Small Biz Sanity

Fake It 'Til You Make It...

I was trying to think of a good resource to send out to you guys, the way I like to do on a regular basis.  But then I thought back to a conversation that I had with a good friend of mine who's in the process of starting her own business.  She has a lot of experience in her field, and really rocks at what she does.  But with a great opportunity that came her way, she suddenly got the "confidence jitters"--those negative, self-doubting thoughts that we've all felt at one time or another.  You know the ones:

• "What if I don't have what it takes to get the job done?" 
• "I feel like a fraud! I'm sure they can see right through me..."
• "Maybe I should turn this project down before I screw it up..."

The truth is, it's perfectly normal to feel this way sometimes, as I told my girlfriend.  But what we can't do is let those fears get in the way of reaching our goals!  And my response to her?  "Sometimes, you've got to fake it 'til you make it."  Studies have shown that even when we're in a bad mood, just smiling (even if it feels fake at first) can lift your spirits immediately.  (I've tried it--it really works!)  Our attitudes work the same way--when you act compentent and confident, you become those very things. 

So, back to my girlfriend.  After we had our chat, she went to work with her new client--and nailed it!  They were so impressed with the ideas that she offered, they were practically like, "Where have you been all our lives?!?"

It just goes to show that sometimes, confidence is all it takes even if you're not feeling it at first.  Don't let self-doubt and negativity get in the way of your success--you have it coming!  

Success Tales “Call & Learn” Teleclass: How to Repurpose Your Writing Content w/ Lexi Rodrigo

 
Success Tales “Call & Learn” Teleclass: How to Repurpose Your Writing Content w/ Lexi Rodrigo

Tuesday, April 19^th at 1pm EST

30 minutes – FREE!

You’re probably wondering how you can make money as a writer without killing yourself while coming up with new content ideas over and over again.  After all, time is money—and the more time you save when it comes to generating content ideas, the more moey you make—it’s pretty simple!

Well, you’re in for a treat—the next installment of my “Call & Learn” series features the one and only Lexi Rodrigo, a.k.a. The Savvy Freelancer--a successful freelance copywriter and online marketing consultant who makes a living doing what she loves: crafting content and helping other up-and-coming writers make a comfortable, independent living as well.

She’ll be talking about repurposing your writing content on the call—how to take one good article idea and creatively flip it over…and over…for blogs, newsletters and various other publications.  It’s all about working smarter, not harder!

Please join Lexi and me on Tuesday, April 19^th at 1pm EST, for a 30-min. FREE “Call & Learn” that’ll give you some fresh ideas on how to Make Your Content Work For You—Without The Sweat!   

To register for the free call, go to www.successtales.com/events.htm and enter your name/email in the form at the bottom of the page.  You’ll immediately receive a confirmation and call-in details!

"I Love It!" Thumbtack.com

A colleague of mine mentioned Thumbtack.com as a way to promote my copywriting business, V. Booker-Brown Copywriting. I figured, "why not?" and checked it out.  Basically, Thumbtack.com is an online listing service that allows freelancers of all types to post their services--for free.  Service professionals who sign up for a free account can do have access to adding photos & videos, managing appointments online, sharing one's professional licenses & certifications, and displaying testimonials from satisfied customers.

So, I just signed up, so far it seems like a nifty little resource (yes, I said "nifty") to add to your service marketing.  (Also, I'm thinking it can be a good way to look for other freelancers to partner services with.)  I'll let you guys know how it goes...but in the meantime, why not try it out yourself?  Feel free to leave comments on what you think.

Don't talk about it...BE about it!

Less talkin', more doin'. We've all heard that phrase before, but for me it comes from a special, more personal place.  You see, I have been soooo guilty of procrastination that it's not even funny.  I'll admit, even with the planning of SuccessTales.com.  I like to fancy myself as a "planner"--someone who looks at the situaton from all angles before I proceed forward.  "I am NOT jumping blindly off any cliffs with this," was my battle cry. 

But after a while, all the back & forth made me stop and reassess what I was doing, and had to be honest with myself:  Is there something deeper that's keeping me from completing this project?  The fear that once I finished and unveiled it for the world to see, and...crickets?  Or, who knows?  Perhaps the outcome might go in the other direction--as i, "What if this is a success?"  Maybe on some deeper level, I felt that success was out of my reach, that for some reason I didn't deserve it.

And what's up with all that?  Well, exploration is part of the journey.  But like I always say, recognition is the first step to overcoming whatever issues you've got goin' on.  (I'm sure there are other quotations that express this view much more elocquently, LOL--but you get my drift...)

Sometimes, you've just gotta do it.

