Think Enriched

  “Everyday is a bank account, and time is our currency. No one is rich, no one is poor, we've got 24 hours each.” --Christopher Rice   If there was one thing I could give every smart, ambitious woman it is this:  more time.  How do you get more time? You don't.  You start to use it much more wisely. Deadlines help.  Lists can keep you on track.  But the productivity of smart, ambitious women starts way before we squeeze 2-hour projects in 20-minute time slots.  (And yes, we've all tried that before...) The real answer is where you decide to focus your time. Make the decision in the morning and watch how quickly the day comes together. I understand that kids get sick, deadlines change, people run late.  Those are things you can't control. What can you control?  Is precisely how you spend your time in the margin.  Consider these few ways to help you accomplish more of where you focus your time: Have a daily planning session with yourself.  (This can be done as part of your morning routine, in the car before you go to work, or the night before.)  Set a routine and stick with it. Write it down.  (The science proves that writing things down helps you stay more focused on the task.) Break down the big goals into small checkpoints to examine your progress. Check your progress throughout the day.  At lunch is a great time to evaluate what comes next. (This is why lists work. You can see where you are in the process.) Give yourself space to accomplish the goal. (No more 20-minutes for the big stuff.) No one has more time than you.  It's about the choices made and where you put your focus.    

Your Monday Maxim Today's Quote: “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Actions breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” - Dale Carnegie  

Ep. 122 - Adapt and Succeed Thanks for joining us on Think Enriched.  I’m delighted to have you here! Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. Today’s Monday Maxim Oh my gosh!  My friend, we’ve got it all wrong…  that quote, the classic Darwin theory that tells you, “Survival of the fittest…” is WRONG. Do you know what he really said?   “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is more adaptable to change.” - Charles Darwin  As smart, ambitious women, we are continually adapting.  That is our power skill!  If we were all playing Super Heroes, wearing our capes, masks, and tights, we could always use our superpower of adaptability to make the situation work for all those involved.  And we do it without even thinking about it. Just this morning at the bank, because the internet was down, the computer system at the bank was down.  They were working slow.  I was there right as the bank opened and there were about 12 people in front of me in line.  And people were freaking out.   The young girl in front of me texting like her life depended on it and rolling her eyes at everyone around her...just stopped, huffed out loud and stormed out of the bank. Some people cannot adapt to change. We see people around us stuck.  What they did 3 months ago… or 3 years ago… or when they were 23… is exactly what they plan to do right now.  And tomorrow.  And forever. These people aren’t happy.  They aren’t looking forward to making things work.  They are unwilling or don’t know that they need to adapt. The big secret?  You can’t change them. You will not change them.  The change willingness to adapt comes from within. What about when you find yourself stuck? You can always yell, “Plot twist…” and move on.  “And the most successful people are those who accept, and adapt to constant change. This adaptability requires a degree of flexibility and humility most people can’t manage.” - Paul Lutus

Remember Lean on Me, the movie of the New Jersey high school principal, Joe Clark?  He's sharing some insight today on your Monday Maxim. This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “Self-respect permeates every aspect of your life.”  - Joe Clark I lived in New Jersey for nearly a couple years.  That's where I learned to speak Spanish. That area, Paterson, New Jersey, is where I was assigned as a missionary for my church. Our local congregation's leader lived right around the corner from Eastside High School in Paterson.  First, Crazy Joe had to kick out the drugs and problems and focus on those who were coming to school to learn. This is a perfect lesson for each of us today. Kick out the stuff that doesn't belong.  Focus on the good.  The respect you give yourself is the same respect that others give you. How do you start to give yourself respect?  You earn it. Be dependable.  If you say you are going to get up when the alarm rings, do it.  Don't hit snooze.  Get your feet on the floor and walk. It feels great once that warm shower hits your body. Commit to yourself. When you make a commitment to your family, friends, or work, you know that job will be completed.  That's what makes you a smart, ambitious woman.  What about you?  If you tell yourself you are going to exercise at 7:30pm, but someone needs your help... you push it aside, don't you?  Of course you have.  No more.  You can tell your family & friends, "Look, I will happily help you, but first, I'm going to do this..." then walk out the door, they may be stunnned.  But they know you are serious.  The people in your life aren't taking you seriously because you don't take yourself seriously.   Kick out the junk.  It's spring here in the Pacific Northwest.  I'm on a spring cleaning high!  I love getting rid of all the junk that has accumulated over the winter...(Where did all of that stuff come from, anyway???)  What is left is space to move and breathe.  A better environment for all of us here. It's the same with your habits.  You may have collected a few that are holding you back.  You know it's time.  Replace those habits with healthier ones and see how those tiny steps add up to big changes in your life. 

