Forge Your Story of Skill and Talent

Creating a rich repository of your skills and talents is part of launching a successful business. (Think of it as your pot of gold.) The story of your entrepreneur evolution reveals how you capitalize on luck while unlocking opportunities. Are you embracing the chance to be your own lucky charm?

As the sparkling personality who attracts your clients, team, and partners, where can people connect to learn more about you? Where are you sharing the lessons and accomplishments that led to the exciting business you’re building?

BE your own lucky charm

People buy from people. In my business, the data confirms that our “About” page has been a consistently top-viewed story for years. Buyers want a look behind the scenes to be inspired by you and find a connection. Do you have a simple web page dedicated to your evolving and exciting journey? If not, I encourage you to consider adding one today. (Hint: a web page that you own and update, not an app.)

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity,” as the saying goes. If you’ve skipped this preparation part (sharing your story) that helps attract your best customers, I offer these points to consider what you may be missing:

Potential customers want to know who they support when purchasing your goods or services. Promoting only products and offers without sharing your story as the leader and executive leaves people wondering who is behind the mission and why is it important to you?

Beyond value, your journey communicates how you’re qualified to deliver on your commitments and builds trust. The successes and challenges you’re hiding translate to valuable lessons and experiences—knowledge that only comes from doing and being in the trenches. Be proud of them.

A well-crafted “About” page is an opportunity to establish credibility by telling the genuine story of how your interests, talents, and passions converged to prompt the start of the business. No one has your exact background; share this valuable and unique aspect.

Your experience attracts clients who appreciate the passion and persistence you’ve demonstrated to get to this point. It’s a chance to connect with customers on another level. The “right” clients (the ones who are a natural fit) will appreciate your journey and be moved to learn more about how to work with you.

Unplug to Uplevel

I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return. 

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire. 

British Virgin islands (BVI)

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently. 

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go. 

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude. 

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success. 

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.  

Bring Festive to the Forefront

One of the reasons I favor February is the chance to spark a color revival! We’ve refreshed from the holidays yet remain in the chill of winter. Are you ready for a break from bare surroundings? Create cheerful inspiration with these colorful collections, vibrant textures, and tastes. Rev up your studio and rejuvenate your space. Treat yourself in small and simple ways as you step into your best year yet.

Seven tips to find your flair:

• A pep talk in pink

• Sweet snacks to share

• A striking addition

• Delightful dessert boards

• Icy inspiration

• A burst of blooms

• Highlight your heartfelt notes

You Are the Secret Sauce

One of the gaps I see in coaching women business owners is the lack of a founder story. Your depth and experience are an opportunity to generate enthusiasm and credibility, and it’s a critical missing link when overlooked.

A founder story is your distinct background, how it impacts your skills and inspires new approaches - a valuable combination to your future clients.

As a solopreneur or business owner, sharing your unique story isn’t about ego; it’s about connection. Clients, partners, and investors want to hear your novel account as they decide whether to believe in you, to give you their time - and money. Before you talk about your product and race to schedule meetings, understand the significance of your journey. This narrative isn’t optional; it’s something to plan for and be proud to reveal. Can you articulate the path that led to your business?

Each of our individual stories is unique; however, here are essential steps as you build your founder message.

As a seasoned and savvy woman, you haven’t been on this earth for decades without learning any number of valuable lessons: the art of negotiation, service, persistence, follow-up, prioritizing, idea generation, communication, and bouncing back. I know your list is long. As the owner and CEO of your business, claim the skills that make you the perfect person to deliver your product or service right now.

These early weeks, when you have few, if any, paying customers, are about establishing credibility. Setting yourself apart. You want future clients to see that your business is an intriguing new option that benefits them in a meaningful way. Invite curiosity about your future plans - what will you do next? - via your compelling story.

Reflect on each milestone you’ve experienced, and detail how it makes you strong, knowledgable, and capable at this very moment. Write ten things you’ve accomplished, situations you’ve overcome, connections you’ve made, and skills you’ve acquired that led you to this moment in your business. Allow time for reflection and revisions in this process. Then, narrow your points into a brief yet powerful message.

One thing I remind business owners is that executives and organizational leaders hear from people making claims and promising the moon all the time. As a former Director of early stage funding programs, I’ve heard it all. Most of us can smell a fake story a mile away. Be genuine and deliver on your early goals and commitments. This will set you apart.

Each of you has an incredible story to tell if you take the time to reflect on it and document the lessons. Define why you are your secret sauce - a unique individual offering your specific craft or service. Be ready to share the story of you, and build excitement for what’s next.

