Stop drinking the DAMN Kool-Aid
Online business and marketing can resemble a high school lunch room some days. Full of cliques. [Close to cults]
No worries this isn't a “oh woe is me” post.
I've noticed the cliques for some time, but never thought too much of it.
In high school I was the pretty girl obsessed with fashion, my friends, and track. My boyfriend was über popular and very charismatic. I hung out with everyone.
The cool kids. The athletes. The dramatic kids. The rebels. The nerds.
Everyone.
My bestie and I were reminiscing a few months back and she said I was always one of the cool kids.
I never did cliques. [I don't like being boxed in] <<notice that was in a box #oxymorons
I like who I like and who likes what I like. And remember I'm multi passionate so cliques were out of the question. I just had a lot of friends and associates.
One thing I'm good at is minding my business. Get it...minding my biz.
I'm in several Facebook groups. Why?
I love connecting with people.
In these groups you can always spot someone from a clique and you know exactly who their leader is. They do everything the leader does but change their name to theirs with a subsequent number behind it.
Stop drinking the damn Kool aid.
If you want to be successful, there's no secrets.
There's a lot of work. A lot of days and nights of wanting to give up.
There's a lot of failures.
A lot of uncertainties.
Mindset shifts will be needed frequently.
And self doubt.
And all of that is normal no matter where you are in your business.
You have to hold tight to your WHY.
You know the reason you went into business in the first place. And its not money. Even if you say it's money, it's not.
Money just allows us the opportunity to flow and live better lives, travel, spend more time with our families and friends, etc. those are your reasons not just money.
But being a carbon copy isn't serving you or your why any justice.
You have to find your spin and spin baby spin.
I challenge you to be different. I challenge you to own your greatness. I challenge you to pick through the BS [business stuff] and use only what works for your business. So and so has been in business so much longer and her way works for her. It may not work for you. That doesn’t make you a loser or a failure. It makes you a sexy savvy solopreneur engineering your path.
Live. Love. Action
1. Infuse your personality and quirks into your business
3. Stop drinking the damn Kool Aid
Flash Back Friday: [Solopreneur Edition] Six & Savvy
Flashback Fridays: taking a walk back in my entrepreneurial past.
You know how they say some people are born to be entrepreneurs. I never thought that about myself. Looking back though there are many factors that connect the dots & create a picture of the entrepreneurial dream.
Technically I was the only child. My sister and I are 13 years apart. I'm the youngest.
I had a lot of free time to myself.
My mamar had a nice perfume collection. I would spray and spray the various smells until I couldn't breathe. My mama would fuss, but I didn't mind, I was busy creating.
I would pretend that I was a superstar and I was going to an event and everyone couldn't keep their eyes off of me and were lured to me by my perfume.
I started spraying the mixes into old crayola water color paint containers. I would take them to school and sell them. One day my mama locked me out of her room. She said she was tired of me stealing her things and blah blah blah.
She locked me out of my warehouse.
Mama killed production with that.
By this point I was selling to other classrooms [remember elementary students don’t interact with other classes often].
THIS WAS BIG.
I had even had customers at my after school care program. Different aged kids at different schools too. .
I wasn't ready to close shop. The internet wasn't around yet, so I couldn’t go to google for answers.
I found everything in my house that smelt good by the slightest. Mixing and mixing and the matches just weren't right.
I was nearing a dead end, and then it came to me: buy your own supplies.
I went to the craft store and got mini bottles. I purchased alcohol, essential oils, and baby powder. We’re not even going to talk about the powder.
I was back in business. I was selling the paint pots at school and aftercare during the week. On Saturdays I would set up shop up the neighborhood and sell the bigger bottles.
I was six and a savvy solopreneur !
What is a solopreneur?
What is a solopreneur?
As I was thinking of a witty response. This video came to mind.
A soloprenur is an entrepreneur that works alone. Many entrepreneurs are solopreneurs, especially during the first three years of business.
A solopreneur runs every part of their business. So from marketing to accounting to customer service to every little detail that you would never ever imagine that businesses encounter.
See why Diva came to mind.
Solopreneurs are HUSTLERS! And I work only with fabulous women. Plus I love Beyonce.
3 ways to be more authentic
This article provides three ways to be more authentic.
Authentic is the new keeping it real. You know when people say, "I'm just keeping it real," as if everything before that statement was a facade.
I started this year with the theme of being authentically me. I then added a level to be more transparent.
The funny thing about it all, I stripped back layers of myself to just be more of myself.
No chasers. No filters. just Kimber lee.
