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Pinterest, Ethics, and Dealing with Negativity with Jessika Hepburn

By on March 26, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Interview

What are the values that you’ve built your business on?

Do you consider those values before responding to negativity, before producing a new product line, or before writing a blog post?

Values and ethics aren’t the sexiest thing to talk about when it comes to business, but it’s an important piece that you don’t want to ignore. That’s why I’m super excited to share this interview with Jessika Hepburn from Oh My! Handmade Goodness with you.

Some highlights from this interview with Jessika Hepburn include:

  • Our thoughts on Pinterest {We filmed this before Pinterest made changes to their terms of use. Please keep this in mind while watching.}
  • Why all marketing isn’t always good marketing
  • What to do when people DON’T love what you’re making, producing, or blogging
  • Why Jessika wouldn’t put advertising for Huggies on Oh My! Handmade Goodness
  • The biggest controversy that has been coming up again and again
  • How to disagree respectfully

Here’s where you can find the post and downloadable mentioned in this interview: Simple Ethics for a Complicated World.

Quick Reminder: Six Weeks to a More Passion-Filled and Profitable Business increases in price by $100 tonight at 9pm EST. If you want in, check out the details here.

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You Could Lose It All If You Skip This One Thing

By on March 21, 2012 in Creative Business Development

What if everything you owned was taken from you? Your house–gone. Your car–gone. Your business assets–gone.

Sounds like a sick nightmare, right?

When you run a business, you put your PERSONAL assets at risk if you don’t do anything to protect them. At this point, you’re probably wondering how to protect them, because you don’t want this scenario to even be a possibility. Watch today’s video to find out how you can protect yourself.

Today’s video also includes a special guest! Can you guess who it is?

Reminder: Six Weeks to a More Passion-Filled and Profitable Business is open for registration. If you register this week, you’ll save over 30% on the price. Check out the details here.

{Disclaimer: Kris has made this information available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information of business-related topics–not to provide specific legal advice. The content of this video does not constitute legal advice, because legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case and the laws are constantly changing. You should seek the assistance of licensed and competent legal counsel for specific legal advice.}

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Six Weeks to a More Passion-Filled and Profitable Business

By on March 19, 2012 in Creative Business Development

A lot of entrepreneurs that I work with ask me, “How did you do it?”

They want to know how I built this business and made it successful. They want to know how to replicate it for themselves–how to build a business that they’re passionate about and makes them good money.

With my latest online course, Six Weeks to a More Passion-Filled and Profitable Business, I share all my secrets.

I explain how I built a business that motivates me to work hard every day and that pays the bills.

I’ve also had A LOT of service-based entrepreneurs ask me for a course that will fit their needs. ARTrepreneur isn’t a good fit. Six Weeks to a Creative Business wasn’t a good fit. Marketing for Creatives isn’t a good fit. BUT, this course is a GREAT fit. It’s also a great fit for artists and makers, but it goes beyond product-based businesses to help all creative entrepreneurs. So, if you’re struggling to make your online cooking business successful or struggling to make your online fitness business successful, come check out my latest course.

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What Social Media Sites You Should Be On and How to Push Past Fear with Laura Roeder

By on March 16, 2012 in Interview, Social Media

I didn’t sleep well this past Tuesday night. You want to know why? Because on Wednesday I had the opportunity to chat with and interview the lovely Laura Roeder.

I was so excited to talk to Laura, because she has had a HUGE impact on my business. Her products have helped me reach success.

Some highlights from this interview with Laura Roeder include:

  • Why she fired all of her web design clients
  • How she became the go-to person for social media marketing
  • Her tips for entrepreneurs who are nervous about pitching guest posts and interviews
  • Why you need to stop thinking and take action
  • How she made 30 to 40 sales from her very first offer
  • What social media sites you should be on and why
  • The book that has had the biggest impact on her business

After you’re finished listening to the interview, I highly recommend that you check out Laura’s website {and sign up for The Dash} and Creating Fame.

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How to Start Your Mornings to Stay Energized All Day

By on March 14, 2012 in Productivity

Liquefied vegetables. Does that sound good or disgusting to you?

When I first heard about green juice, I thought it would be more likely that I’d win American Idol than it would be to see me drinking green juice. And, I was kicked out of chorus in fifth grade, so winning America Idol is not likely.

However, I decided to try out liquefied vegetables after listening to Kris Carr speak at Rich, Happy, and Hot Live in 2010. I dragged my husband to buy a juicer and convinced him that liquefied spinach, celery, and kale wouldn’t be so bad.

Now, I’m hooked. Going without green juice is not something I do often, and I can tell when I do. When I drink green juice in the morning, I have more energy, I’m ready to get to work, and I feel full until lunchtime. Want to know more about why I love green juice so much? Check out the video below:

My favorite green juice recipe:

2 Cucumbers

3 Celery Stalks

2 Big Handfuls of Spinach

1 Big Handful of Kale

1 Lemon

1 Granny Smith Apple

1 Small Piece of Fresh Ginger {about 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide}

Add all of the ingredients to the juicer, and enjoy!

Do you have a favorite green juice or smoothie recipe? Something that keeps you energized and feeling full? Add it to the comments below.

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What’s Your Sh*t Pickle? And, Why You Should Eat More Veggies!

