USING QUIZES TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST

USING QUIZES TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST

REDEFINE PODCAST

USING QUIZES TO
GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST

USING QUIZES TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST

I am excited to have Linda Sidhu, a list-building expert who helps entrepreneurs create irresistible personality quizzes that attract hundreds of new subscribers on autopilot, on the podcast today. As a former top ten pharmaceutical sales representative, she had extensive training in personality types. She took the same methods that worked for selling products face-to-face and turned them into a personality quiz framework that converts views to leads at 70% and helps craft personalized marketing for her customers. Linda has been featured in the media in Forbes as well as on Cubicle to CEO, The Go-To Gal Podcast, and The Art of Online Business with Rick Mulready. 

 

Today we go into more detail about how you can use quizzes to grow your email list! 

Using Quizzes to Grow Your Email List

In episode 74, we talk about the following:

 

  • Linda is the queen of quizzes! Wondering how she got into the world of quizzes? Well, she tells us about herself and how exactly she got started in quiz creation. 
  • She shares what she learned in pharmaceutical sales training. Linda learned how to read people, understand their personalities and communicate with them in mutually beneficial ways. She learned to leverage relationship marketing.
  • When she decided to start her own business, she launched her email marketing course with a lead magnet personality quiz. Linda learned that I really had the knack for personality quizzes. 

Using Quizzes as a Lead Magnet

  • A quiz is one of the highest converting lead magnets! Linda talks about conversion rates.  
  • Identifying the personalities of potential clients or customers through quizzes can help business owners connect  and communicate with their clients in beneficial ways. We approach things differently depending on the best form of communication for that individual. 
  • Linda shares examples of quizzes that she has created for business owners, including scored quizzes, assessments and personality quizzes.
  • Of course, she shares her pet peeve, and her simple pleasure

Where Can You Find Out More?

Are you interested in creating a quiz? Take one yourself first! Are you a coach? Offer a course? What ever your business is…I have a quiz in mind just for you! 

 

Take the Discover Your Personal Quiz-to-Cash Strategy!

 

Upon completion of this quiz, you’ll find out one of four personas that you identify with most and I will highlight your strategy to take your quiz and turn it into cash! You will be able to turn your passion into profit!

 

Find out more on my website Linda Sidhu!

Linda is hosting a FREE 3-Day Nail Your Quiz Idea Challenge, where you’ll uncover:

★ The true significance of having a quiz for your business (hint: it’s not what you think!) 

★ How to identify and leverage your personality strengths to establish a powerful presence in your industry. (Prepare to discover a series of questions that will guide you to your “North Star.”) 

★ Linda’s top 3 questions to ask your ideal clients, unveiling the most valuable customer language to incorporate into your quiz.

 

Join Linda and nail your quiz idea!

 

3-Day Nail Your Quiz Idea Challenge with Linda Sidhu  

 

FREE TRAINING
HOW I GREW MY EMAIL LIST BY 10K SUBSCRIBERS
 

Redefine Business Podcast

I'm Brittni Schroeder!

I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs! 

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMAILS OUT OF THE SPAM FOLDER

HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMAILS OUT OF THE SPAM FOLDER

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMAILS OUT OF THE SPAM FOLDER

HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMAILS OUT OF THE SPAM FOLDER

If you are a small business owner, you know the importance of email marketing. The conversion rates well exceed those of social media. You decide to get on the email marketing bandwagon. You carefully craft an email to send to your list. You eagerly hit the send button. Then it happens. You receive word that your email lands in your recipient’s spam folder. What the…how did this happen? How can you avoid your emails going to the spam folder?

HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMAILS OUT OF THE SPAM FOLDER

If your email goes to the SPAM folder that’s okay!

 

I am sure you all too familiar with true spam emails. I should be rich with all the “you are entitled to a settlement” emails I have received over the years. Every webmail provider – be it Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook etc. – applies different spam filtering guidelines to guard the inboxes of their users. The struggle is, these email providers give very little details on their filtering methods. I am sure we appreciate the protection, but that doesn’t give us a lot to work when it comes to our own email marketing.

 

We do know that some things have a higher probability of ending up the spam folder, but there’s no single source of truth that can resolve the black hole we call the spam folder.

 

I know you were hoping for a checklist (oh how I love a good checklist) to avoid the spam folder, I can’t offer that. But I can offer some knowledge and tools so you can understand how it works and hopefully improve your deliverability. Regardless of what platform you use (Flodesk, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, etc), these tips and tools will help you. These tools won’t completely stop any of your emails from going to spam. but they will help minimize the chances.

LACK OF PERMISSION

If they didn’t opt in to your email list, there will be a higher probability your email will be marked as spam. Which means your emails could continue to keep landing in their spam folder.

 

Although buying email lists feels tempting, it doesn’t always pay off.  It can counterproductive and isn’t a great way to gain the know, like and trust factor. Not to mention it could violate laws and you may be subject to penalties. You have to start somewhere and it’s always better to do it the right way, even if that means starting small.

 

The safest and best way to get people on your email list is to give them the opportunity to opt-in. Once they have opted in you have their consent, and you can include them into your marketing emails.

