retire comfortably.

Like my Dad, who graduated from college in 1960, had a long career in both the Air Force and the aerospace industry, getting his masters and doctorate along the way, and retiring in 1999. He is now living the dream of fishing, travel, and skiing when and where he wants to.

But times have changed. Graduates can no longer expect to work for one company and one company only.

And in this last month, record unemployment has rocked the country. Those who are self-employed and work at home already have an advantage already.

So what are some other reasons employment has changed?

Why?
• Loyalty between employer and employee is virtually nonexistent.
• The lingering attitude of cutting back from the last recession.
• The healthcare law means insurance is more expensive.
• Uncertainty and instability in the marketplace has led to high unemployment, especially with the Coronavirus.

For our family, these changes have meant a radical departure from plans we had made at the beginning of our marriage. We took it for granted that my husband would always work for someone else. He didn’t seem like the entrepreneur type. While it was always my goal, it didn’t enter our minds that he would do the same.

Then the economy collapsed in 2008. No pay raise, delayed paychecks, and very little opportunity for growth led us to the conclusion that he needed to be self-employed full time.

We are actually quite excited about it. Because while the career job may have gone by the wayside, we recognize that true prosperity can’t be built on one. We like to call it the “Just Over Broke.” We are excited for the possibilities ahead as he builds his business. And we are excited to prepare our son to have the option of self-employment when he is ready to launch out on his own.

This strategy has proved vital for our family in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis. We had already been working at home. My business is mostly online. And even our local programs could be transferred to online. Travis works mostly from home and as an essential business in construction, he is still able to operate.

The old way of having a life-time job has all but disappeared. But this brings new opportunities. Yes, even the Coronavirus crisis brings new opportunities.

It means that we as families can go back to an even OLDER way of making a living, that of having cottage industries. It means that we can build family economies with several streams of income. It means that we can prepare our son for this eventuality so he is equipped to raise his family, truly living in freedom from debt and most importantly, has the freedom to raise his family the best way he can.

And it means that it’s more important than ever to get your message out there because people need your perspective!

Are you ready to take the next step into self-employment? Tune in for an announcement soon about a new free challenge coming up after Easter!

Thriving in the Midst of the Coronavirus

March 20, 2020 DanaLeave a comment

The coronavirus has and continues to be a destructive force for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s scary and devastating what is happening all over the country and all over the world.

But through this I have learned it’s not time to shrink back. It’s time to double down and re-strategize and get yourself out there in new ways. It’s time to take advantage of the power of the Internet and think outside of the box.

You may be–and I don’t blame you–extremely stressed and depressed and even might be wanting to throw in the towel.

Before you do, consider these 15 questions:

What is your life and business about? Living a great life or loving a great God? (From Freedom From Emotional Eating by Barb Raveling)
Why did you get into business in the first place?
Do you need to pull back and rebuild?
What is working? What is not working?
What is God trying to teach you through this difficult time?
Where is He in the midst of it and what is He saying to you?
Do you have a strategic marketing plan or are you just throwing promotions at the wall, hoping they will stick?
Are you communicating your value to your target market?
Do you even HAVE a target market?
Do you need to gain more skills or knowledge?
Is fear holding you back?
Do you believe that what you have to offer has value? Is there a feeling that you do not have value so is this self-doubt sabotaging your efforts?
Do you have clear branding?
Do you need help? Are you trying to carry the load all by yourself?
What is God calling you to do?
What is the next action step that you can do?

So when you are in that lonely place as a business owner—of crushing defeat which leads you to want to give up—truly contemplate the answers to these questions. You might just find that taking action on some of these questions will be just the thing you need to get off that treadmill of hopelessness caused by little progress and this coronavirus situation.

Photo by Adobe Stock.

Believing in YOU—Essential to Your Branding Success

December 1, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

What makes or breaks your success? What one false belief could derail your future? What mindset could kill your dreams?

A lack of self confidence. A lack of believing what you have to offer has value. Not believing in YOU!

