• Podcast Episodes

    4 Ways to Get More Leads Using Your Website

    Use Your Website to Get More Leads to Grow Your Online Business

     Today we’re going to talk about four ways you can get more leads from your website. This is such an important topic and so many of us don’t like talking about these things. We think they feel a little salesy or in people’s faces, but the honest truth is, is if you don’t tell people what you have to offer them, they’re not going to know we have to make it easy. So let’s jump right in to beautiful friend. 

    Okay, here we go. We’re going to talk about four ways to get more leads from your website, we’re going to talk about why pop ups are important. How you use freebies and lead magnets, how you do exclusive content or behind the scenes content, and then inline forms to unlock content. But let’s start off with something that I hear often from people, which is I hate popups. I hate when someone’s website has that obnoxious little box. But why do you think you go to so many websites with pop ups, there’s a reason it’s because in so many cases, they convert really well. Because if you can match what your visitor wants, and the type of content that you can offer them, you are going to increase the number of people that sign up for your email list or that actually go for your offer.

    So the first thing you need to do to get more leads from your website is you need to have a popup on your website. And I would even say an alert box, an alert box is the bar that goes at the top or bottom of your website. Or sometimes it moves moves with some of the content of your website. If you already have a pop up box, there are still things you can do to improve it. The first is a lot of people think they have a pop up, you know, little freebie or promotion on their homepage, and they think that’s enough. But traffic to your website is not like it’s your going through the front door of a store, people can come in through any page of your website, they can even find you through an image, which means they could really show up anywhere. So you really need a pop up throughout your website. But here’s the good news, you don’t want to spam them with pop ups. So there are things that you can do to set up the pop up so that it only shows up at a certain frequency. And only so often, right, so you set these parameters up. So there’s someone seen it in the last day or week or month or six months, whatever it is you want to set up, they won’t keep seeing that message. So it really shouldn’t be irritating and getting your visitors to leave because you’re only showing them that information that one time or you know, not as frequently as every time they go on every page of your website. So the reason they’re so important is if you can match your pop up content, either a freebie or some exclusive thing they’re going to get or it’s a time sensitive offer, with what they’re already asking for you to provide them, you know the type of content that you’re sharing with them, you’re gonna get people to sign up for it. If you’re if you have a pop up now and you’re not getting leads, or it’s almost none. First we need to look at, are you getting traffic to your website? For today’s episode, let’s just assume you’re getting some traffic there. And you don’t need huge numbers to make all this work. You just need to have a consistent number of people that are your possible, you know, prospects or possible clients to come to your website. So the first thing you need to do is, if it’s not effective for you, you need to consider what is it you’re offering and if people aren’t biting, let’s find out. Let’s pull your people let’s get feedback on what they really want from you. And let’s offer that. Okay, how do you set up a pop up if you don’t have one? Or how do you change the pop up and make it better? So some of your websites, the content management systems in that things like WordPress or Wix, Shopify, show it all of these types of things, though Do your content management systems, in other words, that that’s what runs your website, the back end where you’re editing content, some of them have a feature or a plugin that you set up to, you know, put the pop up on your site or an alert box. Now, some sites, it’s not, you don’t have full customization for those things. So a lot of people move on to use a third party application or web offering that offers pop ups. So you just basically put a little piece of a snippet of code on your website. And you can get someone to help you with this, that lets you then have super customized pop ups for what you’re trying to do. The examples of that is pop up domination is one company that does them lead pages, and there’s so many more, and I’ve used almost all of them over the years. Okay, the next is sometimes some of the email providers, they offer these pop ups for you. In other words, they have little snippet of code that you can put on your website. And then especially if it’s for like getting emails, you know, you’re trying to increase your email list with your pop up. So that’s the other thing that you need to know. Now alert boxes, you might say, well, if I have a pop up, why do I need an alert box, because everything we’re talking about is really about trial and error. It’s about testing. So while there’s data on this stuff for your own site, and what you have to offer people in who you’re reaching, you may find that your top alert box works better than your pop up on a certain page, or vice versa. So I like to try multiple things, and then see what the data tells me right? Which one is actually getting me leads, which one’s getting me people to give me their email list or some other, you know, piece of information. So that’s why you need popups. But I will tell you on my sites that are the most targeted, meaning they’re the most specific, it’s really, really

    granular content, right? It’s not real broad content, I get the most leads from that popup box. And I have other sites that the percentage is lower, because it’s a little bit more broad content in my popup offering is a little more general, it’s not super targeted to that audience, because I have a mixed audience, I’m going to another site that I run. So that’s the first thing is you need popups. And they do work. And these are the sorts of things that obviously you can get help from other people on. And this is something that I’ve helped people understand how to set these things up and how to really optimize them. The next thing that you need to do to get more leads from your website, is you need to look at what are you offering offering people so that they will give you their email list, right. So that they will tell you more about themselves. That’s where these freebies or other people call it a lead magnet, you know, or in there’s other words for it. That’s where that comes in. And if what you’re offering is working and you’re getting leads, great job, if it’s not doing much for you, then it might be time to consider. Once again, like I said, getting feedback from people that you already are connected with, from your email list, see what it is they really want to hear, hear from you or get from you, you know, what’s kind of like the thing that everybody asks you for that the thing you should focus in on, okay, but the way you use those freebies or lead magnets is one, you tell people in the pop up or the alert box, that of course, if they sign up for your email list, or whatnot, you will send them that freebie, you know, it could be a PDF, a checklist, all sorts of things. But another way to get more leads is to have exclusive content, or behind the scenes content that you only get if you sign up and join your email list or you sign up and join you know, your community or a Facebook group or a LinkedIn group or, you know, some other community group you have. So that is another great way to get more people to sign up is you have to give them show them that there’s something unique and special that they’re only going to get, you know, not everybody coming to your website can get. It makes sure it’s good. Don’t say that it’s going to be this exclusive thing. And then it’s lame, right? It has to have impact. It has to be something that people are going to be like, Oh my god, that is so good, right? That is so good. Like that’s so valuable. That helped me so much if that’s what you want people to say about your content. And then another thing that you can do and you do not have to do all of these strategies, right, you need to pick the ones that match best. If you’re a coach, or you’re a writer you may have you may mix and match these different ways to get more leads. So for instance, if you have copy, you know content like chapters of a book that are going to be coming out or maybe would have come out, you might share you know, a Extra chapter or maybe a new chapter you’re working on. So that would be kind of like an exclusive content will some people right in the page at the top of that page will have where you have to enter your email address to unlock that content, right to get that exclusive content. And if the person really wants it, they’re 100%, willing to provide their email to get it. So that’s the next thing that you need to consider on your website. So there’s really a few things here to make these types of things work for you to get more leads. The first is, you have to have them, at least some combination of a pop up, alert box, in line forms, unlocking exclusive content or behind the scenes. And usually you tie that with a freebie or magnet, but you don’t have to write it could just be like, Hey, girl, Hey, friend, hey, powerful woman or whoever you reach. This is it could be so Luthers, you know, if you do mystery writing or something, but you just have to try these things. And then you have to be tracking, you know, what’s your traffic and what kind of leads you’re getting in from what source on your website, hopefully, you’re doing that. But if you’re not, which there’s plenty of people that are not, it’s never too late to start. And it can be really simple. You can start a really basic spreadsheet, or even write it down in a document, and just put the month or the week or the day, however you want to track it. But overall, you’re just trying to look for patterns or trends in which ones are working for you. Or if you’re saying crickets nothing’s happened in here, then we start looking at why one, do you have these? Or which ones do you have? Which ones are you willing to try? And then what are you offering people? Maybe it’s not juicy enough? Maybe it’s not enough value for them to be willing to give you their information, when let’s be honest, we’re all on a lot of email lists.

    And if you have, if you struggle with why do I need to grow my email list, it’s because every other platform that you’re on, especially if it’s like social media platforms, the rules are always changing, you don’t own that group, if you will, they could literally shut it down on you, or they could move it or change something. But your email, list your contact information for people, some people text groups, right. But any contact information you have for people allows you no matter if you change email providers or website hosting companies, it allows you to reach those people as long as they’ve given you permission. So that’s why it’s important. And like I said, you need to know your your information, right, your your how many, how many you’re getting in from where. And then you need to try out other things. Here’s the good news. I talked to people all the time that just say, oh my gosh, I’m not tech savvy. I don’t know how to do any of this. Well, the first thing I want to say to you is take a deep breath. You don’t have to be tech savvy. But you do have to believe in yourself that you can learn the steps to do some basic things to make your website better. And I believe you can. I promise I’ve taught people over the last 15 or 20 years how to optimize their website, how to optimize their online presence, how to manage social in the way that they could maintain. And that’s usually because they’re not trying to do everything, they pick what works best, or where they’re most comfortable and where their audience is. So the good news is, I actually want you to do less, I want you to set up and optimize things. But then I want you to do less stuff. Because none of us can maintain this, you know, this feed this effort, because I’m going to tell you even happens to me, I end up exhausted two weeks, I’d go crazy busting my tail, and then I’m worn out. It’s because I’m in the middle of this big rebrand this big transformation with my podcast in my website, my offerings. So I’m in the midst of it. But I don’t want to continue this pace. I want to be able to just slow down and focus in on what I’m revising what I’m building. And I’m basing it on what people think wanted, instead of trying it all or keep trying it off, because I’ve been there. So the next thing is, like I said, you want to track your results. You want to test new things. You want to revisit if your freebie or lead magnet is relevant to people and if it’s of interest. So of course you can get feedback from your email list or a community. You can do a poll, you can ask people what is it that they would really love from you? Go back and see you know, comments people have given you about what really resonated. And just remember, don’t ask for too much information from your users or your visitors and make sure it’s enough value that they’ll want to trade or give you their email or information or join your group. are, what you’re offering them how you’re going to help them how you’re going to save them time, or whatever it might be. So I hope these four ways to get more leads from your website can help you, I get that this is high level. And I understand that sometimes it’s hard to take these concepts and dig down to your website. The good news is, there’s other people that can help you out there. I’m someone that’s offering web dot web optimization coaching sessions to help people really understand all the steps in 30 days to optimize their website, including this lead gen. And later this month, I am going to be pre registering people for my web optimization accelerator coming up in July. So there’s a lot of ways you can get help. And of course, there’s always YouTube tutorials. But if you’re like most people, we’re tired of those. And we just want a little more help. We want someone to hold our hand, so that you reach out, check out my website, Kristin fitch.com. Because I would love to help you with this stuff. If this isn’t something you think you can tackle on your own. As we wrap up today, I just want to leave you with a little bit of encouragement for your week and tell you that even when things are tough, even when you feel like you’re walking through a season of hard things, or just a season of busyness. Just know that, you know, it’s the relationships we have. It’s the time we spend deepening those relationships. It’s the time we spend, you know, getting closer to God in prayer and meditation. That really helps us live a richer life to really live a more peaceful, fulfilling life life filled with joy. And you know, we’ve had in our house, lots of things that we are walking through right now that are, you know, a little harder, you know, it’s kind of a day by day with some of the stuff going on. And then last week, actually, my dad just fell and was injured. He’s actually doing really well this week, which is amazing. But as he finds himself healing in the rehab center, while he might not want to be there, he’s really taking this time to be an encourager in that place with his roommate, and what he’s walking through in with some of his, the other people he’s met. He’s, you know, friendly with the nurses. But But I only see that I only share that piece of his story to tell you, even in the midst of our hard things, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, even when we don’t feel our best, we can still show up and be a friend of someone else, we can still show up and be the love in the world the light that other people need. In one thing that’s become so clear, since this pandemic started, and so many things in the world just seem upside down is that people are lonely, they feel isolated, especially on social media, we feel more lonely than ever, a lot of people get off of it and feel worse than when they got on. Reach out to your friends make a new friend, just give somebody a hug, say hello. And in the rehab center, one of my dad’s friends that was visiting him talk to a man that was across the hallway in another room who was having a really hard time, just really, really a lot of sadness, a lot of loneliness. And he spoke to him and he prayed with me. And he he gave me his phone number and he said, you know if you need anything you call me. And you know, we’re going to do the same this week with him when I can get back in there tomorrow or the next day. But I only share this to say our websites are important. Optimization is important, getting our message out to people that it should matter to our stories. They’re important because we are going to have impact in people’s lives. But more so than that we’re going to have impact in people’s lives that we show up for. And we will make a difference. And so I just wanna remind all of us, well, I want to help you get your message to more people and connect with more people for your business. I even more so want to help you connect more deeply with other people and on a faith level. So here’s to an amazing week and to just take those minutes each day to do what you can to show up and be the light in the love in the world. And I mentioned this before, but I’m feeling website optimization coaching sessions now. Do you wish there was a way to optimize your online presence so you can get more traffic to grow your writing, speaking or coaching business easily in an authentic way. I know what it feels like to be all over the place showing up online and feeling frustrated with lack of growth. Then they learned the strategy and tactics that work to grow organic traffic and leads in and out in a more authentic way. Imagine if you knew how to create and build organic traffic online to help grow your audience with ease. So your website email list and community grows and converts without being salesy, sleazy or using high pressure tactics. That’s why I created this ops this website optimization coaching will where I’ll teach you the steps to get more traffic and leads from your website. You’ll be able to stop struggling with tech and know exactly what to do to grow organic traffic and get more leads. You’ll walk away with customized recommendations and a 30 day unique online growth roadmap with the exact steps to follow to grow your online audience. I was able to grow my all time pageviews to over 38 million and reach 10 million visitors for a brand I co founded. All using simple, easy to follow time tested organic strategies I learned along the way. So if you’re ready for your ideal audience to find you online, opt in to your list and connect with you without trying every new social media trend or spending so much time on tactics that don’t deliver. Then let’s dive in together. For a limited time I’m offering a summer promo. It’s a special price for the month of June that you can get a website optimization coaching session with me, head over to Kristin fitch.com for all the deets in my summer promo deal. I can’t wait for you to learn the steps to grow your audience using your website so you can get more leads with all the fuss overly salesy salesy copy and high pressure tactics instead are easy, repeatable and will align with you and your clients. So head on over and check it out because I would love to do a session with you and help you kickstart your online presence growth. If today’s show got you pumped about building your online traffic so you can grow your business. Let’s celebrate pop over and leave a review. Tell us what you loved about today’s episode or share this with another boss who’s ready to grow next level comm network with other entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, coaches and podcasters at my Facebook group to take your business to the next level. or head on over to Kristin Fitch that calm to find out more about my online growth system

  • Podcast Episodes

    5 Ways to Get Inspired to Start Your Next Creative Project

    How to Get Motivated and Unstuck to Start on Your Next Creative Project

    We are going to talk about five ways to get you inspired to create or create again, and how can you feel motivated and get unstuck when you’re not completing your next project, whether that’s the next book, whether that’s the next talk, or whether you’re building a program. So I want to jump in.

    But the first thing I want to say is that so many of us during COVID In still today, we were so shaken, right our lives changed what they looked like many of us had our income sources taken away or changed, right. So if you were doing a in person event, a tour anything, those stopped. And so a lot of us really did some reassessing, reviewing, but for some of us, it was hard to get back going into the next thing.

    And for others, even one of the things that happened is, there’s many, many authors that had have published books during COVID. They were already slated to write a book, but in many cases, their book content actually changed because of the what we were experiencing. So what’s amazing about that is is I think, first we have to give ourselves permission, that whatever we’ve done in the past, surely is going to inform our future project or product. But it might be different than what we were planning on it being and I think we have to give ourselves permission for that to be okay. So what I want to do today is talk you through if you’re stuck, or you’re just not getting the project done, let’s figure out why that is. So I think the first thing though, is that we have to be honest with ourselves about what’s really going on. And I love what Mark Patterson in his book Chase, the lion talks about, there is a section that says The Art of the Start. And he basically talks in talks about and says you cannot finish what you do not start. And he shares a story of a gentleman fan Bennett who literally for I think it was 19 years, just trying to see if that’s right, doesn’t actually start the book that he feels called to write. And he says I was living in Delayed obedience, but he hears a sermon by this pastor, Mark Patterson, and he realizes, wow, I, I really need to do this. So this is what he says. They made a decision that day to give God one hour every day until the book he dreamed of writing was a reality. Oh, here it was, it took them 15 years to get to the starting line.

    It only took him nine weeks to get to the finish line, a 50,000 word manuscript. And he goes on and says, What do you need to start? First, give yourself a start date, and I highly recommend today. Second, give God an hour a day, every day, it might mean getting up an hour earlier or staying up an hour late. But that’s how dreams become reality.

    Third, give yourself a deadline. Deadlines are lifelines. Without them, nothing gets done. So the first question I have for you is what is your priority? And when you look at your schedule, is that priority actually on your schedule? So if you’re trying to finish this next thing, it could be the book maybe it’s starting a podcast after you’ve already done the book or the coaching. What is stopping you? You know? So that’s the first thing and I think the biggest reason that we aren’t creating we’re not inspired to create is because we aren’t committing to it. And we’re not consistent. So the first thing is, is we have a commitment or consistency problem in a lot of cases if we’re dealing with this if we’re struggling through it, and I’ve been there. Well last year about a year ago I started this podcast, and I have been 100% consistent with it but If I’m being honest, I have several book project started, that are just sitting there on occasion, I dabble. Because I haven’t made the commitment to myself or my schedule to finish one of those book projects. I think I said to myself, well, I’m focused on the podcast. But the truth is, I want to finish one of those projects this year. So that means I’m going to have to put it on my schedule, and keep it, you know, a time a set time each day or each every other day.

    And I’m going to have to be committed to making that time sacred for writing. And for you, it might be something else. But that’s the first thing is we have to one, look at our priorities and our schedule, do they match with the priority of creating our project and to being creative the time we need to actually be creative. So do you have time in your schedule, to do the new work that to create the new creation, because if we don’t, we’re gonna get busy, and all of the work that we have to do just to maintain our business, and we’re gonna get busy with our lives, and there won’t be room for the creation of the new thing to be creative.

    The next thing is, I think that we truly get so busy, we don’t, we don’t make time in our schedules to slow down, we don’t make time in our schedules to take more breaks, and to make space for our mind to get quiet. So that we can hear God we can hear his, the creativity, he’s giving us the idea that he’s putting on our hearts, and so that we can actually hear these ideas, and we can actually capture them, we have to get quiet, so that we can settle ourselves settle our minds, because that’s when our creative inspiration often comes to us.

    It might be, you know, a sentence, it might be an idea for a Chapter, it might be an idea for a podcast episode or a chapter or not a chapter a part of your next talk. But whatever it is, this is often when we get those, you know, those creative downloads, this is when we have time to partner with God, to really step into what he’s calling us to do in our work. So I think that’s the second way that we can be inspired to create and to get those creative ideas.

    The next thing is that, I really think for me, one of the biggest things is I have to keep filling myself up. And I think all of us do in order to tap into our creativity and to actually commit to getting the work done. So what I mean by this is, how do you fill yourself up for me, it’s getting around creative people that are doing things, right, that are talking through what they’re working on. And they’re exciting. And then it’s getting, putting creative content in front of me.

    So filling myself up. So that could be words that inspire me in books, which I buy all the time. It could be sayings or quotes, could be a Bible verse, it could be a beautiful visual, a photo that just just makes me feel amazing. It’s just beautiful. There’s nothing else I can say about it, but it just captures me. So how can you add more things into your day into your week that fill you up. So whatever it is that make you feel creative, that make you feel inspired, add more of that kind of content into your week. And the next thing is, I think we have to be willing to try new creative forms.

    If you are a let’s see, if you are a nonfiction writer, try writing just for yourself a short story or a poem. If you’re a podcaster. Try doing a video instead of just audio. If you are a coach, you obviously you know, words are so important to you as well, just like the writer and the speaker. Words are important. So what lifts you up a lot of times it’s seeing other motivational speakers, do a talk, maybe go listen to a TED talk. But find something that inspires you and then be willing to try some new creative form. You know, maybe you’re a coach, you know, business coach, but maybe you write down an inspirational blog post, you know, or something like that, but just be willing to do something outside of your wheelhouse.

    Be willing to tap into your own creativity. And surely it could be going in coloring in a coloring book or it could be going outside and I like to say I take creative detours. So when I go on a walk, what I do is I look I try to be aware of the things I might not have noticed as I walk if I’m listening to a podcast or music, so I’ll turn the music or the podcast off. I will go along my walk in I’ll notice something a beautiful purple flower. So then the rest of the walk, I will look for those lovely, you know, there’s lovely shades of all the shades of purple in it, I’ll be amazed, I might see 15 different shades of purple on my walk. Or I might notice on a tree that the the leaves are shaped like hearts, then you know, I’ll just be enamored with that. And then I will continue to look for the shapes all around me. But this lets me, you know, be creative and see all the creativity that’s actually offered to us in the world. It’s, it’s quite amazing and astounding, I think.

    And then the next thing is, I think we have to continue to be open to hear those creative thoughts and then capture them. So either, and most of us probably do this, but keep a notebook with you, or some of us on our phone type into our notes, you know, ideas, we have inspirations that hit us ideas for, you know, content. So just make sure you’re capturing those though. And I think also take time to go back and look at all of your ideas that you’ve written down.

    Because sometimes when I’m lacking inspiration, when I don’t feel I have something to create something new to come up with. When I go back and look at the many ideas I’ve written down about so many different topics that will start to let me process it and then come up with the thing I want to talk about or the thing I want to work on. And so for me, it’s so important. And the next thing is, I think we just have to be willing to sometimes change or change or scenery. Many of us work, you know, in the same office.

    And for most of us, there’s probably a home office, no, I’ve worked in a home office, for the most part for the last 15 to 18 years. And while there was a stint in there, where I did go into an office about two or three times a month, when I actually wasn’t working for myself when I was working with a company.

    Other than that always worked on the box all the time. And so sometimes even that office slipping at the same things can get a little monotonous or it can get a little boring, and most of us have been stuck at home so much. So we’re here even more than before. So the other thing you need to do is change your scenery. If you like the hustle and bustle, go into a coffee shop, or sit outside of coffee shop, comfortable. go the beach and bring your ideas or you know, jotting down things. No one read a book, you know, eh, or go to your favorite place.

    I know author Bob Goff, he would have meetings to stay on to little treasure island there. And I think that’s amazing. And I love that your meetings on Treasure Island, not in a stuffy office. Because he’s a lawyer. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have a meeting. So change your scenery. And you do change your perspective. And we do this. So if you’re not feeling inspired, do change your scenery. And the last thing I’m gonna leave you with as far as ideas on how to get inspired to create create, again, is something regularly I’ve been talking to with friends and people. And it’s this when you’re feeling uninspired when you’re feeling like you can’t create or you’re even stuck, not sure what the next is how to move forward. You need to follow your joy. You need to slow down instead of trying to push forward you know what it is going to be that you’re going to create. Follow your joy. So what I mean by this is each day, stop watering the main ask yourself, what I really enjoy doing right. And I get sometimes we have schedules that where we can’t do it during that time. I want to there’s time where you could do this. It could be less than the in the evening. It could be early morning. When you take a break. What would I really enjoy doing? It might be going sitting up. I know I do that most acidifier for me. It’s relaxing.

    It’s cathartic. And it just lets me clear my mind and just, you know, I just love sitting outside and so for me that’s a way that I can follow my joy and really feel about you know for seeing friends and getting to the beach for me are things that bring me joy. The more we listen to ourselves, and we do the small things for ourselves that we actually want to do instead of saying I have no time I can actually start to get work. 30 becomes worth listening to ourselves. And we can actually do a lot more clearly. So follow your joy. And before I wrap up and just give you the, the different ways in which you can be inspired again and to create, I just wanted to share with you a quick story that’s in the book, that the E is talking to a woman that’s a author, she’s written one book, and she’s working with a publisher, another book, but she’s finding herself not able to.

    So I gave talks to her and says, you know, hey, let’s see what’s going on. So they talk through, like what per day looks like. And as they talk through it, you know, he says, oh, so your, your highest priority is your family, to really get ready is your housework and infrastructure. And your third is writing and she says, writing is much higher to me than the housework. When she explained her schedule, for Hallford always came before she ever committed time to writing, what this created what she’d never get time to write into, therefore, the practice wasn’t done. So they talk through, if truly writings, her priority, and what was holding her back from putting that ahead of culture. And they worked through it. And they determined, you know, the reasons, one of the reasons was deep down, she truly was afraid that if she made this, he says big commitment to her creativity, she might fail on a bigger scale.

    If she stayed small, she could avoid the possibility of rejection. So sometimes we haven’t prioritize this next project, or this next book, or this next podcast episode or even starting one. Because we’re afraid of failure. We’re afraid of the rejection that might happen. If we show up in a way that even more people see us. What if they don’t like what we produce? What if they don’t, and he also says something in that same book, he says, instead of Ready, Set, Go, they say, ready, go set, because we’re never ready. We’re never ready to take the next step, you know, in our personal lives, in our businesses, with our creative work, called to. So in other words, just get ready and go for it. Just start, take a step, take an action, to paper, voice to video recorder, just get and then set, then key, then go and figure out the strategy, then put it on your schedule, consistent and make it a priority.

    So here are here’s the wrap up that you can take with you into your day and try to apply maybe one or two of these in part already do. So the first is ask yourself, are you committed? And are you consistent to make your creative work happen? And the reason why we can find out if this is true, is review your priorities with your schedule. Is that priority of creating this next thing on your schedule regularly? Is it on there daily in a time that you can stay undistracted with the rest of your life? Or is it on there? Have you set a deadline. So start your project and have to be humble share the project in the deadline with someone else.