 

With that being said make sure all your visitors, be it your social media or website, make sure you have an opt-in that is easy, fast, and of worth. This can be as simple as making your opt-ins easily accessible on your web pages or in your social media profiles. Building your email lists organically will help your emails land in their inbox.

YOUR USING A FREE EMAIL

Gaining trust can be challenging. With the ongoing uptick of spam emails and security breaches, people are becoming very skeptical. Many people are on high alert for security issues, such as phishing. They are less likely to open anything that looks suspicious.

 

When emails are coming from yourname.yourcompany@gmail.com might not be taken seriously, look suspicious, sent to the spam folder, or even blocked. This could make your business lose credibility. Take a look at your spam folder and you will notice that a large portion of those emails are coming from gmail, yahoo, or hotmail addresses.

 

Having a domain or branded email address helps your business build security, credibility, and trust. Domain email addresses generally come with higher security measures than services from Hotmail,  or Gmail.

YOUR IP ADDRESS WAS FLAGGED AS SPAM

Your IP address was flagged as spam.

 

This could happen if someone using the same email marketing service as you, sends spam emails. The good news is that by selecting a reliable and reputable email service provider, you can eliminate this problem right away.

 

It’s important to go with a credible and reliable email marketing services such as Flodesk (my favorite), Mailchimp, Send in Blue, etc.  The reputable email marketing services has procedures and regulations in place to prevent this from happening

AUTHENTICATE YOUR DOMAIN

You want to authenticate your domain. I know it sounds complicated, but it’s worth it. Setting up the DKIM records in Flodesk will make you recognizable for the Inbox Service Providers, meaning theyll be sure youre not impersonating anyone else.

You can do this in the Domain Setup section in your email provider. Your website hosting company typically can help you if it seems too daunting. This will help you increase your credibility. You can read this detailed help guide from the Flodesk help center

YOUR EMAILS HAVE LOW ENGAGEMENT

If your emails dont get engagement from your subscribers, that could be a spam flag.

When webmail providers notice that your emails aren’t getting opened or are being deleted immediately, that informs them these are unwanted emails. Then they will try to prevent that from happening and will try to filter them, because they are trying to create a better experience for their users.

A good, valuable email is one that is: opened, links are clicked, emails are forwarded, or replied to. These things help your credibility and authority. The more these things happen the more your emails will be delivered in the main inbox instead of the junk folder. Low open and read rates are never a good thing in email marketing.

YOUR SUBSCRIBERS HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE

Have you ever received an email that you don’t remember signing up for? You receive an email and it might have been something you signed up for but you cant recall when and why you subscribed to their email list. You figure that the email is spam so you mark it as such. Any time this happens, and regardless if you did sign up, a spam complaint gets recorded.  This could affect the deliverability of future emails. 

The easiest way to avoid this is to create an automated nurture/welcome sequence that introduces yourself and let’s your subscribers get to know you and become familiar with your brand. This should introduce you and your brand, and you can set expectations for how often and about what topics and offers that will show up in their inboxes..

YOUR SENDING EMAILS TO INACTIVE EMAIL ACCOUNTS

An inactive account is one that is is no longer being used or one that is rarely used. If you are email inactive accounts that’s a possible flag for spam filters.

It is important to do regular cleaning of your lists and remove emails that are bounced or haven’t been opened in read in a while. If you are hesitant to remove some one from your list. Send them a personal email and ask them if they are still interested.

USE INTENTIONAL SUBJECT LINES

Subject lines are the golden ticket! Those first few words are the hook that will determine if your subscribers open or you email or not. If your subscribers feel like your subject titles are misleading or deceiving, you are at risk of being reported as spam.

Make sure your emails are enticing enough to open, but also make sure they are relevant to the content in your email.

If you need a bit more re-assurance, you can use CoSchedules Email Subject Line tester or SubjectLine.com.

AVOID SPAM TRIGGER WORDS IN YOUR SUBJECT LINES AND YOUR EMAILS

Webmail providers scan emails for specific words that could be considered spam. Webmail providers create filters that determine what folders to send your emails to. This includes both the subject line of your email and the email body.

Sometimes these words seem harmless and may not be flagged, but because they have been misused in true spam emails, you wan to try to avoid them and find alternatives for your emails.

You can find ultimate list of spam trigger words HERE and HERE.

As additional help use Folderly, a free tool which rates your emails for spam, and gives you a list showing whats good and where you could improve.

YOU HAVE TO ADD A PHYSICAL ADDRESS TO YOUR EMAIL

Youre required by law to add a valid, physical address to every email you send out. This has to be either your current business address or a registered post office box. This is so you are in compliance with the anti-spam regulations such as the US Can-Spam Act. This is a legal requirement for all commercial email communications.

The next time you receive a true spam email, check to see if it has a physical address. If it doesn’t, chances are it’s a SPAM email.

YOU NEED AN UNSUBSCRIBE LINK

In addition to the physical address you also NEED to include an unsubscribe link or button. If this is not included, this could trigger your email to be send to the spam folder.