By on March 7, 2012 in Productivity

If we were meeting up for lunch two and a half years ago, I would probably have recommended that we meet at Mike’s Grill in Blacksburg where they serve the MOST delicious cheeseburgers you’ve ever tasted.

Now, I’d ask if we can meet somewhere like SAKE House or Green’s where I can order vegetable sushi or Gillie’s where I order a yummy vegetable and tofu stir-fry with peanut sauce. Things have changed–and those changes have made big improvements in my health and energy. And, when I’m feeling healthy and energized, I do much better work.

Whether you’re thinking, “If this crazy lady tells me not to eat meat and cheese, I will hunt her down and rip out her side ponytail” or “Maybe I should try eating a healthier diet,” I’ve got a great resource for you in today’s video. Click play to find out more about the resource, why I don’t normally talk about my vegan lifestyle choice, and how my stepfather reversed diabetes with his diet:

I hope that you take a little bit of time today to think about what you eat and how it affects your work, mood, and energy levels. I’m not even close to perfect. I love my potato chips and I indulge in a glass or two of wine every once in a while. I don’t want to give off the impression that I only eat healthy foods, but when I do eat healthy, it makes a big difference in the way I feel.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my favorite green juice recipe with you!

And, I highly recommend that you check out Crazy, Sexy Diet by Kris Carr {Amazon Affiliate Link}.

Related Videos: 1. How Is Your Work Being Affected by What You Eat? 2. The Importance of Exercise for Your Business

And, if you’re interested in veganism, this video and this video basically cover why I chose a vegan lifestyle.

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Interview with Emily Thompson: How to Choose Content Management Systems

By on March 2, 2012 in Interview

Download the worksheet discussed in the interview right here.

You can check out Emily Thompson’s lovely site here.

And, please take a minute to fill out the survey below!

The first workshop is currently in heavy-duty planning mode, with the dates (early June) and location being announced within the next week or two. If you’d be interested in participating in the workshop, please fill out the form below!
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Please include what you do and where you live (or would be willing to travel to). We’ll tally up the info based on the submissions and announce the details very soon!
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When you fill out the survey, you’ll automatically be added to a mailing list which will hear the final details first! So fill it out and help us out. It’s going to be fun!

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Tips for Prioritizing Your Goals and To-Do Lists

By on February 29, 2012 in Goals, Productivity

Do you get hung up by trying to decide what to do next? Does your to-do list overwhelm you?

I used to waste a lot of time making decisions on what to work on next on my to-do list. Running your own business means lots of tasks and lots of goals. Figuring out how to prioritize those goals and to-dos will make your life easier.

In this week’s video, I’m sharing four tips for prioritizing your many goals and to-do lists.

Sometimes, you just have to put on your big girl panties and do the work.

I’ve been wanting a day off so badly, because my husband and I worked all weekend to get our new home move-in ready {it’s still not ready–we’ve got another long weekend ahead of us}. I want a day to relax, watch movies and take naps, but I’m my own boss and I have to hold myself accountable. That’s what working from home and having your own business is all about–working even when you don’t feel like working because you know you’ve got stuff that needs to get done.

Now, it’s your turn. Put on your big girl panties and prioritize your to-do list and goals.

This week’s background is three paintings that I made to decorate our new guest room. Aren’t they fun?!? And, don’t you love the personalized stationery from Mayi Carles?

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The Importance of Exercise for Your Business

By on February 22, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Productivity

Chaotic. Stressed. Tired. Excited. Motivated.

That’s what I’m feeling this morning.

My husband and I are moving from one home to another, and anybody who’s moved knows that it’s not the easiest process. At this moment, I have paint splattered on my glasses, arms, sweatpants, and sneakers from waking up at 6am to paint the hallway before getting my work day started. We’re painting every room in the house and trying to get it done by Friday, because that’s when we’re installing hardwood floors into practically the entire house.

Whenever we move, we get really ambitious about what we can accomplish, because it’s so much easier to paint and do things like put in hardwood floors when the house is still empty. But, that usually entails lots of early mornings and late evenings.

That brings me to today’s video.

This is the perfect week for me to say, “Screw it. I don’t have time to exercise. I have to paint all the rooms in our new home while keeping up with my business.” That’s the exact opposite of what I should do. Taking short workout breaks throughout the day will keep me energized, so I can focus on writing blog posts, working with the lovely ladies in my Six Weeks to a Creative Business ecourse, and preparing for my next ecourse. It’ll also help me stay energized, so I have the stamina to paint this evening.

It’s easy to put off things like exercise when you’re having a super busy, stress-filled week, but exercising will actually help you deal with that stress. Watch today’s video for more {and to see the beautiful snowy backdrop!}.

Video posts mentioned in this week’s video: No Time to Work Out? Try This via Marie Forleo and My Happy Magic Pill Revealed via Mayi Carles.

Do you have ways that you sneak exercising into your busy days and weeks? Share them in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this week’s video, please share it:

The Importance of Exercise for Your Business http://bit.ly/A6uRfv New on @blacksburgbelle {click to tweet}

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Color Inspiration: Green, Orange, and Aqua

By on February 17, 2012 in Color Inspiration

{Photography and Styling by April Bowles-Olin}

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