Systems Sunday: Mailchimp Snap App
Mailchimp Snap App is amazing for content marketers on the go. Get with the innovation.
Ever been on the go & you really wanted to send something out to your peeps? Of course there’s social media, but depending on algorithyms and your consistency...you just might not be able to get in front of them.
Email marketing is still the Queen B. Just ensure you are using it correctly.
I’ve been using Mailchimp since 2011. In internet years that seems like 456,890 years.
They have introduced a savvy on the go app: Mailchimp Snap App
It’s available for Android & iPhone, so everyone can join in the fun.
It’s very similar to Instagram. You can take a picture on the spot, pull one from your photo library or pull from your Instagram feed. Unlike Instagram, you can link the picture to the link of your choice. You could be ORIGINAL and just add your website or you could be innovative and send them to another link (still could be on your site, but a bit more specific & related to the picture).
Watch this quick video tutorial:
xoxo,
Kimber
Survive Summer as a WAHM (work at home mom)
Warning: this post is for the mamas.
However, if you need help really tackling your time...read up!
Summer is here and your amazing babes are home with you. You have it all planned out, you will wake up at 5 A.M. and work before they wake up. By 8 A.M. you will have breakfast on the table for them. Some morning quality time before you start back at 10 am. You planned activities to keep them entertained until lunch time.
Your babes have another plan which deviates fully from your plan. You end up apologizing to your clients for the loud outbursts that keep coming through your end of Skype. If you have more than one child you may have to break a few disagreements up that only the honorable judge Mama has the ability to settle.
And all of this occurred day 1 before lunch.
Welcome to the summer...solopreneur stay at home mama edition.
Summer camp, sitters & nannies make this thing work smoothly. Believe me when I tell you. Even if just for a few hours a day. You quickly learn to maximize how much you can get done in two hours. Honestly, most of our days are transitioning from one thing to the next. So when you alleviate transitions and just get it done...you activate your productivity super power.
First thing first: Life happens. There will be dramaticals (kid induced dramatic situations that really aren’t that serious)! You will be annoyed, they will be annoyed. Hug it out and (or) have a water balloon fight.
For my service provider mamas: first thing you need to do is decide how many client hours you are offering over the summer and what your active office hours.
I have a client, whom we'll call Dani. This is her first summer working full time in her growing business. Dani has two daughters aged 3 years old and 6 years old. Her partner works outside the home and is usually home by 6 pm.
Dani set her office hours to 10am-2pm Tuesday through Thursday. These are the times she meets with clients and is available for clients. Monday's and Thursday's she offers evening hours on a case by case basis. Dani decided based on her current retainer clients, projects, and summer vacations she would take on 4 additional clients for the summer. How many clients are you able to take on?
Plan your schedule with your babes if they are old enough to contribute.
Where do they want to go during the day?
What do they want to learn? (Learning is year round. Make it fun. Have themes.)
Libraries have awesome summer programs for kids of all ages.
Keep an area/drawer full of activities for them to entertain themselves with during your office hours.
Enroll your babes in activities. These activities usually have a set time & you can bring your laptop & work on the go.
Establish lunch and snack times. Hangry (hungry + angry) mini humans are no bueno for business.
You are solopreneur extraordinaire and summer camp leader. Children love structure and order, despite the word "no" being a fave of theirs.
Just like camp there are schedules that are followed. Another schedule, Kimber? I'm already busy.
I know most creatives despise schedules. However, this takes 30 minutes at most, done once, and guess what? You will then have a summer full of good times with your babes & a thriving biz.
Here's a sample of the camp Dani & I devised:
Monday’s are transitional. Getting in the groove from the weekend and getting the crack down on biz. ½ the day is fun and the other ½ is business. Administrative work is fit in around active child activities. Pinterest has summer activities for kids, older kids and teens.
Friday are free days. Which means go outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Tuesday through Thursday:
7am -10am quality time w/ babes (breakfast, cuddles, play & talks, reminder of office hours)
10-12 client time
12-12:30 lunch
12:30-2 client time
2pm on is flexible
Client time is usually free time for the babes to play and have individual enrichment time.
Pick two days out the month (weekends are perfect) to batch content (blog posts, podcasts, videos, social media images).