Not long ago, I sat down with a potential client in a strategy session. I could tell that lack of self confidence was causing her business to stifle. I told her this message, and it came from my heart, because it’s an issue I also struggle with:

“God does not make junk. You are a treasure.”

It took me years to come to that conclusion about myself. I’ve always thought there was something “different” about me, that people didn’t like me, that I was not valued and that I didn’t matter or that I didn’t count.

These attitudes stalled my business endeavors. These attitudes almost ruined my marriage. These attitudes threatened to keep me from reaching my dearly held dreams.

At some point through all my searching for answers, I realized this: God made me. He gave me the talents and gifts and dreams I have. If I believe that what He gave me is garbage, than I am dishonoring God.

No, I realized. God does not make junk. I am His treasure.

And so are you. He gifts each and every person with a unique calling in this world. You have an important job to do because people need your gift. But the question remains, do you believe in YOU?

Without this belief in yourself, why would potential customers believe in you? Why would they trust you if you don’t even trust yourself? Why would they value what you offer if you don’t value what you have to offer?

How can people tell? It might be in your speech, the way you put yourself down, it could be in your appearance, that you don’t take enough care to look professional, it may be in your branding, that your logo image is amateur looking.

Whatever the case, your first step is to identify the fact that you lack self confidence, and then start identifying why. Take these blocks away and start building confidence. I like to think of it in even stronger terms: Develop GOD confidence!

Then correct those avenues where you are communicating a lack of self confidence, whether it’s in your speech, your appearance, or brand!

Do that and you will have a brand that sizzles and future that dazzles!

Want to learn more about mindset issues and how you can overcome them, resulting in a more profitable business? Listen to my FREE podcast by clicking here now.

Treasure In Hand © Jyothi | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Don’t Kill Success with Perfectionism

November 30, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

Perfectionism. It’s what stops aspiring entrepreneurs in their tracks. It’s sad. I see it time and time again where a great idea is born, but the bearer of that idea won’t put it forth because it has to be “perfect.”

Your brand is like a game. If you want to win, you have to get in there and play! You can’t play if you won’t get in the field because you are afraid of failing. Because you don’t want to play unless you’re perfect.

A few years ago, I once was hired by a chiropractor who wanted me to help him with a presentation of a new service. He never completed his contract because before I could barely begin work, he decided he needed to re-brand everything. He never, to my knowledge, moved forward because he was so focused on perfection.

This false belief that your work has to be perfect before you put yourself out there is a roadblock that will kill your success.

What should you aim for? Of course, excellence. But realize there will always be something you want to change about your branding, marketing materials, and products. There’s always room for improvement!

But if no one sees your brand, you will not have visibility. And that will lead to less clients that you are attracting which will lead to less sales!

I like how many Internet marketing gurus put it: “progress, not perfection.” Take baby steps.

When I became a homeschooling teacher to my son, which is a huge responsibility, my wise sister-in-law told me this:

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

Those words apply to business owners. If you want to have success, then let go of perfection. The success of your business depends on the speed that you get your brand and products to the marketplace. Far less “perfect” brands and products that are seen by the public will do better than a superior brand or product that has not been unveiled because it’s not “perfect.”

Lay aside perfectionism. Play the game. Who knows. You might fail. But you will have already succeeded because you have become part of the action.

Let your brand be part of the action and you will sizzle! And your future will dazzle!

Want step by step help in getting your brand ready for its big unveiling? Take my systemized, proven course that will empower you to create a solid brand that results in more leads, sales, and profits.

Elephant © Odm | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Want a Successful Brand? Be Bold!

November 24, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

So confession time. For many years I suffered with low-self esteem and extreme shyness. I believed that I didn’t matter, that there was no value in what I had to offer. As a consequence, I was too timid. I was not bold enough. And that has cost me dearly.

Now I am shifting my “stinking thinking.” I’m realizing the importance of boldness and starting to practice it more and more.

While it is uncomfortable, I know that it is the action that will get me where I want to be. So how can you be bold and how can that help your brand? Here are some ideas for you:

1) Find key influencers on social media, whether Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Look for people that you admire and you want to be like, that are where you want to be. Get to know them by commenting on their posts. Write about them and when you do, send a shout out to these people that you have done so.