Thanks for joining us! Did you know you can support the show?  Click here to contribute. Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”  - Fred Rogers   Support the show here.

This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “No man who is occupied doing a very difficult thing, and doing it very well, ever loses his self-respect.”  - George Bernard Shaw Consider what you go through in a day: Taking care of others Keeping the house clean & in order Ensuring proper nutrition & exercise is taken care of for you & yours Work responsibilities Church responsibilities Volunteer & Civic duties This is the list when everything is going right. What about when it's not going right?  How do you get things in order? Lucille Ball once said, "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." To really love yourself, you must: Stop comparing yourself with others Start appreciating what makes you YOU. Start finding ways to be more of yourself amidst the craziness of the world.

Today's Monday Maxim: “Love yourself-accept yourself-forgive yourself-and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.” - Dr. Leo Buscaglia In this video, he also said, "The hardest battle you are ever going to fight is to be- just YOU." "I'm really convinced, that if you were to define love, the only word big enough to engulf it all would be Life.  Love is life in all of its aspects. And if you miss love, you miss life. Please don't."

Thanks for joining us today!  I’m delighted to have you here. You can show your support for the show by going to Think Enriched on Patreon.  This is a simple way support the show for as little as $1 a month.  You’ll get insider information, direct contact with me and even a monthly meeting us to talk about what we achieve together. Click on the link and support the show. Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”  - William James  Support the show on Patreon.

Thanks for joining the show! Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson   Support Think Enriched on Patreon.

Let’s have the conversation before the conversation… People get uncomfortable when we have a conversation about the rights of women. Like with your commitment to financial security, or your political party, or even if and to whom you choose to worship…there are so many levels. I’m not here to make you uncomfortable. But did you know, that the world is searching for gender equality?  Google shared this video of the most looked up terms. And did you know that most looked up word in last year was feminism? Supporting Women's Day, does not make you against men. It is seeing how far we've come. Consider that, without women before us paving the way, we would not be able to vote.  Or own land.  Or a home.  Or have our own banking account.  Or pursue our own dream.  Doesn't that just seem...outrageous?  It does to me.  That's why today, I honor those who made life better for me. Women’s International Day Did you know that WID has been observed for more than 100 years? International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. Here's How You Can Show your support You can support International Women’s Day by: 1. Call Mom. Express your gratitude.   Honor those who have led the way. http://www.dailycal.org/2018/03/08/guide-supporting-women-international-womens-day-even-arent-one/ 2. Choose your words more carefully.  “word choice makes a huge difference in how you portray yourself and how you make women feel. Men are expected to fulfill a stereotype of strength and aggression, while women are expected to be deferential and fragile.” http://www.dailycal.org/2018/03/08/guide-supporting-women-international-womens-day-even-arent-one/ 3. Stand up so that all girls can have an education and work to support herself. 2/3 of the 774 million illiterate people in the world are female 31 million girls of primary school age are out of school 80% of women in  America become mothers by the age of 45 research has shown that childless women are penalized by our bias that women “will become mothers.” http://en.unesco.org/gem-report/sites/gem-report/files/girls-factsheet-en.pdf https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamiforman/2018/03/07/two-ways-to-pressforprogress-on-international-womens-day/#71eaebf23e0f 4. Support & celebrate men who support women & make family a priority. When men have a healthier work/life balance women are allowed are given space to realize their potential https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamiforman/2018/02/06/why-we-should-help-men-find-better-worklife-balance/#5f6f81662a12 https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/advertising-channels/search/international-womens-day-digital-engagement Men can join MARC, Men Advocating Real Change http://onthemarc.org/internationalwomensday 5. Help those who are re-entering the workplace. Path Forward is on a mission to empower women and men to restart their career after taking time off for caregiving. Our work with program participants and enlisting new partner companies is directly supported by your contributions. http://pathforward.org/ 6. Make a donation. There are several organizations that support women’s roles and gender equality. https://hellogiggles.com/news/9-organizations-support-international-womens-day/ 7. Commit to supporting the #PressforProgress in the year 2018 https://www.internationalwomensday.com/PressforProgress #pressforprogress in 2018 Maintain a gender parity mindset Challenge stereotypes and bias Forge positive visibility of women Influence other’s beliefs/ actions Celebrate women’s achievements More resources: The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/international-women-s-day-everything-you-need-to-know-and-do-1.3418380

Thanks for listening! Show your support for the show by going to Patreon.   Here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”  - Marcus Aurelius The key to remaining positive is to reframe the situation. Ask yourself, "What is one positive thing about this situation?" By reframing the situation, even very negative situations can give you positives examples and lessons in life.  Show your support for the show by going to Patreon.  