    And on that note, I would just share there are many products, online platforms that have deadlines you can put into them so they can keep you accountable to your writing or podcasting or whatever it might be. Or you could just put up a Google Calendar not only for your times, but what deadlines Do you want to hit in chunks. Next thing I shared about how to be inspired to create is take a break and make more space so that you can hear your own. And you can hear what God wants to share with you as far as how you show up in the world with your creative gifts.

    And then third, round creative people fill yourself up with creative, creative visuals or words. Try new creative form, do something different. It can be in your same area if you want it to be, but make it something you aren’t currently doing. Make it simple. There’s no expectation or this has to be something great. This is just to let your mind flow in your hand the creative next area for creative thoughts and inspiration. Another thing that you can do is change your scenery. Get out of your home office or your home wherever you do your work. And then follow your joy. How can you add more things into your day in a week that bring you joy?

    Because truly the more joyful we are the more relaxed and joyful we are more creative. We will be. It’s just a fact just how it is. I really like what Eric Maisel says, he says, to create, you must quiet the mind so that ideas will have a chance of connecting. And I think that’s true.

    We’ve got to allow ourselves for this peace,and to do things that bring us joy. And I want to leave you with these words by author Bob Goff and his new book undistracted. In case like so many of us you just felt stuck, distracted or having a hard time finishing your creative work. He says, don’t feel bad about all the things that have been grabbing your attention. We all become distracted at some point. It is somehow built into our operating systems. We become distracted from our goals and greater purposes, by or temporary circumstances. We can be distracted by each each other and even away from God and what we really believe to be true. Sadly, the boatload goodness we do the world as being scuttled by the many things that carry so far away from us. We can no longer make leaps to the shore.

    We get stuck in the past, worried about the present or the future. We no longer lean into our lives, right where we are. But instead we become individuals. little resemblance to the people God. And friends, I would just say to you, how can you incorporate more things that let you do the creative work that you’ve been called to do and step into, so that you can serve more people with all of the goodness that you have to do? Thanks again for listening. And we would love it if you enjoyed the show if you could subscribe on Apple podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    And also it helps us so much if you could leave a rating and a review on Apple podcasts because it helps more people like you find the show so that we can serve even more people as they’re stepping out into what they’re called to do. And if you’re interested in working with me, head on over to Kristin fitch.com To find out how we can really optimize your online presence to grow your business.

  • Uncategorized

    3 Keys to Breakthrough Wins in Business

    How Changing Our Perspective Allows Us to Hit More Goals and Find Personal Freedom

    On today’s episode Kristin interviews, Krystal Quagliara, a transformational coach and playfulness expert, about how changing our perspective on what we can control and not control can help us to focus on the right things. She also shares on small changes can help us reach our goals. Even celebrating the small improvements and not being so hard on ourselves can help us reach big goals if we are consistent.

    Learn 3 Keys to having real Breakthroughs so you can show up as you grow your business.

    She is a playfulness expert and a transformational coach in the health and wellness industry. She’s also the author of the playful journal and the podcast host of the playful life podcast. Welcome, Crystal.

    Hi, Kristen, thanks so much for having me.

    Oh, I cannot wait to have this conversation. I’m so excited. Because one of the things that I love to talk about is, you know, if one, of course is like how do we define life on our terms? How do we really live our best life? But it’s how do we incorporate play and creativity and curiosity and you know, faith? Or how we’re gonna have impact in the world into our lives? How do we weave these things in. So I love that part of your program incorporates many things, but one of them is play in this health and wellness space. So I think it’s so cool. And I cannot wait to dig into this. Can you start by telling us telling us how did you get to become a playfulness expert in the wellness space? And what has your journey looked like? Yes.

    02:47

    So health and wellness are something that never came easy to me. I feel like it’s been sort of an uphill battle my whole life. And and when I say you know, health and wellness, I mean, every aspect of it physical, mental, and emotional. And when I was a child, I was overweight and just dealt with a lot of body issues, body image issues and ended up kind of going to the other side of that spectrum developed an eating disorder, and, you know, just got very obsessive about about those things. And so just what healthy meant to me was always very sort of blurry and confused. You know, I came to a place of healing when I was in college, with my eating disorder. And part of that process was helping other people getting outside myself taking the focus off of like the obsessive thoughts and stuff about my weight and different things. And, and so I started coaching classes, you know, teaching at the YMCA, and all over parked departments and stuff and just really being an integral part of other people’s transformations. And it’s funny, but but that’s sort of where I started to notice that concept of play coming up. So I’m a fun person. I’m a performer, I love to you know, I feel like I perform when I taught classes. And so I’d like to keep people, you know, entertained as part of it, obviously. But I also noticed that when people were able to get lost in that moment of play, they would have results so much quicker because they weren’t looking at themselves in the mirror and picking every part of themselves apart things. And it was really noticeable to me when I taught dance. I taught in the dance studio for many years, and I would teach this little class they were three and four year olds. And right after that I taught a belly dance class for adults. And you know, when the three and four year olds were in the room, they were running around, they were making faces in the mirror and they were playing right it’s all about play at that age. You And the adult women would come in and some of them would need like a cocktail before they came in to loosen up, or they’d be really just picking themselves apart in the mirror. And I just, I think that’s when I noticed, like, what is the difference here, between the mindset of these children coming in here and the adults, right? There’s this filter for which we see the world and interact with it. And it’s, it’s that elements of play, I think that we lose somewhere along the way, and start to really judge ourselves. So that is really where I found the importance of that.

    05:35

    And so how long have you been in this industry? And then when did you step? How did what did that look like from going from doing all these classes, and then healing yourself with some of your eating challenges to actually stepping into, you know, doing being a playfulness expert in the health and wellness space.

    05:53

    So I wish I could say, Kristen, that, Oh, I went to therapy when I was in my 20s, and just cured myself of all these things. And that unfortunately, was was not the story. Again, it’s just health and wellness, something I had to work on. And I found myself in my 30s. And married to a wonderful husband, we have a house, I had a great job, you know, nine to five, and from the outside looking in, anybody would think, Oh, she looks healthy. She’s got this great life and all these things. But I was just so just depressed and just feeling lost, I felt like I had lost my sense of self, because I really was checking all the boxes, and living a life according to what I thought everybody else in my life thought I should be doing. And it was one of those things where I was like, Well, yeah, if I just work hard enough, now, I’ll be able to live the dream or, you know, just kept putting it off and putting it off and just realize that my serenity and my sanity was just gone completely. So I got committed to not only the physical health that I have been taken care of for years, but also the mental and spiritual health that I lost along the way. So I really started to integrate all those parts into my coaching and you know, realize that I can give people a set of exercises, and I can tell people how to eat healthy. But if the internal work is not there, it’s I feel like the internal work has to happen before the outside transformation really sticks.

    07:29

    Oh, my gosh, so much good stuff there. Gosh. So I guess the first thing is, I’ll first start with what you just just finished with, which is, you’re so right, right quicker results come when we we can make that shift, right, the perception shift or the, what’s holding us back the limiting mindset, that and then like you said, we all as we get older, we just have layers and years of perceptions that we had, or what the world is telling us to filter through, right? Like as a kid we’re just didn’t even think about and so we’re just like going about our day. But as an adult, we have all these years of what messages people told us what message we’ve been telling ourselves. So is there just some basic starting tips that you are able to work with your clients on that other people might be able to just have as a starting point to be thinking about this? Like, how do we start shifting these things? Yes. So

    08:20

    it really is about shifting your identity as a whole and understanding that, you know, to be a different person, you have to become a different person. And there’s a process there. So I walk my clients through these four virtues of stoicism. And this is sort of the program that helped me, you know, create sort of this practice for myself in my daily life. And the very first thing we look at is like, what is in your control and what is not in your control. And Kristen, so many people write down in that in my control column, when we first do this, they all the things that are so clearly not in their control, like, you know how much weight they’re going to lose, or, you know, just even their ability to eat a healthier diet and all these things. And it’s like, your body will do what it does. And people will think of you how they think of you and we can’t really influence other people’s opinions about us. And we can’t really have a trajectory of what our careers will be like in five years. Like there’s a lot in the moment only that we can really control. And if you’re out there trying to think that you can control these things that you can’t, you’re going to lose confidence in yourself, you’re going to lose hope you’re going to give up right because you’re you’re trying so hard to you know, fix, manage and control those things that are just shouldn’t be left up to your higher power. Right. So so that’s really step one

    09:53

    for most people. That’s not so good. And I think you’re right I think if you ask some Money, which you do, obviously, like, what? What else? Do you think that you have control over changing all the things you listed? I mean, I hadn’t put much thought into it just from hearing you. I was like, I think people would put that maybe. So interesting. So really, what you’re saying is, all these things take more time. But it’s all about how you treat yourself and how you see yourself in the present moment.

    10:22

    Exactly, exactly.

    10:24

    Actually experience everything that moment has to give us so that we can experience our best self in that moment, right. So that we’re not thinking about, Oh, my gosh, all the negative things we’re trying to change, or it might not be all negative. I mean, we might want to make positive. You know what I mean? Like, oh, I need to lose weight, I don’t eat healthy, right? These are messages that we’re telling ourselves that we’re doing something wrong. So we’re being very critical, correct,

    10:46

    of course, and people don’t really understand the concept of affirmations. So like, when, when people talk about affirmations, in this day and age, I think people get this connotation of like, oh, that’s, you know, writing something on your mirror and telling yourself like, I am worthwhile. And you know, of course, like, that is a component of it. But I think people are very hesitant to admit that they have been telling themselves affirmations, their whole lives, right. And those are oftentimes very negative, right? That I just don’t like going to the gym, or I just not a healthy eater, or my family really stresses me out, or Gosh, I really hate this job, right? Everything that we tell ourselves on a daily basis, we’re going to act in a way that affirms those beliefs that we’re telling ourselves. So it’s so important to switch those around and make them positive, make them positive affirmations, like, you know, because when you can start believing it, you start acting in a way that affirms that, and then you just solidify that belief even more, right? And now you start building up confidence, hope, all those things. And you

    12:03

    know, I think so often, if someone’s not working with someone to draw these out, and really look at them, and then figure out like, what do we do with this? You know, I think it’s that a lot of us, they’re in our heads, and we let them stay there. So they’re on repeat, instead of I just actually wrote a quote or a statement, put it online today, actually, it’s funny that we’re having this conversation. But it basically said, you know, like, what, what are those thoughts that you keep on repeat in do you that you keep believing, right? And then I went on to say, like, what if you actually wrote them down? Like, what if you brought them to the light? And then you said, is there is this actually truth? Is this true? Or is there any facts and stories or memories that I can write that would actually show me that it’s not true? And an example would be, you know, someone that’s a mom and has a career, they love both, but they’re always feeling at work, like they’re guilty, and they’re not a good mom, right? They could be better and that they’re at, when they’re at home, they’re thinking, Oh, I’m not available for these other opportunities. But instead of being bailed on the present moment to be their best mom, or best worker, they’re continuously telling the story that they’re not good at either, or they’re not good enough at either. But yet, if we wrote down that, that thought, and we said, Well, are there ever any indicators? And I’m a good mom, you probably could come up with some write, like, oh, you know, my kids loved it when I did this thing. And then they, so it’s like, you have to start pulling it out. So that you can actually say, Well, what I’m, what do I do? Where am I? Do I feel like I’m a good mom, right? Or good at my health, like I take a walk, you might think, Oh, I never take care of myself. But then you’re like, but I take a walk every day. That’s a good. So I think keeping in our heads or keeping in the dark, instead of realizing like we have to bring them forth in order to acknowledge them and then try to change them.

    13:48

    Absolutely. And also those expectations that we put on ourselves, because I think when we define like, what is healthy, what is good parenting, what is a good career? What is success? Even, right? We, we tend to look at all these outside sources and go, Well, I’m only going to be successful if I’m as good as fill in the blank, right? Or I’m only going to be a great parent, if my kid gets into Harvard, or I’m only going to be healthy, if I’m a size four, right? I mean, these are, like expectations that we put on ourselves. And then when we don’t meet those expectations, we think we’re failing. And that’s not the case. And in most instances, right, it’s that, like you said, being present and saying like, well, what went right today? And that goes back to well, what was in my control today? And did I do those things? And maybe I did some of them? Maybe I did none of them and tomorrow is another day get up? Do it again.

    14:50

    Yeah. So tell us about i two things that I love that you incorporate into working with people besides the virtues which I think are so important. such good bedrocks. But you know, you have many that you’re welcome to share about, but I love lay in in the habit layering. So what can you tell us about that on? How are you incorporating that into people’s lives so that getting to being a healthier person or more wellness or being having better well being, I guess, happens for us? Yes,

    15:22

    I am actually just reading James clears atomic habits, which I cannot believe I have not read this book before. Just like every line, he says, I’m like, yes, yes. Like, it’s just, it’s so great how he explains it. And also, SJ Scott was, I think the author who, who coined the phrase, habit stacking. But, you know, the concept is really that you don’t have to change everything all at once. All you have to do is change one thing today, just start doing one positive thing for yourself right now today. And so there’s there’s two components to this. So I give the example often of like somebody who says, I want to be a vegan, and I would tell that person, okay, well, how about today, you don’t eat beef. And then tomorrow, don’t eat beef for next week. Don’t eat beef, right? And if you can successfully do that, right, now you’re identifying as a person who doesn’t eat beef. So then, once we’ve nailed that, it’s well eliminate pork now, so no beef, no pork, do that for another week or two, right? Now you’re building confidence in the fact that you can actually accomplish something towards your end goal. And, you know, I think too, with with exercise, it’s another thing like, I think people set these expectations like, well, if I’m gonna go to the gym, I have to be there for at least an hour. And I got to do 20 minutes of cardio. And it’s like, okay, yes, there is an ideal situation in this but but what is the reality, the reality is you just have to get, just have to put your shoes on and go to the gym, or, or you just have to put your shoes on and go outside for a walk, or you just have to figure out where to put 10 Push ups in your day. I mean, it’s, it’s that ability to start a habit and then build on it. So what James clear talks about, like, atomic habits, and SJ Scott is that idea of, well, don’t try to create this habit out of thin air, right, you want to take something that you’re successfully doing every day, and then lay something on top of it. So if it’s, you know, taking a break for lunch, I think he gives us an example, like, you know, if you close your computer, and that’s a habit, and then you go have lunch, like, that would be the time to do some squats, or go for a walk or do the push ups, right? But saying, like, when I do this, I am going to add this. And then you know, being able to now you’ve set a trigger in your brain, right, there’s a cue there for you to actually do the thing. And, and then you’re you’re also going to have so much more confidence around it, because you’re like, Well, I’m already brushing my teeth. I’m already eating lunch, I’m already you know, taking my dog for a walk, whatever it is. So you know, you’re you’re able to, like I said, kind of build that confidence. And then you start to have hope that there’s actually, you know, an ability for you to change and become somebody different.

    18:22

    Yeah. Oh my gosh, yeah. I love actually the beef example. And the reason is, you just have to start today. And like you said, you’re not trying to cut out every product that’s animal or animal by bar like, right, you’re just saying, let’s start with one simple thing, because you can still learn how you make your other choices that maybe aren’t, you know, vegetarian choices. But the other thing I love is that, like you said, just start today. And if today you do it, say tomorrow, I’m gonna do it, and then the next day, and then it’s a week, and then it’s two weeks next month, you’re not saying I’m never gonna beef again, you’re just trying to focus on Can I do it today. And like you said, eventually, then you realize, oh, I was able to make that choice and commit to it. And now two months has passed, because it’s not overwhelming. It’s just one simple little change that we can handle. Right? Like you said, if you tried to cut out everything, and my whole fridge is filled with, you know, meat product, and then milk and all these other things like it that is overwhelming. And we’re more likely, especially if you’re going out to eat you’re not used to making those choices. So like you said, it’s simple that like a tiny micro choice, right and change choice. And then you build on that once it becomes something that you feel like you can you can stick with. And so I think that’s so important to point out to people, you know, you don’t have to start going to the gym every day. It could be what’s easy for you, like you said it might be going up and down your stairs 25 times a day because you’re here you don’t even have to put on your shoes. It could be going on a walk. Half the days if I’m not doing like more strenuous exercise, and I’m walking the dog. I have my flip flops on because I like the sun hitting my seat. But the point is I’m still doing it, you know, but I didn’t even have to put on my shoes. I should have said I’m gonna go But I think we make it too hard we and we are we get? We’re so hard on ourselves that if we have a day that we don’t fit this new habit or goal, we beat ourselves up, I think right? And then we get we feel a little defeated or like you said, hopeless. But how do you help people guide through that challenge? Because I think we are just too hard on ourselves.

    20:21

    Yes, yes. So here’s where that element of play really comes in. And it’s not even I think when when we hear the word play, we think of like, I don’t know, going to the park or, or playing ball or playing a game. And, I mean, that is part of it. But I think it’s more of like a mindset. So when kids are learning, they, right, we have kids learning to walk, it’s, it’s crawling, then it’s walking, and it’s taking, you know, steps and stumbling and all of that, but we certainly wouldn’t look at our child and be like, Well, today, I don’t know, they just didn’t get it. So never gonna happen. Like, No, we wouldn’t be like that. Right? And, and kids, when kids are before they go to school, right? All their whole world is discovered through play through what does this do? And what if I click this and, and then, you know, there isn’t a lot of like, well, you’re doing that wrong, right? When kids are exploring and playing, it’s just Well, that’s interesting. I bought my kid a toy, and now they’re playing with the box and not the toy, we don’t go like don’t play with the box, right? Like we say, well, that’s cute, they want to play with the box. And then when we go to school, it is very, very different. All of a sudden, we’re judged on our ability to follow this very strict system of learning. And if we don’t fit into that box, we’re graded poorly. And then our grades reflect whether you’re going to succeed and this societal structure, and it’s just very damaging, I think. So we end up I think growing up as adults, we have this idea of, well, if I can’t do this perfect, and I’m not going to get an A, then I like it’s just that feeling of like that constant. I don’t want to fail, I don’t want to fail. I don’t want the bad grade I don’t like right. It’s like if I get enough that I’m never gonna go to college, and I’m gonna get a job or meet my spouse. And like, it’s, it’s just so overwhelming, like you were saying, so, you know, having that grace, to be able to say like, this is a playful process. This is me fumbling and stumbling. And this is me picking up the box. And so a toy and figuring this out, and, and just being able to have that mindset around it, that it’s not perfection, it’s practice and learning and growing.

    22:43

    Yeah, and you know, what was what I was kind of thinking of, as you said, that is, you know, we might be talking and using the word play. But really what plays coming down to is that you’re open to being curious about the process and like, Oh, could this work for me, and then you’re open to discovery, maybe going to the gym indoors, in it’s 50 minutes from your house, you discover that this isn’t feeling like it doesn’t fit me, I don’t like it. I’m not able to commit to this. But that’s okay. What exercise or healthy habit might fit better for you, that feels a little easier, right? So when we say playful part of it is, it’s like exploration, right? We’re just trying to excavate for what will work for us in the season we’re in right now, you know, if you have little babies at home versus you don’t have children versus you have grown children, what you’re able to fit in is also going to be different. You know, if you have little kids at home, and they’re taking naps? Well, you might need to fit in a healthy habit or whatever you’re trying to make a change in from your home, right or in your backyard or so. That’s okay. It has to, to some extent, it has to be easy for you to put it in. Right or easy for you to add it.

    23:48

    Of course, right? It has to be simple. And attainable. And like very, very true. I think. Yeah, going back to that idea of it doesn’t have to be perfect. And, you know, for me, it’s very important to present my brand in a way that’s genuine and like attainable, right? I’m like, I’m not the trainer that was ever gonna get somebody ready for like a fitness competition or something. Right. And I like, I just I have my own thoughts about that world anyway, but that was never the goal for my clients. When I was a trainer. It wasn’t, well, we got to get you the fittest abs and tightest arms. And I mean, it’s just, that’s, you know, just not how I was. So yeah, just having the ability to step back and take some perspective on like, what healthy is and so for me, it’s not posting pictures of me and tight pants on Instagram and, you know, showing off my abs and like, this is what healthy is like, you know, I try to keep it real like some days. I’m failing on all ends and other days I feel like A superstar, you know, and that’s, that’s just how it is. And we have to forgive ourselves for those days where everything just falls apart.

    25:08

    Yeah, yeah. And like I think, you know, one thing you’re probably speaking to is, you know, how do we just have a little more, you know, you said grace, and I totally love that word as well. But like self love, like, how do we truly just embrace where we’re at in the journey? And yeah, we might want to tweak or improve or make some changes. But at the end of the day, we have to have a little more self acceptance and self love, right for ourselves.

    25:31

    Yes, exactly. And for me, a big component of that is realizing that I am loved by something greater, greater than myself, and that I wasn’t, you know, God didn’t put me here on this earth to hate myself to shame myself to be miserable. You know, I believe that, me and you and everyone else were created to be joyful, and experience all that, that God has blessed us with. So, you know, to me, health is sort of that first pillar, if we don’t have that, then then everything else crumbles. And, you know, again, that the health is physical, mental and spiritual, right. And so, you know, being able to pile all those things on top of shaky foundation is just, it’s just not good.

    26:18

    Yeah, I love that. That’s such a focus for your life and for your program, because I 100% align with that. And, you know, for me, I am very clear, you know, same thing very faith oriented. And so I get that, but I will share with you, I see why a lot of people are struggling right now, because their spiritual health is waning, or they’re, they’re not really sure how to navigate that. And having I have three sons two are teenagers and ones in college. And right now, you know, and I’ve been sharing a bit on the pockets lately, because it’s just what we’re walking through right now. But it’s, he is, you know, he’s having a hard time he’s having a hard time at college, he’s come home. And so we’re working through this, this next kind of chapter, if you will, and just really here to support him and try to do everything we can to be of support and service. But one thing I’m noticing not just with him, it’s so many young adults and teens. They, besides having felt isolated and lonely, and last two years, besides their life having been turned upside down in some of their interpersonal relationships being pulled away, and then they still aren’t connecting the same yet or as much. The other thing I’m seeing is, many of them are questioning, what why are they here, but not in an existential way? Like, it’s almost in a negative way. Like they don’t really see what they have to bring to the world. They don’t see their value. And I’m starting to see these conversations. I mean, they were there. I just wasn’t paying attention. But I think it’s because they’re not as connected in their spiritual health. We haven’t been having these conversations. Like I think we always thought we were telling our kids, they were valuable. But now I’m realizing maybe they were hearing you’re valuable, because you’re good at your, your classes, you’re valuable, because you’re good at sports, you’re they were maybe hearing that message, which, as a parent or a friend or even as an adult, you, I don’t think you thought that but now starting to hear these things. I’m realizing people don’t really like what you just said, you and I believe that, like we have a purpose. We’re here for a reason. I believe we all have gifts to share. But I think a lot of people don’t feel that right now. You know, and that’s something I’m trying to work on helping people realize, because I’m seeing it’s a it’s a big, it’s a big area that as a as the world right, like, holistically Everyone is struggling sort of through some of these feelings are questions, you know, and so I think it’s so important that you help people as part of, you know, the way you’re, you’re working with them. Oh, well,

    28:46

    thank you, Kristen, that is really amazing that you are doing this work, and helping people really connect with that part of themselves. And, you know, sorry to hear that your son is going through that, but I think he’s going to come out the other end of that really strong and he’s going to have so much growth and like how lucky he is that you’re his mom here to walk him through that journey. And, you know, I think, though, the word that comes to mind is codependency. And, and again, it’s it’s not always how we might traditionally think of that term. I mean, in a nutshell, right? Like codependency is sort of looking for other people’s approval or, you know, your happiness depending on the happiness of others. And I think again, we get locked in a cycle of well, if I show up and I’m really good at my job, I’ll get rewarded or I’ll get a raise or so does that like dopamine hit when we get praised for a job well done or something like that. Right? So it’s, it becomes like a very like outward expression and it’s not really like sometimes I don’t know sometimes we feel like is the real me really showing Are you really valuing me? And, and also like just finding value in ourselves based on the value that outside sources are giving us or feeding us rather than, like you said, knowing that our value just simply comes from the fact that God created us. And here we are, right. So we are valuable, and we are worthy. And that’s been a tough road for me, but also just crucial and understanding that I can detach from other people’s opinions of me and other people’s praise and affirmations and acceptance. And you know, that this channel from from me to my higher power is the only one that needs to stay free and clear.

    30:44

    Oh, yeah, it’s so good. And I do, I think it’s, it’s just, sometimes we don’t realize that there’s work we need to do, right. So that we, like if, for instance, I’ve worked with funny people over the years where, you know, they I was their, their team lead or whatever. And they would come to me, and there’d be all this like, external stuff in their life where they were just having a hard time. But it was very apparent to me that it was like, oh, but those are all external things, and you’re letting it call you up, and you’re letting it get you so upset. And it’s like, causing so much drama in their lives, that they weren’t aware of it, because they never stopped to really think about it. Right in their in their world. That was the normal that was their default. But if we find that that’s happening, right, like, you’re always, like, flustered and upset, you’re so overwhelmed. We have to pause, we can do some self reflection, some self assessment and say, Well, why am I always irritated or frustrated? Or like whatever it is, at the end of day, I’m so burned out, but is it because we’re letting everything around us? just chip away, right at our, at our joy, or at our peace or whatever it is, instead of getting quiet and whatever we might do if it’s prayer, meditation, or resetting recharging. And so I think a lot of people, we don’t stop to realize, maybe this the way we’re doing it is harming us in some way, you know? Or it’s at least not healthy.