There will be days after your client hours when you just aren’t able to get your administrative work done. Acknowledge that now.
I
T
I
S
O
K
A
Y
!
Yes, it is okay.
Your business is not going to fall apart, you are just going to have to move things around. The recommended advice is “work when your children are asleep.” Being a realistic mama of three, sometimes when they are sleep, I want to be asleep too. So times when I normally "chill," are converted to work times.
When your children are awake outside of office hours, be present with them. They will always be your best consumers.
Chic Tips to Mastery this summer:
Turn off your Email alerts. Use Inbox Pause to pause your email. You check your email too much. You really do. If you check your email more than thrice (2-3 times) a day, that’s too much. Unless President Obama is emailing you. Pause it, so you won’t even be tempted to check and respond.
Delegate tasks. If you think outsourcing and hiring contractors is expensive, stay up for 24 hours being super mom and solopreneur. Delegate household tasks too (chores & cooking to your huni or older babes).
Get organized. Use Evernote & Asana to manage your biz on the go.
Review your schedule the night before & the morning of.
Stick to the boundaries you set- work hours or work space. This gives you the freedom to concentrate fully on the tasks at hand - work or play.
Get your rest. 7-8 hours non negotiable. You are of no service to your clients or children burned out.
Self-care needs to be scheduled in. Click here for self-care ideas.
Brain dump a minimum of once a week or whenever you start to feel overwhelmed.
Identify time wasters. Write them on post-it notes and place around your computer to remind you NOT to waste time. (Facebook is mine. I use StayFocused to block certain sites & track my time.)
Systems Sunday: How to use Google Chrome Extensions
Google Chrome Extensions will change your internet experience...let me show you how. Along with my favorite extensions.
Systems Sunday, I'm sharing with you systems and tools I'm using to automate my biz and (or) my life.
Gigi better known as Google is my best friend which means of course I use Google Chrome as my browser.
The best thing about chrome is extensions. That and Facebook power editor, but we'll talk Facebook ads soon.
Per Gigi extensions simply put are :
- Extra features and functionality that you can easily add to Google Chrome. By using extensions, you can customize Google Chrome with features you like, while keeping your browser free of things that you don't use.
Some of the extensions I have:
What are your favorite extensions?
Let's be honest. Let's be real.
Can I get real with you for a minute? Like really real? Biz bestie and favorite psychologist real?Okay, cool. Because there are some conversations that we just need to have.
Can I get real with you for a minute?
Like really real? Biz bestie and favorite psychologist real?
Okay, cool.
I lost a friend last week to suicide and it really messed with my mind for a few days. And once I processed through that, [because that's what psychologists do...we counsel ourselves & process the BS] I reflected on my purpose and true authenticity.
Everyone talks about purpose and authenticity right? *sigh*
There’s so much nonsense aka bullshit aka shenanigans out here on the internets teaching you to be you & teaching you to be happy & teaching you to be rich.
No one can teach you to be you.
No one can make you happy.
No set amount of money can make you happy.
Want to be rich? Find a problem, solve it and work hard. Treat your consumers better than gold.
Figure out if 6 figures is even what you want to make. What does that look like in your amazing chic life. I work with women crushing the mid to high 5 figures and they are living grand...on their terms. Just as I work with 6 figure women who are miserable with their biz structure and the "hassle" of their internet fame and others that are living grand.
Let's move on though...
I’ve always been a rebel & for majority of my life, I was a rebel without a cause. I prefer the term maverick, but a rebel nonetheless. I do things my way. I know what works for me and my brands. I know these things because I’m very connected to my purpose. I do what I want.
I employ you to take on & embrace these traits. Being true to you will always make you happy. ALWAYS. No debates here lady.
Doing things that don’t make you feel good inside? STOP!
Doing things because all the other coaches are doing it? STOP!
Unless it’s really something you like to do.
The first system any small business or individual has is themselves.
And not in the sense that you should not connect or collaborate with others. But, in the sense of simple psychology to being an awesome individual. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs addresses that we need to master several areas/needs before we actually get our lives right & can truly help others.
This is the true case of 'started from the bottom, now we’re here'. Am I saying you need to be perfect? Chile please! What I’m saying is you should work towards being as happy and healthy as you know is possible for you. Not anyone else's interpretation of happy or success, but your own. Then it will feel all perfect and sparkly, or like a hot shot of gin if that’s your thing.