Stay fit...stay focused...

 You’re probably wondering, “What does staying fit have to do with growing my business?” A lot, actually. Working out doesn’t just give you a toned body and stronger heart—studies have shown that even a mere eight minutes of exercise can help alleviate sadness, tension and anger.

Physical activity causes the brain to release chemicals called endorphins throughout the body, which are natural mood-boosters. Comes in handy when we’re stressed out over winning clients and building our businesses. So, even if you have just a couple of minutes during your busy schedule, use them to get a mini-workout in—whether it’s a set of pushups, some jumping jacks or a walk around the block. It’ll go a long way towards boosting your mental & physical stamina in order to handle your business!

What's your workout regimen? Whether or not you belong to a gym, what are your favorite ways to stay active?

Comment below and/or join in on the discussion at the Success Tales Facebook page!

Remember your passion!

When we get caught up in the daily to-dos—the phone calls, the administrative tasks, the unglamorous grunt work—it’s easy to lose sight of why we started our business in the first place. But stop for a second, slow down and remember what it was that made you step out and hang your shingle up. Was it your love of writing? Helping people? Cooking? Working with pets and animals? Your love of children? Of painting and creating art? Your passion is unique and your own, so it can be anything. But whatever it is, make reconnecting with it a priority. That will keep you focused on your business goals.

Question: What passion of yours made you start your business? (Even if you don't yet have a business, what is your passion?)

Comment below and/or join in on the discussion at the Success Tales Facebook page!

Now, that's a good look: Pretty, pretty office spaces!

 
For ages, I keep saying that I'm going to really trick out my "office space" (which, currently, is me 7 my laptop on the living room couch, lol).  That's partly why I nearly catch the Holy Spirit when the annual IKEA catalog rolls out. 

But a girl can dream in the midst of procrastination, can't she?  At the end of the day, do whatever works for you and keeps you inspired--whether it's a dedicated, full-fledged office, a spot on the couch (or bed), your favorite table at the local coffee shop--or all of the above.   Since I love pics of pretty things, here are my favorites:

Closet office space...

     

Remember those old-school Murphy beds? Updated, home-office style:

 

Take a little corner, add a shelf, and voila...

 

 

When it comes to your marketing...don't overanalyze!

Occasionally, part of my marketing consists of simply sending out introductory emails to businesses I've come across, telling them about my services. One lesson I've learned when reaching out--don't overthink it!

Yep, sometimes I nearly shoot myself in the foot--I might check out a business at a glance & the little voice in my head'll say, "Oh, they probably won't be interested in my services, why bother?" Well, something I had to start telling myself is this: Let THEM decide! Because if this is your first time reaching out to a particular business, you don't really know, do you? Of course, tailor your service pitch to what you can do for them, based on their business--but don't overanalyze too much. It's really a numbers game--just get the word out there!

How to get a great testimonial...

This is one of those things I heard through the grapevine...UK-based coach Ankhara Hunte passed along this gem about getting great testimonials from clients--and I love it because it takes the potential "writers block" factor out when they're trying to come up w/ the perfect paragraph to describe what you've done for them. 

Basically, ask your client to complete three sentences:

1. "Before receiving your services...(fill in the blank)"

2. "After receiving your services...(fill in the blank)"

3. "If a friend was thinking of purchasing your services I'd tell them...(fill in the blank)"

This creates a vivid before-and-after picture of exactly what your services do for your clients, and it allows others to see results and what it can potentially do for them, as well.  No matter what service you offer, it's a great testimonial tool, IMO.

10 Myths That Drive Women Into Business

Here's a post that fellow Twitterer (or "Tweeter"? All these Twitt-terms...made that one up myself, lol...still conflummox me) and social media maven Terrie Martinez (@terriemartinez) had on her page. I followed the link, read her article "10 Myths That Drive Women Into Business" and was like, "Can I get an 'Amen'?!?" I mean, let's talk about it. Starting a business is great, but there are certain things one needs to know going in.

Before we proceed with the article, can I just add one? I'd say another myth (for both male and female would-be entrepreneurs) would be, "Just do it." No, not necessarily. Just because you come across what seems like a can't-miss opportunity doesn't mean you should plunk down a large portion of your savings to start a business when you haven't done the research. Have you done market research? Checked out who your competitors are? Secured suppliers? Figured out overhead costs? Come up with a marketing strategy? Considered how long it'll take before you even break even, let alone make a profit? Makes your head hurt, doesn't it? But your head (and bank account) will hurt a lot more if you just jump in without taking the aformentioned into consideration.

So, that's my two cents. Oh--and here's the article.