Make sure your unsubscribe is clear, visible and east to find. Remember you only want people on your email list that are your potential clients, if people don’t want to read your emails you want them to unsubscribe.

If someone sends you an email asking to unsubscribe, it’s best to just comply because if they mark your email as spam. You don’t want to take the risk of a high number of spam complaints. This could potentially affect the deliverability of other email campaigns.

BEST PRACTICES FOR EMAIL DESIGN

You want to create beautiful emails with images and elements that are cohesive to your brand. I love a pretty email just like the next guy, but there a few things you need to know before sending eye-catching email.

 

IMAGE TO TEXT RATIO

An image can be a powerful tool when trying to connect or evoke emotion, but you want to make sure your copy is the main element of your email

Filter program flag emails with large images and minimal text, so be mindful that your images minimal. Try to stick to 60-70 % text and 30-40% images and youre good to go.

If you are using email templates that have both images and text be aware that they get converted to an image when they are sent.

RESIZE YOUR IMAGES

When you add images to your emails, you want to ensure they are resized for web usage. Many email marketing softwares will let you know if your images are to large to upload and hinder you from doing so, but it’s always good to get into the habit.

 

In addition, be sure to check your images on mobile devices to ensure they are being displayed how you anticipated. Oftentimes images and text can be reformatted to fit a smaller screen and the image can be cropped in a way that isn’t pleasing.

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USING FONTS

Everyone loves a good handwriting font, however not everyones browser can display those custom fonts. If you have a specific branded font, theres no guarantee that your recipient would see it the way you do. Their device and browser may turn that to one of the default web fonts.

Although many email marketing softwares allow you to upload your own fonts, it might be better just to use the approved ones they provide.

Another thing to note is some handwriting fonts look great on a desktop and scaled to size, but when they appear on a smaller mobile device they may be more difficult to read. Be mindful of using handwriting fonts in your email marketing and use them sparingly.

CREATING READABLE CONTENT

Many small businesses owners struggle with committing to email marketing. They think their emails need to be profound and elaborate. That is not the case.

The text in your email should be simple, sweet, and to-the-point. In our fast-paced world you want your copy to be easy to consume.

Try implementing some of the following:

  • Write short paragraphs
  • Use bullet points
  • Add subheadings
  • Break up your text with an image or GIF
  • Minimize your call-to-actions

ATTACHMENTS

If possible try to avoid adding attachments to your emails. If your lead magnet is guide, checklist, or e-book try delivering via downloadable link.  Attachments can slow down the email load time. Also spam emails that contain attachments have been known to carry a virus, therefore are often filtered out and considered risky.

DON’T FORGET TO USE SPELL CHECK

One of my favorite memes is  “Sadly. I do my best proofreading after I hit send.” Unfortunately, this has happened to me more times that I want to admit. Although it is bound to happen make sure to do everything you can to prevent this.

Most phishing and scam emails show a high number of grammatical and spelling errors. Its often due to the fact that non-native speaking spammers and hacker use translating tools to convert their text to English. As a result these translations are a little messy and include misspelled words.

Spam filters are looking for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. In addition, you can come off unprofessional. Make it a habit to read and re-read your emails several times before sending. For a little extra support ensure spell check is turned on and/or use tools like Grammarly for extra help.

LINKS IN YOUR EMAILS

It’s important to always include a call-to-action in your emails. Your call to action could be to read a blog, listen to a podcast, or redirect to another website. If you decide to link to another website make sure the website is a credible website. You also, want to avoid linking to too many different domains. This could trigger a spam filter.

 

There you go! This is my list of reasons your emails could be showing up in the spam folder. These tips will help, but there isn’t a guarantee that your email won’t go to the spam folder. Those evil spammers are always coming up with new techniques, so in turn spam filters are constantly changing to adapt. Your email might show up in the inbox one week, and the spam folder the next.

There isn’t an email service provider that can guarantee your emails won’t end up in the spam folder, because they don’t control the spam filters. If you are consistent and try to implement as many as these tips as possible your will notice an increase in your open-rates and fewer of your emails being reported as spam.

 

Click HERE for 50% off Flodesk

Click HERE for Lead Magnet Ideas

Redefine Business Podcast

I'm Brittni Schroeder!

I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs! 

Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

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Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

Chase Chewning is an Army veteran, Certified Health Coach and wellness entrepreneur. His business, Operation Podcast, helps you to launch and grow a success podcast. They are an education platform, plus they also provide podcasting production services for all your podcasting needs. Operation Podcast is based in Los Angeles, but takes clients from all over the United States. In this episode, we talk about how Operation Podcast came to be and what Chase has to offer to help your business expand your reach through podcasting. 

Chase Chewning With Operation Podcast

In episode 72, we cover the following:

 

  • When did podcasting start? Chase shares that, at the time of this recording, the first podcast came out 20 years ago. We talk some about the evolution of the podcast. 

 

  • Chase shares who he is, where he has been, and how he got to the place he is now. His former professional career was in exercise science. After career ending injuries that happened while in the military, he became interested in health coaching and completed his Masters. It was during this process that he discovered podcasting. Through listening and learning to podcasts, he desired to become a podcast host himself. He went for it, leaned in, and loved it! 