    32:04

    Yes, and you hit it, bingo, Kristin, like people are so unaware of themselves. I think that, like, I think it’s a stoic saying, right, know thyself. It’s in the Bible to write versions of that. And it really is important to, like, spend time with yourself, whether that’s in prayer, or meditation, or just sitting in silence or journaling, or playing write those things like, What do you enjoy? I’ve worked with clients who just they’ve just totally lost sight of what they are trying to do, right? Like you said, it’s like, well, I show up, you know, I get up in the morning, take care of my kids, I go to work and come home. It’s like, we’re just on like, autopilot with our lives. And to really sit down and go, Well, what is it that I’m actually trying to achieve? What do I want here? Like, what is the point of all this? And yeah, self awareness? That’s key.

    33:04

    Yeah. And one thing to August two things. One is, when we’re in when we’re talking about, right, it’s that it’s that also that creativity, like, like you just said, is there a hobby, is there something that brings you joy in your life you’re doing and if there’s not, because you’ve gotten so busy with obligation, I find you have to create space in your calendar. And it has to be it’s purposeful space, that you say, I’m going to it could be just getting a nature, it could be, I’m going to write or sing or draw or just get, you know, listen to a podcast or music that to me, you know, is enjoyable, but we have to, we have to make space for these things. Because otherwise you’re going to find at the end of your week, you are exhausted and have no joy, right? Like nothing about your week was fulfilling or felt meaningful, because we’re, like you said, we’re on autopilot instead of saying, Am I incorporating and things that I enjoy that brings me joy, and usually bring slow us down as well. You know, exactly. So I think that’s the first thing. And then the other thing you were saying, Oh yeah, I think the other problem is is people are forgetting that, you know what? You know, and I know and Is it Japanese, and I’m gonna get the word wrong. But it’s the idea of the now I can’t even think of the word but it’s like the three different stool legs of the stools, but it’s basically how your it talks about your purpose. Basically, I think it’s geeky guy. I might be saying the word wrong, but he guys their word, but it’s how he no matter if you’re retired or you’re a stay at home mom or you work. All of them are it’s very clear to them what their purpose is. And so purpose doesn’t mean necessarily your career, right? It’s your Why do you get up in the morning, but if we can’t connect to that reason, and the reason could just be that you’re going to show up in the world as a kind person, right? Like, it doesn’t have to be a purpose like that. You love that you’re a builder, right? It’s something bigger than that something bigger than you and I think if people don’t have that, which is I think what really a lot of the young people are struggling with right now is they’ve never really grasped that. idea or they haven’t figured that out yet. That’s where I think sometimes you feel hopeless, or you don’t feel like you know where you’re going, right? Even if we don’t know what job we’re gonna have, like, if we have a clear idea of who we are in our purpose, right, then there’s, there’s something to live for. There’s something, especially about the connection to God. So I think I think that’s the only thing that I would say to people like, Are you clear on that, or at least somewhat clear on that?

    35:24

    Yes. And, again, for so long in the educational system are so ingrained with this? Well, your purpose better be tied so closely to a career a job a way to make money, right. And it’s, it’s just like heart, we hardly spend any time on fostering those spiritual aspects of our life. And I think there’s a lot of guilt around, you know, wanting to pursue those things that are on your heart, or even do the things that make you happy. And, you know, I coach a lot of moms and you know, a lot of career very high achieving people, you know, seem to be attracted to me. And they have this like, sense of guilt for wanting to do something kind for themselves, or wanting to take that pause and go to the gym, or whatever it is meal prep, and, and it goes back to sort of that that virtuous living of Well, is it really virtuous to let go of yourself? And all the things that make you happy? Because Are you really showing up for all these other people in your life? And all these other things as the best version of yourself? And isn’t that really virtuous to be the best version of yourself? And then to share that with the world and everyone else?

    36:44

    Oh, that’s so true. And one of my favorite quotes, I mean, I would plenty but is, I think it’s Plato that said it, but it’s, you can learn more about a person in an hour of play than a year of conversation. And I love that because it kind of, you know, well, one, it tells us it’s very telling, right? Because this is an adult talking, and he’s not talking about children, he’s talking about adults. And obviously, Plato wasn’t as concerned about playing on the playground, like you said, or, you know, going and playing with blocks he’s talking about when you do something together that, you know, brings you together, and just like this community, and you’re you’re not just sitting here in a serious conversation, but you’re like getting to let loose your you know, you’re letting down your guard, if you will. So this is the kind of thing we’re really talking about. Right. And so I think that’s a really important concept that a lot of us are forgetting, you know, it’s like, how do we do something that’s enjoyable? That’s not just so formal, like you said, almost like that classroom experience, we’ve done our whole lives. In you, you talk about a concept that’s related that that I would just want to jump on, which is, you talk about how play can allow us to live this life of freedom. So I’m super curious about what does that look like for you? And then how are your clients maybe an example of how someone’s incorporating that into their life? Yes.

    38:02

    So for me, I’ve discovered that personal freedom is not being able to just get up in the morning and do whatever you want. Although some people might think of it as that, right, like to be free, or just want to be free, like, I think some structure is necessary to really have freedom. But in that, it’s, it’s also going back to right like, what can you control? What can’t you control and the stuff that you can’t let go of that let God handle that stuff. And enjoy the freedom have sort of like letting that off of your plate. And play is one of those things that I feel is connected with that idea of flow in that, like you said, right, like Plato was talking about, it’s that idea of getting so lost in what you’re doing, that you’re not even really thinking about it, you’re not thinking about learning or you’re not thinking about, you know, what the next five minutes have coming for you. You’re so in the moment you’re so present? And isn’t that really what we want. We want freedom from worry, anxiety, we want freedom from, you know, financial burdens, we want freedom from painful conversations and bad relationships and all those things. And so, when you can really like like you were saying at the beginning of our talk here, like really just be present, and get lost in that sense of play and find that flow in your life. Like that’s, I think that’s where the freedom lies, isn’t that and I think the only way that you can create that in your life, though, is by having a practice and by being very mindful and deliberate about including that in your day in your life making room for it, like you said,

    39:52

    making the space. Yeah, I think you’re right. And I think you know, one of the things you sort of alluded to there is that the whole concept is we’re getting out of here own heads, right? Like we’re getting out of our heads and then into here and now. And the other thing you sort of alluded to with this whole idea of freedom, which obviously is something that I’m very passionate about helping people do is that it’s defining life on their terms, right? It’s like creating your calendar, your structure, around what will work for your life right in the season that you’re in, and that it will feel it’ll feel easy. It doesn’t mean you don’t work hard, it’ll feel easy, because it aligns well with what what you’re doing in the world. But also, I think what you did say in these words, but I think we both are sort of saying kind of in the in the background, if you will, is it’s a little bit more about like slowing down or slow living being an intentional with saying, I don’t have to be in this like frantic crazy state all the time, because you’ll never experience flow, right? Or that state of like, you’re so into something that you are at your highest creative ability or highest like, giving of yourself up to something. So I think that’s also kind of what we’re saying, right is like if we if we actually are more intentional with our practices, we’re more intentional being present, we’re able to create our days that we slow down a bit. And so that doesn’t mean you’re not doing things it means you’re, you’re slowing down your speed, I guess, right? Like, even if you go from thing to thing, you’re not feeling out of sorts all the time.

    41:18

    Right, well being in one place, but thinking about being in another place, right? It’s that idea of, well, yeah, I’m here with my kids now, but no, I gotta do this, this, this and this, or you’re at your job, but you’re already thinking about what your what you have to do at night and right, that idea of just constantly taking yourself out of the present moment. And, you know, the, the Italians have this concept of La Dolce Vita, right, which is like the sweet life and they take it very seriously. And I haven’t been anywhere outside of Italy, in Europe, but I don’t know if it’s just a maybe a European mindset. But in Italy, especially I witnessed this, and I’ve spent some, you know, a little bit of vacation time there. And it’s very true, they take that very seriously, like, you know, they rest in the middle of the day. And you know, depending on where you are, they closed down, you know, and it’s, you know, they enjoy their food and company with each other. And it just feels at least like, you know, when you kind of create a culture of that, it gets easier to be present to be in a moment to, I forget what the term is for it, but I’m just going past PESA data or something, right, where it’s like after dinner, people just go out and walk around, they just go to the square, they walk around, they may get a drink or not, or just they just see people, right? And it’s that idea of like, put the don’t watch TV, just go outside, be out be with others, right? Like enjoy your surroundings, all of that. And we’re just not programmed like that here in the US or, you know, just humans in general, I think are, like you said, so concerned with keeping every moment of the day scheduled and busy and going here going there that, you know, you’re gonna get to the end of your life, and it’s gonna pass you by so quickly, right? And I think, I don’t know if it’s a midlife crisis or what it is. But what is a somebody called it something but it’s like, when you turn 27 You’ve been around the sun. So many times, it’s like this period in a person’s life from like, 27 to 31, where you know, you, you start to question those things. And I don’t know, if your son is maybe entering that stage of his life, but you you realize all of a sudden, like, oh, wait a minute, I’m not going to be here forever. And yeah, like, what am I doing? What am I doing with this life and, and if you’re not like looking up and looking around and enjoying it at certain points, like, that’s really sad, but you are gonna get to the end of it, and just wish that you had more time and wish that you had done things differently. When I was in high school, I was just so consumed, I was so consumed with getting A’s and, you know, getting, you know, into a good school and it was just like, so all consuming, right? And I was so obsessive about my weights and like, you know, having the perfect body and all these things and like I was one exhausted but then realized, I think once I got a little older, like, what was I doing? Like I was so consumed it was to an unhealthy level that, you know, I really missed out on some of the fun and some of those experiences that I could have had in those adolescent years because I was so like, tightly wound you know, and so maybe that was a good lesson for me to learn early because it allowed me you know, to explore more of that playfulness in my life.

    44:47

    You’re so right I mean, the first thing isn’t this is paraphrasing it’s not the exact quote but Mary Oliver right has the famous you know, quote or statement that basically says like, what like What are you What will you do that with this one? You know, something like wild and precious life, right, but we only get we get this shot right now. I mean for the here and now at least. And the thing is, is, you know, the book and the blog have the Five Regrets of Dying, right? But it’s it’s literally like, people what they regret is, if you didn’t speak your truth, you didn’t tell the people you needed to tell more, right? It could be I Love You can be whatever it is, you didn’t you there’s things you didn’t do in life that you wish to have done, you know, experiences or opportunities, or you didn’t write the book, you know, but So there’s these things, but it’s like, it’s like, if you look back at your life, while you’re still here, like it with if you’re 85 or whatever age, and you look at what you’re doing now, like, are you? Are you moving towards the things that you want to have impact in the world? And that you want to be of service of? If you’re not, the question is, why are you waiting, like make the change now? And they will say the people that live the longest, it’s, it’s even not about their health, right? It’s not about their healthy living. I mean, of course, people that eat a healthy diet, especially like, you know, in some parts are beans and rice, like, yes, they live the longest. But beyond that they’re saying even more than that. It’s people that have deep meaningful relationships that they continue to have and to hold it, you know, when we get older. And then the other one isn’t that they have new experiences, and they’re continuing to like, learn and grow. And so I think that that’s those are good indicators for us. To your point. It’s not just about healthy living like on that we eat healthy food, but we’re drinking water and we’re exercising, it’s like you said it’s holistic, it’s holistic living, it’s all the parts of us. But a lot of that has to do with, like you said, our spirituality and then our relationships, because in the day, I think we were we were put here to be in relation to be in community. No.

    46:43

    Yes, yes. Oh, amen. Sister. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. If we were meant to walk through this life alone, I don’t even I don’t even know we’d be some just, I don’t know, pods, sort of floating through the air, right, that never bumped into each other.

    47:02

    I know. So any last words of encouragement, or just tips or anything you want to share with us? Before we wrap it up today? Yes,

    47:12

    I will. I just want to encourage people that change is a process and it takes time. So remember, just to have grace with yourself. And that, you know, the decisions that you’re making today in the moment will affect you. Three minutes from now, three hours from now, three days from now, three weeks from now, three months from now, three years from now, right? It goes on and on. But, but just knowing that you might not see that difference in three minutes, right, or three hours, three days. But you might see it in three weeks, or you might see it three months, you’ll definitely see it in three months, right. So it may seem like a lot, it may seem overwhelming. And there might not be a lot of hope in someone’s life right now. But I encourage them to take an action, take a small action, no matter how small and just do it. Eight, make yourself accountable to someone, a coach a friend, God and just do the thing. And I created a list of 10 things I think are really simple to start doing today, you’re not going to do all 10 though, here’s the caveat, you’re only gonna pick one and do that. That was my hesitation with putting a list of 10 things together that well. So the list only have one thing. But trust that people can choose wisely for themselves. But they can find that on my website, Kristen, and download that and start practicing one thing to change that trajectory trajectory for themselves today.

    48:48

    I love that. Well, thank you so much for being on with us today sharing your journey and then all the ways that you’re you know, helping people in the health and wellness space. Can you share this? How else can people connect with you online at your website or on social? Yes,

    49:04

    so it’s crystallized health advisors.com That’s my website. I’m also on Instagram crystal that quickly era, and Facebook crystallized health advisors. And of course, I also have a podcast the playful life in which I showcase people who are doing that living life playfully finding small ways to incorporate the sweet life into their into their daily living.

    49:33

    I love it. Well thank you so much for all that you’re doing to help people live better lives. I love it. And I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

    49:40

    Thanks so much, Kristen.

    49:43

    There are so many good nuggets in that conversation with crystal today. I just think there were so many takeaways that you can apply to your own life and your business. And I want to leave you with some words in the book. The next right thing by Emily P Freeman and then ideas she has the right think is super helpful. She says, today we’ll practice stopping on purpose so that we can, as Eugene Peterson says, Be alert and attentive and receptive to what God is doing in in for us. And for others, on the way, we wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies. And then she says, if you feel scattered without a senator, like you’re flying out in all directions, let these few moments be a speed bump in your busy day. Resist the urge to scold yourself for being scattered. Remember that no one has ever been shamed into freedom. Let be what is in the presence of God, acknowledge what is true, say the day in your mind, the date, the month, the year, this is where you are, this moment is what you have, you can only be one place at a time, stay in today. And she talks about a very simple practice that you can do when you find yourself not present in the moment and instead stuck in worry or anxiety, worry for the future, thinking about conversations that haven’t happened yet. And see basically says we shouldn’t just add to their sentences so that we can really see if it’s something that we should be worrying about. And also what can we do about it. So she gives us example. She was worried about if her children, her daughters would be ready for high school and if she would be ready in the fall. So this is what she says. I turned it into a question and the word today, are my girls starting high school in the fall today? If the answer is no, you can set it aside. If the answer is yes, ask yourself, what is the next right thing I can do right now as it relates to this concern? If that feels confusing, or maybe it sort of simple, it’s confusing. I’ll give you another example. Later this week, I’m traveling for a short overnight trip. It’s kind of hanging over my head. And I’m feeling a bit scattered about it. So I state my concern. I’m thinking about my trip to Raleigh, then I turned it into a question is my trip to Raleigh happening today? No, but it is happening this week. And I do need to prepare prepare for it. What is the next right step I can take today to prepare prepare for this trip. I can’t do it all. But I can do one thing. And then I can do one more thing after that. I think that’s so good. So if you find that you’re not able to be present, if you find that you get stuck in the worry, the anxiety, the what ifs. Let’s try that exercise. And let’s like crystal said, let’s just figure out how can we change one small thing right now, that actually will have impact, but it doesn’t feel so big. And the other thing I would leave you with is what is in what is in your control and what is not in your control, both in your day. And also in your life. If it’s something that you truly can’t control, like the traffic that you’re already stuck in, then let it go. How can you let it go and just think about something else be productive with your time is yours. So until next time, I hope you have a great week. Once again, thanks for listening to the podcast. And if you enjoyed the podcast, we would love it if you could leave a review on Apple podcasts because that helps us get discovered by more people. We’d also love your feedback. So email me at Kristin at Kristin fitch.com or DM me on Instagram. I’m at Kristin Fitch and let me know what ideas or ideas for shows or for guests you have I would love to hear from you.

  • Uncategorized

    3 Ways Niching Down Will Grow Your Business

    How to Get Clear on What You Do, Who You Serve & What You Sell

     

    I am so glad you are here. Today, we are going to talk about how do you really get clear on what you do? Who do you serve? And what do you sell? When I recently did a poll of people that I’ve either worked with, or I’ve helped coach, or people in some of my communities, I asked them, What is the one of their biggest struggles? And one of the things that they came up with was that they are still not clear or crystal clear on what is their really specific niche? And then how do they go after and really serve the people that they’re trying to help? So we’re going to dig into that. Today, we’re going to give you a couple of tips on how you can get really clear here. And then we’re going to talk about some of the reasons why we’re not seeing the consistent results we want to beautiful friend.

    Let’s jump right into talking about how we get clear how we niched down, and how we stay focused on how we’re going to help people and how we’re going to grow consistent results in our business.

    The first thing is, this is so near and dear to my heart, because this is an area that I’ve struggled in, on off over the years as I’ve stepped into changing my business, and then starting the podcast. And one of the things that I’ve gone through was when I started the podcast a year ago, I knew that I wanted to help people step into and grow their businesses on their terms, I knew that I wanted to help people make it profitable, so that they could have financial and time freedom, so that you can do more of what you love.

    You can help and serve people, and that you can be available to the people you love. But in doing so I decided to go a little more broad with all of the content that we shared, and the guests we had on, which was great, and I loved every minute of it. But I didn’t get super clear to explain how I can always help people that are listening if they want to have a transition happen sooner or learn 20 years of knowledge that I’ve learned working in the online space and online marketing. So what I’ve been working on in the last month and a half is getting super clear, really niching down and becoming that specialist if you will, so that people know who I am and what I do and how I can really help them through the episodes what you’re going to learn what you’re going to hear. And then of course, you’re working with me directly in through programs that I’m going to offer you that are specific to what people are asking for. So this is so near and dear to my heart.

    Because I’ve been there, I’ve been unclear. I’ve thrown up lots of different messaging and tried different offers. But as soon as I put one offer out and didn’t hear much, I was ready to move on and try the next thing. And I know a lot of you are in the same boat because I have talked to you I have done calls a few Hi have pulled you in a lot of you are in this space where you’re kind of throwing spaghetti up against the wall and wondering why you’re not having more consistent results or you’re not growing your business is profitable as a way of you as you want. So let’s talk about how do you get clear so you can get those consistent results. So we’re going to share three tips for the first things you can do to work on this.

    The first is, let’s say that you are a coach and you’ve tried different types of coaching and you know, you’re just not really short you know that you are good at helping people through things. But you haven’t really decided what your specialty is. Maybe it’s because you think well I can help them with more than one thing. I 100% get it and you probably can. But if we’re going to have people refer us or I mean other people refer people to us if we’re gonna have people look at our online posts or our website and want to work with us. We have to be super clear about that one thing. So my first tip is, what’s the one thing that you can help people with the most? And the way we can find this out is two things.

    One, write down what you’re good at, write down what your experience has been in, get real specific with that. And then write down how are you wanting to show up and serve people right now? Is that one on one? Is it through a program? Is it through some sort of training? You know, what is it? How do you like working with people, but write down all these things that will inform you, and then write down what you’ve tried? And then which of those things you’ve tried? So with the coaching example, let’s say you tried, clarity, coaching, empowerment, coaching, maybe business coaching, so write all those down.

    And as you start looking at all of these pieces of your puzzle, if you will, you’ll start to see, you know, what is the part that really comes together? Where’s that intersection of your skills and abilities, some expertise you have, and then your desire to work with people now. But often, we think, oh, I want to have more impact, I really want to coach people. But sometimes we ignore what our past expertise or experiences. But I will tell you two things, if you start with the end in mind, meaning, what is your goal? Is it make this into a profitable business, then often we have to decide what’s the thing that we’ve done in the past that other people don’t have that knowledge and that skill set or that ability that we can help them with, so that they have the transformation, or they can learn the knowledge quicker, so that they can get where they’re trying to go. So the first thing is, write down all these clues about yourself.

    And then where’s that intersection, that sweet spot, and then start with the end in mind. So if you want to coach but you’re sort of like, well, I just know that I like the positivity side of it. So do I the encouragement. But what I found was, when I just do that, I’m just this general broad, you know, person saying I can help them.

    But it wasn’t until I said, Hold on, I have 20 years of online marketing, and Tech experience with training people mentoring them with growing a brand that my mom and I started in 2008, called ziggity zoom, to reach over 10 million people over those years, to have more than 40 million pageviews. And to have a huge 50 or 60,000 email list.

    But I did all of that, because I have experience in this space, and I have knowledge. But that is the knowledge that not everyone has. So it’s when I tie that together with my mentoring and my coaching, that all the sudden it clicks and people say, Oh my gosh, that’s what I need, if that’s what they need. So I think that’s where a lot of people get stuck, they want to create this future thing, but they don’t look backwards to see how the future thing can be informed by their past. So start with the end in mind, if yours is to have a profitable business, you have to be clear on how you can serve people and you do you have to pick one thing doesn’t mean you won’t help people in other ways.

    You have to become the girl or the guy, you have to be known for just one thing, especially if you’re just getting established, or you’re not getting the consistent results you want. So the first goal is pick one thing, not more than one thing, and then you have to commit to sticking with the one thing for some time. Tip two is that you haven’t really gotten feedback from your prospect from your ideal customer. Some people call it an avatar, you have to get actual specific information from people that you might serve.

    This can be done in so many ways, and you might have already done it. The challenges did you capture in a way that you asked enough people, you know, which of these things is what they really need? You know, and how do they talk about it? Because for instance, I’ve worked in online marketing, I’ve worked, you know, with helping people optimize websites, and how to build email lists and all of these things for so long that I might use terminology that they might not use, much like a doctor talking to a patient, put it in real terms, not in doctor speak. It’s the same with us.

    If you know a lot about a topic, you might use those words that language instead of the words they’re using. So you have to understand what is it that you’re trying to help them with? So what’s their challenge? What’s their problem? And then what do they most want in their business? So or I’m sorry doesn’t have to business, you might be helping people on a personal front or, you know, at home, it might be, you know, you might be a health coach, or you might write books about marriage.

    Any of those things are amazing. But once again, why would they pay you money to help them have this change or have a change sooner?

    So what do you do with this? How do you actually get that feedback from people? Well, I have gotten feedback from people before. In the business, I talked about ziggity zoom, we used to send polls via email to people we had done Facebook posts. And then I used to have a feedback widget on our website that would ask for people to give us suggestions and feedback. And so we would track that information. And then see what do people really want the most? What are they looking for? We’d ask those questions. But I have to be honest, in this last year, when I started the podcast, and started doing coaching, and mentoring, again, consulting, I wasn’t doing as much of that now I was doing calls, I was doing pro bono calls, and I was doing different things like that.

    I was just helping them based on where they were at and what they needed today. I wasn’t necessarily asking them based on my skill set and how it could help them. But now I am rebranding, and I’m niching down my podcast. And so I am going through that process all over again, with getting feedback from people. And then as I get more feedback, and ask them questions about their needs and where they’re at in their business, then I was able to see where can I help them and then ask them which of these things is what you most want in your business right now, or which thing is your biggest challenge or your biggest roadblock? So I was getting more and more specific, as I asked questions.

    And as I got direct feedback, and then I asked my groups. So right now I’m going through program myself, I’m going through Stephanie gases, p2p, which is podcast to profit. But we are doing that. And here’s the thing, it always starts with the most elementary steps. And those elementary steps are, you actually have to regularly talk to your customers, your listeners, your readers, or your prospects. And don’t assume because six months or a year ago, they wanted something that that’s what they still want, we have to do this regularly. And we have to keep coming back to it. So for instance, if you were running a business, pre COVID, but the world has changed, our work lives look different, where we work looks different for so many of us. What I need, if I was working with you before might be different.

    So we can’t use super old data unless we get new data. So that’s what you need to do next, is you need to ask questions, and you need to get direct feedback feedback from the people you’re working with, or the people you’re trying to work with. All right. And as you do that, you’ll also get more information about who your ideal customer is, who’s your ideal client? Maybe right now, you know, you work with female entrepreneurs, or women over 40 who want to lose weight. But you if you question them, if you pull them if you do cause with them, you can learn more about them so you can drill down.

    One thing I’ve learned is you have to drill down about four layers. Not just it’s a woman, and here’s her age, but you need to know her wants her likes her interests, you know, is she time crunched? Does she have a full time job? Is she stretched too thin, but you need to know more about your ideal person.

    So that’s the second thing. And then when you get that information from your, you know, your prospects and your current customers or clients, then you need to understand what is it they need? And can you offer that to them, and then come up with an offer in that messaging that really aligns with what they’ve told you and how you help them. That one way you can help them that’s different from me, in different from the person beside you, even if you’re the same type of author or coach or expert, because we are all different. We all have a different skill set a different perspective, different personalities and energy and we have different intersections of experience. So you have to keep all that in mind. But once you come up with how you work with people, you have to stick to it. And so commit to you know for a couple of months at a minimum, putting out your offer consistently, you know So however you try to work with people and reach them so of course on your website, emailing your you know your email list.

    And then if you use social, focusing on one or two social platforms where your person is and where you’re comfortable with that format of content, and just keep pushing, a lot of people try throwing something out one time. And if they don’t see a big response, they think, Oh, maybe I need to tweak this or move on. But if you posted it one time, or three times, the algorithms barely anyone saw it to begin with, you have to keep posting.

    And you I mean, don’t get me wrong, don’t just post an offer and never provide valuable content to people, you need to give them value throughout the week, throughout the month, with stuff you post. But mixed in with it, you do need to have a consistent offer you’re pushing out to them. It can have different messaging, it can have a different photo, but it needs to be related to the same thing. So the biggest roadblocks I see people making is one, they don’t stay consistent. And they think, Oh, but I already posted this. But how many people saw it, if you post something, and we’re friends on one of these social platforms, it doesn’t mean I saw it right, I’m only seeing probably half a percent of anyone, I’m friends with content in a given day, maybe not even that much.

