jrodx2, Author at - Page 31 of 34

January 5, 2016

What My Year in Business REALLY Looked Like

Ready for the real deal here?

You may want to go ahead and hold onto your seatbelt for this one… it’s going to be bumpy and you may cringe a few times.

I’m seeing it all over my inbox right now… wrap ups of everyone’s 2015. Tis’ the season right?

With every one that comes in, I find myself sitting there giving silent fist bumps reading the success of other female entrepreneurs because I just can’t help myself… I thrive on other’s success. But at the same time… there’s something else I’m noticing.

A whole bunch of highlight reels.

Everything that went right. Everything that was successful. Everything that someone else would move mountains to have.

But what about the backstage pass? You know what I mean…. the nitty gritty stuff that isn’t anywhere near as glamorous BUT got them to that place of success. The ideas that sounded so great at the time but were complete flops. The times when every well laid plan went completely wrong.

Instead of just highlighting just the awesome of this year, I want to show you both sides of the stage. Because if you’re anything like I was when I was getting started… you want to have an idea of what to expect along the way as you break through to each new level.

And with that said, here’s my own version of this past year in all it’s wonderful, yet sometimes cringe worthy glory….

I invested into a high level coach to take my online fitness business to the next level.

The plan was to make that money back within my first 30 days and I did. However, it wasn’t with the fitness business I actually signed up for coaching for in the first place. Within two calls together, she opened my eyes to the fact that while I was successful on paper and making money, I was meant for MORE. She found what I was blinding myself from and thedaydreamachiever.com was created.

My husband walked away from his job and we launched our third online business together – over the weekend. YAY!

…. and two months ago, I personally dismantled the whole thing – by choice. I am blessed with a lot of different talents when it comes to online businesses but there’s a difference between doing something you LOVE vs doing something because you’re GOOD. There was money but no passion behind it and the moment that fact was clear, I knew it was time to change the entire model of the business. That’s why you don’t make big decisions like that in a weekend. 😉

I launched my signature group program and my first self-study course.

In all the things I’ve done in business…. knowing I’ve created something that allows women to be successful in their business so they can live out the life they truly desire… it’s a feeling I can’t describe. I’m leaving an impact and because of that, others can use their message to leave an impact as well. Between the EntreFreedom Academy and the Distraction to Focused Action Master Class, I have been able to share years worth of learning, in a short amount of time. Speeding up the road to freedom-driven success for others.

I saved money by switching my webinar software.

I love GoToWebinar and you’ll see all of my webinars on there. However…. I decided to get thrifty and switch over to a free webinar platform. Can a girl get a deal? I placed the ads, prepared for a bunch of people on live and……… not only could no one hear me but the chat didn’t work and the slides wouldn’t pull up. There I was trying to troubleshoot live with a bunch of my ideal clients wondering what was going on. Awkward….. needless to say, there were no conversions for that webinar and I went back to paying for quality. Days of work completely gone.

My husband and I got to mark off 5 baseball stadiums from our “visit every professional baseball stadium” tour list.

How is this business related? Well… I brought in an income the entire time we were moving from one city to the next and/or sitting in the stadiums – while being unplugged a majority of the time. That’s the wonderful world of passive income right there! Once you create it for yourself and have that freedom to work from anywhere, trust me when I say you will never go back to any other way.

I am going into 2016 with freedom driven success.
This year was about not only finding my calling but creating balance every step of the way in the process. Focusing on the three businesses we have as legacies over businesses… in a way that fills me up inside and allows me to help others succeed. Because when we succeed, it’s only right to turn around and help others do the same.

What did 2015 look like for you?

If you had your share of ups and downs… know that it’s all a part of the journey. And no matter how many highlights you see.. there’s a story of growth that has taken that person there.

Feel free to hit REPLY and let me know one awesome lesson you’ve learned along the way!

December 17, 2015

How to manage your email – like a BOSS!

Hands up! Do you have more than 50 messages in your inbox right now?

Or did you just laugh while saying “try 500!”

At this point, those closest to me already know (and are probably annoyed by) the fact that if they hand me their phone to look at something and I see a three digit number in red over their inbox… the first thing I’m going to tell them to do is clear out their e-mails.

I can’t help myself.

I run multiple online businesses yet I can’t tell you the last time I had over 40 messages in one inbox at a time. And that’s not to brag but to say that… it’s possible to stop the e-mail overwhelm while running an online business.

How do I keep my primary e-mail (Yep! This one right here!) my personal productivity powerhouse?

Rock Your Own Retail Therapy

No retail or online stores are allowed in my inbox, except to send me an order confirmation. The minute I get their next “this is on sale!!” message, I unsubscribe and continue on with my day.

Do I really need to know that Kohl’s/JCP/any store is having ANOTHER 25% sale? Or that the planner I only buy once a year is having a special on refills I don’t use? Nope. And neither do you.