Years ago, I asked a successful author if she would endorse one of my books. I had gotten to know her by commenting on her posts and asking for help. She was happy to endorse my book and she did!

2) Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether it’s in a Facebook group, at a networking group, or in an email.

For months now, I have been struggling with a publication project that seemed dead in the water. Yesterday I finally got the boldness to ask for help in a writer’s Facebook group. I received several responses and even got offers from people wanting me to interview them for my radio show. Bonus! I need to ask for help from these groups more often!

3) Ask for what you deserve. Don’t undervalue yourself. Don’t think you have to ask “how high” when someone asks you to jump. Be confident about the value you offer to your customers and don’t feel guilty for asking for a price you deserve.

My husband, who owns his own architectural business, was vindicated today. Several months ago he received an inquiry from a nail salon wanting him to design some plans. They didn’t like the price and went elsewhere. Today he received a call from them and it turns out this nail salon had hired an architect who did things “on the cheap” for them and then went out of business. They were asking my husband to do a quick turn around and fix the problems so they could get it submitted to the building department.

My husband responded that he couldn’t look at it until next week and explained that he is very thorough and thinks holistically. Through that action, he boldly proclaimed he was NOT going to design cheap stuff and in a hurry.

4) Get out of your comfort zone. Try your hand at speaking, blogtalk or podcast interviews, writing a blog, publishing a book… whatever scares you, do it. When you stretch yourself, you activate that “boldness” muscle and the result, more action and movement for your brand.

5) When negative responses come, move on. Yes, it happens. I will not sugar coat the fact that sometimes you will be rejected. If that happens, just “shake the dust off your feet” and keep on moving!

It’s happened to me several times, and after I get over the initial shock I realize it wasn’t me that they were rejecting, but other factors at play. These factors could be that it’s simply not the right fit, not the right timing, or there might even be some jealousy or favoritism going on. Just keep your head up and keep being bold!

Boldness is key for building your business! And when you are bold, your brand will sizzle and your future dazzle!

Are you ready to be bold? Take a huge step and get some one-on-one help today. Click here now to take this step.

Do You Love What You Do?

November 23, 2015 DanaOne comment

Let me ask you a question. When Sunday night comes and you think about the work week ahead, what is your response: 1) dread or 2) excitement?

If you answered dread, then I suggest to you that your work and your passions are not aligned.

Why is that important? Don’t we after all have to just make a living and grin and bear a job we don’t like to do because, well, that’s just the way the world works?

Absolutely no, that’s not how it has to be. You can actually find that thing, that passion, that driving ambition that will make you a living. When you find that passion and turn it into a successful brand and then a successful business, it will do more than make you a living. It will give you a life.

I think of my husband, who used to get stressed every Sunday night when he was working in a J.O.B. (Just Over Broke, a term Robert Kawasaki coined). He dreaded Monday mornings when he would have to go back into the office and perform duties that had become boring to him. He knew that he had reached the “glass ceiling,” He wanted something more.

Now fast forward to today. It’s a Monday. I never heard anything from him last night about dreading the week. This morning he spoke with a client and received great feedback from the house design he had done. He has the satisfaction of providing his expertise and skill to an appreciative client who is paying him well. The rest of the week until Thanksgiving he is working for his former boss, on his own terms and doing tasks that he enjoys. He’s earning more than he could ever do for his former job. And he is making time to do some fun projects, like designing tiny houses, that he can eventually sell online so he can create another source of income, one that is not based on chasing hours for dollars.

You have a unique talent. There are so many opportunities to develop new skills, especially with the Internet. You have unique life experiences. What matters to you is different than what matters to another person. All these factors can be turned into a business that reflects who you are and what you love to do.

I love a meme that I recently came across. It urged parents to ask their children, “What problem do you want to solve?” rather than “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

How about you? What problem do YOU want to solve? What is it that you love to do that could solve a problem? How can you make an impact? What do you have or what could you produce or sell that could provide what someone else desperately needs or wants?