    So keep posting it, tag people and make a commitment to yourself to get clear to niche down and stay committed to pushing this, the way you’re going to work with people out there. You know, tell a friend look for three months or six months, I’m going to commit to this because this is how people say they want to work with me and what they need. So I’m going to go for it. Because like I said, the biggest roadblock is people keep trying new things out. And they only posted a few times. So you’re not being consistent.

    You’re throwing spaghetti or all different things out there. None of it looks consistent, right? Because you’re trying, trying trying. But in doing so you’re diluting the message, you’re diluting who you are. And what it is you do that magic intersection, that sweet spot that you can help people with. And the other roadblock or thing that I mentioned already was, you need to get that feedback from people you need to pull people in, that’s probably the other thing that people don’t do enough of is they just try to intuitively put offers out in to intuitively come up with their messaging instead of drilling down and keep asking people. Now listen, you can ask people and you don’t want to, yeah, I get it. You don’t want to irritate anybody.

    But you offer them little things like hey, I have this, this guide, I’ll send over to you, if you help me or else, you know, I’ll do a 15 minute review of something for you or you know, a little mini coaching call or something. But if you’re going to ask them for of course more of their time, you can give them you know, a benefit, you can give them something or even a gift card. But you do have to get this information. So that’s the other roadblock is people think because they asked a couple people that that’s the answer, but they really didn’t get deep enough into the process. Okay. And so that is my big takeaway from you today is one, your past should inform your present, work your present offer, because that is something that you have that other people don’t that expertise, that experience.

    So how do you marry your current desire to how you want to show up and work in the world? How you want to step into your purpose, with what you’ve done before? I think a lot of us are leaving that on the table, we’re forgetting all the value that has, we’re also forgetting where have we been that someone else is currently at that place where we can help hold their hand and pull them up to where we’re at a lot quicker than we got there. So that’s the first takeaway for you. The next one is, what is your top goal. And start with the end in mind, if your top goal is you need to make money every month in this venture, you know, with the podcast or with your coaching, or with a ebook or something, then the goal in mind, of course, is working with people and being fulfilled, that’s kind of almost a given.

    But it’s that you want to make money. And if that’s the goal, it can’t be broad, because no one will send people to you, no one will be read and they won’t resonate with what you’re saying. Because they won’t be clear on if you’re the person to work with for what they need. Alright, so that’s the second thing. And then you’ve got to number three is you’ve got to get feedback. And then you have to consistently keep getting feedback and go way deeper than you think. So once you do an initial, you know, get feedback from people, a handful of people, then create another shorter list of things that you want to know what people really need and want.

    All right, and then do it quarterly do it, you know, at least a couple times a year, put it on your calendar and then don’t be inconsistent, just put it on your calendar a couple times a week that you’re going to off offer value with content related to this, you know what people want and what your niche down area of focus is.

    And then post your offer regularly, multiple times a week, everywhere you’re at, but commit to it and put these things on your calendar, put it at the beginning of each quarter to do feedback, and polling, you know, do a couple calls with people. But you have to get the more you do this, the more you’re going to get clear on where your connection point is, with what they need, where you’ve been, and where they’re at, and what they need. All right. And then the last thing is, just don’t keep throwing the spaghetti, pick the dish, you know, instead of throwing spaghetti and all different things all over the place, pick your favorite dish, and keep making that dish until you’re an expert at making that dish, whatever it is that you love.

    And in this case, it’s going to be if you’re a coach or an author, like focus in on the content you provide on the transformation, you can give people, you can’t just be broad, you know, you can’t just say I’m a life coach, or I’m a business coach. So is everyone else, what makes you different from the rest of them, and you are different and you have so many gifts and talents and you know your background that’s going to inform what type of business coach or life coach or writer you are. But you’ve got to decide. And it’s not to say you can’t change it later, or help them in different areas. But in order to pull people in, do you become active, right engaged with you. And then eventually, you know, to either join your community, or become you know, get on your email list.

    Then eventually, some of those people will become customers. But it’s by you getting super clear. And then making commitment to providing content, adding value in that specific area, you can always then help them with other things, build other things. But first, you have to build the first thing. And you have to stick with it until you’ve mastered it, and that you’re helping lots of people and making a profit from it. All right. So that is it for today.

    Podcast Episode by Kristin Fitch released May 19, 2022

  • Uncategorized

    Is it Time to Tell Your Story & Write a Book

    Everyone has a Book in Them & What Holds Us Back From Doing the Next Time

    Join Kristin as she interviews, Abigail Gazda, an author, publisher, life coach and podcast host of the Hearts Unleashed Podcast, to talk about starting new things, being authentic, and what it’s like to be an author and publisher. Kristin and Abigail also talk about the continous process of editing, assessing and discovering who we are becoming and doing the work to build a life that works for us. They talk about the concept of asking who am I supposed to be instead of what am I supposed to do as this allows each of us to keep growing into the person we are meant to be and focus less on the current identities we identify with in our current season.

    Another important question they discuss is why do we settle in lives and sometimes set goals or desire that aren’t our own. If you are a writer, speaker or podcaster or interested in stepping into these areas this is a great conversation around what that looks like. And each of us has a book or books inside of us or a story to tell so the question posed is- is it time to get started?

     

    business_and_breakthrough_abigail_gazda_ep35

    Mon, 5/23 2:31PM • 54:26

    SUMMARY KEYWORDS

    work, people, life, grow, world, book, coach, realize, long, authentic, trauma, part, love, business, heart, gift, water, important, feel, step

    SPEAKERS

    Kristin Fitch

     

    I cannot wait for you guys to listen. In today’s episode, we are going to talk about how do we be your most authentic selves. We are going to talk about how if we take care of ourselves, we we can take care of our calling, we are going to step into what it looks like to be a writer. We’re going to talk about what it looks like to start a book to be a podcaster. We are going to talk about the future work and we’re really going to talk about how do we step into who we’re supposed to be. So that it comes from our heart our calling, instead of what am I supposed to do? I think you’re gonna be so blessed and just really get so much out of today’s episode, so I cannot wait for you to listen in. 

    Hi, today on the podcast. I would like to welcome Abigail Gazda. She is a heart centered entrepreneur, a best selling author and publisher. She is the CEO of hearts unleased, which is also the name of her podcast like to welcome her today. Welcome, Abigail.

    Thank you. Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here.

    Absolutely. Can you start off with telling us a little bit about your backstory, and then how you got into what you’re doing and what you’re up to now,

    I’ll start with backstory. But I’m going to start with the end in mind, which is it’s a constant evolution, right? I am now the CEO of hearts unleashed. I’m a publisher. And funny funny piece of that is, I don’t think I finished any book that wasn’t assigned to me before the age of at least 24. Right. Like, I wasn’t interested in books, I never spoke true that I would be an author that wasn’t a big dream of mine. But as I grew, and I was a teacher in my past life, and then I was a manager of a fitness gym. And as I continue to grow, and as a specifically as a coach, so I I’m gonna start from there.

    Like my, my real backstory, being a coach and a leader and a CEO, is in 2016 is when I was introduced, I was managing a gym and I had hired a gal who worked part time for me. And after about like three weeks of working together, she said, you know, will you come check out my coach training program, everything that I’m being trained to say like you already, that’s how you speak, and I think you’d be really interested in it. And I went in Chicago in 2016, to the coach training programs, accomplishment coaching, I 10 out of 10 recommended, I think it’s great, but I walked into that room. And it was like I had found some promised land or I found family I didn’t know I had they were speaking a language that my heart knew. And I was like, What is this?

    And I was sold I was in and I mean, like the rest is history as many people say, but it developed because then the the next level of transformation came from being a really great coach naturally, but not naturally a good business woman. So I had all this skill, all this intuition, all this understanding and how to work with people specifically being trained to be a teacher.

    But that then I had to learn how to offer it, sell it, explain it talk to people enroll people register. And so that was a real evolution as well, which was then I put my head down and figured out how to do that. Started getting so inspired. I was writing books about it. And yeah, it’s really developed over time. That’s so good.

    So tell me about that. Like you said, You’ve been a teacher, you’ve you know, you’ve been a manager, the fitness club, you definitely didn’t think when you were growing up that you are going to write books or become a coach. So can you talk to us a little bit about and you know, both of us talk about trying to be authentic, how do we really dig in and be our true selves? And you sort of mentioned this, it’s an iteration, right?

    It’s a continuing process of evaluating assessment, editing, trying things, but what can you tell us about how you shifted into these things? And was that was it uncomfortable as you got new when he left? identities or titles behind him when you get new ones are you did both. So tell us about that. And was that hard? Was it painful to walk through? Or was it pretty like easy for you?

    I love that question. I’m like, I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that way. So thank you. Because I want what I want to say is at every level of the journey, I always thought and figured I was being my most authentic self. So I think that that’s really important for people to hear. Because we, we don’t need to hate our past selves, we don’t need to make ourselves wrong for the way that we are. It is acceptance, like authenticity comes from acceptance. And then as we grow, we naturally discover more about ourselves, we naturally get more clear about our preferences, right. And so that has been a really important part of the journey. So so to speak to that. Every time that I, I sort of, let’s say, discovered a new part of me.

    Or that an old part of me was sort of revealing itself as outdated. That’s how I want to say it because we, I don’t want to shame any past self. Like I’m always doing my best. We’re always doing our best. So shedding. Shedding was a challenging experience. And then teaching people particularly from my past, who might have liked the old version of me. So teaching people, this is who I am now, this is how I am now this is what I’m interested in now. A lot.

    I’ve got it I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that I would call negative or critical, saying what I just wish that we knew, like we missed the old ABBY I missed the old Abby, I want old Abby back. And I’ve had to tell people, you do know that that version of me was completely structured on people pleasing and, and working really hard for validation and approval. And so that was a challenging thing, because I like the statement, you teach people how to treat you. Right?

    So I was teaching I had to read teach people how to treat me how to see me how to relate to me, and some people decided they didn’t like that version. And some people have followed me all along the way. And the ones that really loved me really loved me through it all. But the to answer your question very specifically, no, it was not easy. This has not been easy. It doesn’t always feel good. And and it’s not about the external. It’s the internal. I have love from my people, really, I’ll say no matter what. And, and it’s me confronting my own fears of rejection, or my own fears of disappointing people that I’ve had to face.

    And that’s where the discomfort has really been, you know. So yes, I have felt authentic the entire way. But the more I develop, the more I find out about me, the more I mature and become a woman and have these different preferences and everything. So it’s been an evolution. Yeah, that yeah, that’s, that’s good. And I think you’re right. I mean, for instance, when I worked more so heavily in tech, I worked with a lot of guys, which I’m totally comfortable with that.

    But what I didn’t know is subconsciously I was maybe trying to fit in, instead of be completely myself. So it was more like I was tamping myself down. It wasn’t about me trying to not be myself or being authentic. It was literally just, oh, well, okay, I need to be sort of like this, you know, and of course, I was still myself when I was still girly and everything, you know, but it’s still I wasn’t till I reflected back in those periods that I realized that I was holding myself or part of myself back. It was not purposeful at all. And that was still me, but it wasn’t all of me.

    You know, like it was it was like a dial down version, if you will. And so over time, like you’re saying it’s about discovery, it’s about thinking, what am I left behind in my past that I loved in somehow I’ve put it on pause, or I went into a new season. And I didn’t realize how important that part of me was, you know, like, for instance, I love taking pictures, not a professional. I’m not trying to be professional at it. But there was a long time way back that I didn’t I wasn’t doing that, you know. And so it’s things like that, where you say, oh, wait a minute, there’s this thing I really love for me. It’s very artistic. It’s very creative.

    Maybe I need to pick back up the camera or my phone to take pictures which I do every single day. Yeah, I never was I needed those outlets, right. And so part of it is accepting, you know what, maybe I shouldn’t have left that behind, or I need to pick it back up. Because that’s part of me. And it’s a part of me, that makes me happy and joyful.

    I love what you’re saying. And as I’m listening to you speak, I just I wanted to accentuate the multifaceted parts of us the multi dimensional being that we are right, like, we’re not just a mom, just a CEO, just a woman, just a man, anything. And so being able to accentuate all the parts of us and let all the parts of us play and be seen and be free and unleashed.

    Because I think even in branding, you know and you know, your audience may diversify. It’s it’s not all about business. It’s not all about relationship but but that we get like, and let’s let’s backpedal for a second we live in, we’re currently interviewing in 2022. It’s really sexy right now, to turn your passion into an income. So it’s like, we can’t almost just have a hobby, without feeling a pressure to perform with it, when really, we might just like to paint bad paintings or cooking, you know, whatever. And so we don’t need to turn it into business. But that we really are not just one thing, and we have permission to be all the people all the versions of us that we are.

    Absolutely. So on that, you know, I, there’s definitely times in our life that I think we, we don’t choose a change in our life, right? So you might be you, maybe you lost your job. And now you aren’t going to be working in that same industry. Maybe you were married and you got divorced, right? There’s so many things where our the way we relate it to the world with an identity gets taken, the rug gets pulled out from under us, if you will, we’re still us.

    But we have to get changed when we didn’t choose it. So anything to say about that, because I think I hear people talk about stuff like this all the time. And it’s, it’s when they’re working, walking through hard season that this happens. And how can we make that easier? You know, what have you found, you know, that helps us understand that’s just a piece of us, it is just a title, even though there might be pain or trauma associated with it. But how do we step through that to really fully embrace ourselves?

    I love this question as well. Good, thank you for all the good questions, because this is very diverse, but um, the, for me, that was divorce, the season that I didn’t pick, you know, what you were kind of referencing or like something that felt forced upon you. So when I and that was a very tough season for me. And I was 27. And I had married my college sweetheart, we were together for six years, and, and he decided that he didn’t want to be married. And and that was, you know, he was trying to be and that wasn’t working for him. And that was really disruptive for me, because I was here on cloud nine in my own sort of like fantasy world.

    And in then it all went away. And and so I heard your question about like, how can we move through those seasons to stay authentic to keep coming up that time. So one, I’m a huge proponent for professional support, if that’s therapy, if that’s coaching, if that’s consultant, and there’s lots of free resources, also to be able to process but I 10 out of 10 encourage people to process what they’re going through a lot of us become completely compartmentalized. And then we avoid, and that’s not functional, we can not live our most authentic selves, if we’re trying to talk are a part of us away pain, anger, confusion, resentment. So we have to bring all the totality of who we are out.

    And we’re not good at doing that alone, like professional support is so powerful. I’m also just going to if you are someone who’s in the process, journaling is one of the most the simplest. And then also one that’s not so talked about is mirror work, sitting down in front of the mirror with yourself eye contact, and really get in touch with who you are in what’s going on within you. Because we’re so used to looking out all day long, that we forget, we even have a body we forget, we even have feelings that we’re struggling with. And we try to hide them and we do so well in the world. But when it’s just us at night, and and those feelings want to be seen and heard, like there’s no way through them, but through them. And that’s what I would love to say to anybody in a tough season who’s really committed to being authentic.

    Listen, if you want to hide and, and put on an identity and put on a mask and try to make it you can, everybody probably goes through those phases. But eventually, like I believe that eventually that will catch up with you. And it’ll kick your butt up and down the road if you’re trying to hide from them. And so I just really encourage people to process what they’re going through. Yeah, yeah.

     

    So let me ask you, I think you know, both both of us kind of aligned with you know, it shouldn’t just be all work you have to really curate and nurture these other parts of us these other relationships things that bring us joy are that you know, just fill out fill us up to tell us a little bit about your lifestyle and your work with your lifestyle you want and like the fun creative adventurous things you do.

    I would love to thank you i a live a very unconventional life to most people. I definitely have dismantled the nine to five a lot of societal norms, all of those things. And I grew up in the Midwest, from a from a blue collar family and we believe that hard work is good and rites and there’s that is fine. And I personally based on my zodiac and making In design, and like all these different features that I started to learn as they grew, I’m not built to work super hard. I’m not built to work. 24/7 part of my greatest gift is rest, and relaxation and being fully sourced and restored. And so my life looks maybe lazy for some people where, oh, why are you sleeping till this time? Or why are you You know, you, you haven’t worked in four days. But the what I know about myself in my alignment, is that I can do more work in four hours than some people can in four days.

    And so I’ve really, again, I’m laughing because I saw there’s so much self acceptance, acceptance tied into this, when I it, it took literal years. So I want to tell anybody who’s working on this, it took literal years to decondition me talking so badly to myself, like, you should be working harder, you’re lazy, you’re, you’re going to get beat, you’re never going to succeed that way. Like all that stuff. Because I grew up, I played college basketball, all I knew was be tough. And when I stopped being tough, I started being sensitive, and kind and gentle and tender one with myself.

    But with that helped me be that way with other people. But it opened up something because I’m a sensitive person. I’m an intuitive, I’m an empath times 100. And so with that my greatest gift is being slow and rest and insensitive. And so my life looks very different. I’m here in Costa Rica right now. But I’m a nomad. And I travel all over. And I’m sourced by nature. So I love spending time, you know, in the trees and in the water. And so it’s a little unconventional.

    Oh, I think it’s fantastic. I think most people should pick up at least some of that, right? I mean, definitely getting a nature wherever you live, and just trying to find something that you enjoy doing, you know, especially if it’s outside or it’s, you know, get you moving and things. But I think it’s so good. And I also think what’s really important, what you said is not just that you’ve Well, a couple of things. One is that it does take time for us to deconstruct what society and what our upbringing and what culturally we’ve been subconsciously told as well as consciously, like, this is how life should look, you know, and you should, oh, my gosh, a regular job and you know, good paying job, and it should be traditional, and then you get married. Like, I know, a lot of that has changed. But what I’m saying is, when we were growing up, we were hearing those or seeing those messages, right? That’s changed today a lot. But when when I was little that was still being told, or you were you were. And so a lot of us like you know, even myself, we are doing lots of different things like I worked for myself, same sort of thing. Now I have kids so I have a little more at the moment tied obligation that I’m that I’m here more otherwise, I’m a nomadic soul as well. You know, like I said, Sir, and I wouldn’t be gone, I would be gone taking the road. So that’s coming up soon again, for me. But, you know, I think though, the point I would make is one, you have to question is what you’re pursuing is what the priorities that you, you know, I’ve talked to people, they were making millions of dollars in their 20s. And then they realized they were just a bitter person, like, they got most aligned with their true goals for themselves. They were chasing after some other ideal. And so one is you need to, you need to ask yourself and revisit this regularly. What really are the priorities in your life? What do you what would make your life feel the most rich and meaningful, and you’ve done that and then too, you don’t have to fit into the mold with what anyone else wants you to fit into, because it has to fit best for you. And then talking about thing, this is so important. You talked about the rest and the needing to recharge to be fully present with your gifts. Yeah. So I mean, of course, I talk to people in the show quite a bit about that. But I think in general, you know, the populace. That is we do we we shove away our feelings and our emotions, and we want to just not deal with them. But to I think it was two weeks ago, two or three weeks ago, something with my oldest son had had happened and he’s fine and everything, but it was emotionally and mentally draining for me. Totally. And it was almost like what didn’t happen, but it made me feel like you know, as the mama bear kind of like, oh my gosh, like, thank the Lord, like everything was okay. But my point is, is I went into that work week thinking I was fine. And I found myself not able to get my work done. And so I’ve had to like really sit with that and realize that thing had happened to me and well, it wasn’t a trauma. It was it drained me so much emotionally. I had to just realize that week, I was gonna get a little bit of work done, but I had to just take a lot more time to not sit and do work on this and then at this level, and even the next Monday after that I was working and I realized at for two, three hours, I hit my wall. That’s not normal for me, but it’s because that stuff that was going on was so emotionally draining that I had to, I’ve had to step away. And I think it almost a year, I had never not published a podcast episode. And I mean, normally have them booked out six weeks, and they’re scheduled. But I happen to be in between my DAP where I was really getting episodes ready. So I had recorded, I couldn’t even get him. I couldn’t book I couldn’t get the two things done that week, I just had to say, Okay, this is gonna be a break week, just to because I could have gotten them up. But I was feeling overwhelmed. And I said, Okay, this means this is time that I have to acknowledge that instead of pushing through it, because I have to be rested and recharged, otherwise, it won’t be good for myself, for my business or for my family. You know, and so I think we under, we downplay the importance of what you just said, and I think it’s so important.

     

    Thank you for that. And for the listeners, there’s a term I’d like to introduce if they in case they haven’t heard it, but emotional endurance, right, like when we are tapped out we are tapped out period. And, and so and I what I love about this is it’s not it’s you, you know that you know, this, like at the depth of who you are, this isn’t a new concept, right? And so but what’s so cool about this is our emotional endurance is exactly like our physical endurance, rest, water, healthy food, you know, those sorts of things is the same thing that if we’re doing the right things to care for our body, we’re also caring for our mind. Obviously, there’s more like this, our spiritual practices, maybe some rituals, or again, like I said, journaling and mirror work, but but the thing we need to be sourced, we need to be energized. And when you like you said when you face too many obstacles for a lot of people 2020 And beyond has been like that work, we are facing emotional trauma after emotional trauma after and we’re expected to get back up and go to work. It’s crazy. And so we have to become more responsible at these days, these times the the time space reality that we are on the leading edge of like all of that is that we are supposed to become much more responsible for our emotional wellness. Yeah, right. And when you say building a life you love, you can when you’re well, when I had to reorganize me, you were mentioning like pride priorities. And I that’s kind of what I was picking up on. It’s like, my priorities are myself. And we’ve mostly have been taught to believe that that’s selfish, right? But if, and I’ve tried to rearrange my priorities, so my priorities myself and my well being, and then it’s spirit or God, or or source, and then it’s service, and I want to, I want to give this to the audience, because service means your family service means your client service means your whatever, right? And so but if you put service first, you will drain out, if you put spirit first you will drain out, you have to take care of your being so that you can show up for your calling. Right.

    And I just love that because our emotional endurance if we let that slide, if we get and it’s just maintenance, you wouldn’t not you know, when you don’t change the oil in your car, you’re going to end up on the side of the road. If you don’t change the oil in you, you’re going to end up with a problem. However that looks. Yeah.

    And I think part of that, right, that emotional endurance is also you know, like decision decision fatigue, right. I mean, it’s definitely emotional, because you’re so right. And I talked about that often, we’re going through so much. It’s like we thought we were close to done with the major part of COVID. And then now there’s, you know, war in the world and a threats of it. It’s just, it just keeps layering on. Right. And yeah, so even if you don’t think it’s affecting you, subconsciously, we’re having to think about all these things, you know, or not think about it, but we’re still having to, it’s still there. Yeah, and I think it’s decision fatigue, too, because I see some of my girlfriends, you know, some evenings and they just seem so frazzled. And so whether it’s partly emotional, right, that have a lot of emotional baggage for that day or week, they’re, you know, they’re going through things. But it’s also like they live, you can just tell like they don’t need, they don’t want to think about another thing they have to figure out today, because they’ve just had to do too much. And they didn’t take a break. They didn’t rest.

    And it’s very apparent when you see one, you know, one person who has done this one person that hasn’t and if they had the same going on, I mean, you and I can probably spot him from like a mile away at this point. Yeah. You know, I mean, I’m sure we all have our moments, but yes, people are there. So their concern? Yeah. And so what would you say? Any, any thoughts? I mean, I’m assuming you would say like, just how do we how do we make sure we’re, we are changing the oil in ourselves, right? Like, would you just say it’s the the nature and movement and journaling and like ritual type things?

    Yeah, there’s a there’s another layer to this too, though, because you’re right about the day Today in the week to week, but let’s talk about the decade to decade now. Because when I went through my divorce Yeah, I was sad about that breakup. But if I took that off the table, I what it up rooted in me was my own love ability from childhood, my mom’s relationship stuff. So So where are we at? We think we’re reacting in the moment. But we’re reacting to 10 to 15 years worth of memories. And so if you want to, if you’re really interested in I love what you said, like you could spot them when people are side by side, if you can see who’s done the work and who hasn’t. And that’s not a make wrong, we I know, you know that. And I know your listeners know that. But it’s like, if you really want to get to the depth of like a new level of peace, a new baseline of operation, and not end up on the side road, then we need to start clearing the traumas, we need to start taking a look at what’s really sticky in our life, because anything we are manifesting in our adult reality is a communication of our subconscious beliefs. Right? So it’s the subconscious fears and beliefs and insecurities that are literally mirroring because it’s communicating to us, Hey, I’m unresolved in within you. And I’d really like to be resolved, like I’m ready to go now.

    Most of our wounds are ready to be healed, but we’re just not addressing them. And you can empower the heck out of yourself by just deciding to take on some of that work.

    Yeah, I mean, two things. Recently, one, when I had recently an interview, I think the data, the statistics that he shared, one of my guests said 40% of people have three or more childhood traumatic things that happen to them. Now, they may not even know right, I’m not saying every one of these are horrifying things, right. And things you’ve internalized in that are still impacting the way you see yourself in in your life and the narrative so vastly that I think that’s fascinating, because I don’t think a lot of people, I mean, I’m hearing a lot more people talk about doing healing work and about trauma and things nowadays, but I would say even five years ago, I wasn’t hearing this sort of stuff as much. So I definitely think we’re a lot more people are working on these things. And I think that’s fascinating, because I think it’s so important. You’re so right, because you’ve been a fine. And that’s everything I heard. It’s like a nature, if there’s something inside that has to get out of truth that needs to get out. So whether it’s healing work you need to do or whether it’s that you’re holding on to a truth you need to speak to someone or to yourself. It’s gonna keep trying to circumvent until it gets for till it comes forth. And it’s just like a river, it’s gonna find its way. So we can’t stop that truth from coming out eventually. And we’re normally we’re having physical, right ailments until we get that out until we address it. You will.