We’ve had some real growth in our audience and I want to welcome new listeners to the show.  There are things that you, the long-time listener may not know about me. So in an invitation to you, new friends today, and in the future, we are taking a moment to let you in. My purpose is simple. Smart, ambitious women are rarely thinking about themselves. What do they spend time thinking about?  Their family's needs; aging parents; work responsibilities; the community; and more. Stress can fill our minds and consume our lives. These women, like us, have forgotten to think about and take care of themselves.  I’ve worked in marketing and sales for years.  So those are topics we address.  But it’s not a regular sales kind of show. This podcast, Think Enriched, is the place for smart, ambitious women. We come together to share, enjoy some self-care, laugh, and be kinder to ourselves. We learn new strategies for success, then go and do tremendous good in the world.  It is that simple. Where has your experience led you? As a child we lived hand-to-mouth.  Started off as a money blog As my journey has grown, the show has changed.  This is my second version of a podcast. The friends I’ve made through this podcast are exceptional (online marketers & the listeners) Where is this going? What’s your vision for this podcast? Women are starving. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Beat the army of burnt out women.  Single moms, single women, married, gay, straight, or otherwise, there is too much to take care of in our role. "the exclusive site for smart, ambitious women." CEOs, & power moms have more in common than they realize. Managing multiple people, projects and items have the same principles. Create the system to conquer our little should self-critic. We work so hard to avoid failing others we can easily fail ourselves. I imagine this group of power women that have met for weeks/months at a time online.  That when we come together for our retreat/experience…and finally meet in person at this power event. We learn business strategies, networking skills, keeping your vision fresh, support for women, trusting your intuition and emotions at the same damn time. There's not a business conference that I know of that meet the needs of women. It's like feminist women trying to fit in the man's world. Which is crap. Our world is different. We lead and nurture. It's not about bringing home the bacon like it was before. It's more than that. Putting feelings and emotion in a process doesn't make you weak, it add passion.  it increases the energy, giving you momentum and power, and staying true The vision in my heart is BIG. Are you a family person? Family is the most important for me. My siblings are in different parts of the world and like any family, we have struggles. Military family which feels like, half-time 2 parents and half-time of single parenting. Support, love, and strength really is where it’s at. Home is our little bit of heaven. Are you all about the hustle and the grind? This is has been a big one for me… finding the balance. I like to jump in the pool, or whatever it is, and then think, “Huh.  That was kind of a big decision.  It just felt right at the time.” Being Mom & wife and still being able to give to this business can be stressful. Turning off my mind to business ideas doesn’t seem to work.  I’m constantly searching for solutions and applying my life to my business and vice-versa. Do you happily work 18 hours a day or get it all done in just six? I’ve struggled with this a lot. My husband said to me, “I can’t deal with talking about this all the time. I need you.  Not the business right now.” I had to find a mentor/coach/mastermind/ colleague to discuss the business topics. Turning it off is as important, if not more so, than keeping the business ideas going. What do you do for fun? My favorite, FAVORITE thing to do is to share stories. I am down for a good game night. I love to play with markers, hand lettering, and color. Make-up is part of that. It’s so fun to try new looks.  I feel really good when I My Mom had a beauty shop in our home.  Doing hair is a lot of fun. Braiding hair is really fun, but I’m really slow. Twice a week I share a show so it’s here when and where you need it. Because let's be real, girl, those moments you need a podcast show up.    Moments like when you are: Focusing on work projects all day long.  Your brain feels like mush afterward. Driving and pretending to keep calm even though your kids are screaming non-stop. Feeling low after a day when it all went bad. So bad. Needing a laugh to help you have a break. Trying to remember the last time you had a girls’ night and need some social time.  You're not Mom, the boss, or the spouse. You are simply YOU. Wanting to have a conversation that is real and makes you feel good. Just because. Wishing a good friend would pop right in and cheer you on! We all have felt like this at some point. For a long time, I thought I was extra needy. I’m not. You are not. We are smart, ambitious and kind. Those specific qualities make us powerful. But powerful does not mean you’re a superhero. None of us are. The REASON I make this podcast is this: Because You DESERVE to love yourself right now. You NEED to give yourself YOUR BEST. Even though you don’t think you have time. Especially when you don’t think you are worthy of it. Self-care is not selfish. You fill up your own cup so you have more to give. Because what the world needs is you and your best. That’s why I put so much work to craft and share different podcast episodes each week. I’m there for you. I understand how lonely it can to be to support all those around you and still feel so empty. It’s something no one wants to talk about and yet we can do something about it right now. It takes time to prepare the show each week.  5 minute Monday Maxims, that quick shot of your mental Vitamin B can take up to 1 hour of time to produce. Longer episodes take 8-10 hours for production.  I want you to feel confident. Cared for. Secure. Successful. And oh, so sexy! When you feel good on the inside it radiates in all you do. Can you imagine if all smart, ambitious women in the world felt this way? We would change the world. We can change the world as we work together. Now, you have a decision to make. You could just move on and forget this page. Nothing will happen. Things will probably remain exactly the same as they have been in your life. Nothing happens unless you decide to make it happen. Or you can do something different. You can contribute and become part of the movement. You can help move this force of powerful women forward. You will be first to know when we get together, in real life.  Imagine the chance to hug one another, laugh, learn and work together to do even more good in the world. By contributing to the show, you’ll be sharing part of the quality and consistency others count on. You are becoming part of the team.  Your insight will help shape the show for others who need it. When you contribute, you’ll be doing something special. You’ll help us keep the podcast free.  You'll help keep it out there in the world for another person who is struggling and really needs it. You are paying it forward, literally, so others can join us. Click on the link and let me know how much this means to you. Your support at any level means a lot to me and to all the listeners who cannot give $1 a month. You are a star. Shine on.

Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. “Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health- take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you the way you see you, and treat you the way you treat yourself.”  - Beyonce No more self-talk that is so cruel to yourself. Self- care: 1.  Is not bubble baths and massages.  Find what works. 2.  Is personal to you.  Just because it works for a friend doesn't mean it is going to work for you. 3.  Lifts you up so you are filled.  Your soul has a gas tank and the truth is, most of us are running on fumes.  Time to fill up.  

You're a smart, ambitious woman. You know you're supposed to value yourself. You make sure that the work gets done. That everyone contributes. And that tiny details are taken care of, things are turned in on time, and you are serving others. You value the lessons learned in the work. While you teach others to learn, grow and progress. This is all so very important, but you know what else matters? Answer this honestly inside:  Do you value yourself?  This is something it seems, that every smart, ambitious woman is so busy looking out for all the things... the stuff of life, the details are taken care of and things keep moving forward. You miss the chance to look back and enjoy that moment when you had that tiny win (that was more than just a tiny win... it was setting you on a whole new path for your life.)  When you should savor it. You rush to the next thing, because it's on the list.  Yet, you haven't processed the last thing. So as you have more things going on, you can lose yourself in it. Don't devalue yourself. Stop missing the moment. Instead, be all there.  Feel how good your life is right now. I know, you're thinking, "But my house is still not as clean as I'd like... I haven't made that next promotion... I haven't lost the weight... I'm not there yet..." Of course not.  That's the future. You are here.  Right now at this moment. Answer the Emergency Text It's late at night, you are about to go to bed.  A close friend that you haven't seen in a while texts you and says, "I'm feeling low.  Remind me why I'm a good person." At that moment, you have no idea what's going on in her life.  You don't know if she just broke up with a boyfriend, or her job is a nightmare or any of that. None of the matters right now. What do you do?  Immediately, you instinctively send a text, or two, or several, reminding this friend what a wonderful person they are.  You look inside to their heart and tell them of the exact moment when she stood up and did the right thing.  The memories of the time when you both laughed yourself to tears...literal tears, comes up and you can't help but smile while you continue to text. Mostly though, you remind your friend that she is loved. Just because. And you are there for her, no matter where the world takes you. Then you wait. It takes a minute or two, but she answers you with a heart and "tears streaming down the face" emoji. She remembers that time, too. And in that tiny moment, you feel that peace. You feel love. Imagine Your Screen We've all had moments when we've felt like that.  It doesn't matter how successful you are, where you come from, how nice the car you drive is... If you don't value yourself, no one else will see you.  All of you. You know what's crazy about that? You're a smart, ambitious woman. You. Right now.  You have so much value. You are the one serving in the community.  People say to you, "Girl, how do you do it all?" People see what you are doing on the outside.  Imagine if they saw what you were doing to yourself on the inside.  If we all walked around with our own, little speech bubble/ screen sharing the thoughts and conversations we are having with ourselves, imagine what that would look like. The screen above the of exhausted-looking woman in front of you in the check out with 3 screaming kids would say, "I haven't slept in 3 days.  But I can't get sick.  How will we survive without my paycheck?  I'll just push on..."  The screen of the superwoman who bakes delicious goodies and gives them to neighbors says, "These are so ugly!  You can't do anything right.  Why don't you just quit?  This will never be a business!"  The working woman, supportive friend, that hasn't settled down woman's screen reads, "Why does it matter if I have a man or not?!?  I would love to settle down.  Quit asking about my dating life! My worth is not based on being someone's wife!" Your screen, what would it look like?  What do you say to yourself that you would never say to another person? Perhaps you need to write it down on a paper.  Just so you can see how those words aren't helping you.  In fact, they are hurting you.  These words are holding you back. So rip that paper to shreds. Destroy those useless words. Burn the paper if you need to, but don't you dare let that inner voice hold you back. Be There for Yourself We all have days when we are feeling low.  That's part of this human experience. We need you.  The full you.  The you that answers your own emergency text when you're feeling low.  The you that reminds yourself you are good.  More than good.  You are wonderful.  That you give and serve.  That you are doing so much to make our world better. And mostly, that you are loved.  Just because. You are feeling the value that you have. Bring more of that to our world.  