Life happens to us all. There’s no avoiding it. Only thing you can do is to ensure that you are constantly depositing into yourself. Then we add the roller coaster of small business and it’s ups and downs. Again, you are front and center.
Protect yourself before you wreck yourself.
A personal fulfillment system which I love to call Chic Systems, is your protection.
A personal fulfillment system should include:
- Clear and defined dreams & goals
- Hobbies that you enjoy at least monthly
- Supportive professional network (biz bestie, mastermind, etc.)
- Supportive personal network (friends & family)
- Weekly self-care
You should be very clear on your dreams and goals. You should have hobbies. Your business will be a big portion of your life, but you should still have other interests that drive you. You have to know what you want and what you don’t want in your life. What you like and what you don’t. What makes you so uncomfortable that you’ll throw up? (Those things will push you towards growth.)
We graduated from preschool years ago. Pretending is no longer mandatory. It’s time for you to do what makes your soul breakdance.
Do you hate blogging? Suck it up! Lol, I kid, I kid. Find another medium -podcast (audio) or video to reach your people. However, get these transcribed on Fiverr so you can post it on your website as a blog post and still be searchable by google.
This expert says do this, so you do it.
This expert says do that, and despite you not wanting to, you do that too.
Make 6 figures and do this this & this, and of course you do this...this…& this.
We go into business to change the world and our own lives. Often times we lose a sense of self and get lost. Even Siri can’t help you where to go. We can learn from others always, even if its what not to do. Many times the information given, is what has worked for that individual based off where they were in business and in life. That information may not work for you. Generalized information available to everyone, may not be for you in all instances. However, you will not be able to fully grasp this, until you are clear on your goals & centered with yourself.
Chic tips to mastery:
- Listen to those that resonate with your core beliefs.
- Request a discovery session with a coach to see if that person and you mesh. {Beware of frauds}
- Try new things.
- Be yourself.
- Incorporate what you love into your business.
- Have fun!
- Evaluate often. Make changes. Evaluate again. Keep it up or make some more changes.
- Change is amazing...embrace that mofo head on!
- Support others genuinely.
xoxo,
Kimber
Your biz bestie
Every Chic Solopreneur Needs A Pair of SPANX
Every female entrepreneur needs a pair of SPANX-they are an everyday solution.
You bought this amazing dress in your size. The lighting in the dressing room gave you an extra oomph, but you knew you looked good in the dress. Fast forward to date night, you pull the dress out the closet and try it on before you get all dolled up.
Something is missing.
You grab your spanx and squeeze in because who doesn't squeeze in?!? [Don't answer this...our friendship relies on you not answering this! ]
Gym or no gym...spanx can accentuate things for the best of us.
Spanx aren't like your grandmother's girdle. These things are sexy and undetectable. Sexay!
Systems work just like spanx. Oh, you knew the Segway was coming.
Systems have the power to transform and accentuate any business. There are people running businesses without systems.
But why work harder if you don't have to? Why add unnecessary stress and headaches?
Anything you do over and over needs a process and system in place.
Just like with our bodies, we know our best biz features and the things that need a little extra attention. Systematize first what needs extra attention.
If you KNOW follow up is not something you are good at, you need a client management system first.
If you KNOW that you hate marketing, you need to set up a money generating system first. Because you also know you cannot sell a secret.
3 Chic Takeaways:
1. Spanx are not your granny's girdle, but rather an amazing accessory that accentuates all the glory of your body.
2. Systems accentuate the growth in your business.
3. Systems are not a quick fix. They take time to develop and implement, but once they're done, they are done.
You can keep your systems on day and night, ehhhh spanx not so much.
Are you ready to try on a little black dress biz edition for size? Get your business systems customized and streamlined .
Have you read the most recent articles?
Meet Sunrise Calendar App
I introduce to you, Sunrise. Say hello to a gorgeous calendar app. Sunrise doesn't discriminate, it is here for all platforms. #allplatformsmatter It's truly the calendar of all calendars. Let me show you it's newest feature and how it's going to change how you work and play.