Finding Harmony

Back in October, I celebrated the start of a new decade, excited to declare it my best yet. In January, I’m processing the news that four different friends have passed away in the last month. This was not in my plan. I now understand that to experience more ease and joy, I must also learn to find harmony between sorrow and celebration.

my weekly morning walk

The universe at large seems to test our commitments, checking to see just how devoted we are to them. Fortunately, I’m dedicated to mine. We held a wonderful family celebration to kick off the year, and we have fabulous travel planned in the coming months - lots to be grateful for. On the other hand, sad news abounds. Welcome to a rich life experience.

If this time finds you in need of more harmony, I’ll share what works for me in the hope that it helps you. I offer these words as comfort, in the spirit of community, and moving forward together. For me, finding harmony means allowing time to feel the grief, and the sadness, to rest, read, write, walk, and, when I’m ready, to keep going. Onward toward joy.

Reveal a Fresh Perspective

This season invites us to declare a fresh break, upend the old habits, and reveal a new perspective.

How are you doing as the CEO of your life? Before you dive in and do all the things, have you determined the end result? What’s your vision of an ideal week or month, and are you working toward it? For some of us, being the chief executive includes running a business. For others, it doesn’t; either way, you’re the boss of you! This season of renewal is well-suited to asking yourself quality questions and proclaiming the answers.

Our brains love to go to work on answering our questions, whether they’re good or bad. There is such a thing as bad questions, ones that don’t serve you. Challenge your brain to think of answers that will excite you, require new skills, and open new doors. Don’t talk yourself out of what’s possible this year by asking the wrong things. For example, “Why doesn’t anything work for me?” “Why can’t I figure this out?” These are not inquiries you want your brilliant mind to answer. Instead, ask something like this: “What are ten new ideas to get the result I want?” Guide your brain to offer interesting choices, and be open to what you hear.

Consider that your questions send a message to clients, your team, and your family. Author Joe Dispenza, in his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, prompts us to ask, “What am I broadcasting (consciously or unconsciously) on a daily basis?”

Write down questions that inspire your best ideas:

• How can I work less and earn more?

• What if it’s possible to…..write the book, get the job, close the client, start my business, experience more calm? What would that look like?

• What kind of mom/partner/friend do I want to be this year?

• What are ten new ways to reach my revenue goals?

• What are five fun ideas for a friend’s night out?

Complete the “What if it’s possible to….” sentence with whatever speaks to you, serves you, and helps you accomplish your mission.

Here’s my question for you…What are you willing to do differently this year to build the life you love?

Four Smart Moves to Anchor Your Results (Be the captain of your ship.)

There are times when we let ourselves get fooled into thinking we have no control. In fact, there is much we can impact with our daily decisions. Markets evolve, global events occur, and family issues arise. Learn to get comfortable with the shifting sands under your feet. Even when navigating turbulent times, you can confidently chart your course. 

Here are four key decisions to anchor positive results:

1. Decide where you spend your money. Take the time to know your business partners and the people behind your investments. For example, gone are the days when we purchase without checking social media. We search the links and articles associated with potential partners and vendors. Whether you’re a solopreneur, an influencer, or a business owner, it matters. As the saying goes, money talks. 

2. Be mindful of your speakers and sponsors. Are the people you’re inviting to collaborate demonstrating the awareness you expect? The same applies to your advisors and mentors. It’s best not to be surprised by information available with the click of a button. 

3. Define what you look for when hiring contract talent, employees, or consultants. As a business owner, be intentional. Engage the talent that helps you thrive in all areas of your business. 

4. Hold fast to the boundaries you set. Be purposeful about who and where you spend your time. To keep your energy high and remain focused, ask yourself who inspires you, who challenges your thinking in a healthy way, and who supports your life and mission. Make time for those individuals, and say no to the rest.

On any given day, you can wake up to a sea change, and the landscape looks different. Identifying individuals with unique and valuable perspectives who support and uplift your business is like unlocking a treasure chest filled with knowledge and experience. This level of inquiry, exploration, and decision-making is a worthwhile and necessary process. 

You’ve dedicated years to building your personal brand, maybe even your business. It is essential to proactively choose the partners, team, and support systems that enable smooth sailing toward your mission and goals.