President Abraham Lincoln said, "I am a slow walker, but I never walk back."   Great thought for each of us.  We are pushing forward on our goals and even if we're slow, we keep moving forward. Have a great week.   Shine on!

Welcome back to the Email Marketing Series! In episode 103, we started talking about what your email marketing needs to be effective.  Then in episode 105, we discussed your email marketing strategy. In this episode, we'll look at why you hate selling online; how you can create relationships with customers and make more sales using email to connect with your audience. Something you may not have considered: The reason you hate selling online is that it feels disingenuous. It doesn't feel like YOU. Example, board a flight and the person scanning your ticket or your phone says, "Enjoy your flight." The worst example was when our family was booking tickets to Disneyworld in Orlando.  We had to make an adjustment and after the call transferred to another someone on the phone lines, the customer service person said, "Have a magical day."  But it certainly did not sound magical. These are prime examples of disingenuous expressions. You are not disingenuous.  You are real. This matters to you because you are concerned about having integrity and being true to you.  Even online. Now, think of your last movie recommendation to a friend... Or, the recommendation I received on a restaurant in town we haven't tried, a friend said, "You gotta try the fried pickles.  They are phenomenal." These are very specific.  They are recommendations.  And you LOVE sharing it.   The key is to build more trust in your online business.  You build that trust by following : 1. Reveal yourself.  Share what you are doing, where you are in a process. 2. Involve your audience in the conversation. 3. Recommend the solution that works for you. Think about infomercials.  We've all seen an ad, you know it's an ad while flipping through channels.  You listen for a few minutes and realize a half hour has passed. What happened?  You were involved. So, how do you do this with your email marketing? You build the trust.  Follow the same steps in this way: 1. Reveal yourself.  Share what you are doing, where you are in a process. You reveal yourself when you Tell a Story.  Don't write a novel in your email, just a few sentences is enough. Make the picture evident.   2. Involve your audience in the conversation. To involve your audience, Ask a Question.  You've just painted the picture, you can easily ask, "What would you have done?" Or, "What do you think happened?" Or, "So guess what she did?" 3. Recommend the solution that works for you. The story and question now give you a chance to Share the Solution (that is, What You are Selling) to explain how it worked. Be sure to share the most important part, The Results.  It's about those results. 4. From there, Make Your Offer.  Tell your customer what they must do now to get those same results.  Emotion makes the sale.  Be sure to talk about how it feels to use your product/service/offer. By following these specific steps, you make more sales through email.  But you're doing it in a way that is genuinely you. Build trust and credibility as you make more money. That's email marketing success.  