3 ways to be more authentic
1. Get very clear on your values.
Once you know what your values are those will immediately create boundaries for you to act out of.
2. Don't do anything that you don't want to do.
I've always been a bit of a rebel and a natural leader.
Yet there are times where I would do things for others or go places because someone else wanted me to. No more. If I really don't want to do something that I don't want to, I don't.
Often things that we condition ourselves to believe are obligatory are not.
So no more wasted energy dreading events or projects that I didn't want to attend/participate in.
The power of no is incredible. Now don't just be a jerk, but do what makes you happy. And people will tell you that it's selfish and you should budge.
Funny how you're selfish for not doing what others want you to do instead of what you really want to do.
Do what makes you feel good.
That's the thing with being authentically you. It's about you and that's okay.
3. Make no apologies for who you are and who you aren't.
At this point in life, we know our strengths and weaknesses. Make no apologies for either.
If you intentionally hurt someone shame on you.
If by accident, apologize. I promise it takes nothing from you, and it was an accident.
If there's an area in your life that you know you need to improve on. Do it on your terms when you're ready.
You can only FLOURISH when you're ready.
So when you're ready to embrace your flaws, weaknesses, and scars embrace them.
Don’t like them? Do something about it.
That’s the funny thing about being authentic, you are just being you.
No bells or whistles. No filters. Just you.
September Goals
Business and Personal Goals for September.
September is here. One month left in this quarter. I'm trying to be super productive as I have some amazing things planned for the end of the year and 2015.
Last month’s theme ended up being preparation. My theme for the year is transparency and authenticity. Do you have themes for the year/month? They’re helpful in living a purpose filled life.
Business
Launch Dreamer's Paradise
Blog "daily" in September
Complete biz guide
Weekly meal plans for BGEC
Divas 2014-2015 School Program
Plan Diva Talks
Free monthly call
Personal
Workout 3 times a week
Girl talk with diva for 15 minutes each day
Complete Whole30
Football mom chronicles
Dance mom chronicles
What are your goals for September? Let me know in the comments below.
Networking No'No's
Networking Nono's that I am seeing over and over.
I'm all for networking! I am actually a networking ninja!
I love talking to people and getting to know their spin on things, hearing their stories, and whatever else they are willing to share.
Did you notice that none of that had anything to do with me?
When you first meet someone you shouldn't have a "what can they do for me mentality." It should be the complete opposite. What value can I provide for them?!?
People love talking about themselves.
And not in a 'vain I'm super awesome and you suck' type of way. It's just human nature. If it's one thing we all know about, it's ourselves and our biz.
Let me stop beating around the bush and get right to my point.
Lately I've been experiencing networking no no's.
1. If someone gives you their business card at an event. Do not think that this means that they want to be on your email marketing list. People are very particular about who they let in their email. Respect that.
2. On Facebook, when you befriend someone in your field or just in business. Don't just add them to a group that you have. Asking them first, would be the polite thing. However, before even getting to the ask, interact with them first.
3. Avoid asking someone something before asking google. I'm going to type this again. Avoid asking someone something before asking google.
Now I know there's the saying that there's no dumb questions.
Whatever!
Sometimes we can admire someone and want their recommendation, which is A okay. Just make sure you're doing your part. 50/50 remember.
Put forth some initiative. Remember you are networking to build relationships with people. Not saying everyone will be you business bestie. However, relationships are a two way street and you don't want to start it out being draining.
If you were to email me how much does the book Compound Effect cost on Amazon.com I probably wouldn't respond to the email. The time that it took to email me and wait for a response that isn't coming, easily could have been utilized entering those same keywords into google or straight on amazon. You would have the answer within seconds.
I know that was a very simple example, but truly we ask questions from others that we have instant access to. Don't give someone the opportunity to be annoyed by you instantly without getting a chance to see how awesome you are.
Make it easy for your customers to pay you
If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.
It's not rocket science, I promise.
If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.
“If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.”
They don't need to email you for your rates, list your rates.
Have a link for them to hit purchase, buy now, or throw it in the bag. Whatever tickles your fancy but clearly is understood this is how they pay you for your amazing service or product.
List your prices on your sales page.
Again, I should not have to email you asking what the price is.
Research shows that it takes 7-9 interactions with a brand for a consumer to make their initial purchase.
7-9 times is a lot. This means that you have to make it easy on your consumer. Remember whatever your thing is, is supposed to make their life better, easier, prettier, etc.
Then we have those that list their services and will have a range for their prices.
This is a bit better, not much, but at least now you are somewhat informed.
Ranges can be tricky.