    Yeah, I love that you use the river water always forces an outlet. And I also wanted to backtrack to what you said, because too many people have not been affirmed in this is like trauma is not a competition. Yeah. If that thing was lodged in your memory, or that’s the day that your brain developed, it doesn’t matter how traumatic or or like what we would qualify as traumatic, like a grotesque act or, you know, a heart being harmed. It could be that someone literally looked at you the wrong way with or with disapproval or that somebody snickered when you said something?

    Or you answered the question wrong, right. And I would, again, I would love to give your listeners this is something that they can do immediately to do this work, is sit down in the mirror or sit down in the journal and say, so you you saw something and like you said, three to four major benchmarks in childhood, right? So you witnessed something, and then you you then concluded something about yourself about the world about people, and then you started compensating for it. So there’s three steps to this. What did you see? What did you conclude? And how do you compensate so if I saw my mom going to work all the time, and I concluded she likes work more than me, I’m an I concluded that I’m unlovable and then I compensated by becoming the perfect daughter, the perfect angel, the star student, the studded athlete. Right.

    And I my entire identity was born from that for the first 25 years of my life, right? And then you’re like, Oh, good. Like we could peel those layers back and be like, Oh my God, I am not who I think I am. And it just like, unravels, but it’s a beautiful unraveling, because now we have this, like you said, people are so wound so tight because they’re trying to uphold some version of perfect and got it all together and adult, whatever, whatever we’re trying to uphold, but if we would let ourselves unravel, that’s why you see peace on those people because they’re not spending any time keeping anything together because we know we have no control. I’m gonna pass it back over because I can end up down a whole deep rabbit hole

    Oh my gosh. Yeah, I mean, let me tell you, I, for most of my life, I didn’t realize, you know, some of the ways I was probably showing up in the world, because of, you know, my upbringing and not like you said, it was only, you know, I’m the fourth of five kids. I’m the first girl, but like, certain patterns, certain happening in your life, and you’re like, No, I’m the one that loves helping everyone. But I don’t really want to ask for help. Right, that kind of thing? Well, obviously, that was I internalized that when I was growing up, you know, whether it’s just five kids, and it’s like, Was there enough for me like, or somebody wasn’t available? Who knows? Right? But yeah, I was like, I’m independent. I’m fine. Right. But that’s, you know, I’m also obviously always the one that’s organizing everything right. You know, those are both patterns that have to do with, you know, childhood, and so they’re still on works in progress, right? Like, I’m still working on those things, you know, trying, like, whoa, hold on, am I just am I reverting back to something that’s been comfortable?

    Because I’ve done it for so long, you know, and so I have to, I have to revisit that and realize, am I doing this? Because it really is what I want to do, or am I defaulting to this response or act? You know, like, Oh, I’m going to plan something, you know, instead of like, oh, do I really want to do that? Or is this really what I want? So, you know, it is definitely a work in progress, right? It’s a, I mean, you might have the initial kind of reflecting, understanding, doing the work and the healing. But then I think if we’ve done these things long enough, it takes time, you know, to be different, if you will.

    Yeah, you’re because you’re deprogramming and reprogramming. And what’s what we were kind of back to the beginning of the conversation is like, not, it’s really important not to make any of those parts of us wrong, that some of those things you said, are probably some of your greatest gifts too. And like your strengths. And so it’s just the it’s not about the weight, what you’re doing, it’s about how you’re being, right. So you can do those same beautiful gifts. But if you’re, as long as you’re not doing them from like scarcity mindset, or fixing and changing and controlling, then then it’s probably still a great gift. And I think that’s where we can’t make the past versions of us wrong. That’s so important.

    I so agree. And like you said, and we’re, it’s like anything, I mean, you just, it’s like a tree in nature, it’s gonna keep growing, right, it doesn’t stay stagnant. I mean, even if it has a season of stagnant, it’s still growing, it’s changing. We are to, you know, like you said, we’re just, it’s just versions of us that we are learning about ourselves. We’re learning about the world. We’re growing. We’re learning other information, hopefully. So I think that’s so good. Well, let me ask you, I do want to jump into, you have done, you know, a good amount of things. At this point, you have a podcast, you’ve written several books, and you know, also do publishing. And, you know, you coach people, your clarity coach, so tell us about, what does that look like? And if somebody’s wanting to step into something, you know, any just words of wisdom you have for them?

     

    Yeah, thank you. So, um, I, the one major word of wisdom I want to start out with is you got to accept your gift, for the gift that it is. I am a gifted writer, I am gifted with words. And because it came second nature to me, I overlooked it. And I didn’t value it or price it even appropriately in the beginning of my career. And so I would love to encourage people to accept their what comes second nature to them is probably their gift and exactly where they can make a living. And so I’d love to offer that, especially build a life you love is like, do get paid to be you or be rewarded to be you get to like working should I believe I genuinely believe that our work should be as simple and natural as breathing. And so that is what that’s what I’m going to speak into. I have written nine books in the last five years. Three of them are published in my name, but I’m so gifted at writing that I wrote I helped other people. So I was a ghostwriter. And I helped other people write their books. And I’ve also coached a lot of people to write their books. And if someone first off, I think we can all baseline that everyone has a book in them, it’s just matter if they really want to write it or not. Or at least everybody has a story. And, you know, there’s the if if someone on here is listening and wants to get started writing a book. The first thing you got to start doing is journaling. It’s really that simple. Now you can computer journal, you can paper journal, you can audio journal, meeting voice notes or video notes to yourself, but it has to start coming out. Because the more you speak your truth the more you speak your story, the more it’s going to reveal itself to you and take shape. My books reveal themselves to me and then I am obligated to write them and put them like pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. And so I would love to offer That is like just start writing. And if a book is not for you, it’s like, really just start expressing your truth on any level if you want to be living the life you love, because I that’s actually something I’ve been saying for years and years and years as it’s something that I it’s kind of a tagline that I have it a lot of the end of my post is I’ll always be living my life I love or live the life you love. And because I genuinely believe that as long as you’re expressing as long as you’re creatively, energetically, socially, sexually, mentally, emotionally, spiritually expressed, then you’ll you will be living a life you love. So, expression is a big piece of that. And then something something else I’d like to share around like that career aspect, you know, there’s the writing. And then I’m also a podcaster. So that’s it’s the same thing, speak up, speak your truth, unlock your throat chakra. And so I love podcasting and love showing up on my air. I don’t know if we said it explicitly in the episode so far, but my areas of expertise are emotional intelligence, and subconscious reprogramming. I could talk about that all day long. And I’ve so much so that I built a career out of it, because it’s what I want to talk about. And so I think that for anybody really looking into their life to chase their dreams is what are you the most passionate about? And how can you monetize that? It’s not to put pressure on it on performance, but it’s how can you live into your truth in the most expressed way? Because you that would be you giving your gift to the world? Because then I again, I can’t stop talking about it. I’m so passionate. I’m so excited, because this is what I came here to do. I did not come here for other reasons. And there’s other people who are gifted at other things. And I believe that if we all followed our innate gifts, we would fill all the roles that Nature needs. And so I believe in that harmony.

     

    Oh, yeah, that’s so good. And I actually speaking of throat chakras, I you know, I mean, I’m not sick. Often, my family isn’t sick often, but if ever I was, had high stress, like one time, I was going to this publicity summit event, you know, so you’re going to be meeting with reporters and all this stuff. This is years ago, right before I went, I hadn’t been sick. And I get laryngitis. Right, like so the only place I’ve ever been sick in my whole life practically. throat and sinus. Yeah, never below and never above. So it’s right there. Yeah, and, and I haven’t in a long time now. But But part of that was I probably wasn’t truly I didn’t feel I could speak speak about something, some things. But I mean, of course, I’ve I’ve, that’s not true. Now look at obviously, I have a podcast out speaking. But it’s just interesting how sometimes we don’t realize, you know, that me getting sick there. It’s like, if you if you pay attention to people, if you ever get sick, usually people get sick in the same way in the same area of their body. Right. But I mean, it is a signal, it’s a signal to us, you know, like, maybe you’re have something unresolved here something you’re not realizing that’s related to your spiritual, you know, or that kind of side. So, I only mentioned that because if someone’s like, I could never podcasts because I’m scared or I’m, it’s like, it’s okay. Like, if you have something a message to say you just find the, the platform reality in which to do it. So for some it’s going to be writing and for some, it’s going to be opening a shop, or just being a wonderful mom or starting a podcast, you know, whatever that thing is.

     

    I love it. I love it. There’s so many expressions of our creativity anymore. In this day and age, it’s endless. It really is. It’s

     

    quite amazing. And I try to tell my kids, you know, because they’re, they are high school and like, Oh, my God, you can really do anything. And I still don’t think they see it. But they’re not. They’re not living it like we are every day. You know, they’re still in school. And it’s kind of very structured still. Yeah, I mean, I know online, they see a lot of stuff, of course, because there’s all the social, you know, things, but I think it is it’s so promising for the future, I hope. And I guess that’s one thing I would ask you. So I want one thing I talk about sometimes is the future of work. And I think for 15 years, I’ve probably said this, but it’s more so true now than ever. And this is going to be strange. I know you’re gonna be like where’d this come from? But with the war machine learning more AI in some jobs will go away, which, you know, I think some people would be like, Well, how am I supposed to what am I supposed to do in the future? And I and I say you have to lean into what the gifts we were given which is our curiosity or creativity. And I just was curious, do you have anything to say about that? Because I think we we underplay those as such huge assets in all parts of our life.

     

    Hmm that’s I love that question. In no not too left field for me because I think it’s perfect, but I want I love the question and I want to flip it on its head is like what am I supposed to do? Let’s let’s scratch that and ask Who am I supposed to be? What you’re supposed to do? will be very clear when you realize who you’re meant to be. Right. Because when it comes from doing, it’s really about performance, it’s very achieve, you know, and it’s not heart centered, it’s head centered. So we’re doing a lot of figuring a lot of calculating, we are very creative problem solvers, for sure. And that’s a brilliant aspect to so many of us, but let it come from the heart. And it’ll be so much more authentic, because, you know, goodness gracious, it would be so relieving for so many people if they follow their heart, because I know those people because I was one of them who felt like they were pushing that rock up a hill, or let’s, I mean, like, water up a hill, like trying to just make the impossible happen or banging your head on the same wall. And it’s, it’s exhausting. And so it’s just not coming from that heart centered place. And the one thing I wanted to say specifically about what you asked, like the future of work, we are such a resourceful species. And we will always adapt and recalibrate. And there’s a beautiful book the soul of money, which I think is brilliant. And she’s she’s she goes, I’m trying to think of the author, I just can’t at the moment, but she goes into tribal communities, to help them sustain their life in this developing world, in a way where modern society is starting to sort of take over and close in on on communities and again, tribes that are trying to maintain their original style of living. And so they need to be able to come up with water and the source the sources that they need. And she’s and so she says this about humanity, though, if we were to run out of fossil fuels, if we were to run out of all the oil or all the water, the freshwater, we are so resourceful, we will always come up with a solution. There is no such thing as running out. We that’s a narrative. So if you think jobs are running out, if you think opportunities are running out, if you think there’s no room for you, that is a narrative you’re running, and it’s not your fault, but you you have to become conscious and willing to reprogram that, because there is so much abundance available. It’s just unrecognizable. Yeah. So it’s it’s it’s new territory, for sure. And it’s, you know, the unfamiliar and then you got to look at your relationship with the unfamiliar and the unknown and heal that. Because from your heart, you have your guidance about how to survive in this world. That’s for sure. So good. Yeah,

     

    that that reminded me of that movie that’s based on you know, a true story. I think it’s called the boy that harness the wind.

     

    Oh, yes. Oh, I just got goosebumps. I love that movie. Yeah,

     

    it was such a good movie. But the quick just if you haven’t seen it, and it’s worth seeing is I don’t was it in Africa? I can’t remember where it was, but it is some

     

    some country. Yeah, some African

     

    country where they have a very long drought, right. And so basically, they’re not able to grow anything. And I think they they get from the state or the country, you know, maybe some wheat or something, but they it gets stolen from them. So anyways, it’s their young son who’s I will say middle school, I don’t not really sure how old he is. Then he figures out a way to get them water from very far distance, but just enjoy it. Enjoy the game and talk and

     

    Genuity Yeah,

     

    and just using his, you know, like being super resourceful, being a creative problem solver, like what do I have around me he’s like, parts of a bicycle to be the power source like so. But this is the sort of thing all of us have available to us. But like you said, we, we get too comfortable being comfortable that we we don’t stretch ourselves in these creative ways. You know, and we really, this is the sort of thing we should be doing in schools and at home. But often we’re not, you know, not to the level we really don’t push ourselves as nearly as far as we could go with our with our resourcefulness. So I think that what you said was really poignant, and really important, actually. Cool.

     

    Thank you. And I think, um, you know, it’s to our advantage, but also to our disadvantage that we’re growing up in such an advanced world, like, we have so many conveniences and luxuries, that it’s I would call like an underdeveloped muscle in our brain and our heart. Because there were other generations there. Our ancestors had to figure stuff out, had to build stuff had to create. And I love that story. I wish I knew. I remember I remember more of the details, like his location and stuff. But yeah, he Harnessed the Wind and the Sun to be able to move that water and it’s like, it’s fascinating. And then we just have water coming out of faucets. So we don’t even have to think about that sort of thing. So, and my one tip for that is you guys get out and travel the world. I’m here in Costa Rica and like I went to Mexico last year, that was the very awakening time for me to see people living a different way. Forgetting having to leave a lot of American luxuries behind you know, and so it’s just go on a mission trip, go out of the country go even even in our country. We, there are so many underprivileged underdeveloped places. And so it’s really possible. But if you get outside of your bubble, you’re gonna, it might really inspire that part of you that that really is going to tell you more about your future.

     

    That’s so good. And actually, I visited Costa Rica a long time ago. I mean, it was just probably 20 years ago.

     

    So but it’s so different.

     

    That’s why I’m saying is back then it really was a lot different. You know what I mean enough, but it was amazing. So yeah, I think that’s, that’s good. And I think that’s really the thing, right, is we should shake it up, we should look to discover new things and have new experiences, whether that’s through meeting new people or going places that even places and people that maybe we feel that don’t seem like us, that might feel uncomfortable at first, but you you are going to miss out on so much if you’re not willing to just step a little bit out of your comfort zone regularly. Totally. Yeah, totally. So any last things you want to leave us with just wondering if that’s on your heart before we find out how people can connect with you online.

     

    This is so it’s just been so great. I’m really experiencing like a sense of grant such a sense of gratitude. So just thank you, thank you to the listeners who are here today. And I want to like thank you for listening to us. But thank you for investing in yourself by listening to such a conversation. Right? Even if it feels like a stretch for you to live the life you love by by listening to things like this and reading the books that will stretch you or or taking signing up for the next program. I just acknowledge I acknowledge the listeners for being here with us as well because this is how it happens.

     

    Oh, it does. Just keep feeding yourself keep feeding your soul. You know, I just read a quote I don’t I actually miss him. It’s on my phone. But it was it was just so

     

    short but

     

    clear. But it was your mind will believe what you tell it repeatedly feed it hook feed it truth and feed it positivity, which we both so aligned with so I think that’s kind of a thing, right? Is if you feel down, you feel hopeless, you feel like maybe you’re in a rut, whatever, whatever it is. You just have to keep feeding yourself as much as you can throughout the day with these these things that are just good. Yes. Love it. So Abigail, tell us how can people connect with you online and learn about your podcasts, your books, your coaching and all that amazing stuff?

     

    Yes, I’m gonna keep it real simple. Had to Abigail gazda.com. That’s if you find me there you find me everywhere. All the links are on there. Although we have lots of I heard some leashed is that as a transformation company, I have a team. So we are always hosting really great programs like book clubs, like personal development book clubs. And we have a purging workshop coming up, which is about you know, decluttering spring cleaning and, and so we’re always hosting something new. I love hosting little mini master classes and and then we have bigger programs like things that you can work with me on or just follow me. I’m gonna tell people Instagram is my favorite place to hang out. So I say Instagram is my love language. And I’m Instagram will like i n s t a Gail. And then otherwise, though, head to Abigail Gazda that come to surf around.

     

    I love it. Well, thank you for being with us today. Thank you for sharing your heart. And thank you for just showing up in the world fully yourself. And just being that empathetic person that’s putting so much goodness out there.

     

    Thank you so much. And thank you for having me. And I would love to encourage your listeners to come listen to the hearts English podcast to your episode.

     

    All right, wonderful. Thank you so much. Oh my gosh, so many great nuggets. In that episode with Abigail. I hope that you guys really listened and took that in. And I am going to wrap up some of the highlights from what we talked about. So grab a pen and a pad of paper in here we go. First, what is it you need to learn? What is it you’re good at, but if you learned the other side of it, you would just take off your business or life would take off. So as she gave an example, she was great at coaching, she’s gifted and writing and words, but she didn’t understand the business side of things. So she she got busy and she learned the business side of things so she could grow a business that supports her life and her her calling. Number two, we teach people how to treat us and how to relate to us. And as we grow and change, it’s okay we can really teach them and share with them how it is we need them to connect with us to you know, engage with us. Number three, are multifaceted developing beings. Allow yourself to remember the things you loved and bring those things back and allow yourself to change and grow and step into new things. And maybe some of the the old things are no longer serving you whether it’s beliefs or thoughts or the type of work you’re doing. Be okay with it as you grow and change. Next is we have to do the work to process our past. And so, as she mentioned a tough season There’s no way through, but through it, to process your requests and your trauma and your belief. And she gave us a great exercise as an example. As, as she mentioned, to us, trauma is not a competition. So get in front of your mirror or pull out your journal, and write down these three questions when you know, there’s something that you need to work through the first question, what did I see or hear, you know, maybe this is from childhood or from 10 years ago, or going through a divorce? Or an embarrassment? or trauma? What did I conclude? From the thing you hear, heard? Or saw? And then what? Or how did I compensate for it? So how did that thing you saw or felt or heard? How did it impact you, that you’ve been holding on to or maybe the way you’ve been interacting in your life in your relationships, or the way you’re showing up in the world? And then journaling that or think through that, and then use this exercise? Every time you need to do that work? And she said, let’s see, the next thing was, what is your emotional Intel? Endurance? That’s a word we definitely all need to know. So are you at the end of your, you know, your wit’s end, if you will. And, as you said, if we’ve gone through a hard season, maybe a decade, we may need to do more of the work I just mentioned, we’re if you’re having a tough day, we have to give ourselves more time and space to rest more time and space to be who were meant to be, instead of just pushing, pushing, pushing. Next, are you creating the life you truly desire? Or chasing what others said, matter? Right? And how do we how do we address that we think about what are our truest priorities, what truly would bring us happiness? And let’s deconstruct the things that aren’t working for us in our lives? And then next, focus on what I’m sorry, who am I supposed to be? Which is heart centered? Instead of what am I supposed to do? I think that’s so good. And then, as we wrap up, she mentioned, express your treat, speak up. And we can do this through writing through coaching through podcasting, you know, through speaking, but we all have a story to share or a book to write. And if we’re not already doing it, we need to figure out how to do that. How do we share our story, so that we can serve more people. And I love how she says this, except your gift for the gift it is it should be as simple and natural as breathing. And she also says we should be able to use our gift as the gift to the world, right?

     

    These innate gifts are given and then how can we monetize it? The thing is, is that comes too easy to us, often it’s going to seem like play. So chase that work that feels so easy to do, but yet, you know people keep telling you that you’re so good at it. And I just want to wrap up and said keep writing, keep speaking or podcasting or coaching in some of us are doing all of those things. But just keep being encouraged in know that this community is here for you. We want to see you step out and grow and impact and grow your income. And part of how we’re going to do that is our tactical episodes where we’re going to talk about how we build traffic, how we build our authentic voices, and how we do things that will let us get more exposure. So until next time, have a beautiful week. 

     

  • Podcast Episodes

    4 Ways to Get Booked on More Podcasts, Lives and Virtual Events

    4 Ways to Grow Your Audience & Leads using Podcasts, Lives and More

    We are going to dive into four ways you that you can get booked on podcasts, live and virtual events as an online entrepreneur. So I can’t wait to dig into this with you. And I hope that just becomes a monthly or weekly goal for you to get more exposure.

    Let’s dive right in. What I love about these tactics is that if you’re looking to grow your business to grow your brand, one of the best ways you can do that, and that doesn’t cost you really any money is to get in front of other people’s audiences where you can bring value, but you’re not known to them. Okay, so that is why we would be doing this.

    So once again, we’re going to talk about four ways you can get booked on more podcasts, or on Facebook or Instagram lives. Or you can be a guest or a speaker at virtual events. So here we go, let’s dive right in. The first way that you can get more exposure and get in front of more people, is to start off with creating a one shooter to be a podcast guest or to be a speaker.

    And you want to do that and send it to people as you promote yourself and these different groups we’re going to talk about and then also as you network with people, and I have examples of one cheaters that I will post on my website, Kristin fitch.com. But you can also go to canva.com, where you can create lots of graphic, you know, PDFs or JPEGs and things like that, of, you know promotional things. And you can also do one sheet or they’re they have examples that you can just take and make your own.

    Or you can look to other people’s sheets, and then come up with a style and design that you like. So that is the first thing that is needed, you don’t want to just post you know a little bit of copy about you, you want to have a easy for them to access, PDF and graphic that they can just look at, and it has your contact info, it has kind of what you cover what you’re an expert at a photo of you.

    And you know, basically like maybe some topic suggestions. So that’s the first thing that you really need if you want to start getting booked on more podcasts in lives. And like I said, it’s actually really easy to create. And it’s something that over time, as you hone your business, as you come up with new ideas to talk about, or you find which ones really resonate with people, you’re going to update this one sheeter.

    And then that’s what you’ll use moving forward. So it’s, it’s like most of our business, you’re gonna keep making little tweak to the things that you send out to people. But first of all, you start off with this one feature that you send to people that makes it super clear.

    What your quick highlight is, and then what you can speak to their audience about and what value are you going to bring to them? And then how can they contact you? So that’s the first thing and it’s so important. And I will tell you in the past, I even had two different one cheaters, which that can be okay, the issue is, I was diluting who I was and what my brand and what I can really speak to is because I was not sure how to bring the two things together.

    And if you find that’s the case for yourself, you just really have to get clear on who are you reaching out to to be on their shows or their podcast and what which of those would really resonate with them. So don’t make it about what you do so much but make it about what do you do that they would want you to talk about? Okay. The next thing is, you really want to join some groups that allow you to post that you can be a guest on shows that will let you tell about yourself and you’re focused.

    I’m going to give you a couple suggestions that I think are really great and that I’m members of and I’ve gotten guests and I’ve been a guest on podcast because of this The first one in Facebook is called podcast guest collaboration community. And I have, it’s a big, big community.

    I mean, I think it might be something like 20 or 30,000 people, but it’s super active. And honestly, I have gotten guests, and I’ve also been on other podcasts as well. So that is a great community. Another one that I am a member of that’s very active.

    And really, you know, good quality is called pod match. And then dash podcast guest interviews. Now, both of these free communities also have paid websites that you can join so that you’re featured, and you get emails with kind of summaries of the people that are in the group for that week. So that’s definitely an option. And if you’re really trying to book a lot of these, you know, podcast interviews and shows, that’s something to consider, you know, at least for a time being.

    There’s many other Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and things like that, but just pick a couple. And they can be super specific to it doesn’t have to be so broad. There’s other groups that might be for, you know, podcast guests, that are coaches, or just for speakers. Or maybe if you are an expert in a certain area, like a doctor, but you want to get on more shows, you know, find one that’s niche down like that. Okay, so that’s number two.

    But it’s really important, because that’s how you start getting in front of people that might be looking for a guest just like you. And actually, while I’m at this, I do want to mention, when you email somebody, which we’ll talk about in a minute, or you post in these groups, don’t just post your PDF, of course, post a little bit of copy about, you know, what’s your name? What do you do? What can you speak to, and then how should they reach out to you so that if they don’t see the graphic, especially in an email, and they don’t have to click the PDF opened, they can decide super quick if you would be a great guest.

    Or if you’re a maybe guest, or maybe you’re not a good fit. Also, when you contact somebody to direct directly, don’t just be generic and don’t, you know, send it to 50 people, you need to be super specific, you need to know the show, it needs to be a show you’ve listened to several times at least. And you need to tell them what it is about the show that really resonated with you. And why you think you would be a valuable guest to them.

    Don’t go on for you know, paragraphs and paragraphs, because they’re not going to read it all. Just make it clear to the point and concise and then attach that PDF or that graphic as well.

    The next thing is you have to network with people, and let them know that you are wanting to you know, be a podcast guest and that you’ve been a guest on other shows, once you’ve done that. And some ideas for that is of course, LinkedIn, you know, that’s a great place to network with people. And there’s lots of groups in there that are super specific.

    Also, if you are already podcasting, most podcast platforms have a community for their podcasters, where if they allow it, you can post and just say like you’re looking for a guest or you’re wanting to be a guest, you know, make sure you know the rules. Also, if you’re in professional groups, or you’re in paid memberships, where people are doing similar work, often there’s places within those where you can post opportunities to work with other people. And I’ve done that before.

