Creating blog posts or social media posts can take way longer than it needs to if you're starting from scratch every single time. Using a simple spreadsheet to organize your ideas and store them for the right time can drastically increase your efficiency and help you stay focused when you're working on something else.
I've also found that a few gentle reminders can really help me move through the times that I'm spinning my wheels mentally and emotionally. I keep a small collection of sticky notes on my computer that provide a little perspective, or just help to reassure me that it's going to be okay.
Okay, you DIY website builders. You've done a great job by taking the risk and plunging into launching a website on your own--hooray!
But there are a few things you might have overlooked in the process. Here are a few improvements that will help put the spit and polish on your site right away:
Anna Vanuga is an artist based in Emigrant, Montana. She has a infectious laugh, and a talent for creating art that speaks to the soul. She shares a bit of her journey--the ups and downs, inspirations and next steps--below:
How do I deal with requests for custom work from friends? I don't want to let anyone down, but I have a lot going on. Getting the request is flattering, but it kind of stresses me out.
In my experience, nothing stresses small business owners out quite like money does.
Whether it's an awkward conversation about collecting past due payments, figuring out how to price your services accordingly, or just wondering "will there ever be enough?" money issues seems to make everyone's palms sweat. Throw in a personal relationship (friends, acquaintance, industry influencer) and it really can get messy.
My clients ask me this question all the time:
Do I really need to send out an email newsletter? I have SO much to do already that it seems like a waste to take on one more thing, and I'm not sure an email will really be worth it. I delete so many of those things anyway! Do I have to?
I'm so glad that self care is part of the conversation these days...But sometimes it can just feel like one more thing to add to the to-do list.
How do you squeeze in three hours of "essential" self care rituals in a day that is already jam-packed with deadlines, emails, and appointments, not to mention your personal life?
I'm posting on Facebook and getting more likes and views, but no conversions. Help!
When you're working solo or running a small business, one of the best investments you can make is in improving your systems. You may not have the budget to hire an assistant at this point, but spending a little time and money on getting your systems working like a well-oiled machine will restore your sanity and make you look like a boss.
Building a website has never been easier. There are so many platforms and templates available that anyone can slap together a website on their own. And while I generally love the figure-it-out-yourself approach, I find that when folks build their own websites, they miss a few key pieces. Simply thinking about your website in a new way can make a big difference in improving your site.
Often times one of the first things I encourage new business owners to do is spiff up their online presence in the way of imagery. Sometimes it's just putting a little more consistent effort into their Instagram feed, or refreshing their photos on their website. Here are 7 ways to take simple and easy product photos.