Welcome to Your Monday Maxim with Amy: This your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. Today's quote is: “There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.”  Ray Goforth  

You've started your online business. Things are going well. You know you need to have an email list to make your business grow, but every time you hear someone mention it you think... What do I even write about?  How do I get someone to sign up for my list?  What makes someone decide to learn more? That's all part of your email marketing strategy. The cycle of email marketing runs in a circular pattern: Outsider >> Acquaintance >> Ally >> Insider How do you do that? When someone considers subscribing to your email list, they are considering if they would want you at their dinner party... 1.  Offer them something to initiate that first, critical interaction.     So what is that?  It's called an opt-in, a lead magnet, a giveaway, etc.  We'll call it a lead magnet.   Your lead magnet helps your potential client/customer: Succeed at a new skill. Make a purchase. Get started on a first step. Learn some secret information. Save them time. Eliminates extra steps. 2.  Before you create a lot of extra work, consider the following: What does my customer want? What is the best method to connect with my customer? What do I already have to offer? What do I offer exceptionally well? What is the first thing my customer needs to know? 3. I've created a guide for you with 20 ideas for a quality lead magnet.  You can find that here.    Just like your closet or your pantry, when you focus on your email list remember, "Quality beats Quantity.  Every time." This is section one of the email marketing guide.  Next time we'll talk about how to make your first automated email sequence.  

Monday Maxim with Amy 2018: It’s your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. "Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway." -Eleanor Roosevelt

If I could go back at the start of my business, I would tell myself one thing, "Master Email Marketing."  These next few episodes are all about the lessons of email marketing I wish someone would have taught me. Your success is in your hands now.  It feels like I'm giving you the keys to a brand new Tesla.   Start her up.  Set her on autopilot and watch your business take off. Here is your email marketing primer, the broad strokes.  1. Set Up Your Strategy. Establish your rules for business. Show them what to do next. Walk them through the process. 2.  Be You.  The Real You. Share what is happening in your life. Authentic vs. Being Transparent (Authenticity is sharing how you feel inside, what you are learning intellectually.  Transparency shows the whole mess.  All of the pieces falling apart.  It's like a country song gone wrong... Don't lose credibility.) Use your real voice as you are making an offer to your customers.  3. Build Community  Make the connection with your group. Show how what you offer helps others.  Build interdependence within your community. Focus on your own group. Get their input. Ask questions. Take a poll, etc. 4. Tell a Story Think of the 3E's: Show your empathy. Be the expert. Share your eccentricities. Paint a picture of what is happening. Business is about trust. You don't have time as a business owner to talk to people for hours on end to make a sell. Now, you send messages out as packages to build those messages of trust. 5. Be the Teacher Say to yourself, "Guide My Group."  You already know how to do so many things... now you can share that with your group. Break a project down into small steps. Think about your system. Write down a brain dump...look at the big picture. Avoid the curse of expertise.  (That is, you work at a level 9 or 10, while the rest of the world thinks about this at level 2 or 3.) Make it simple.  It will feel like you are dumbing it down.  You are making it so easy so that you can explain it in basic bones components. Be the person to show someone how to do the beginner's guide. Tutor the beginners.   Instant Pot example. 6. Be a Reporter For Every Email Answer the questions before they ask. 5 W's:  Who, What, When, Where, Why  Show them the How... Find ways to walk them through the steps. Remember 7th grade? You don't know the Algebra teacher...and once he starts talking, Math becomes so much fun.  The teacher has inspired you. That's what you'll do with your email sequences. You already have high-level relationships in many areas of your life. Use email right and you will have lots more people coming to you to learn how to excel.

Monday Maxim with Amy 2018: It’s your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE.   “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman

Get out your papers and pens! This is one episode you should be taking notes!    Today's guest is the host of the Leader to Leader Podcast and he knows his stuff! Mark Slemons is a speaker, podcaster, and coach. He helps leaders leverage practices and perspectives to make their people and their organization thrive. It's challenging to lead well, especially young leaders who are just starting their journey. They don't have to do it alone though. With more than 30 years as a husband, father, leader, volunteer, and employee working for a multi-billion dollar international company, his unique perspective combined with practical and actionable tips will help individuals and organizations thrive. Whether humorous, serious, or sad, he uses the past to create a better future. Connect with Mark. Some highlights that apply right now are: Mark decided to be consistent, (publish an episode every Monday) before he started his podcast. Perfection addiction in his life: He struggles with not having something be perfect before he lets it go. Now he has arrived at the point where he says, "This is a really good effort, and I'm okay with that."  Couldn't we all use more of that in our life?   What your best is at one time is not what you do now. Amy joins Mark on his show, Episode 8. The ideas mature- just like you. Why You Must Talk About Yourself, Episode 40-41. Mark describes the feeling you get when you're on to something..."You know that if you can get ahold of this it will make a difference in your own life and hope that it can do the same for someone else." You have to talk about yourself.  That's not pride.  You can tell people about the good things in your life. We undermine and underestimate the contribution we add, even in our own home. "This notion that your great work speaks for itself while you are humble and unassuming...it's not a reality." When you don't talk about yourself enough, it comes down to a self-worth issue. Talk about yourself too much?  You're bragging. Bragging is what has happened in the past.  The difference between swagger and cockiness defined. It's ultimately about sway. Sway is your influence. There's an art to talking about yourself. It's okay to talk about yourself that gives you credit for your capabilities, talents and results. Step 1. Track your performance. Everyone has a body of work. You need to demonstrate your contribution in the larger wheel. Build the body of evidence. Use examples that show results in your space. Keep "The Glory File*," the file that keeps track of those compliments, kudos, reports of success just for you.  You can refer to them when you need to report in.  Step 2. Talk about your results. You must communicate your efforts regularly. Position yourself to show others, the business Don't be silent about your accomplishments. Arrogance and silence both don't help. Find the middle ground for you.  "If you're too modest, you're not helping yourself." If you don't say it, there's nobody else that's going to do it for you.  Step 3.  Share credit when credit needs to be shared. Thank for the credit and mention how your team will appreciate it. Mention the team amidst the effort. Name them specifically, if possible. Step 4.  Take credit for your ideas. It's up to you to get the respect & authority that you deserve. You can't allow others to take your credit and not put up resistance. Don't be childish.  Be strategic. "I'm glad you like my idea. I'd love to hear how you would add to that." Your choice of words is really important. Be willing to confront, not combat someone on the issue. "I encourage your listeners to step up.  You have the ability to lead well." Step 5. Learn how to receive a compliment.  Always say thank you. You can acknowledge mistakes, but don't mention your mistakes so they overpower the compliment given. Give yourself the space to say thank you. Step 6. Deal with criticism. There are people everywhere who speak before thinking. Words can hurt. Some of the feedback you get will be harsh.  If you are more sensitive to that, find a way to deal with those comments that work for you. Take the valuable pieces of the feedback and discard the rest. Others don't feel the pain.  Even the person who said that remark will never feel the pain of a cutting comment. You decide if that thought persists in your mind or if you get rid of it.  You have the power.  "Don't go to bed with that guy tonight. He's living in your head, rent-free, and you need to evict him..."  These are the words you need to remind yourself when you find yourself fixated on a negative, or hurtful comment. Find Mark Slemons on Twitter, or email him at mark@markslemons.com. *  As recommended by Pamela Jett.

"If you are calm about your ambitions, you become confident of achieving what you set out to do." - Shiv Nadar