    I’ve gotten great podcast guests by posting in those types of groups that I’m in, I’m in one group that’s for Christian or faith based speakers and writers. And that is not a Facebook community. But it’s a it’s another community. And I have definitely made great contacts from there and actually started some friendships from people in those groups, after I had them on as guests. So that’s the next way you’ve got to network. And of course, you can network in person, too.

    If you’re part of a business or professional group. Some you know, a lot of times in your own communities, there’s already people podcasting may be in your focus area, you know, so if you’re in business, I know locally, there’s plenty of podcasts, even here in my area. And then number four is, once you’re on a podcast, and if you really feel like it clicked with a guest, and it was a really good fit, you know, the content you’re providing.

    Ask that guest that podcast if you if they have any suggestions for you, or connections that they think would really enjoy having you on. So you have to ask people, you have to tell people what it is that you’re wanting to do. Otherwise, they’re not necessarily going to think to make that connection for you. You know, and make sure you follow up. You know, you can also ask people later, it’s just so important. And like I said, so many people I talk to maybe you’ve never done a podcast interview yet. Well, that’s okay.

    You know, when you first do it, if you join these groups, just make sure you’re ready to go and know that if you haven’t practiced or done radio interviews or podcast interviews or been a speaker at event yet, you have to be careful because a lot of times what happens is, you’re not ready for your responses. And you might go, you might kind of go on and on and on with your answers, which sometimes that’s okay.

    But if every answer is really, really long, sometimes you’re not really getting to the point of what it is you wanted to share. So it just makes it a little less effective. So you can practice by just doing, you know, getting someone you know, to talk with you, and maybe ask you, you know, hypothetical questions, and just having that kind of an interview style conversation so that you get comfortable with it, it’s really important, because you’ll do better if you haven’t done this, even if you’re a seasoned author, speaker, contest, or coach, so you’ve done lots of interviews in the past, maybe you’ve taken a break since your last big thing came out. And so maybe you’re just not as polished as you had been.

    Or maybe you’re talking about a different subject matter. Now, the once again, it’s really great to just practice a little bit. And then, as you do more shows, of course, you’re gonna have, you know, better content. And what I want to say about virtual events, often, if you’re in these groups, someone might post about that they’re putting together a virtual event. What’s cool about that is as you if you’re ready to go, especially with your one tutor, you can reach out to them and say,

    Hey, I would love to be a guest, or follow the events that you would love to be a guest at in the future. And so maybe it’s too late right now, for instance, if it’s a summer event this year, but follow them now. And then at some point they will, they’ll put out a call for Speaker submissions or proposals.

    Well, if you have that tagged, and you’re following them, you’re going to see that and you’ll be ready to submit your idea for the topic. For a group, you know, of speakers like a, what do you call that? Like a round table or something like that. But if you if you start having these goals now, you know, like, what would you love to be a speaker at so if you’re a podcaster, there’s there specific podcasting events, maybe for this fall, or next year, you want to be a speaker at some of those events, we’ll start following them now. So that, you know, when they announced that they’re looking to get speakers, so that that goal of yours can actually happen the next time, they have an event.

    And of course, I just want to say don’t feel defeated, if you submit to some of these things, and you don’t get it right away. You know, they have a lot of people submitting for especially the bigger the more exposure these events have, normally, the more established of speakers they’re gonna get. And that’s okay, just keep trying and start developing those relationships with people. And you will get there. And then also, your goal might be for this amazing, huge event that you want to speak at.

    But until you’ve done other speaking gigs in that same area, that same genre, or industry, you may not get that big gig, that’s okay. So what you need to do is also have a list of the smaller events that you can submit to you can reach out to the promoter or the you know, the person running it, and try to get a spot in there.

    Another thing that I’ve done in the past is, let’s say you’re not speaking at the event that year, but often they have positions where you can be a volunteer, and maybe you emcee a room, you know, and but you start making connections, you start getting to know people at this events. And often in that case, you wouldn’t if you’re a volunteer, you may not even have to pay for the ticket, of course, you’d have to pay for your, your hotel and your flights and stuff.

    But that’s a great strategy to start to get people get to know people that are running the event, you know, they’re the ones picking the speakers or people coming to present.

    So that’s what I would say as well. But you do have to start with like, what is the goal in mind, you know, and some people say, Oh, this year, I want to be on X podcast, or every month, I want to get in front of you know, for new audiences that I’m not in front of before. But start off with the goal in mind. And then decide how often you need to be submitting to different podcast or pod podcast groups, or different speaking events. So once again, like for me, if you just put it on your calendar to do it, you know, consistently. So if it’s bi weekly, you’re going to spend two hours and just submit to some of these podcasts in these events that you’ve been following, and that maybe you have some notes about what you really enjoyed about the show what resonated with you, you know, so maybe that’s your things, keep a spreadsheet of the things you’re the people or the podcast or the events that you want to reach out to in the future.

    And as you think about it, as you come across stuff, save that into that list, so that you can very easily and quickly get back to who you want to reach out to and then what the you know, when did you reach out to them and then what’s been the response so far? And so that’s it. Those are the four tips for how you can book get booked on more podcasts lives and virtual events as an online An entrepreneur. So let me just summarize those for you real quick again. The first is you have to have a one sheeter so that people know who you are, what you do and how you can benefit their audience. And if it’s the right fit.

    Secondly, you have, you really want to join groups, you know, that are looking for podcast guests, or for speakers. So get in those groups and make sure you know, at least regularly you’re looking. And a quick tip there. Usually you can search the group for, you know, key words, or like, maybe if you are focusing on people with life coaching, you could search those words to see what posts come up so that you can respond to ones that might be related to what you do. Okay, the next one is network with people, okay, so get in these groups. And if they have a place where you’re allowed to post, co labs, or promotion, or whatever it is, post in those groups. And sometimes they have tags that you can use, it’ll let let them know that you’re like looking for a guest or collaboration. Do it though it does work. I’ve done it so many times.

    I’ve gotten some great guests, both in the Facebook groups. And then in some of these networks and these memberships, I’m in as long as you know the rules, make sure you know the rules.

    Number four is, once you get on some of these podcasts or your speaker at an event, start asking people for suggestions of who you might reach out to or what podcast might be a great fit for you to you know, get on, especially if they know the other podcaster or the other promoter of the event. So that is it for today. And I promise you if one of your goals is to get more exposure for your business, for your brand, to get in front of more people, so that you can grow your audience. This is one of the most straightforward strategies that does not cost you any money and will really help you over time as you get into these bigger audiences. Bring some more people over to you to learn more what you do when it’s a fit for that person.

    So good luck, I would love to hear from you. Which of these are you going to implement? And as you implement them, I would love to know where are you getting traction and what’s working for you. And if you have another tip, besides these four for how to get booked on more podcasts and lives, send me a message or email me I would love to hear it.

    I want to wrap up today’s episode with an excerpt from the book Dream Big by Bob Goff And the reason I want to share this is I think we are always constantly changing both how we’re tweaking our business, how we’re serving people how we’re showing showing up in our lives. And so this excerpt spoke to me about that. He says,

    “The reason I’ve had lots of careers and done many things is that I’m constantly changing. You are as well, you can have several ambitions materialize at the same time, or they can happen in a row. There’s no wrong way. There’s just a wrong time. Get Current with yourself. Don’t be who you were, be who you’re becoming, figure out how God wired you and then go do lots of that. Only strangers will remember you for your job titles. The bad jobs can get us ready for better for the better ones. And the better ones can prepare us for the best ones. Don’t lament your bad ones. Just don’t stay in them. Our lie, our legacy will be the amount of love and hope and encouragement we release into the world, our self awareness in our other awareness and our willingness to adapt and to adopt new approaches as we evolve. What we do isn’t who we are writing a book doesn’t make me an author. It doesn’t even mean I’m a guy who can spell. It simply means I’m a guy who tried. I’m sweet Maria’s husband and a dad to Lindsay, Richard and Adam and now John and Ashley to if we call ourselves speakers or writers or writers or knife throwers or sword swallowers. But then some night we do a lousy job of speaking or writing or throwing knives, or get the hiccups. It’s not just a bad night. It’s an identity crisis. identity with your family, your friends, and Jesus. If you load up your job, with your sense of purpose, you are in some danger, some dangerous territory, it’s not wrong, just be careful that you don’t put all your eggs in that basket with a hole in it.”

    I think that’s so good. And I think as the world has changed, and as we have to pivot what we’re doing or how we do the things we do in the world, we have to remember, we’re just we just need to show up being the best person we can be to serve others, to spread love and just keep iterating and that’s okay. So step into your business. Don’t be afraid to pivot or to tweak when you need to make that change. And don’t be afraid to try new things. And most of all, when it’s time, get ready and get onto those podcasts and those events so that you can be a voice you can share your wisdom and your experience and your knowledge with other people. And I also want to let you know I am doing website optimization coaching, where you get a complete website and lead audit and learn how to optimize your website step by step to grow your leads. So if that’s of interest to you, head on over to Kristin fitch.com To learn how you can sign up for an audit with me today. If today’s show got you pumped about building your online traffic so you can grow your business. Let’s celebrate, pop over and leave a review. Tell us what you loved about today’s episode or share this with another boss who’s ready to grow next level comm network with other entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, coaches and podcasters at my Facebook group to take your business to the next level. or head on over to Kristin Fitch that calm to find out more about my online growth system.

     

  • Podcast Episodes

    4 Reasons Why You Aren’t Standing Out as an Author, Speaker or Coach

    4 Reasons Why You Aren't Standing Out in Your Niche

    You can either listen to this content below or read it instead.

    Are you struggling to stand out as an author, speaker coach? Today we’re going to talk about the top four reasons why that might be and how to fix it to beautiful friend. 

     Hey, hey, welcome back. This is Kristin and I am actually super pumped to talk about today’s episode, today’s topic, because I have so been in this spot throughout the years, I so much know how this feels because here’s a serious truth bomb for you. It was a couple of weeks ago, I was on a call with a small mastermind group that I’m in. 

    And it was two other female speakers and authors. And I threw out two different taglines as I rebrand the podcast to them. And as I shared them, one of the ladies in my group said, I like the second one. And she said, that’s the first time I actually got what you can do for people and that I could remember it to tell other people. It was like hello light bulb moment. 

    I’ve been in a small group with these two women, for I think about a year and maybe longer. And in the last year, I was trying things, things I was doing different things. But I was getting super broad super high level. So they really knew kind of the things I did, but they didn’t really understand how I could help someone else they might refer me to. 

    So that was my first mistake. My first pitfall was as I stepped into business for doing business for myself, again, I wasn’t willing to commit, wasn’t willing to commit to something super specific that I only could do and knew how to do versus so many other people. Because if you’re vanilla, it’s it’s not going to work, people aren’t going to remember. So let’s jump into the top four reasons. 

    And of course, I’ll tie back in what I just shared with you, the top four reasons why you aren’t standing out as an author, speaker coach in the way you want to that maybe you’re not getting referrals, or you’re not getting enough people signing up for your program, or maybe you’re not getting booked in enough speaking paid speaking gigs or not selling enough books. And there will be other episodes where we’ll dig into the specific challenges, whether it’s about books, or speaking gigs, or coaching programs. 

    But for today, we’re going to be a little more broad in our answers. Because this really applies to any type of subject matter expert or focused person that you are in your business. So as I mentioned, my the first top reason why you’re not standing out in the way you want is because you aren’t willing to specialize. 

    Because you’re too broad, and people really don’t know that you’re the go to person for something super specific. So usually it’s because we’re, we think by getting really specific, we’re gonna lose possible business. But the opposite is true. And there’s so many people that share the stories, their own stories with you, when they got super specific about exactly what they do. They were able to get more business. 

    And think about it this way. If we’re looking at restaurants, and a friend of mine says, Oh my gosh, what is the best Italian restaurant you know, we have a special dinner coming up and I want to pick the best Italian restaurant. Well, if I’ve ever been to an F tion restaurant or multiple ones in my area, I’m probably going to say oh my gosh, yes, you have to go to Altos, or whichever restaurant I would I would tell them and I would tell them why it’s so amazing for Italian. But if my friend said what’s the best restaurant in the area? Usually, I’m not going to pick the restaurant that has 600 things on the menu and they have Americana and they have a little Italian and they have burgers. Because the experience you’re going to get there is you’re not even sure what they specialize in. So you’re not going to even probably pick their best dishes.

     It’s the same in business. Do you want to be a restaurant that serves everything, but they’re known for nothing or do you want to be the standout restaurant that serves the most amazing burgers with you know, toppings that you could barely even fathom. But the combos are so delicious that people can’t help but tell other people about this experience they had at your burger joint or whatever kind of thing you have. 

    So that’s the first thing, you have to be willing to specialize, you have to be willing to niche down even more than you are now. And years ago, a woman I worked with on one of our boards for for our business that we had, she was, you know, America’s nutrition expert. But it was it got really specific, right, like she got drilled down exactly who she helped. That’s what we’re talking about. So you really have to go further and deeper and be specific, you know, that you help somebody to certain level with a certain thing. 

    So the next thing is, what’s your one message, what’s the one transformation that you can help people with more so than other people that might be in your similar industry. So we might be able to help them in more ways. But there’s usually one message that really stand out for your prospect or your client the most in that’s the message that you want need to be really clear on, but getting feedback from your current clients and your prospects, that then you have to hit that message home over and over, again, on your website, and on your social, you know, the way that you’re speaking to your audience. 

    So that’s the next thing is it has to be one message, one clear thing that you’re telling them that they can get from you, you know, either you’re going to help them get to a point in their business sooner, or they’re going to have a transformation from understanding your framework, or whatever it might be. But we can’t try and have six different things, when we’re just trying to really keep expanding and growing are one thing, we have to stay focused on it. The next thing is, you’re not, you’re not getting more exposure, you’re not standing out because you’re not getting in front of more or bigger or newer audiences. So in other words, you’re doing the same thing you’ve always done, and you’re not doing collaborations with other people, you’re not being a guest on shows or on podcasts. 

    So in other words, your audience is stagnant, or it’s just not expanding, because you’re not getting in front of new listeners, or readers or prospects. So what do you do about that, you go and start getting booked on podcast or shows, or in Facebook Lives or you become a speaker at bigger events. Because you have to be able to get in front of more new people in order to grow your your business. 

    Then the last thing is, you’re not engaging with your audience in a deep way. In other words, you’re not growing super fans. And in Pat Flynn’s book, super fans, he talks about, we take our listeners or readers or users or website visitors to this place where they start out with a casual, you know, visitor, they’re just kind of checking things out. We, we build, we make them into more active participants. And then as we do we have more connection points with them, we make them more of a connected fan or connected user. 

    But the end goal is to make them into super fans, right? That’s the highest level. A lot of us, though, are just busy, busy posting and putting things out there. But we forget to keep having touch points with our the people that are engaging with us, you know, so on social or on our website, with our email list, maybe by giving them special sneak peeks and smash special content that only they get.

     But then it’s interacting with them. Are you emailing them back? Are you posting and responding their comments on social thanking them? You know, making sure that people know a little bit more about you that you’re you don’t have to be an open book, but they do need to know how you guys connect in different ways. You know, if you’re a mom, that’s great, but do you have only are you a boy Mom? Are you a faith based? Mom?

     

     

    Are you into dogs? Or no, you’re a cat person. But people like to know that information because some of them are going to see themselves in you, you know, and who you are and what you represent. The other thing that Pat Flynn says and I actually say something very similar to this is people want to feel like they belong. So are you engaging with them? Are you connecting with people, you know, your listeners, your readers, or your clients in a way that they feel like they belong? They’re part of your tribe, and they love it so much that they want to bring other people into this community into your tribe. 

     

    That’s another mistake we sometimes make is we get so big As you head down working on the next talk or the next chapter, or you know, the people working right now that we don’t put in the extra effort to send a individual direct message, or to send a quick email to somebody to say, I really appreciate you taken the time to do that review, or to connecting me with this person. So it’s that a go above and beyond. 

     

    Because as you do that, from the right place, right from that servant heart from that place where you’re doing it, because you truly care about this, this community you’re building, people will notice they’ll know the difference, right? If it’s authentic or not. And they will want to be a part of that, because you’re showing up in this most amazing way, fully authentic, fully vulnerable and fully present. So it is so important. 

     

    And so I just want to add a couple tips for how we can do a better job so that we do stand out. So we do build our audience. And we do build superfans. So the first is, when you meet someone, or there’s people that you’ve you’ve already worked with, if you ask them, and you can send them an email, or you can do a poll, or you can get feedback from them. It can be a phone call, Hey, what is it that you think I do? And how would you describe that to someone else, and then write down or capture or record what they say. Because while you might think you’re clear, and you’re super specific about what you do, and who you help, you might be surprised to find that it’s not as clear to other people as you think. 

     

    So that’s the first thing I would say is a quick exercise is to talk to 10 people, and ask them to tell you, you know, Hey, what is it you think I do? And and how might you refer someone? Why would you refer someone to me? And what is that? What would you tell them about me? You can obviously say that in your own words. But that’s the gist. That’s the first thing I would say to do. So they get really clear, if you are super specialized and specific in that people understand exactly what you do. The next thing is your message? Is your message clear? 

     

    Or have you gotten way ahead of who’s actually looking for your solution, your service, or your you know, your book, or whatever. And so what I mean by this is, as I’m actually building out my upcoming course, when I just did a coaching call for my program with someone, they said to me, Well, what about using, you know, SEO in the title, and I said, Well, okay, people like me and you to my coach who have been in the industry for a long time. We know that word very, you know, we hear it all the time. But for someone with a website, where they’ve put up a website, but they’re not doing much else to really optimize it to really make it the best tool that it could be for them. They may not use that word, they might have heard the word. But for them, they don’t even quite know what all that entails. And so sometimes we use the language that doesn’t actually connect to our audience. 

     

    So that one message is so important. And one way that you can get really clear to make sure your message is resonating with people is take your message. And then you know poll people ask people, hey, you know, what are you most struggling with? What do you think when you see this messaging and then see if it connects. I’ve just recently redone this, as I’m rebranding and revising the podcast. And I have to tell you, once again, I started off super broad with how I can help people in by the end, and I am so specific down to one thing I’m helping people with. So even though the podcast will have episodes that talk about optimizing your online presence, and growing your brand, and tools and all this great stuff in entrepreneurial stories, how I specifically help people is going to be so clear and specific now. 

     

    And I’m going to be honest, there was a lot of resistance for me, as I kept drilling down because I thought to myself, Wow, I was doing this kind of work 15 plus years ago, and here I am back at it, which for me was a little bit of a shocker. But as I let myself process it, you know what I realized? I can still be a consultant, a coach, a mentor, I can be an encourager, I can help people find financial and time freedom by being super specific in the thing that I know that I could literally speak about in my sleep. 

     

    So while it might not be the most exciting topic for me today, because I’ve been in this industry for 20 years, it’s the thing that I actually know so much about in just have to, you know, hone in do a little bit more digging for, you know how the things have changed today, but I only share that to say I get it you might think your message is super clear or you’re being specific. But that’s your purse. perception, your language might be higher. In other words, doctor speak, are you telling it in simple layman’s terms that someone will understand how you help them and what their transformation will be? 

     

    Or you using lawyer or doctor speak but in your industry? Is it above our heads? Because we don’t speak that way. So you need to find out. And then okay, and the next tip or thing that you can do is, are you actually booking opportunities to get in front of new audiences, this just becomes an objective of yours each month, you know, to reach out and to get on other podcasts or to, you know, get on people’s Facebook or LinkedIn or Instagram type lives, you know, video type conversations. 

     

    That’s it, you just put it as a goal of yours every month. And I have another episode that talks about how can you actually book these types of things that came out, I think, a week before this episode. So take a listen to that. And then lastly, when we’re talking about growing superfans, you need to do an audit, where all the places that you have touch points or connections to your prospects to your listeners, to your readers in are you actually answering their questions? Are you showing up in your community and responding to people? 

     

    Or do you have someone that does that for you, but you don’t want those opportunities to connect with you to beat to go on answered, because it’s literally gold each time you have that touchpoint with them, or you don’t just post something, and then they comment, and you never comment back. When you actually take that minute to actually respond to them to say thank you, or, Hey, here’s what I think of what you posted, or I love this. People feel once again, more like they belong, that they’re part of a community that they are actually truly part of not just that they’re watching you post content, even if it’s valuable, but that there’s no interaction. 

     

    That’s the other thing- you’re where you actually have touch points or connections with people that follow you or, you know, are on your email list and then make sure you respond, you know, in Yeah, it’s the beginning, it might take quite a bit of time. But those people will seriously over time, they will become from that casual to the active to more connected to you to that super fan. And do you know how we sell more things? 

     

    Do you know how we make more money? It’s because we have people being our cheerleaders who love our content, or our product or service so much our book, that they are the ones spreading the word to other people. We really can’t be super successful in business. If we can’t ever create people that literally just love what we’re doing and they really feel connected to us. We need to do that. Okay, so that is it for today. Let me just super quick rewrap back up. So one, how do we get how to stand out more in our industry? 

     

    First is you have to get super clear on your message, your one main message, your one main transformation. Next is are you really specializing and can people actually articulate how you specialize in what you do and who you serve? Because if they can’t, there is a problem. And an answer cannot be a will. You’re a life coach. What? That is way too vague, guys. Life Coach is so vague that I don’t know who you help. I don’t know if I would want to work with you. Are you a life coach for college teams that are trying to decide what college to go to? 

     

    Are you a life coach for moms that are busy, but also work full time and you’re helping them with a certain thing? You have to get super specific because otherwise, there’s too many other people in our industries. And we’ll never stand out as the one as the person to go to for the certain thing for the certain person. I wouldn’t want a lawyer that specializes in everything. If I was going through divorce, right, I’d want the lawyer that focuses in on divorce, who helps the women going through divorce when you know or get the most out of their situation in a positive way. Okay, so I’m not just going to pick a lawyer that does traffic violations, and he does wills and he does criminal cases and he does divorce or I said he but it could be a she. I want the specialists, guys and I think you do too. So if you’re picking specialists when you work with people, think about if you’re the specialist in your own business that people want to work with.

     

     

    And then put it on your calendar to grow your audience. Engagement with your with people. So that means you have to get in front of new audiences. There’s lots of ways to do that, but that needs to become one of your objectives. So write it down on your list of things Should you do every month? And then lastly, are you responding to the people that are already interacting with you, you know, online or in person, it could be via email, it can be at networking events. But it’s follow up, follow up and make people feel like they belong, that you’re building a community that they’re so excited to be a part of, that they’re going to share with other people. 

     

    I want to leave you with a Maya Angelou quote, where she says, 

     

    “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

     

    So as you step into your business, keep asking yourself, How are you showing up? How are you engaging in how are you making your listeners or your readers or your prospects feel on your website, in your social in your conversations, or lack of commenting or conversations? So I hope you’ll step into your day and into your month with that question in mind in really remembering those words. 

     

    And I also want to let you know I am doing website optimization coaching, where you get a complete website and lead audit and learn how to optimize your website step by step to grow your leads. So if that’s of interest to you, head on over to Kristin fitch.com To learn how you can sign up for an audit with me today. If today’s show got you pumped about building your online traffic so you can grow your business. 

    Let’s celebrate- pop over and leave a review. Tell us what you loved about today’s episode or share this with another boss who’s ready to grow next level comm network with other entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, coaches and podcasters in my Facebook group to take your business to the next level, or head on over to Kristin fitch.com To find out more about my online growth system.

  • Uncategorized

    Are You Ready for a Life with Full Freedom?

    On today’s podcast episode Kristin interviews Skye Barbour, an International Business Coach, Author and Podcast Host of Full Freedom for Entrepreneurs, about going from a corporate career to starting her own coaching business while starting a family.

    This episode is all about how we can create a business that allows us to do work we are passionate about, have more time to do the things we love and allows us to get support for the things at home and in work we want to delegate.

    This episode is about understanding our limiting beliefs or freedom blocks and how working on our mindset can help us move into putting in place the right systems, people and processes so we can build and grow our business.

    To learn more about Kristin’s programs, coaching and podcast go here: Kristin Fitch.com

    To Connect with Kristin on Instagram follow her @KristinFitch

    You can Connect with Skye at SkyeBarbour.com

    Or Take her Freedom Blocks Quiz at : SkyeBarbour.com/quiz

    #productivity #FullFreedom #WorkFreedom #GreatResignation #WorkLifeBalance #Processes #Entrepreneur #FemaleEntrepreneur #CEO #SmallBusiness

    Show Transcript:

     

  • Uncategorized

    Taking a Break when you are Emotionally Drained

    taking_break_when_emotionally_drained

    On today’s solo episode Kristin shares the importance of stepping away from work or other obligations when walk through emotionally or mentally draining life events or challenges. She explains if you feel worn out or like you don’t have the mental space to do work or certain work then it’s ok to step back and take time to rest, recharge, process your emotions. It’s healthy to recognize when we need to slow down and let our bodies experience what we went through.