If you're a graphic designer and you list your services, yet your prices are $1500-$6000 how do I know what service matches which price point.
Graphic design services usually have a starting point per package.
So the basic package may read: starting at $1500. Mid range package starting at $3000 VIP/exclusive package starting at $6000
I now know if I can add you to my list of “considers.”
You're in business, make it easy for your consumers to consume.
If this is a hobby or a busyness (passion project that keeps you busy and does not yield income worth your efforts), where you don’t mind leaving money on the table, keep it up.
If you went to a restaurant would you want to text the chef to know the prices?
3 Chic Tips to Mastery:
1. Look over your sales page. Is it easy to pay you?
2. If not, add your rates, and let Paypal assist you with those payments.
3. Pay it forward. Do something nice for someone today.
Motivation Monday: 31 Daily Affirmations
31 Daily Affirmations: You are what you think you are. In order for affirmations to work, you have to believe in the power of your mind and be receptive of change.
I love Affirmations. A year ago I shared 31 affirmations over 31 days and they were well received. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts Behind the Brilliance Episode 14 with Lisa Nicole Bell and she talked about how she records her favorite affirmations. Of course, I had to do this! I am sharing my favorite affirmations with you today and a 2 minute audio of all the affirmations. Enjoy!
New project alert: Dreamer's Paradise Podcast
I started a new project: Dreamers Paradise Podcast for business tips and inspiration from women in color in business.
I'm a dreamer. Head in the clouds full of dreams, plans to save the world and truly make a difference. This is why I understand my clients so well. Those big dreams usually come with lots of reservations. And not the fancy 5 star restaurant reservations. But the can I really do this reservations. Hell yeah you can!
Then I'm a huge fan/supporter of women crushing it! Women who choose themselves and make their own way on their own terms.
I've started a new project, you read that right, another project: Dreamers Paradise. It's a podcast, audio through iTunes. I'm interviewing women of color who have created their dream lives through business and other passion based methods. The show will go live 9/9/14. New episodes will launch every Tuesday. The conversations are very candid, inspirational, transformational. I have them to break down their stories and process, because stories are so powerful in learning about a person.
These ladies are phenomenal and doing amazing things in our world. I've recorded a few episodes already and can't wait until I can share them with you!
Biz Bestie
A biz bestie is your business' best friend. A friend that's also in business. Maybe you two are in the same field or maybe not. That's not required. Whatever works for the two of you.
Do you have a business bestie?!?
A biz bestie is your business' best friend. A friend that's also in business. Maybe you two are in the same field or maybe not. That's not required. Whatever works for the two of you.
You have each other's backs.
You share resources.
Listen and encourage each other often.
This person is your sense of reason, the one you bounce ideas off of, your business’ ride or die.
She has you and your biz’ best interest in mind. She wants to see you win just as bad as she wants to win.
Being a solopreneur is not as sexy as most of us portray.
She knows some of the hardships that you may be going through and if she doesn't know exactly because you may be in different industries, she can definitely empathize because she knows business.
You may already have a biz bestie amongst your friends.
My biz bestie is actually my bestie. We aren't much of accountability partners. That just means we need accountable partners. She actually has one that turned in to her biz bestie.
If you don't know have a biz bestie yet, you must be thinking this sounds like a GOD send. And baby, she is! Wait until you find yours.
Just as with your ordinary bestie, you want the relationship to grow naturally.
If you're in need of a biz bestie: go to local networking events and become a networking ninja!
Make genuine connections with people. Are you gravitating to a certain person and not for the purpose of what can they do for me? Operate from the space of: this lady is awesome, I'd like to know more about her.
Network online.
Join Facebook groups of like minded people. Is there someone you resonate with?
Befriend them on Facebook, check their stuff out. Talk to them. Cultivate a relationship through simple communication.
Hell, just ask!
I'm quick to say, hey! I love what you're doing, let's connect! Do I turn them into biz besties no, but if another were to materialize, I would be okay with it.
I always make note of people who I think are pretty awesome.
Then I note are they really awesome or is it an act?
If there were a market for finding frauds I would be top on that list on who to call and find out about someone.
If I still want to get to know the person then I do. Developing relationships will always be one of the best things for your business. And not just for the customers you want to attract.
If you're the smartest person in the room, you're definitely in the wrong room.
Live. Love. Action
1. Join a biz Facebook group today. If you're already in one add someone to your personal Facebook, you know the person that you talk to already and want to build on that relationship.
2. Be a good friend to them. No strings attached. See something that would interest them: maybe an article related to their biz or something they posted about. Send it to them.
3. Smile. You're beautiful! The world needs more people like you.