 

  • Through podcasting , he became a better health coach and business owner, but soon he found he needed to pick what he wanted to focus on. He decided to focus on podcasting.

Pivoting to Podcasting

  • Chase explains how and why he wanted to podcast. He discovered there was a need for podcast assistance and started helping others with their podcasts. Chase then evolved and created courses and Operation Podcast.

 

  • He explains what he is doing now in podcasting and production. Chase shares what has been happening during the last 3 years of pouring his heart into his podcast business. He has even won an Amazon award!

 

  • We talk about pivoting and how sometimes in business, you have to pivot. In fact, your business is always going to be evolving and changing. When you see a need, pivoting can be the right thing for your business. 

Chase Channing With Operation Podcast Offers...

  • Chase talks about his digital courses. He explains what you will get pout of Level 101 and Level 102. In his courses, he shares all the details of what he has learned over the years and how you can find success. He also talks about what makes a good podcast including SEO and what is working in your favor and what your podcast should be doing for your business. Podcasting can be a great way to be heard and is a fantastic business tool! There are many enjoyable aspects of podcasting including networking and expanding your reach.  
  • So what can he help you with? He shares what he offers, including a high quality, professional audio and video recording studio there in Los Angeles. 

 

  • We talk about AI platforms for podcasts and how AI has a lot of promise and potential benefits. It is not a replacement, but a great tool. that can really help clients and business success.

 

  • Of course, he shares his pet peeve and simple pleasure! 

Where Can You Find Out More?

Check our Chase’s digital courses and the services Operation Podcast offers on his website Operation Podcast 

 

Follow him on Instagram @chase_chewning and @operationpodcast 

 

Are you interested in one of his courses? use code Redefine30 for 30% off his courses. Find the digital courses HERE

 

Interested in a FREE consultation for production services? Email Chase directly at: chase@operationpodcast.com

Redefine Business Podcast

I'm Brittni Schroeder!

I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs! 

DEALING WITH CHANGE

Dealing with Change

REDEFINE PODCAST

Dealing With Change

Dealing With Change

There is a tool, or rather an insight, that I teach my clients.  When we are dealing with change, there is a point during this transformation when things are hard, challenging, or uncomfortable.  I refer to this time as the The Bad Before The Good”  We are struggling and feel despair, frustration, or even sadness.  This feeling will not last forever, but it is just part of the process of change.  Understand that being in the Bad Before The Good” is just part of getting to where you want to go and becoming who you want to be.

I’m excited to share about change and how it can give us hope and move forward in life and in business. 

Dealing with Change

I always knew I wanted to have children. Becoming a mother was something I longed for and even looked forward to pregnancy.  Within a few months of marriage, I found out I was pregnant. I was scared and excited all at the same time. The excitement faded pretty quickly when I started to feel sick. I was miserable. I was having a hard time dealing with change in my health. There was nothing I could do that made me feel better. Every day for months I would say to myself, Tomorrow I will feel better.” I awoke with feeling of disappointment every morning when I felt horrible again. The sickness seemed never ending and I felt like the nausea was a lifelong sentence. Then a miracle happened.  After months of feeling sick, I woke up and I actually felt better. The urge to vomit my brains out was gone and my energy was back too. It was incredible how good I felt.

You may be wondering why I tell you this familiar story. The truth is, I love a good analogy.  That is how I learn and in turn how I teach. Having a baby is something I wanted, but my body had to go through a great deal of change to make that happen. The change was not easy or comfortable, but it did not last forever. In the end, I grew a beautiful human and the result was the best reward—becoming a mother. 

Change is inevitable in our lives, whether that is emotional, physical or mental.  It is part of the process as we evolve and strive to become our best selves.  Sometimes the change comes involuntarily and sometimes it comes by choice.  If we want different results in our lives then we have to anticipate and embrace change, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it is. Our life is filled with ups and downs or positives and negatives.  We cannot have one without the other.  If we can accept that, then we will get to where we are going with more understanding.

There is a tool, or rather an insight, that I teach my clients.  When we are dealing with change, there is a point during this transformation when things are hard, challenging, or uncomfortable.  I refer to this time as the The Bad Before The Good”  We are struggling and feel despair, frustration, or even sadness.  This feeling will not last forever, but it is just part of the process of change.  Understand that being in the Bad Before The Good” is just part of getting to where you want to go and becoming who you want to be.

When we recognize and have awareness of the process, it allows us to accept it, but also to keep moving forward. If we give up or surrender in the middle of the BAD we won’t have the opportunity of experiencing the GOOD.  If that is the case, we won’t ever realize that all that misery was worth it.

 

Think about some of the hard trials or challenges in your life. What good came from those difficulties? Maybe you gained a new or stronger relationship, maybe you experienced success, you learned a new skill, or you became stronger. I promise if we look there is always something “good” that follows.

Change is hard. It can often make or break us, but if we can learn to recognize what is happening then it gives us hope and keeps us moving forward.