UPDATE: SUNRISE WAS BOUGHT OUT & DISCONTINUED
A few months ago I started using Sunrise. It's a very pretty calendar app created for Google Calendar and iCloud users. Sunrise is for iOS, Android, and you can access it via the computer. Sunrise doesn't discriminate, it is here for all platforms. #allplatformsmatter
Sunrise is the calendar of all calendars. Serious innovation.
Sunrise features over 25,000 interesting calendars. Never miss an episode of Scandal or Game of Thrones.
Oh yeah!
TV networks have calendars to add the show times to your calendar in addition to following your favorite sports, with the scores updated in real time.
Sunrise connects with the following applications:
- Evernote
- Asana
- Trello
- Eventbrite
- TripIt
- Google Tasks
- Producteev
- Basecamp
- GitHub
- Meetup
- Songkick
- Foursquare
Microsoft recently purchased Sunrise App and is already making changes. All for the better. I got an email last week that made me fall in looooooove with Sunrise. The app has an add on: Meet. It's an amazing quick scheduler.
Another scheduler?
Yes, I know, I know, but this rocks and integrates with your already streamlined life. No more emailing (or texting) back and forth to schedule one on one meetings, consults, bestie dates and coffee meet ups.
As quick as you can access your favorite emoji, you can schedule with Meet in Sunrise.
The other party doesn’t have to sign up for anything or even have Sunrise. They click the link and pick a time that works for them and BOOM! they are scheduled. You get notified once they confirm.
Watch the videos below:
How to use Sunrise with Meet on desktop:
How to use Sunrise with Meet on iOs mobile:
Finding ways to save time and schedule things are two important factors in streamlining. Are you ready to automate your business? Think of the extra time automation will give you for leisure lunch dates, shopping for dresses, and early morning runs or naps (I promise I won't tell).
Hacks on hacks on hacks
Hacks make the world go round. Hacks on hacks on hacks will get your business automated.
The first step to automation is finding out how to maximize the use of your time and the tools that you're using.
Second would be to figure out which tools you love.
Almost every tool has a blog. (Snooze fest..right?!?) some are better than others. The blogs are full of hacks and the best ways to use the tool and other tools that work well with it. Reading the comments are icing on the cake. Typing this, makes it sound really lame and uninteresting and it just may be. However, a 5 minute scan has the potential to change your life.
4 Faves of mine:
Quick tip: Follow the tool on twitter and look at the most favorited and (or) retweeted tweets, because usually those are of importance to all. Asana & Slack both use hashtags for tips #asanatips #slacktips
Action Jackson moment:
1. Put an event in your schedule once a week to peruse one blogs a week for four weeks, then ACTUALLY do it.
Top tools I use monthly:
- Asana
- Evernote
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Slack
- Power Editor (Facebook ads)
- Hootsuite & Edgar (if they had a baby I would adopt it and name her Elle...the two combined are awesome)
- Google Chrome (Extensions are your BFF)
Tools I passively use*:
- IFTTT
- Zapier
- Typeform
- Bit.ly
*Passively as in the automation is already set and I don’t even log in or think twice about the tool.
Over the years I've learned hacks on hacks on hacks. These same tips and tricks have automated my businesses and the likes of my favorite lady friends.
Tools are not the reason why you aren't automated.
You probably waste a lot of time in business. Time wasted on things that don't matter, networking (aka social media time suck) with the wrong people, thinking more than doing and just wasting time just doing what you want. Research shows that people waste 60% of their own time, which only leaves 40% to be at maximum productivity. However, the 40% isn’t maximized because most don’t realize that the previous 60% was even wasted.
Be very conscious about concentrating on money generating activities. When you start your day, your three must do things need to be money generating activities. Once completed, move to the supporting activities.
You define what your money generating activities are. Make a list of how you make money and the things you do to support it, then create a hierarchy of what’s most important.
Does this mean all you need to think about is money? Not at all. My thoughts are usually how can I eat cupcakes all day and maintain a healthy tummy to hip ratio. #justbeinghonest
Just be clear on what’s money generating and do those things. Take action then assess.
What are your results from the first week or month of focusing on the money generating tasks?
Your competition isn't doing this, trust me, I've seen her in action.
Truly so many do the same thing over and over and get the same results and wonder why? Hmmm...that is the definition of insanity.
Research and testing can be bleh! There’s a reason companies are paying billions of dollars on research and development...it works!