Stretch into Possibilities

Are you bringing the energy to finish the year strong, or are thoughts of pause and delay creeping in? If left to our own devices, we can think of reasons not to start that new and exciting thing. You might be thinking, surely there’s a better time, and it might even feel true. In most cases, it’s not. And years can slip by in the waiting. If you’re putting off your next step, it’s likely because it’s outside of your comfort zone, and it feels awkward and uncomfortable. That’s all the more reason to keep going. Deciding to move forward means recognizing discomfort is part of the journey. Treat those uncomfortable thoughts as passengers along for your exciting ride!

Putting your creative skills into the world is some of the most rewarding and fulfilling work you’ll do. Don’t let delay divert your dreams. stretch into possibilities.

When we started Red & Rugged, we had no retail experience or background in selling upscale handcrafted gifts online. (Before 2020, some people turned their noses up at our online-only business; post-2020, we were suddenly so smart!) We had to learn it all. There were skills, client relationships, and processes that had to be figured out, so we did. I started at the ground level and ended up selling to global executives and accomplished business owners. One day at a time, one skill at a time.

What’s holding you back? As you ponder the answer, know that there is always something that can make building your business inconvenient or challenging. Decide that now is the right time, and you have all the skills you need to figure it out. You can choose to pivot, tweak, go a new direction, and get creative in your problem-solving. Ask for help, read, watch an instructional video, get coaching, etc. Embrace the feeling of having your own back and shining your light into the world. Part-time, full-time, or as a side business, it doesn’t matter. Either way, you’re putting your creative talents out there, willing to try, fail, alter the process, and go again to succeed. Rinse and repeat.

What if, a year from now you wake up and realize you’ve acquired a ton of new skills? You’re a whole different person - that is exciting! Imagine the possibilities when you stretch your capabilities.

Are you ready to make this your season of growth? To declare the time is now to put your creative talents into the world. Learn new skills, think differently, connect with customers, and step into the next version of yourself. If the answer is, heck yes! I invite you to join me in the Creatv Catalyst.

Stop Spinning in Place

Have you ever had weeks that feel like this? Tasks get sideways, and suddenly it feels like things are spinning out of control. One minute, there’s calm, and the next, priorities collide; new projects, client follow-ups, and content deadlines need our attention. Throw in a dash of unexpected events, and well, now it’s really exciting. Sometimes the number of decisions we need to make keeps us stuck in place. Reviewing, second-guessing. Left unchecked, our thinking can easily spin with indecision, but here’s a happier alternative.

Take one next step. Putting yourself in motion cuts the drama because now you’ve taken action. Remind yourself, this is the best next step with what I know today. Learn to move forward calmly and quickly, then execute and evaluate your plan.

Keep your focus forward and off constantly rehashing options. (My brain loves a good rehashing, so just know this takes practice.)

If you determine a change is necessary, then make that next decision. In six months, after taking one step each day, note the evidence of your massive action and that you’ve learned a ton. You’re a different, smarter person - be proud of that!

The savvy CEO you’re becoming does not lose large chunks of time and mental energy spinning in place; you are in motion, deciding and recalibrating while moving closer to your goals.

If you’re ready to take the next step in building a thriving business you love, join me in the Creatv Catalyst.

Let Luck Find a Path to Your Door

Luck, and being ready for it, is showing up all over my life - in my feeds, in conversations, in the newspapers I read, and on my favorite podcasts. I love that, and I don’t consider it a coincidence. I believe luck has a lot to do with our thinking. How’s your luckometer doing these days? Is it off the charts, or do you need to move the needle a bit?

While I don’t think we summon luck on demand, I believe it happens when you place yourself in environments or situations that make it easy for chance to fall in your favor. You make the proactive effort to be visible, raising the odds of an unexpected connection, crossing paths with that hard-to-reach client, or getting an introduction to an esteemed colleague.

A few years back, I was asked to speak at an event I thought wasn’t a great match for our business, but I decided to do it anyway. Something I said sparked a connection with an attendee, who referred me to their boss, leading to many valuable sales. You never know the good that can happen until you show up.

Maybe it’s time to invite luck over, to remind yourself to step out, visit customers, invest in the training, catch up with colleagues, send handwritten notes, and attend the event. Meet some new people. Think differently. Be open to new opportunities.

Let luck find an easy path to your doorstep.

If this inspires you to read more on the topic, Ina Garten has written a new book, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. (You may recognize her from the Food Network's “Barefoot Contessa.”) Although I’m not a huge cooking fan, I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies and look forward to learning from her stories.

If you’re ready to change your thinking and step into new opportunities, join me in the Creatv Catalyst.