Oh wait, you don’t like to pay full price when there’s a coupon out there? Same here! TIP: When I am at a store or about to buy online, I just pull up buxr.com or retailmenot.com and grab the appropriate coupon. Win, win! 🙂

The Unsubscribe Button – USE IT

You like to opt-in to cheat sheets, videos, ect. and learn from others in your industry. Great! That means you are teachable and willing to grow in business. However, all those opt-ins and follow up messages can add up FAST! Am I right??

Take a look through your inbox. Do you see names coming up time and time again as unread or even deleted… and you can’t remember who they are or the last time you’ve actually read one of their e-mails? Are they adding VALUE to your business?

If not, it’s time to say goodbye and part as virtual friends. Not everyone is going to connect with each other out there and if that person/coach/mentor isn’t someone whose content you are excited to read… it’s best to remove yourself from their list (and them from your e-mail). This allows you to soak up the awesome information you are being given by those who you want to be connected with throughout your business.

Set a Focused Time and Strategy
Have you ever tried answering an e-mail while waiting in line at the grocery store? Or in between clicking through tabs on your computer? As much as I thought multi-tasking was a skill of mine in the past… I soon learned that it was actually one of my biggest flaws. By multi-tasking, it’s not possible to give 100% of our effort into one thing… and my clients deserve 100%. And so do yours.

In order to accomplish this balance, I had to develop a focused time and strategy for my emails. I set three specific times in the day when I go into my email. In other words, you aren’t going to hear from me other than those times because that’s when I can truly be focused on YOU.

This is time that is dedicated specifically to being in the moment of responding to messages in my inbox using the following strategy for the order I read them: Current or previous one on one clients/group program members, future one on one clients/group program members who are working on final details, e-mails specific to upcoming events/trainings I am involved in, general inquires and messages from people I follow (aka the ones that made it through the cut in step #2).

TIP: If you are using gmail and an assistant, you could have your assistant go in and even pre-mark these for you so that you already know where to click and/or answer the general inquires on your behalf.

I believe in making room for any abundance you want in your life and if you are looking for more clients and opportunities to come your way… you’re going to need to make room for them to reach you.

The people’s lives you are about to impact shouldn’t be caught in between 1,254 other things in your inbox.

Remember, you always have control of what’s coming into your life. And that includes your inbox as well!

December 8, 2015

Are you side-hustlin’ your business or ALL IN?

You have this awesome online business at your finger-tips that the world is waiting for. One that can make a real difference in the lives of others.

I already know it because let’s be honest… like attracts like.

But the question I have for you is… are you ALL IN for that business?

And I don’t mean all in as in working ten hours a day, ignoring those around you, wrapped up in to-do lists or being glued to your compute. That’s burnout… not ALL IN.

I mean ALL IN for turning the dream of having a thriving business that creates freedom in your life a reality. Being ALL IN for success as your only option because you believe in what you have to offer the world with 100% conviction. ALL IN for the fact that you can manifest the life, business and clients you desire – right in this very moment.

I get it, there’s a lot of bold statements there but THAT my fellow #daydreamachievers, is what it’s going to take to make 2016 the biggest year in your business. You’re going to have to be ALL IN.

How do you know where you fall in the spectrum?

If you are SIDE HUSTLIN’ your business you….

– say things like “I hope/wish/would love….” about your goals instead of making them non-negotiable.

– don’t have set business hours for yourself (or don’t follow them).

– aren’t willing to invest in the proper training/resources needed to advance your skills (and income!).

– believe you are the only one who can get everything done.

– don’t hold your ground on your ideal client and the value you provide

– allow fears and doubt to continuously hold you back from taking action.

If you are ALL IN for your business you….

– not only set goals but have an action plan around those goals to bring them to life.

– cut distractions and sit down for your business hours with a list for action each day.

– know that in order for your business to grow, you must grow and invest into yourself continuously.

– delegate and outsource as needed because you know the importance of income producing vs busy work and focusing on your strengths.

– you are crystal clear on the value you provide, create offers based on that and are attracting your ideal clients on a daily basis through social media, opt-ins and/or events.

– kick any and all fears and doubt to the curb each time it they try to enter your mind – staying focused on your vision and goal instead.

Where are you finding yourself in your business right now?

This is the perfect time of the year to reflect and see what actions you need to take in order to truly be ALL IN for your business in 2016.

Trust me when I say, your dream is worth being all in for.

December 2, 2015

Do You Work For Passion or Money?

Honest question here…

If money was no object, would you still be doing the work you are doing right now?

I’m going to ask you to close your eyes and think about it because the answer to that one single question can completely change the course of your life right now. The answer to that question will determine your long term success.

I know because I had to learn this the hard way.

And because I’m stubborn, the hard way A LOT of times.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had the ability to make money if I need it. When I was younger, I would sell things I wasn’t using to get money for concert tickets, clothes.. you name it. As soon as I was old enough to work, I got my first job as a cashier at a dollar store so I could pay the insurance on my car. As I got older and the recession hit, I went from a graphic designer at an ad agency who thrived on overtime pay and bonuses to a graphic designer at an agency who was now also a freelance designer, bartender AND event planner to make ends meet.