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 111: Launch Your Creative Side Hustle

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    Ep 111: Launch Your Creative Side Hustle by the New Year to Make Extra Income

     

    On today’s episode Kristin talk about the first steps to decide how your talents, passions, interested, and knowledge can intersect to create a product, solution or service that helps someone solve a problem, or get a transformation and why you need to test it out as soon as possible even before you think about your colors, website, perfect wording or anything else.  Come listen in and see what you can conjure up to start this year.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business-  Personal Development, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, Work from Home, What’s Your One Thing, What is Your Magic Sauce, Who Are You, What Lights You Up, Don’t Keep Your Day Job

    Transcription of the Show:

    Kristen here, welcome back to another episode of building a life you love. Today is a special episode because I’m going to talk to you about launching and creating a creative side hustle or business. And I think this is so important as we get to the end of the year, because as December hits, so many people start thinking about, you know, all this new year’s resolutions that they make or don’t make, but they start wondering, you know, am I happy in my job? Do I want to look for a new job? Am I happy with, you know, physically and you know, how I’m treating my body? Right? Like, how we look? Are we exercising? Or are we eating well. And so this is the time of year, you know, now through probably February that people start wondering, you know, how else can I make money? Could I work for myself? What would that take, maybe I should start a you know, business on the side. So I can start bringing in more revenue. Because one of the things we found at the pandemic is, nothing is guaranteed, whether you own your own business, or you still you work for someone else. So many businesses were shut down. So many businesses are currently being impacted by this supply chain issues. People you know, that either have COVID, they’re worried they had COVID, you know, there’s the vaccine debate. So there’s just a lot going on. And so one of the things that I want to empower you to do is go after what you really want, you know, find work that you’re you love, and that fulfills you. But also if you if you’re in a job that you like, fine, why not start building additional revenue streams so that if ever there comes a time where the job you thought had stability, you know, goes away, it dries up, or it can’t operate. So today we’re going to dig into this a little bit, and I’m excited to share with you a November 1, I’m actually launching a course called launch your creative side hustle. And it is going to be so great, it’s going to it’s going to wrap up before the end of the year. But for those people that get started in it, and it gets busy in December, I’m going to have a you know, kind of a revisit session in January that will be included in that program. So today, I want to dive in and help you think about this and kind of think about what are those first steps you need to take. So let’s dive in. But before we jump into some of that, I want to ask you this question. I want you to think about this. What about to ask you? How would your life be changed? If you could either bring in additional revenue every month? And and what would that do for you? What would that do for your you know, if you’re have a family, your family? How would your life be changed by that? Would it let you pay down debt? Would it let you take a vacation? Would it let you you know, save towards some big dream you have like a new house or getting a new car or another car. So next question I asked you is how would your life be different if you actually went after something you’re passionate about, instead of possibly settling for a job or career, that maybe you stepped into it one point way back. But now you realize it doesn’t fill you up, you feel empty, and you’ve just feel like it’s soul crushing or exhausting, you find that in the morning, you’re not excited to go to the job and you’re you know, at night you just feel worn out and tired, deep down in your soul. And I would say to you if either of those situations are true, either making additional revenue would really make a big impact in your life, whether it’s a few $100, or a lot more than that. Or if you’re in a job that you just know isn’t right for you. Even a career, maybe even a professional career. Like a lawyer, you know, a doctor, an engineer, a nurse, whatever it might be, but if you’re finding it’s not the right place for you, you don’t have to accept that as your future. And the whole point of this episode is to say it doesn’t mean you should go and quit your job now although many people are finding that there’s this pressure put on them right now, where they’re having to choose between, you know, freedom to make their own medical choices and you know
    Basically being told what to do, and there are people leaving their jobs, you may find yourself in a situation like that in the future, where you have to choose between your beliefs and your values and what your job mandates. Once again, we want to be prepared so that we can still take care of ourselves and our families, if something like that were to happen to us for whatever the reason was.
    And so ask yourself those questions. How would your life look different? or How could you step towards something that you’re more interested in stepping towards? Or how would starting your own business gives you the freedom, right, and the flexibility of time and financial freedom to not worry about possibly losing your job if this pandemic keeps going on or mandates get, you know, even more extreme? So
    take a minute right now and really think about that. And once you do, I want to now step into some things that you consider to try to move towards this side hustle that, of course, can become a full time business, if that’s what you choose to do with it. Okay, as we start thinking about starting something new, starting a new business testing a side hustle idea, the first thing we need to do is write down what are, you know, what are the things that we’re interested in? What are the things that excite us? What are the things we’re passionate about? You know, and that we feel drawn to? You know, is there certain content, you’re always reading about certain genres? Is there certain type of things you always love, like you’re into cooking, you just can’t you can’t help but you know, read recipes, and you want to make them, it could be that you love, you know, reading about medical literature and things like that, whatever the thing is, it doesn’t matter. But you know, start writing those things down. So what are your interests? And your hobbies? What are you passionate about? What’s the thing in the world, that you just feel like, gosh, if I could help in this way, I would love to help moms, I would love to help, you know, students that need someone to tutor them, you know, whatever it is, but there might be this deep down passion you have. The next thing you want to do is, what are the experiences you’ve had? What is the knowledge that you have in the world, so this can be through jobs? This can be through things in your personal life. For instance, maybe you’re a mom of eight kids, and you’ve homeschooled them? Well, you’ve now been through homeschooling, probably for 15 or more years, there’s people just coming up and starting that knew nothing about that, well, you’re the veteran homeschool parent at this point, if that’s you. So it can be anything, it doesn’t have to be you know that you’re a lawyer, and you know how to review and write up contracts, right? It doesn’t have to be professional experience. But you do have to have experience or knowledge in the area or the subject. The next thing you want to write down and look at is how do all of these things intersect? In other words, where’s their dots that connect, and then you want to look at what is a problem that you can help someone solve that you’re passionate to help them with? So the first thing is, what’s the problem in the world that you want to help with, and then to how do you help the person solve it or make a transformation happen, or improve their outcome. And this can be everything from that your mom and you have come up with systems to make dinner less stressful, and have healthy simple quick meals that you can make in under 15 or 20 minutes, you know, from prep to done. So if that’s you and you’ve kind of mastered a system to do this with, you know, maybe clean simple ingredients, you know, that doesn’t bust the bank. That’s something that you can offer to other moms, because you now have, if you will, your own system, or you’ve improved upon a system maybe that you learned, these are the sort of things though, that that are solving a problem, you’re helping those moms, be less stressed out, get dinner on the table quicker, you know whether they prep it and do it in the morning, or whether it’s just a really quick dinner time prep, like maybe one sheet meals, you know what I mean? So anything is any content, any passion you have any people that are on your heart, all of those things can help us determine who and what you can, how you can serve a group of people in the world. Okay, and I want to talk about two additional things that we have time for today on this topic. The next is ask people. So once you’ve sort of brainstorm you know these things and what you sort of want to test out what you’re interested in where you have some knowledge, ask people, Hey, what are you struggling with? What’s your biggest challenge right now. So of course ask people that are connected to the area that you might want to focus on, you know, so if you’re saying
    Get you’re going to help moms with something, asked moms right? with kids of similar age. If you’re thinking that you’re going to create a product, you know something that you’re able to make with your hands or in your kitchen, ask people that would be looking for that sort of thing. If you have knowledge, and maybe you’re going to do a workshop or a course, or, you know, sell, maybe like up PDF printables, then ask the people that you’d be possibly talking to about this product or the solution. So just pull people pull your friends, send them a text, post to Facebook, or LinkedIn survey, or whatever you want Instagram. And then after that, after you get a little bit more feedback, I just want you to think about testing the idea out and not talking about doing all the steps to start start a business, you know, I’m not talking about spending a lot of money to get a product created. I’m just saying, Can you show up and invite a couple people to zoom? You know, workshop, you know, free workshop first, or just for a couple, you know, a little bit of money? Can you bake goods and see if you can sell, you know, a dozen cookies? What can you do that will we show you oh my gosh, like somebody would actually pay me for this. And just go for it. Because too many of us. And I have been guilty of this before too, we get so worried about every detail on our checklist, create the website, incorporate the business, all these things that we we forget to test the idea. and hone that in before we spend all the time and effort and thought on our colors. And you know, all of our social media handles all the things. But to be honest, when we spend so much time on those upfront, we missed the whole point of this side hustle or business, which is can we help someone solve a problem or have a transformation. And if we can do that, we can keep honing that, then we’re able to create a legitimate side hustle that can turn into a business. So I just want to leave you with these first steps. Because if you can start your mind thinking around these things, I promise you, there’s always a way to bring in extra money. There’s always a way to be creative and clever with things that we put out into the world, we just have to be willing to have a little bit of courage to you know, think about this, to ask people their opinions, and to just try to get that first sale. So I would love to connect with you. If you’re interested in learning more about my course coming up November 1. Just go to Kristin Fitch comm slash side hustle, I cannot wait to help the students that join me. And I know it is going to be so transformative for so many people so that before the beginning of the year, they’re starting to bring in money to show themselves that they are capable and they’re able to step into something new. So here’s to going after new things, and making ourselves more financially stable. And I want to leave you with these words by Glennon Doyle in her book untamed. She says, each of us was born to bring forth something that has never existed. A wave of being a family, an idea, art, a community, something brand new. We are here to fully introduce ourselves to impose ourselves and ideas and thoughts and dreams onto the world, leaving it changed forever by who we are and what we bring forth from our depths. So we cannot contort ourselves to fit into the visible order.
    We must unleash ourselves and watch the world record itself in front of our eyes. But knowing what we do not want is not the same as knowing what we do want. So how can we get from not this to this instead? How can we move from feeling discontent to creating new lives, new worlds? In other words, how can we begin to live from our imagination instead of our indoctrination?
    Oh, I think that’s so good. And I hope those words speak to you like they did to me because just reminds me, we don’t need to be afraid because we were meant to do something unique, right? Each one of us is unique. We have unique fingerprints, and everything about us is different in some way from other people. So let’s use our imaginations and start unlearning all the indoctrination we’ve learned for our entire lives. Here’s to going after who we truly are, I think we do need to know what we want in order to define life on our terms. And we have to be willing to break the past scripts so that we can move into a better and more beautiful and amazing pool. I also wanted to let you know if you have been having ideas swirling around your head about what can you start, how can you bring in extra money. Then I would love for you to check out the site and learn a little bit more about a program I’m launching called launch your creative side hustle which will start now
    First. So if this is of interest to you, I would love for you to check it out. We are going to help you figure out your your focus, we’re going to help you get this first step started, get your first sale and get going so that you can start bringing in more money. Your could have Kristin fitch.com slash side hustle to learn more. And for people that sign up between now and November 1, I am giving away several extra bonus episodes as well as having a couple surprise guest speakers and lots of other goodies. So if you want all those extras, check it out now and get signed up. I cannot wait to get started and work with you. And if you enjoyed the show, we’d love it if you’d subscribe and leave us a review and rating on Apple podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have ideas for the show, or guests that you’d like to recommend, I’d love to hear from you. So DM me on Instagram at Kristin Fitch or you can email me from the website. Thanks so much. And thanks again for listening in. Until next time, have a great week.

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 110: Creating Successful Businesses while Prioritizing Our Family Life

    ryan_braves_building_a_life_you_love_promo2

    Ep 110: Creating Successful Businesses while Prioritizing Our Family Life

     

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Ryan Braves, a serial entrepreneur, father and husband, about building businesses that allow you to support your family and give you flexibility of time so you can spend more time with your children and spouse and attain financial security and freedom. Ryan also shares how he’s overcome a chaotic and difficult childhood and how he helps other men build the lives they want.  Kristin and Ryan talk about creating the systems and finding the team to allow you those freedoms and why we need to create space to think about what we truly want, what we need in our business and how we make incremental shifts to get where we want to go.  If you struggle with seeing yourself as the provider and work too much and don’t spend enough time with your family this is a must listen episode- it’s time to make the changes to put the people you love before chasing the next achievement or monetary level.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business-  Personal Development, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, Work from Home, What’s Your One Thing, What is Your Magic Sauce, Who Are You, What Lights You Up, Don’t Keep Your Day Job, Putting Family First, Process Automation, Overcoming Hardship, Create Space to Think, People Stuck in Fear, Work Life Balance, Emotional Healthy Entrepreneurs, Coaching for Married Men & Dads, How to Structure Your Business to Make More Time for the People & Things You Love

    Connect with Ryan:

    MyAscensionbyDesign.com

    Facebook:  @AscensionoftheEntrepreneur

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 109: Showing Up Fully Ourselves, and being Endlessly Curious

    sarah_hawley_building-a-life-you-love-promo1

    Ep 109:

    Finding Success by Showing Up Fully Ourselves, and being Endlessly Curious

     

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Sarah Hawley, serial entrepreneur, investor and Founder & CEO of Growmotely, about her book Conscious Leadership.  Sarah and Kristin also talk about bringing our whole selves to work, how we create authentic and meaningful company culture and giving ourselves permission to create a life we love.  Sarah shares stories about following business ideas that we are passionate about and can’t stop thinking about, using endless curiosity to innovate and creative problem solve, and working in our zone of genius.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business-  Personal Development, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, Work from Home, What’s Your One Thing, What is Your Magic Sauce, Who Are You, What Lights You Up, Don’t Keep Your Day Job, Zone of Genius, Gay Hendricks, Conscious Leadership, Being Authentic, Company Culture, Resigning as Boss, Book Launch

    Connect with Sarah:

    Growmotely.com

    Instagram: @SarahHawley__

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 107: Always Wear Pants and other Insights on Working from Home, being Intentional, and Finding Work that Lights Us Up

    kevin-rizer_Building_a_Life_You_Love_Podcast_promo2

    Ep 107

    Always Wear Pants and Other Insights on Working from Home, being Intentional, and Finding Work that Lights Us Up

     

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Kevin Rizer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, about his new book Always Wear Pants and 99 Other tips for Surviving & Thriving While You Work from Home about working from home, and how to balance our work and personal lives and set healthy boundaries.  Kristin & Kevin also talk about being intentional with your schedule and asking yourself regularly- do you enjoy your work, does your work fulfill you or give you purpose and what to do if it’s not.  They also dive into asking for what you want and how to address some of the biggest challenges folks around the world are dealing with working from home. 

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business-  Personal Development, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins, Podcasting, Don’t quit your day job, Side Gig, What do You Truly Desire, Work from Home, How to Work from Home Successfully, Be Intentional, Work Less, Be Kind to Yourself, Healthy Work-Life Boundaries, Work Life Balance

    Connect with Kevin:

    AlwaysWearPants.com

    Check out the above website to buy the book, enter in a Home Office Makeover, and more.

    Instagram:  @Kevin_Rizer

    build_a_life_You_Love_Ep107_Kevin_Rizer_tues_oct_5_21

    Fri, 10/15 · 9:02 AM38:08
     

    SUMMARY KEYWORDS

    peoplelifeworkhomestarteddaykristendreamsspendscheduleimportantyearsjobvaluingabsolutelymonday morningbookbreaklearnburnout
     

    SPEAKERS

    Speaker 2 (50%), Speaker 1 (50%) 