The intersection between your passion and what another person desperately wants is where branding success happens. That’s what makes a stable business on the trajectory for growth.

So find out what your passions are. Pursue what you love to do. You will find that you are not only making a living, but you are making a life. And that life will dazzle!

Would you like to find out step by step how you can turn your passions into profits? Take my systemized branding business building course that can help you get out of a J.O.B. and into a heart-centered business that gives you the life you’ve been dreaming about!

Momentum—A Necessary Ingredient for Branding Success

November 20, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

We all know (or should know) the scientific definition of inertia. Basically, a body at rest stays at rest.

This tendency to remain unchanged does nothing for our businesses! We encounter resistance to change and our sales stagnate. Not a good situation.

So what can be done?

Gain momentum!

Momentum as defined in the dictionary is “the impetus gained by a moving object, the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.”

So what does this mean for your business? For your brand?

Performing the essential functions of business—marketing, product development, sales, and administration—is a process. It requires daily habits. It requires consistency. This discipline creates a snowball effect, one that results in change. It results in increased exposure of your brand. It ultimately leads to increased sales.

For instance, a year ago my husband and I had not implemented a marketing strategy for his business. We resisted change. We were comfortable with the two clients we had. But the lack of momentum almost destroyed us by Christmas. We could not rely on just two clients and my husband’s business stagnated.

In January, we became determined to reach out to three people per day. It was a very simple plan. It could be through online means, to an individual, a mailing, or a phone call. We did this consistently. And we started to see results. His brand awareness increased. He built momentum.

Now it’s easy to slack on these kinds of commitments and become complacent when times are well. We get comfortable. I’m reminded as I write this that I need to go back to this principle. It’s disastrous to only market AFTER you have finished work for all your clients and they have no more work for you!

It’s the same with blogging. It’s something that I have not been consistent at. But last week I joined a 30 day blogging challenge, which is the reason why I’m writing this article today. I don’t know the results yet. But what I do know is that by creating this habit, I will be increased momentum, and that will result in increased brand awareness, which will result in increased sales!

So build some momentum in your business today! Make a simple commitment, like reach out to three people per day or write one blog post per day. And join a group to keep you accountable.

When you are faithful to follow through on a consistent basis, your brand will sizzle and your future dazzle!

Would you like to find out how to make a sizzling brand? Sign up for my free mini-video series by clicking here!

Crippled by Fear. What are You Going to Do With It?

November 19, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, fear can paralyze you. It can stop you in your tracks. Will you let it? Or will you find a way to leverage that fear, resulting in more success and bigger impact?

Sure, I get it. We’ve been there, believe me. Sometimes the uncertainty of owning your own business can eat you alive. This was especially hard for my husband, who had just started an architectural business with my help. His perception of a steady paycheck vis a vis erratic payments from clients resulted in half-hearted attempts to grow his business.

Because the fear ruled him. He was not committed to success. He was committed to safety.

One night I helped him make the decision once and for all. I created a chart on a blank piece of paper. One side it said “owning your own business” with pros and cons below it. The next column said “being an employee” with pros and cons below it.

He started brainstorming the pros and cons of both scenarios. We laid it all out, he looked at the chart, and then I asked him, what side do you want to be on?

He chose to keep owning his own business.

From that time on, he worked on his fear. He stopped letting it control him. He stretched himself. When new and strange projects came up, he worked on them anyway, even though his inclination was not to try because he was afraid he’d fail.

As time has gone by, he stretches himself more and more. He has grown in confidence and now he is productive full-time. We are actively seeking new clients, new opportunities. Every once in awhile he looks back wistfully to when he had a job, but then I remind him that he is earning more money on his own than he could ever be paid as an employee.

He made a choice to use that fear to reach for his dreams. It’s not easy and sometimes he slips back into the afraid mode. But he keeps going.

What are you going to choose to do? Will you let fear overcome you or will you use that fear to make a final commitment to making your business wildly successful? Will you decide today to create a sizzling brand and dazzling future?

If you are ready, please take my free course that will get you started in creating a wildly successful business. Click here now to take it. What do you have to lose? Fear itself?

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