 

The next time you are seeking change, or it happens without warning, prepare yourself for the bad before the good”, understanding that when you are in the depths of the bad that you are in the process of change. It wont last forever, and it is a good thing; it shows that you are one step closer to becoming the best you.  

Redefine Business Podcast

I'm Brittni Schroeder!

I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs! 

ANN PETERS THE ICELAND WEDDING PLANNER

ANN PETERS THE ICELAND WEDDING PLANNER

REDEFINE PODCAST

ANN PETERS THE ICELAND WEDDING PLANNER

ANN PETERS THE ICELAND WEDDING PLANNER

I am so fascinated by Ann’s dream job and thrilled to have her on the podcast! Ann Peters is an adventure wedding planner and photographer based in Iceland! She and her team plan and photograph Iceland Adventure Weddings / Elopements in private and offbeat locations far away from the tourist locations. In this episode, we talk about how her business came to be, blogging and all about what she does. 

ANN PETERS THE ICELAND WEDDING PLANNER

In this episode, we chat about:

 

  • Ann introduces herself and shares her history. She tells us just how she started wedding photography and adventure weddings.

 

  • She shares that out of the 97 countries she’s explored,  she just fell in love with Iceland, and it felt like home. Ann tells how The Iceland Wedding Planner came to be and what she offers.

 

  • The experience she creates is a full luxury adventure! She creates top of the line, memorable experiences and unique activities. 

 

  • Her #1 referral source is SEO. She is a blogger and this is where she gets a lot of her traffic. Ann shares how long she has been blogging and how often. She shares what type of content she outs out and how her blog has driven her traffic. Blogs have life term benefits. They have such a long life span and can be very beneficial long term to your business.

 

  • Ann is very good at networking. She has built relationships with companies and land ownersthat have really helped strengthen her brand. 

 

  • Ann of course shares her pet peeve and her simple pleasure! 

Show Notes

Where can you find out more about adventure weddings and see the fabulous photography? 

 

Visit her blog and website at Iceland Wedding Planner

 

Follow Iceland Wedding Planner  on Instagram 

 

Here is the FREEBIE mentioned in the podcast! 

Redefine Business Podcast

I'm Brittni Schroeder!

I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs! 

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LIFE COACH

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LIFE COACH

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BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LIFE COACH

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LIFE COACH

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LIFE COACH

A few years ago, I found myself navigating through some trials. I was searching for answers when I stumbled across The Life School podcast with Brooke Castillo.  The ideas of thought work and controlling your mind deeply resonated with me. I began searching and absorbing all the information I could find on this idea.  The concept of learning to control your mind enlightened and empowered me.  I knew I had been blessed with certain gifts.  Innately, I found ways to connect with people and then could build them up and give them newfound confidence.  I wanted to help more people and during this time of reflection, I made the decision to become certified as a life coach.

 

I have been an entrepreneur as long as I can remember.  Some of my ventures included being a professional photographer, working as Editor-in-Chief of a photography magazine, and founding a nonprofit. I identify as an analytic or left-brained person.  Creating spreadsheets and organization energizes me and brings me so much satisfaction.  Finding motivation has never been problematic for me. However, during my training to become a life coach, I discovered a world of potential I didnt know existed.  I had the realization that I could boost my business with a life coach.

 

MINDSET

Discovering the power of mindset is so important to success.  It was one of those things that I didn’t realize I was missing until I realized it was missing. When I learned the tools it was like a whole new world opened up to me. The possibilities were endless.

 

Rarely do people focus enough on this aspect of success. I didnt.  We dont know what we dont know.  Learning to improve my mindset was a game-changer for me. My mind was suddenly opened to opportunities and dreams I never thought possible.  I thought my motivation alone would get me to where I wanted to go.  I was wrong. 

 

I learned to control my own thoughts.  This is paramount to achieving success in every aspect of life. Our thoughts shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions, ultimately determining the trajectory of our lives.

 

By mastering control over our thoughts, we gain the power to shape our reality. We can turn failure into “a learning experience” or rejection into “it wasn’t meant to be”.  These thoughts help us overcome challenges.

 

Positive and empowering thoughts can instill confidence, motivation, and resilience, enabling us to persevere in the face of obstacles. Directing our thoughts towards our goals enhance focus and clarity.  When we control our thoughts, we become more self-aware, enabling us to identify and challenge negative thinking patterns or self-limiting beliefs that hinder progress. Ultimately, the ability to control our thoughts empowers us to cultivate a mindset of success, unlocking our full potential and propelling us towards achieving our dreams.

I often tell my clients: I can teach you all the tools you need to be successful, but if you dont believe it you will only go so far.  Learning to control your mind, accept failure, set goals, and dream bigger are what it takes to achieve ultimate success.

 

GOAL SETTING

I have always been a goal setter, but I learned I wasn’t all that awesome at it.  At the beginning of every year, I jotted down a few things I wanted to accomplish that year.  I would reflect on those goals periodically, but that was the extent of my goal setting regimen.