So start today with a baseline (starting point) and pay attention so you can track what’s really working and what isn’t.
Recap of what you can start doing immediately:
1.Assess your schedule to maximize your time available.
2. Determine the tools you adore.
3. Stalk the tool’s blog and twitter for hacks to improve usage of the tool.
4. Create a list of your money generating activities.
5. Create a hierarchy of your money generating activities.
6. Take action then assess [a basic excel spreadsheet or notebook will do].
Mo' Systems Mo' Money: April Income Report
Systems and processes have made my life run smooth with rich experiences. Sharing my income report from April.
When it comes to business systems, there's three groups of people:
1. What the hell are systems?
2. I'm making money, why should I care?
3. Systems are the holy grail!
You already know I roll with the third group. Systems and processes have made my life run smooth with rich experiences. Truly the good life from all aspects.
Quick breakdown of my life: mama to three dreamchasers whose social calendar and sports events puts any A-list celebrity to shame. Wife to Huni who needs 6 clean eating meals a day. CEO and Founder of Kimber & Co. LLC , a hybrid business with coaching components online and consulting offline. Founder of Divas, Inc. nonprofit organization for girls and women.
You’re probably thinking, "girl, when do you sleep?" 8 hours minimum each night and naps when I can fit them in.
Despite all the hats I wear, I've mastered “having it together.” No missed appointments, no more forgetting to pick up a kid (am I the only one? sheesh), standing date night with Huni, quality relationships with my family and friends, great self care and thriving businesses.
With systems you have the time to do everything you want. So forget those that tell you, you can't be multi passionate and those that tell you to follow their blueprint. Your plan can be pink or neon orange just have a plan that feels good to you and is yielding positive results.
More time and more money, what more could a girl ask for? (Tweet able)
Here’s my April 2015 income and expenses. My businesses are streamlined and automated. This report is based on two full weeks of work. One week, I had surgery and was recovering. And another week, was a “I just need to rest my mind,” week.
*The income report will not include income from Divas, Inc. Nonprofits are an entirely different beast. The following is reported based on accrual accounting, income counted when the sale occurs, and expenses counted when the goods or services are received.
Online Earnings
Coaching & Consulting :
- Automate Your Biz: $4260 [2 clients]
- Chic Systems Mastery: $1100 [1 clients]
- Profit Strategy Sessions: $800 [2 clients]
- VIP Day: $1700 [1 client] - currently only offered to current/past clients
- Retainer: $1500 [3 clients] - only offered to current clients
Total Coaching & Consulting Earnings: $9360.00
Affiliate Earnings: $20.44 (Amazon Associates)
Total Online Earnings: $9380.44
Coaching & Consulting Expenses:
- Mailchimp: $20
- Leadpages: $37
- Libsyn: $20
- Hosting: $20
- Paypal Fees: $271.74
- Assistant: $600
- Coaching: $250
- Advertising: $100
- Satoriapp: $25
- Edgar: $50
- Internet: $65
- Zapier: $20
Total Expenses: $1478.74
Online Coaching & Consulting Net Earnings: $7901.70
Offline Consulting Earnings
Kimber & Co. Consulting:
- Mental Health: $5000 [1 contract]
- Business Consulting: $1000 [1 contract]
Total Consulting Earnings: $6000
Kimber & Co. Expenses:
- Travel: $400
- Meals and Entertainment: $88.47
- Insurance: $41.67
- Assistant: $200
Total Expenses: $730.14
Offline Consulting Net Earnings: $ 5269.86
*Total Net Earnings: $13,171.56
I pay annually for most tools (Contactually, Evernote Premium, Dropbox, Dollar Photo Club) that I use. It's cheaper.
Win for the month:
I took 10 days off and didn’t feel it financially. My mind and body was restored and I returned with immense clarity and creativity. I have truly automated my business.
Let go of the handle bars, live life, and watch your business grow...only with systems.
Yoga pants are deceitful...don't let your bottom line be too
Yoga pants and entrepreneurs become very close. The connection is almost as close as entrepreneurs and their financial systems.
Yoga pants are part of the work from home dress code. However, It's hard to notice that you've gained weight when yoga pants are your go to pants. Yoga pants are flattering and stretch like it's nobody's business. Even if you notice your yoga pants are tight when you first put them on, the power of Lycra makes you comfortable in minutes.