     
    1
    Speaker 1
    0:00
    Here’s what I want to ask you. What is holding you back? What is the thing that’s holding you back from going after your dreams and from finding meaningful work you love? Aren’t you ready to wake up to the possibilities that are in your life and go after the things you’ve dreamt up, it’s time for you to feel alive again lit up, and for you to know that you’re deserving, and you are worthy for the future that’s waiting for you. I want you to feel fulfilled and find abundance in your life. I think it’s time and I’m ready to help you get started. Now, I’m your host, Kristen, of building a life you love. And each week on the show, we’re going to help you figure out how you do go after your dreams and find what you love. Here we go. Let’s get started. Hey, beautiful friends. It’s Kristin, your host. And welcome back to another episode, we are going to have a great conversation today about working from home, the ins and the outs, how we can be intentional with our schedules, and our time to really keep those boundaries of our personal and work lives in a place where we can really enjoy our days. And how do we make sure we’re doing work that we enjoy, and that we feel good about and why we need to check in with ourselves regularly. So I think you’re gonna get a lot out of this conversation and I can’t wait to get started. Here we go. Hi, today on the show, I would like to welcome Kevin riser. He is an entrepreneur, and he is the founder and CEO of Emmys best pets. He’s also the author of the new book, always wear pants and 99 other tips for surviving and thriving while you work from home. Welcome, Kevin.
    Profile icon of Unknown Speaker
    1:31
    Hey, Kristen, thank you so much. It’s great to be here.
    1
    Speaker 1
    1:34
    salutely? Well, I know we’re gonna have a great conversation because as I shared with you what, before we started recording, I have also like yourself worked from home for a very long time, actually, since the early 2000s. So I look forward to to this conversation, one to encourage people that you really can make this a really great way to work, and to just to give them tips and ideas and some encouragement.
    2
    Speaker 2
    1:58
    Absolutely. You and I are both veterans, I guess they’re working from home.
    1
    Speaker 1
    2:04
    We definitely are we were not just thrown into it during the pandemic, for sure. So let me first ask you can you share with the audience a little bit about your journey and your backstory through you know, what you’ve done, and then what you’re currently doing now?
    2
    Speaker 2
    2:17
    Yeah, thanks so much. You know, I’d like to think that I was born an entrepreneur, I was the kid with not only the lemonade stand out in the front yard, and, and selling cookies and wanting to get the biggest prize from the fundraiser that my school or my sports team was doing each year. But it took me a while to actually become an entrepreneur, I studied journalism and broadcasting and the first half of my career was spent working in TV news and traveling the world and seeing lots of neat things and meeting lots of neat people. And then after a while I kind of got tired of that and kind of felt that I had realized and gone as far as I wanted to go in that field. So I got into marketing and and eight years ago I was doing marketing for health care facilities and I was working 60 to 80 hours a week I was just miserable at my job and so I had a friend that had gotten into e commerce and started in that journey and I kind of watched with amazement like most of our other friends for the first year or so and and thought he was crazy and then after after a while I kind of started to get interested so eight years ago I learned everything I could learn about e commerce because I knew nothing at that time. And I started a pet products brand selling products online and and so I’ve spent the last eight years doing that and meeting lots of interesting people and experiencing the ups and downs of not just entrepreneurship but of life. You know, the struggles, the pitfalls, the successes, the failures, but I’ve enjoyed most of it, I’ll say and it’s been a great experience and you know, so that’s that’s what I do and or that’s what I’ve done the past eight years or so. And so when the pandemic hit last year, the working from home for me was nothing new the new thing was watching so many millions of other people learn to do it for the first time and and I’ve had had fun kind of talking with them and writing about that over the past year.
    1
    Speaker 1
    4:31
    Yeah, I was just going to ask you, what kind of prompted you to want to write that and it was I think it was basically that right was watching people that seem to be struggling or not sure how to figure this thing out quickly. Well, when they had to.
    2
    Speaker 2
    4:44
    Yeah, it was the funny means on Instagram and Facebook. That was quite what led me to it was the funny videos and the pictures of people’s kids. We were talking offline about kids in the background or pets in the background and So it was watching people both struggle but also succeed and finding the humor in it that first drew my attention to it and made me want to study it a little bit closer.
    1
    Speaker 1
    5:10
    Oh, I love that and actually get to share a funny story related, but I was doing a podcast interview this summer with a woman, she’s a writer, and she has young children. And her child was coming in the background, you know, in her diaper, but we’re recording right on, it wasn’t live, but it was it is a recorded video. And eventually, the young little toddler ends up you know, on the desk, and a sofa jumping up and down without any clothing on and you know, and I’m sitting here trying to, you know, keep the interview going. And of course, afterwards and I mean, it was the it was literally the highlight of my day, it was like the best thing, because I was like, That kid is just free, right? And so but it just once again, hit home, that whole point, like, there’s gonna be these moments now, you know, as long as it’s not the adult doing that, you know, that the kids or the dogs are going to come in. And, you know, so to me, it makes me kind of happy actually, because, as I talked about before, you know, 10 or 15, or 20 years ago, if your kid or your dog came in the room, you felt like it was not very professional, you know, if you’re working from home, but now everyone kind of gets but real life is gonna keep going on right around us. You know, and so what I would ask you from that is is in doing the book researching to do the book, what would you say that one of the biggest challenges is that, you know, folks are having currently working from home, you know, during this pandemic.
    2
    Speaker 2
    6:25
    Yeah, Christian, what a great question. I think exhaustion and burnout has to be at or near the top of that list. You know, I think that for a lot of companies, when we all shut down in the early days of the COVID pandemic, a big fear was that people would just sit on the couch and eat potato chips and watch TV and wouldn’t actually work, right. Meanwhile, study after study shows that most people actually work more when they’re working from home, they work harder, the productivity goes up. So we’re really good as it turns out, at working from home, what so many of us struggle with, and I put myself in the same box, even, you know, a decade into it is taking time for ourselves, it’s those mental health breaks, it’s making sure that we’re eating properly, it’s making sure that our bodies are moving, and being active. It’s connecting with other people so that we don’t get isolated. So I realized I crammed four or five things in there, but I’d sum it up, sum all of it up. It’s just saying that the lack of so many of those things, for many of us working from home is leading to burnout and exhaustion.
    1
    Speaker 1
    7:32
    Yeah, so So in other words, and that’s basically because we’re not doing a good job of balancing or setting boundaries, right? Around work, or working personal, I guess, because it’s all in one space now for so many. What would you say in that sense, though? Like, do you have any Top Things that either you do or you know, that you’ve seen people are doing to try to make sure we’re scheduling in those things, right, connecting with people having a little fun, and making sure that our day isn’t so jam packed or evening because we’re not shutting shutting things off, that we can actually breathe a little bit and actually enjoy this this new construct, if you will? Yeah, absolutely.
    2
    Speaker 2
    8:11
    I think the first step for me and for many is to just take control over your schedule, right, so the workday should have a start and end time and that doesn’t mean that that can’t change from day to day or week to week or project to project and it also doesn’t mean that you can’t have some flexibility in there after all that’s one of the great things about working remotely is that it can’t afford us more of that flexibility. But taking control over your schedule allows you to free up some time then for some of the things that you may have been neglecting things like going for a short walk in the middle of the day to clear your mind and get your blood pumping a little bit or taking time to actually eat a lunch and not at your desk while you’re hammering away at that report but rather leaving your home workspace and and eating lunch somewhere else to give yourself a little bit of a break I think there’s there’s some really quick easy wins that people can realize by having a dedicated start in time and by scheduling in some time for you even during the work day.
    1
    Speaker 1
    9:21
    Yeah and I think a lot of people do feel they feel this pressure that they shouldn’t do that but that means the studies have been out that show we’re more productive when we take time to prep we take time to learn we take time to take a little break you know let our mind get clear and so you know I would say to the people that are struggling with come you know scheduling in a little bit of time for themselves those breaks though taking a little walk and by the way you know if you have to you could actually do one of your calls on your walk you know you don’t have to not be working if you really can’t put it down. So I think it’s that’s important to mention right is but like you said they were in control of this, you know And we might say, oh, but our boss or employer, but I disagree. And if it’s really that tough of an environment, maybe it’s not the right place for you in the long term, you know, which I think we have to look at that honestly, to if, if there’s not some flexibility and some level of respect for our work, you know, that they realize that, look, we are in a very different place we are now than we were two years ago, you know, my family or my, my own personal things might need something different than two years ago, what was acceptable, and so I think that’s a real conversation people have to have, too.
    2
    Speaker 2
    10:31
    Yeah, I couldn’t agree more, you know, and look at the big companies who employ workers on a job site, right? They’re mandated to give breaks. And every state every situation is a little bit different. Sometimes it’s a 15 minute break every four hours, there’s typically a longer break more suitable for a meal if you’re working a full day shift. And, and that’s because of the harm that can come from workers. Not taking breaks, right. And so we need to be mindful of that. And most organizations do allow for breaks. What they may not do when you’re working from home is stipulate, okay? From this time to this time, this is your break, it’s a little bit more free flowing, like everything when you’re working remotely. So taking ownership of that, and scheduling those in if you’re the type of person that kind of lives and breathes by your calendar, put a 15 minute break in there every couple of hours. Put time in there to take the dog for a walk, or to check in with with your kids or a spouse if they happen to be home as well be intentional about setting yourself up to succeed. And try it out. Because I like you. I know many skeptics who think that they just need to work from the beginning of the day to the end. And they often don’t take breaks, but give it a test run. And I think I think you’ll see that that it really does improve the level of performance, and most importantly, the way you feel about the work that you’re doing.
    1
    Speaker 1
    12:02
    Oh, absolutely. So I know another challenge, right? That we can all have, whether we’re working from home or not, but most importantly, when working from home is, you know, there’s been lots of isolation, we are not we don’t have time to chit chat, you know, in the office, maybe we’re not seeing our friends as much. So there’s one that isolation that’s going on, but there’s also because of everything going on the world, there’s a lot of stress, there’s a lot of anxiety, we were holding on to a lot more. And so I like one thing you talk about your book, and like the way you talk about it is you talk about, you know, what’s the one thing so what’s the one thing that’s holding you back? And you know, in what’s where’s the resistance? So can you talk to us a little bit about that? Because I think that’s an important thing for us to continue to look at revisit.
    2
    Speaker 2
    12:46
    Yeah, there’s, there’s something that I call the Monday morning feeling, Kristen, and that is, how do you feel on Monday morning? That alarm clock goes off? Are you excited about getting up and starting your day? Are you dreading it, wishing you could sleep just a little bit longer wishing it was still Saturday or Sunday. And throughout my career, regardless of what job I’ve had, or what work I’ve been doing, it’s been a good barometer, it’s been a good way of saying, okay, am I on the right track here? Or is something a little bit off course. And so I think for a lot of people that one thing is just that gut check, right? Because if if that’s amiss, if the if the work you’re doing, and I’ve seen many studies continuing you even up until recently, where the majority of Americans hate their job, right? They’re not happy with the work that they do. And we spend more time most of us in our work life than we do on anything else, right? Think about that more time than we do sleeping more time than we do. Hanging out with our family and our friends more time than we do on our hobbies and our interest. That’s an awful big percentage of our life to be miserable. So the one thing is really about just identifying what is it that’s holding you back most because when we get into a place of despair, or of unhappiness, or depression or anxiety, we’re not happy with the direction that our career is going or life is going. It can seem insurmountable. There’s all of these things that seem wrong and I think it’s important to have that gut check and start to diagnose Am I happy with the work I’m doing my happy with with where I’m at or do I need to make some changes and and go from there?
    1
    Speaker 1
    14:33
    Yeah, I think what’s important is we shouldn’t wait until maybe so much is piled up right like it like you said it might feel overwhelming or insurmountable but if we check it with ourselves every week, right you know, even beginning end of the week, but it just comes like you said how’s how’s it going for me, you know, or for you or whoever. I think it’s a good way to sort of set you know, a litmus test to say like, okay, where am I at right on this range. And if you find that You keep kind of going up on it and not in not in such a positive way. And we like you said, we need to address it, we need to say like, is this something I can I can address I can deal with it I can make a change happen? Or is it really just not the right fit or what you know, but I think it’s up to us to try to continuously check in with ourselves and then make those shifts if we need them, you know, not wait until it’s gonna explode, if you will, you know, blow up.
    2
    Speaker 2
    15:25
    Yeah, I couldn’t agree more. You know, I was, I was on vacation recently, first one, I’ve been able to take in a while. And in addition to all of the things of getting ready, you have COVID, now that you’re thinking about, and you’re trying to make sure that you can travel safely, and so on and so forth. And the vacation was great for me in so many ways. But one of the things I noticed is that I had waited way too long, right? In order to do that, I pushed it off and told myself that it wasn’t a good time, and there was too many things going on. But it was a great realization that you’re so right, you got to take these things on as they come and bite off little chunks instead of waiting so long, to the point where you’re in a position of burnout, or of extreme fatigue, and that type of thing.
    1
    Speaker 1
    16:15
    Absolutely. Well, so let me let me ask you this, we both talk about or discuss, kind of defining our lives, you know, so that we can when left live our best lives go after passion and work in purpose in our work, but then, you know, we also kind of have this thing about, we should be able to redefine our work for ourselves, right? And maybe not today. But at some point, we should kind of I think most people have the goal of wanting to set their schedule that aligns with what they want their life to look like. And so what did you what, if anything, do you have to say about that about how can we do that? How can we take that maybe those first couple steps to work towards redefining our life, which might include redefining our work schedule?
    2
    Speaker 2
    16:57
    Yeah, absolutely. It kind of goes back to what we’ve we’ve been discussing around, you know, being happy. I mean, I believe a couple of simple things. One is that I believe people should enjoy the work that they do, I think it should fulfill them and give them a sense of purpose and passion. And I think people should, you know, be paid a living wage and be able to, you know, meet their obligations and their needs and have a little bit for fun, have a little bit left over at the end of the day. And, and so those are a couple of basic things. And when you talk to people that aren’t happy with what they do, and so often you’re right, that can translate into just not being happy. Because again, work is such a huge proportion of what most of us do throughout the course of our life. If that area is not fulfilling if it’s not supporting our needs, if it’s causing financial duress, etc, then it makes the rest of life a lot more difficult as well. So I think that gut check is is an important one. And I think getting really clear on what would a great situation, what would you enjoy doing is often the next best step? If the answer to the first question that Monday morning feeling is Oh my God, I’m miserable. I can’t believe I have to get up and do this again today. If that’s the answer, then my suggestion for the next step is to take out a sheet of paper and just dream a little bit. I think so often we get caught in a career. I talk to people every week that say, Well, I’m a you know, I’m a doctor, I’m an attorney, I’m a teacher, I’m, I’m this I’m that. And I hate it. I’m so burned out, I wish I had never done this. And then you say so. So why not make a change. And immediately you see the wall come up, right? And they say, Well, I’m too old, or I spent too much money to go to school and learn this, or, you know, I could never replace my income if I were to start over. And most of that is just head trash that we tell ourselves, right? I love hearing stories of, of the woman in her 70s who decided that she was finally going to become an artist or the man who quits is, you know, well paying job in his mid 40s and says screw this, I’m going to I’m going to do something that that I really love. So I think most most of those challenges and obstacles can become, can can be overcame, but we have to be willing to make that decision or to at least explore it. So I’m a big believer in and kind of, you know, starting over and dreaming a little bit about what might be more fulfilling for you in that area.
    1
    Speaker 1
    19:42
    Oh, absolutely. In two things there that I would add. The first is 100% agree with you. I think we are always iterating or hopefully we are because I think if you’re not growing, if you’re not learning then there’s stagnation, which as we know is is never a healthy place to be right. You’re shriveling up, if you will. So I think one you should be iterating. And you should be saying, Hmm, what would happen if I did this thing? You know? Or what would you know? What would this look like? And on that, I think if people realized that no one’s saying, like, go quit your job tomorrow, and you have no income, and you have no, you know, unless it’s really just a really dangerous or bad place, like there’s a serious risk. But otherwise, you know, it’s like, just go explore, just take a tiny step into learning something new, like when you jumped into e commerce, you don’t really think about it, you said, You know what, there’s something here that I think, interests me enough that I’m going to spend time learning. And so I would just encourage people, where’s that? Where’s that kernel? Where’s something that you’re like, you know, what I really love baking or whatever it is, will maybe just take a step in that direction? Have somebody test your food, or whatever it is. The other thing, you know, it’s on the mindset you were kind of alluding to, but a lot of people take those statements of what if what if someone laughed? What if I can’t make up my own income? So we take the what if statement and make it negative? Instead of the people that can shift that and go? What if I could actually make this into my business, and I could have unlimited success, you know, I could have financial security and then some. And so I think one thing we have to do is we have to realize we were keeping ourselves in the box, right? We’re keeping ourselves there because of what we believe to be security or safety. But really, it’s not it’s it’s literally just keeping us in a in a box, instead of saying, like, well, what’s outside, what’s the big wide world? What else is out there? And like you said, I think too often we don’t follow our passion, our instinct, because we were told for most of our lives, especially, you know, maybe not the youngest generations, but those of us that came up with, you know, came up for, you know, like, Oh, you need a job, a serious type of job, a stable type of job in they tried to say that creative type jobs wouldn’t necessarily pay as well. But of course, as we all know, there’s a million ways to make plenty of money to support yourself, and it can look like anything, you know. So I think you’re right in saying you do have to dream, kind of, like, what is it you want your life to look like? And what is the work you want to spend your hours doing? And there’s always a way, even if you can’t figure it out, there’s people to help you figure out how to put those things together. You know,
    2
    Speaker 2
    22:10
    that’s, that’s some great wisdom there. Did you share Kristin and keep in mind, when I got into ecommerce, it was supposed to be a hobby, right? Like I had a job, I was making decent money, I hated what I did, right? So in a sense, I was where we were talking about here, I was miserable, and a horrible attitude about Monday mornings. And, and I had all the head trash too. But I decided that I was going to focus on the what ifs, this is successful, and not the what if this fails, and pursue that and plenty of people thought I was crazy, you know, my mom was still sending me job openings until about three or four years ago. There’s that but you know, you’re so right. So often we can be our biggest limiting factor. And so having conversation and this is another one is surrounding yourself with the people that you want to be like, or the people who have something that you want. That was an early piece of advice for me, that I got from someone that really changed the trajectory of my life. And when they presented it, to me, it was something like you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, right. And so when I took some time, and let that kind of marinate and sink in, and I looked around at the people I was spending the most time with, and I began to see the similarities, I began to see the negative ways of thinking, the waste of time, the waste of resources, the way that it affected the outlook on my life. And so that’s another kind of quick win that I think people can take is to just, it’s not in a judgmental way. And people always ask me, can I do I have to count my spouse, you know, so you can exclude them, you can exclude the people that that are in your everyday life for a reason. But we all have have a choice about the people that we surround ourselves with the people that we spend the most time with, doesn’t mean that you have to cut people out of your life necessarily, although sometimes that may be necessary as well. But if we take a look at who we’re spending the most time with, and then make some strategic changes there. The sum of averages means that, you know, we will begin to do and to think more like they do.
    1
    Speaker 1
    24:34
    So lately there’s been so there’s so many stories on this 1000s probably millions, that someone literally lived in one town. They ended up having a move getting connected in with a different group of people doing similar things, what they’re doing and what happened. You know, for two years, they struggled to make their business kind of get going. They move in I had no clue what the minister had to do if they found a community of people. So whether it’s an online community, whether it’s in person, but they found me People that help lift them up and help teach them and that they could then teach others. And like you said, it’s so important, that connection and like you said, it’s not necessarily getting rid of people, it’s saying, I want to make this change in my life, it might be that you want to start something like a business or side hustle. You what you have to do is say, What am I interested in? What do I need to learn, even if you don’t need to learn, go find people that are trying to do something similar. It can be joining groups online, it can be, you know, paying to be in groups, which is absolutely fine. If you’re gonna be learning and with people that are going to help lift you up, you know, it could be reading books and pot or listening to podcasts that are going to start putting that right, like you said, the right mental mindset work in your head that you can start thinking new thoughts instead of kind of get stuck, like you said, with the head trash. So I think you I’m glad you brought that up, because I’ve talked about this often, and it’s so important, and I think people really undervalue it, you know, the impact that can have, I mean, I even have many examples from my own life, you know, I have one girlfriend, she’s wanting to start a business for some time. And I told her recently, actually about an e commerce program, and she, she jumped into it, she’s never done anything, she’s not tech savvy at all. And she still has, you know, worked with this other thing. But my point is, is just for me kind of sharing stuff with her over the time. And I finally said, You know, I almost didn’t mentioned it to her and I said, hey, there’s this one program you might be interested in and she looked at it, she’s never even spent money on stuff like this, you know, I’m like me and you in our spaces, we probably have quite a bit and, or we know people that have, she had not, but it was because we talked about it often, you know, and I’ve shared things with her. And then I said, You know what, I’m gonna tell her she doesn’t have to do it. It doesn’t benefit me at all right? It just, and she said, I’m gonna do it. I’m so excited. And she’s been on top of it, right? But it’s because there’s people around her that are doing other things that no other information in her sharing it. So I think we got undervalue. And I think we need to not be afraid to mention to people things, you know, because even if they say, No, you know, eventually people, you hear it multiple times, and you start, then it starts processing. So I think it’s important to keep bringing it up, you know, I mean, my friends can’t get away from me from talking about, you know, what, if you’re not happy, you’re thinking, aren’t you starting something, let’s talk about what that could be, you know, like, you’re probably sick of me saying that, but
    2
    Speaker 2
    27:12
    I’m gonna you’re an entrepreneur, evangelists, Christian, you know, and I,
    1
    Speaker 1
    27:16
    I do, I love helping people figure out what they could do. The other thing I want to mention, though, that we’ve sort of script and talking about kind of maybe it’s secondary, is value. If people are in a place where they’re not valued, then I think you need to seriously look at that. And I sort of mentioned that earlier, if you work at a company, and they’re so stuck on, you have to work these hours. And now you have to be in at 7am until whatever hour, okay, if you work on assembly line, or something that’s your, you know, trash person, I get it, there might have to be set hours. But if you’re somebody that works at a computer all day, or something where it’s remote, there’s really no reason, in most cases where you can’t have some flexibility. So if a company values, the work you do, and the value you bring to that company, then they should be willing to compromise with you at some level. So that’s the first thing I tell people, because I’ve talked to some people, they’re like, no, now they want me to work these different hours. But it’s really hard for me to do that. And I’ll be like, why? And they’re like, they just said, I have to, you know, and I’m like, Okay, well, you might need to delve into that a little further. You’ve been there for 15 years, and they, they’re really not valuing your time or what you need. And I said, that’s maybe a problem. The second thing is, with the valuing, or I’m sorry, the defining are what we want. For instance, I’ve mostly worked for myself for oh my gosh, I don’t even know, let’s say 15 years. But three and a half years ago, I ended up taking a full time position until just this past December for an old colleague of mine, marketing technology. And, but the thing is, is I knew some time ago, like, okay, I’ve done it, but get back to being doing my thing. Like I have all these things that were on my list to do, and I need to get back to it. And so I went to them and said, Look, I’m I’m ready to move on to other things, but I’m not necessarily trying to step out the door fully. So I went to them. And he’s like, What are you thinking? And I just said, Well, I’m thinking 10 hours a week at my consulting rate, you know, and he’s like, okay, you know, and so that’s what we did for most of this year, that’ll wrap up, you know, sometime in the next month or two. But my point was, is it gave me a little bit more runway, right to kind of get things going that I wanted to move into that I wasn’t doing for some time. But people are afraid to ask for what they want. And so I think it’s important to remind people what’s the worst that would happen, he could have said to me, well either choose to stay in the position as it is, or you can just have a runway to get out of here in a month or 60 days or whatever, right like, but to me there was really no neck I wasn’t going to lose from asking and too many people are afraid to ask because I think they think they’re going to get fired. But if you actually bring any value to the company, they’re not going to fire you today. And if they are maybe to leave anyways. You know
    2
    Speaker 2
    30:00
    Yeah, absolutely, if they’re if they’re that willing to let you go, then you may not need to be there long term to begin with. I think the key, Kristen is, is that no one’s ever going to value you more than you value yourself, right. And so it starts with that internal dialogue of, of what I’m worth, and, and what, what I want to do, right. And when when do I want to do it, and it sounds very selfish. But again, I keep coming back, we spend most of us more time working than we do anything else. So it’s worth it to get really clear and really intentional. But don’t expect your employer to value you more than you do yourself. So if that desire is to start your own thing, if that desire is to simply make more money, I see people all the time who are afraid to ask for a raise for fear of being fired, right or afraid to ask for more time off, for fear of being fired, the world is a big place, and especially if you work from home, your potential employers are almost limitless, your potential is so much greater than it was even five or 10 years ago. And so sometimes that difficult realization is that the place that we’re currently at is not ever going to value us in the way that they should. And it’s time to look elsewhere, either by starting your own thing or by simply looking for a new fit elsewhere. But But getting creative as you suggested, and as you did is a great way to go. I never advise people to just throw caution to the wind and and you know, quit what they’re doing now, obviously, unless there’s some existential reason, some immediacy involved but take the time, be thoughtful. Just decide for yourself what success and what value would look like. And then make a plan through small actions through small imperfect actions, right? To start making some changes.
    1
    Speaker 1
    32:01
    Oh, absolutely. Oh, such good stuff there. So let me ask you before we wrap it up, and maybe you can share a couple little tips or resources with us. Any other words of encouragement you’d have just for people that are navigating through this, this crazy world we’re currently living in with you working from home? And hopefully they’re wearing pants already, you know, but bear with them.
    2
    Speaker 2
    32:24
    Yeah, thanks so much, Kristen. Be kind to yourself. That’s tip number one, you know, as you mentioned, we’re all dealing with a lot right now. Life can seem very heavy, the world can seem crazier than ever. It’s really easy to let our fuses be burnt to the end and, and then that has a way of kind of spreading throughout throughout society, you know, people that are pissed off and angry and, and, and that type of thing have a tendency to kind of become infectious. But you know, it’s really cool. So does positivity, sodas, really small gestures of kindness for other people, I always love going to a coffee shop and being told, oh, the person in front of you has paid and then doing that, and, and seeing that chain, that one small act, you know, brightens so many days. So be kind to yourself, be kind to others. Life is too short. And we’ve all got so much to look forward to.
    1
    Speaker 1
    33:25
    Oh, absolutely. So what about any tools or resources that you’ve really enjoyed as being you know, as somebody that works from home that you’d like to share?
    2
    Speaker 2
    33:36
    Yeah, absolutely. And I can send you a list too. And feel free to post these. But there’s a couple of things that I read each morning, which kind of helped with some of that mindset. And one of them is called the daily motivator. It’s a blog by a man named Ralph Marston. It always has a way of kind of setting my perspective for the day and putting me in a good mood. Another is a tool called Vox, which I’m a big fan of communication tools, and anything that can get me out of email. I’m a big believer that email, especially when you work from home, is can be the death of anyone or any organization because a recent study showed that most people working from home spend as much as four hours a day in their email boxes, and it’s so counterproductive when there are other resources, whether that be slack. One of my favorites now is Vox, which allows you to send short audio messages either to one person or an entire team.
    1
    Speaker 1
    34:38
    Awesome. Yep. But definitely use both of those as well. So fantastic. And can you let us know how can we connect with you learn more about your book and all that good stuff?
    2
    Speaker 2
    34:48
    Yeah. And let me say first, Kristen, thanks so much for having me on. This has been a great conversation and I’ve enjoyed it so much. I’m pretty easy to find on the social networks and You can always visit always wear pants calm To find out more about the book, which is available at Amazon and Barnes noble and pretty much anywhere that you can find good books these days. And I love meeting people. So please reach out and connect and say hi, I can’t wait.
    1
    Speaker 1
    35:17
    I’m sorry, you under Kevin riser then online as far as Instagram and those kinds of places.
    Profile icon of Unknown Speaker
    35:22
    I am. Yes. Wonderful. Well, thank
    1
    Speaker 1
    35:24
    you so much for taking the time to be with us today. I think it’s such an important and, you know, informative conversation we got to have today,
    2
    Speaker 2
    35:31
    Chris, and I so enjoyed it. Thank you so much.
    1
    Speaker 1
    35:34
    Thank you. Oh, my gosh, such good stuff in that conversation with Kevin today. I loved it. And I just want to leave you with this idea. But from my friend, Rebecca float in her book, on your brush, she says this, every moment of your life is a seed. You’re either planting seeds for your vision of what you want, or you are planting seeds of doubt that your dreams will not happen. Every moment you don’t invest in your future. You are doubting what could and will happen. Dream large and take action, creativity reigns and what is available to you now, don’t wait for your dreams to come to you. Use what you have and start planting. Ah, I love it. Seriously, it’s up to us, we have to step into the things we want. We have to go after our dreams. We are responsible for finding the work that will fulfill us in that we will be passionate about and want to show up on Monday mornings with that good Monday morning feeling as Kevin mentioned. So I would just encourage you check in with yourself. How’s it going? Are you happy in your job are you fulfilled if you’re not do something about it, don’t wait. either ask for what you want in your position. Find the next thing or start something new and shirt started on the slide get it going. But just start think we do need to know what we want in order to define life on our terms. And we have to be willing to break the past scripts so that we can move into better and more beautiful and amazing thing. And if you’re looking to figure out what it is you can go after what creative pursuit you can start. jump on over to my website at Kristin Fitch calm and go under Resources. There is a no limits create skill and monetize your creative passion printable PDF, that I would love for you to grab and start taking your dream seriously and get let’s get going. You can start going after your dreams today. And if you enjoyed the show, we’d love it if you’d subscribe and leave us a review and rating on Apple podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have ideas for the show, or guests that you’d like to recommend, I’d love to hear from you. So DM me on Instagram at Kristin Fitch or you can email me from the website. Thanks so much. And thanks again for listening in. Until next time, have a great week.

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  • Uncategorized

    Ep 105: Let Your Passion and Purpose Guide You to Your Life’s Work

    lillian_reekie_building-a-life-you-love-podcast-promo2

    Ep 105

    Let Your Passion and Purpose Guide You to Your Life’s Work

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Lillian Reekie, a parenting strategist, and author of six books, about finding work we love, following your passion, and do work that keeps you in flow and motivated.  Kristin and Lillian also talk about parenting and navigating our professional lives and using online tools to build our own businesses.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins, Podcasting, Don’t quit your day job, Side Gig, What do You Truly Desire, What Do You Truly Want, Know What You Want, Go After Your Dreams, Parenting Strategies, Get in Flow, Be Open to New Opportunities, Network Marketing

    Connect with Lillian:

    ParentSupportNetwork.com.au

    Facebook Show

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 101: The Experience of You- Understanding Your Personal Cultural and Why It Matters

    maura_barclay_building_a_life_you_love_promo2

    Ep 101

    The Experience of You- Understanding Your Personal Cultural and Why It Matters

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Maura Barclay, Neuro-Facilitation Practitioner, Author and Chief Mindset and Culture Officer on the board at Numme, about the importance of understanding your personal culture and others culture and what experience others get from you.  Kristin and Maura talk about using curiosity and inquiry instead of judgement and accusations in our relationships and work environment.  And how changing our thoughts and mindset can help us create the life we want.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, Your Personal Brand, Personal Culture, Work Culture,Changing Work Culture, Personal Authority, Being Authentic, Why You Need to be Vulnerable, Manifesting, Creating with Intention, Feedback informs what’s going on Inside, Inclusion, Kindness First, Transformational Leadership, Share Your Failures, Struggles

    Connect with Maura:

    Soulfuleader.com

    Instagram @Soulfuleader

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 99: The Magic of Stories & Finding Your Truth

    rebeca_seitz_building_a_life_you_love_promo1

    Ep 99

    The Magic of Stories & Finding Your Truth

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Rebeca Seitz, writer, producer and Founding CEO of The One C Story Network, about producing and sharing stories that leave you a better human.  Kristin and Rebeca talk about start new projects and going after your passion and the importance of sharing your ideas with others in order to bring your vision or dream to life.  And they finish off the conversation talking about how our world view either frees us or limits us and why it’s important to check in with ourselves.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Side Hustle, Magic of Story, Storyteller, Storytelling, Walt Disney, Ideation, Building a Business, Pitching Your Idea, Be Authentic, Your World View, Living a Creative Life, Overcoming Failure

    Connect with Rebeca:

    Justonec.com

    Instagram: @RebecaSeitz

     

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 95: Asking the Question- How do I live an Impactful Life

    manpreet_bawa_building-a-life-you-love-promo2

    Ep 95

    Asking the Question How do I Live an Impact Life

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Manpreet Bawa, an Empowerment Coach and Mind Architect, about asking the question- what impact am I making in the world and stepping into work and purpose that allows us to create a legacy in the world.  Kristin and Manpreet talk about making intentional choices and how to make changes that stick.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Overcoming Adversity, Live on Purpose, Focus on What Truly Matters, Mindfulness

    Connect with Manpreet:

    Linkedin: Manpreet Bawa

     

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 93: How to Nurture Your Creativity and Grow Your Passion

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    Ep 93

    How to Nurture Your Creativity and Grow Your Passion

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Steve Ploum, an Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Podcast Host of Kite and Strings, about the need for creativity and how we can use creativity to help grow our passion to do work we love that feels more like play than work.  Kristin and Steve talk about being open to try new things and test out ideas and take the risk because we can always come back from a new effort even if it does not work out.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Overcoming Adversity, Live on Purpose, Focus on What Truly Matters, Mindfulness, Movement, Mindset, How to Get Into Flow, Increase Creativity, How to be Fit in 20 minutes a day, Using Movement to get into Mindfulness

    Connect with Steve:

    KiteandStrings.com

    Instagram: Kites and Strings 

    Facebook: Kites and Strings

     

  • Uncategorized

    Ep 87- How Your Business Can Have Real Impact In the World and Create a Lasting Legacy using Intentional Strategy

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    Episode 87

    How Your Business Can Have Real Impact In the World and Create a Lasting Legacy using Intentional Strategy with Alex Brueckmann

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Alex Brueckmann, who is an entrepreneur, author, executive coach, about how we use a purpose-driven, intentional strategy to build businesses that can have real impact in the world, create lasting legacy and help us to continue to innovate to stay relevant.  Alex and Kristin talk about leading business as if your kids are watching, the importance of the personal, and human aspect of business and why your story and ensuring your customers understand what the value or your product or service is to them.   

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Each week on the show we are going to help you figure out how to go after your dreams and find work you love.  And how to find a healthy work-life balance and how do you fit in the things that are meaningful to you and have flexibility of time and income.  We will also talk about mindset and self-development to be your best possible self in your work life and personal life.  We will take the idea of meaningful work you want to do and how you create and start a business and monetize it.  Let’s be happier, healthier and find ways to create meaningful lives that bring us more joy and connection to our every day.

    Let’s start taking action to create and monetize our creative ideas and passions and turn them into thriving businesses- let’s go after our dream work, make more money and spend more time with people we love living our best lives.  And learn how Curiosity, Creativity, Mindset, Communication, Play, and Faith play a role in improving our lives.

    Join podcast host, Kristin Fitch to be encouraged throughout your week and to be reminded you are needed, you matter and now is the time to step into your future and all the possibilities waiting for you- it’s time to step into what you’ve been called to share with the world.  To learn more or connect with Kristin go to KristinFitch.com. And we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group Building a Life You Love where Kristin and friends share encouragement, ideas and extra resources to help you go after your passion and define life on your terms.

    Focus: Coaching- Starting a Business- Self Development – Personal Development, Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Living, Find Your Purpose, Do Work You Love, Escape the 9 to 5, Quit Your Job, Overcoming Adversity, Live on Purpose, Focus on What Truly Matters, Purpose-Driven Strategy, Intentional Business Strategy, Create Lasting Legacy, How to Make an Impact in the World, Storytelling, Business is Personal

    Connect with Alex:

    AlextheStrategist.com

    Instagram: @AlexBrueckmann

  • Uncategorized

    EP 83: What to Do When Your Job Isn’t Working For You

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    Episode 83

    What to Do When Your Job Isn’t Working For You with Kelley Shields

    On today’s episode Kristin talks to Kelley Shields, a life and career coach, who previously practiced law for 12 years and found herself burned out and unfulfilled in her law and business career. If you are someone who feels drained, burned out, or knows you need to make a career change then this is the episode for you.  Learn how you can begin to decipher what it is you can move into, how to start something new on the side and use your core values to help you find work you love, that fills you up and aligns with the lifestyle you want to create.

    What is holding you back from going after your dreams, defining life on your terms and from finding meaningful work you love? What is holding you back from going after your dreams to start your business or to write a book or launch a podcast, to sell your art or clothing, or to start an online business?   What is holding you back from finding real joy and meaning in your life?

    Connect with Kelley:

    Kelley’s Website: KelleyShields.com

    Instagram:  @KellyShields_