During the goal-setting portion of my training I learned a few things:

  • My goals were not big enough
  • I wasn’t setting them often enough
  • I didn’t have a strategy to accomplish them
  • And I didn’t have the mindset to achieve them

I have learned to create habits and make mindset shifts that will align with my goals. Writing down goals isn’s enough to achieve them. I believe in the law of attraction. I have learned that when I am seeing my goals, thinking about my goals, and working towards my goals, I am achieving my goals.

Setting goals isn’t just a once a year habit. I have learned that it’s crucial to set yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily habits if you it’s important to you. It gives you direction and purpose.

When goal setting it’s also important to have a strategy to accomplish your goals. That strategy might be learning a new skill, talking to as many people as you can until you get a yes, getting a certification, etc. We have understand and recognize our obstacles so we can reach our goals.

Goal setting is one of the most compassionate things we do for ourselves because it helps us evolve into the best possible version of ourselves.  Learning proper techniques and strategies is a tool or habit that we need to develop.

Motivation and ambition is amazing, but if you don’t have a clearly defined goal, create a strategy and execute, you will fall short of your potential.

FAILURE

Another mindset tool I cultivated was failure and the willingness to embrace it. Failure is inevitable in business and in life, but learning to embrace it takes the right mindset and practice.  Lots and lots of practice. With the proper mindset, you will learn to work through failure with an attitude of gratitude.  When we learn to use failure as a tutor it becomes our most valuable education.  We will see the most growth after failure.

Failure is success in progress,” Albert Einstein once said.  This  incredible man understood the power of a positive mindset. Failure is the seed of growth and success.  Once we gain the right perspective, we will begin to appreciate it.  Your confidence will improve, you will take more risks, and you will see massive growth.

 

I have learned that the only way to reach success is through failure. I have shifted my mindset to realize that when I fail that I am on the right path that will get me to success. The concept of failure is hard for many of us to accept and get good at, but it is the catalyst that we need so we can learn and become who were meant to be.



I knew I wanted to become a life coach, but I had no idea of the enormous impact it would have on my business. The tools I have acquired and now teach my clients are life-changing. These skills have given me the ability to help women in so many ways. I am a certified life and business coach, but more importantly, I empower people.  I do this by teaching them to empower themselves.  I show them the potential they didnt know existed within themselves.

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USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH CERI PAYNE

USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH CERI PAYNE

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USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH CERI PAYNE

USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH CERI PAYNE

I am so excited to share episode 68: Using AI in Your Business with Ceri Payne! Ceri Payne, is a certified life and executive coach. She created her six-figure coaching practice while parenting three teenagers, teaching special education full-time, supporting her husband in his demanding career, and serving as the President of her Church’s Women’s Organization. Ceri helps entrepreneurs and women in demand careers balance work and motherhood without sacrificing themselves or the things they value most.  Through identifying priorities, organizing time, creating powerful, flexible schedules, and strategizing business, Ceri helps her clients achieve success without the burnout.

USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH CERI PAYNE

In this podcast, we chat about all the reasons AI can be a great tool for your business. We cover:

 

  • How Ceri pivoted from being a teacher to becoming a Time and Productivity coach. She shares what does and a little of her background. 

 

  • We talk all things AI. Maybe you have questions such as…Is AI going to destroy the world? Are we cheating? Will this replace jobs? Will using AI affect our ability to think? How can this be a benefit to business? 

 

  • What AI really is and how it can be a powerful teaching tool. The more that you know how to use it correctly and perfect skills, the more it can be a benefit to you. AI is a supplement, not a replacement. Using AI as a tool can really be helpful to our businesses. 

HOW DO YOU USE AI IN YOUR BUSINESS?

  • Ceri shares what she uses AI Chat for in her business. What can AI help you with?  She shares an example of what it did for her to prepare for her webinar. Using AI, it took 37 minutes, compared to 3-4 work days, to create the material she needed!  AI really does help with time management and productivity. 
  • I also share how I use AI and make it applicable to me business. I share a few examples of how I use it … I use it as an outline, and make sure I add “my voice”. It jumpstarts my creativity. It really can help us expand on what we have to offer and better reach our clients. It can be a great tool. 
  • Making sure we are staying true to our brand and our voice is heard in what we present.
  • You can ask questions to help you learn about your clients and ways to be reach and serve them using AI. Ceri shares and example of what she asked AI…about objections for coaching to get a better understanding how she can reach her clients and connect to her audience. Ai can be a powerful teaching tool.
  • We also talk about the pros and cons of AI and the concern of using it in the institution of education. How we can use it to empower us and learn. Not to cheat the system. Used correctly, it can be golden for many reasons. 

 

  • Of course, we also hear what Ceri’s pet peeve and simple pleasure is! 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND CERI?

If you are looking for a coach to help you and your business with time management and productivity- Ceri is your girl! 

 

Find her on Instagram @ceripaynecoaching 

 

Her website  is Ceri Payne Coaching 

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Graphic Design with Deena Rutter

Graphic Design with Deena Rutter

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Graphic Design with Deena Rutter

Graphic Design with Deena Rutter

Today I have graphic design extraordinaire on the show! Episode 66:  Graphic Design with Deena Rutter Graphic Designer, Deena Rutter, shares how important having a cohesive and professional website is. Branding is so important and it is sometimes overlooked. First impressions matter in business! Deena shares some great tips and what she offers to Life Coaches and other business owners. Looking to step it up on your branding or even get started on branding as a new business owner? This is the place to be!