The reality is you know your yoga pants haven't seen the Yoga mat or the gym in a while.
Oh no she didn't.
& did.
Typically what we focus on is what grows.
However that isn't always true with thighs or booties. Or your business bottom line.
You know the income after all expenses (general, admin costs, interest charges, etc.) have been deducted from your revenue (net profit).
Focus and action are two different things.
Most entrepreneurs have no idea what their bottom line looks like, nor do they have a budget, or make time in their schedule to even review the financials. It's usually a quick look in PayPal- transfer to bank account and pay who and what is needed.
Boom! Financial System
When was the last time you looked at the numbers? The real numbers, not likes or follows, but conversions and expenses. What do you need to get where you want to be? Where do you even want to be?
In the beautiful words of my brother:
“Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.”
You can ignore the numbers but don't be surprised when December comes and you haven't reached your money goals. Focus on your goals, take action, then assess how the action is doing, and take action again based on the assessment.
focus +Action + Assessment + action = Success
(the one formula you need to remember)
Can you imagine getting fitted for that little black dress for a holiday occasion and you didn't account for your new bottom? Every morning you pulled out a pair of yoga pants and Lycra worked its magic. You indulged in golden oreos, because they’re vegan so you might as well have the “healthy” snacks. You skipped meals because you were so engrossed in your business and weren’t really hungry. You skipped the gym because well...you wanted to and you’re the BOSS. Days turned to weeks and weeks to months and your focus wasn’t on your bottom line it was on doing the things you love in your business and life.
Yoga pants are deceitful. *sigh*
Business is a series of moving parts. There are some parts that you will adore and can’t wait to do (the fun and creative part of your expertise), and the other parts where you ignore until it smacks you right in the face and says:
If you have a business and want to make money, you need to have a solid financial system. Spoiler alert: PayPal is not a financial system.
Financial systems include budgets, quarterly assessments, accounting program, sales funnels, and processes to manage invoices and returns.
3 chic tips to a basic financial system:
1. Write down ALL your business expenses and cancel any programs/tools that you aren't using. Even that gym membership if you aren’t going.
2. Create a budget for your business & STICK to it!
3. Sign up for Wave Apps to monitor your money.
Automate Your Life
When you automate your business...you instantly find ways to automate your life. 3 chic ways to automate your life.
What's the one thing you hate doing? I mean you could think of 456,348 other things to do in place of this thing.
I for one hate cleaning, not like borderline hoarder, but it’s number one on my I could be doing something else list. I've always hated to clean up, I blame my parents. I never had chores as a child and my mom washed my clothes until I was 20. Talk about a disservice.
A year ago I outsourced cleaning to my older children. Fail. It must be genetic. They were horrible and I had to clean up after they cleaned, a total waste of time.
A few months ago I decided I wanted someone to come in and clean my house on a regular basis. The BEST decision I could ever make.
Initially I had to get my Huni on board because his thought process was we were able bodied and should be cleaning our own house. I thought to myself, “well you clean it.” I didn't say it but Lord knows my thoughts have to be filtered at times.
Hiring the house cleaner took away from thoughts of not wanting to clean up or having to use time and energy actually cleaning. That time is now spent doing whatever I want. And I mean whatever.
THAT IS PRICELESS!
Two years ago I outsourced my daughters hair care. It used to take me hours to do her hair. Remember how I said it should never take 8 hours to do a blog post. Well it was taking me about 3 to 4 hours to wash, dry and style her hair, and the style was bootleg. Every other Saturday she has a standing hair appointment. I drop her off and I go about my day. Priceless.
Here are 3 chic ways to automate your life:
1. Thumbtack offers so amazing services (house cleaning, food preparation, dog walking, etc.) to help you automate your life. The biggest win with with Thumbtack is you are supporting other small businesses.
2. Amazon has an auto fulfillment service, Subscribe & Save, that delivers baby items, health & beauty items, pantry grocery items and household items on a recurring schedule that you set. So put that toilet paper and toothpaste on autopilot and you don’t even have to think about it. Subscribe & Save even offers coupons.
3. In my signature program, Automate Your Biz, I help women to automate their business so they can enjoy their lives.
What can you automate in your life?