Would I be doing any of those things if it wasn’t for the fact that I needed the money? Not at all. Everything was simply a means to an end. A way to pay the bills and/or pay our student loan debt.

It wasn’t long after the recession that I learned the truth… when you chase money, it will always outrun you.

In 2012, I started my first online business helping women become reach their health goals. With absolutely ZERO business experience, I went from having over $100k in debt, working four unfulfilling jobs that equaled up to 80 hours a week and overwhelmed with anxiety on a daily basis to creating a life that allowed me to walk away EVERY job, within 11 months, to be my own boss. And as icing on the cake, my husband got to do the same not too long after.

How?? It’s simple… being an online fitness coach was the first thing I did that had NOTHING to do with the money. In fact, I didn’t even know you could make that kind of money online.

I just did it because I loved it. In a world of negativity and people at war with themselves, I had the opportunity to breathe hope into lives again.

I wanted women to experience what true confidence felt like and be proud of themselves in a way they never had before. To start with their fitness journey and watch how their lives changed on the INSIDE as much as the outside. People FELT my passion and they were willing to take my hand because no matter how many different trainers, health and fitness coaches were out there… they felt I had THEIR best intention in mind…. and I did. I still do over three years later.

I’M LIT UP BY IT EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

If you’ve been on a discovery call with me (you can grab your free call here we haven’t talked yet!) I am honored and privileged to be able to step into your life for those 30 minutes and help you get clear on the next steps for your business to reach the level of success you truly want.

I want YOU to have that same feeling everyday in what you do as well.

Feeling truly ignited by what you do and the impact you can have on the world with it. I understand we live in a society that we need money for BUT if that’s your motivating force, you are missing out on your true potential.

The money will always follow if you lead with heart and passion first.

Don’t sell. Simply give value to other’s lives.

And in turn, you will find yourself sitting in a place that is not only financially freeing but PERSONALLY freeing as you live out your true gift.

November 30, 2015

Three Myths That Will Stall Your Online Business

If there’s one thing I know about running an online business… it’s knowing what it feels like to be STUCK.

Luckily, I also know how to break through and succeed in a way that will have you looking back in complete awe at the incredible life you’ve created.

But there’s a big gap in between those two versions of my story, right? The gap that took me from overwhelm and feeling like my dream was out of reach to grabbing that dream with both hands and high fiving everyone on the way to it.

A big part of filling that gap for me was learning how to let go of the old-school entrepreneurial myths that I was following. The myths that have been passed down decade after decade that may have served entrepreneurs in the past (and maybe even some now) but don’t serve the new generation. The generation of entrepreneurs that are fighting for freedom in their lives.

A true life by design.

My goal is always to help you achieve the life of personal and financial freedom you truly want in your life and business. And in order to do that, you’re going to have to break up with these myths, just like I did. Are you up for that?

MYTH 1: Work hard now, play later.
I’m sure you’ve heard this line before or maybe have even heard others go so far as to say to “ignore your family for the first 2-3 years in business and ask THEM to understand.” If you ask me, that’s complete bull. Tell me how well YOU will understand when you are “at the top” but have divorce papers in hand, years of lost memories and a list of places you’ve traveled to that you spent in your hotel working on your laptop. That kind of stress is no way to build your dream. What these people are selling is burnout.

FACT: Owning your business will always take work. And it’s never going to be all sunshine and rainbows. It’s just like life.. we have our ups and downs but it’s our ability to continue on stronger that makes the difference. Why not have a balance of work and play NOW so that you can enjoy the journey every step of the way? Now THAT is living out your true passions in life!

MYTH 2: More money will fix everything.

Have you ever found yourself saying things like.. “When I have more money… I will get an assistant” or “When I have more money… I will invest in myself/my business.” If so, you and I have something in common because I fell into this myth for the first two year of my business. No wonder why I was hitting wall after wall! The breakthrough for me came when I realized one thing. When you are chasing money, it will always outrun you. Period. In order to live a wealthy life, you have to step into a mindset of abundance TODAY – right where you are in this moment.

FACT: There is more than enough money available to you to achieve your goals, you just haven’t claimed it yet. However, if you can’t be trusted with what you have in front of you right now and make the most of it, how can you expect to be given more? You don’t need the numbers on your bank statement right now, you need to get resourceful and skyrocket your income based on that. Prosper where you are planted.

MYTH 3: Outwork the competition.

If you allow your mind to subscribe to this thinking… you are going to outwork yourself from a life. I’m not sure how to even sugar coat that. When you have a true mindset of success, there is no competition because you already know that you have a unique value to give the world. But when you are focused on competition, life is much different. You find yourself being less productive, caught in the comparison trap and beating yourself up more than lifting yourself higher.

FACT: There is no competition in business because there is no one out there just like you. What anyone else is doing is irrelevant because the world needs YOUR gift. The moment you own that and maximize it is when you attract the right people to you and what you have to offer.

Have you found yourself falling into any of these entrepreneur myths? If so, now is the time to start working on switching your mindset in a way that SERVES you, instead of derailing you in reaching your dreams.

I believe in you fellow #daydreamachiever!

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