Graphic Design with Deena Rutter

On the podcast, we talk about:

 

  • Deena introduces herself and shares what she does.

 

  • We talk about what the process is in creating a brand. Deena explains how she works with clients to establish a brand. What does your brand says about you and your business? Colors even matter! 

 

  • You want your customers first interaction with you and your websites and social media to be and look professional. Reflecting the value of what you have to offer on your website is huge. You can loose clients or customers just on the look if your website alone. Investing in someone who knows what they are doing is helpful for your business and less overwhelming for you! 

 

  • If your content looks professional, people will take you more seriously and cohesiveness speaks volumes. Deena shares how and people who are interested in her graphic design services can find her. Details in the show notes! 

 

  • Deena shares her pet peeve and simple pleasure! 

Show Notes - Where Can you Find Deena?

You can find out more on her website or send her a DM on Instagram @deenarutter or email with your questions at : deena@deenarutter.com

Click on the link to find out more about The Life Coaches Brand In a Box that she talks about on the podcast. 

Deena also offers project based design as well as a Custom Brand Package where you can work with her one – on -one to create the perfect brand for you and your business. 

 

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Pinterest For Beginners

Pinterest For Beginners

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Pinterest For Beginners

Pinterest For Beginners

 If you arent using Pinterest in your business its time to start. I will give you a few tips if you are a beginner. It is important to understand how Pinterest works so you can create a strategy and leverage it in your business marketing. This platform is a great way to increase your traffic and grow your brand. In episode 67, I talk all about it! 

Pinterest For Beginners

I once thought Pinterest was just for inspiration for decorating your house and throwing parties. I quickly learned this visual platform not only helps me throw a great party but also is a great tool for my business.  If  you arent using Pinterest in your business its time to start. I will give you a few tips if you are a beginner.

 

It is important to understand how Pinterest works so you can create a strategy and leverage it in your business marketing. This platform is a great way to increase your traffic and grow your brand.

 

PINTEREST IS A SEARCH ENGINE

Pinterest is very similar to Google. Statistics show that 250 million people use Pinterest every month. When we are looking for ideas, topics, and inspiration, we head to Pinterest. With that said, you need to ensure that your profile, boards, and pins are optimized so they appear in the search results.

KEYWORDS AND PINTEREST

Using keywords is the most crucial element to ensuring that maximize your reach. Your objective should be to connect with your ideal clients. 

 

Researching and utilizing keywords that your ideal client may search is key to growth. Take time to make lists of words and phrases your ideal clients might search for. You can use the search bar within in Pinterest or the Google search bar to find a great list of keywords that are applicable to your ideal audience.

 

Although you can follow and be followed in Pinterest, that number does not limit your reach.  With the proper techniques your reach potential is huge.

YOUR PROFILE

One of the first things you will want to do is convert your Pinterest account to a business account.

 

A business account also offers enhanced features such as access to website and blog URLs in profiles, so users can be directed to other platforms they might want to explore. In short, upgrading from a personal account to a business one gives you far more opportunities that cant be found elsewhere.

 

Linking to your blog or website will ensure that all content is original, and youll have access to Rich pins, Promoted Pinterest pins, and statistical data. With this data, youll be able to track the number of views and clicks on each post, as well as see which boards are the most popular among your followers.

OPTIMIZE YOUR PROFILE

Having an influential presence on Pinterest begins with a list of carefully chosen keywords related to your specialty. These search words are essential for maximizing conversions and elevating visibility in the platforms environment.

Once youre navigating through, look out for auto-suggestions in the search bar – these will offer powerful insight into which terms people use most frequently as they hunt down what want/need!

 

A professional profile picture should include a headshot – its the easiest way to stand out and build trust with new customers or readers.

 

Display name: provide your first name, then select 1-2 keywords that best describe your blog/business. If theres still space left, you can add your business name, too.

User name: this is the field where you add your blogs or company name. Your user name will be visible in the url to your Pinterest profile. For example: pinterest.com/yourcompanyname.

 

About: Captivate your audience with a stunning profile description! Make sure to pack in the keywords as these will ensure you reach out quickly and effectively. Add important business information and demonstrate what makes your blog or business stand out, whilst keeping it cohesive – keep it simple yet engaging; try weaving 4-6 of those desired keyphrases into 500 characters for maximum impact.

CALL TO ACTION

You can’t add click-able links in the profile, but don’t let that stop you from adding your website, podcast, or lead magnet.

CREATE BOARDS TO STAY ORGANIZED

You can organize your content by creating different boards that can house different topics.  When creating boards, you are prompted to give them a title so you know what types of pins live in that board.  When you save a pin to Pinterest, you select a board to save it. To maximize your reach, try to come up with subcategories.  For example, I am a business coach so I have boards for SEO, Mindset, Growing Your Newsletter, etc.  When creating your boards, reference your keyword list to utilize words your ideal client may be searching for.

When using Pinterest to help with your business, use secret or hidden boards for personal pinning. When you make a board secret that means no one can see it but you.

 

With that being said, if part of your personal brand is fashion or home decor and that is what speaks to your audience you can include those boards.

CREATING PINS

Most pins are vertical and this is the preferred orientation. I use Canva to create my pins and they have prefabricated templates that make it quick and easy.  Pinterest is a visual platform so use images, text, and colors that are appealing and draw people in.  Use images that are relevant to the content that you are pinning.

WHAT TO PIN

Pin all of your content.  Anytime you post content, pin it.  You can also pin from someones website or Pinterest feed.  If you read an interesting post or see an image that inspires you pin it to your Pinterest.  Some websites have a pin button installed which makes it easy to access.  However, you have the option to install a Pinterest extension that will enable you to pin from most sites.

MY PIN STRATEGY

When I create a piece of content, say for an example a podcast or blog post. I will create 5-10 pin graphics for that piece of content. The graphics are all different. I may choose different colors within my brand, different images, and even a different version of the title with similar keywords.

 

Once the graphics are created and I have written a brief, keywords rich description of the content then I will start scheduling the pins. You can use a program like Tailwind, or you can just use Pinterest. They both have scheduling features. When I pin my content I will pin each of the different graphics in different boards on different times. That way all my pins for one piece of content isn’t showing up all at once on my followers feeds.

 

If I create 10 graphics for each piece of content and pin 5 different pieces of content a month, that is 50 pins a month. When you break it down that way it doesn’t seem so daunting.

FOLLOWING OTHER PINNERS

You can follow other people on Pinterest, but you can also follow individual boards.  This is a great way to ensure that your feed is filled with pins that are relevant to what you what to view.

YOUR PINTEREST FEED

When you log in to your account there are several types of pins that will show up.  Different pins can come from different sources.

  • Pins from people you follow
  • Pins recommended by Pinterest based on your interest
  • Promoted pins or paid pins

ALGORITHM

Like other platforms, the Pinterest algorithm changes often. Every Pinterest user sees different pins on their home feed.  Your engagement may fluctuate, but pinning consistently is key.

It is important to try new things and create new strategies.  Keep an eye on your Pinterest insights and continue to watch for updates.  Take time at least monthly to educate yourself on what is working on Pinterest and adjust your strategies.

 

YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL

Your objective on Pinterest is to get people to pin your original pin. While you still want to share other peoples content, you ultimate goals is to promote your pins and get people to click on them and end up on your blog or website.

 

Become aware of what it is people are pinning and produce content that is similar to that. Pay attention to the images, graphics, text and content that is getting pinned the most. Create different graphics for the same content and see which one performs the better.  Utilize the Pinterest autofill search bar to see what is being searched for the most.

CONSISTENCy

In order to see results from Pinterest, you must learn to be consistent.  It will take several months of pinning and learning how Pinterest works before you will see results.  Schedule time every week to be active in Pinterest. 

Spending time learning and using Pinterest can be a great tool in your business. It can help you strengthen your brand and improve your visibility.

 

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Social Selling with Erin Lopez

Social Selling with Erin Lopez

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Social Selling with Erin Lopez

Social Selling with Erin Lopez
Erin Lopez is the entrepreneur behind A Lopez Lifestyle. A well sought after speaker, author and leader in the direct sales industry, she brings passion, humor and a servant heart. She has built a multimillion dollar business by helping others live their best life.
 
 I’m so excited to have the opportunity to talk to lifestyle entrepreneur, Erin Lopez,  about Social Selling and her new book! 

Social Selling with Erin Lopez

In this podcast, Erin shares about:

 

  • Erin shares about herself and her story. She started in the fashion industry and became and entrepreneur about 8 years ago, which she says has been the best thing for her in so many ways. She has built a multi million dollar business by helping others live their best life.

 

  • She talks about how her servant heart has helped her in her life and in her business. She was able to align herself with a company that had the same desires to serve others. Erin talks about how she utilizes social media to serve the world. 
  • Sometimes with social media, we only see the outcome and not the journey. The journey to success isn’t always what it appears to be. She talks about how failures and difficult things happen along the way. Failing is part of the process… you have to fail to succeed. Erin shares how midst has been so important to her and how she has gotten back up when things were difficult or she had self doubt. 

 

  • There are many benefits to being an entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur it isn’t always easy. Sharing that vulnerable side of you as an entrepreneur helps others, as you become relatable. The fruit is worth it! You just have to show up over and over again.
  • She has a book out filled with powerful stories from people that will change the course of how you think about things. Don’t ever think that you can’t dream something up and actually do it! Her book is titled: I Decide.

 

  • Of course, Erin shares her pet peeve and her simple pleasure! 

Show Notes

Need to get your hands on her book?! You can find I Decide on her website, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 

 

Connect with Erin on Instagram @alopezlifestyle or on Facebook at Erin Lopez. 

 

 

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I'm Brittni Schroeder!

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