Have you felt like you're taking care of everyone around you and you're nearly burnt out? Or, have you felt like you haven't done anything new in weeks, maybe even months? This episode is just for you. The lifelong friend of mine joins us today.  This conversation with Mandy Green was pure delight.  She loves being a mother & wife, yet had a strong desire to do something more.  You won't believe what that led her to do. In our conversation, we uncover three steps to enriching your life. Today's highlights include:   How her parents raised the strong, creative personalities of Mandy and her siblings. The influence of Mandy, and our friend, Erika, to live fully in the moment. You're empowering everyone else around you when you are full of light. Every smart, ambitious woman needs a group of friends like ours. Learning Hebrew was difficult for her to grasp.  Mandy's solution? Attend Hebrew U in Israel. The power of travel in her life. Mandy explains the process of how she gained the support & favor of her family before she left. Her husband, Brent, in Mandy's words is "The shore to my raging sea." When you feel that call and you feel that this is something you should do, it takes courage to step out. The pivotal moment in prayer to decide to stay or go back home.  Throughout her travel, this quote kept her aligned, "Don't be afraid of your fears.  They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it." - C. Joybell C. "Scared is what you're feeling.  Brave is what you're doing."  "It takes courage to grow up and become who you are meant to become."  - E.E. Cummings There are three steps to enriching your life You notice it within, a crisis of character. Loss of individuality, your Spirit is empty, and personality suffers.  Something has to change. This moves you to the phase of curiosity.  You are looking.  So many people are in this phase. They begin studying and learning so much more about a creative outlet. After you've been learning for a while, people come to you and ask to learn.  They do this for 2 reasons.  First, you have knowledge. You have become an expert, you just didn't notice. And second, you are lit up.  Her experience in Jerusalem has helped her gain perspective and conquer fear. After living in this situation, she knows her life has a purpose. Something bigger guides your life. There's power in consciously choosing to do what you do.   See humanity to support one another. The term helpmeet translated in Hebrew means, "The exact, but the mirror image."   The hymn of the pearl.  The pearl is yours, and yours only. The explosive, exponential force that comes from 2 people who know their purpose working together.  Marianne Williamson's quote, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves,'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. It takes to courage to endure the sharp pains of self-discovery, rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives."   Click on the link to learn more from Mandy online. Giovanni Giocando, Christmas Eve, 1513: "Life is so generous a giver, but we judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor woven of love by wisdom with power. Welcome it. Grasp it. And you will touch the angel's hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me that angel's hand is there. The gift is there. And the wonder of an overshadowing presence are joys too.  Be not content with them as joys. As joys, they to conceal diviner gifts. Life is so full of meaning and purpose. So full of beauty beneath its covering that earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it. That is all. But courage you have and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending  through unknown country, home." Just stay open to the open to new opportunity. From Hamlet, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in mere philosophy, Horatio." Find more about Mandy Green. Thanks for listening! Let's connect on Instagram.

Monday Maxim with Amy 2018: It’s your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE.  Today is Martin Luther King Day, and his birthday, here in the US. Our quote had to come from him. "No person has the right to rain on your dreams." - Martin Luther King   

Today's interview is with the long-time friend of Amy's, Kevin Clegg.  Kevin is a successful businessman, father and serves on the Board of Directors at A Child's Hope Foundation. Be sure to like A Child's Hope Foundation on Facebook. Particularly today, as you listen, pay attention to: Specific feelings in your heart What your mind tells you to do next Then, be sure to write that down for guidance on your personal journey. Be sure to share your feedback with me Show notes:  Finding a way to give more to the community and the world is a way to discover more of your talents and gifts to the world. Kevin's request on Giving Tuesday... and the surprise from others that came from that! How Kevin and his family found the organization and how that changed his family's perspective on holiday giving. Why Kevin talks about "The Kids" over again.  How the Clegg family began to make repeat visits regularly.  The timeline of the trips to make and travel looks something along the lines of...  Tuesday night travel together. Wednesday- Friday schedule. Saturday family fiesta time! How you can help even if you have no idea how to work with construction/industrial tools. The main goal is to engage in the role of aunt/uncle or cousin of the kids in the orphanages to help. The recommended age to bring your children to help and have a complete experience to serve and give in the projects.  Kids connect can throughout the entire week. The group of family friends, like-minded people, that becomes friends and has reunions. How Paul Cook started the organization with a group in Haiti. The story of one man helping over 1,200 kids.  The vision of the organization: Connecting kids with families. Back to their families, to a relative, adopted to another family, or giving them the best family experience within the orphanage to be able to have a good life afterward. And how they are bringing this vision to fruition. Why money isn't always the solution to this situation. Relationships are a critical component of the effort. One of the challenges they face is: "Who can give what to help these kids?"  Matching the right person with the right opportunity. They are completing over 25 trips with over 1,000 volunteers this year. Why Kevin is so lit up to talk about this. How the energy he receives from giving in this capacity overflows into other areas of his life.  He has seen this evidenced in his own life.  The passion that he has seen throughout this experience. "Goodness happens when you're trying to give to others." People want to learn more and are attracted to your energy when you have that passion. "It's never exactly what you expect either." "Connecting orphans with the givers who will help them thrive." Why they work to make it affordable to give. It's about making sure to help families have this experience. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want you to come back again and again. You can get your questions answered at ACHF.org. Closing: Find a way to have an experience, give more to the world, and come alive.   When you enrich a woman's life, you impact her entire circle of influence.        

Monday Maxim with Amy 2018: It’s your mental Vitamin B. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work for you to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. You are glorious. Jody Maberry shares how a business focuses on what makes them unique in his podcast.  Imagine if we all did the same.

New year, new look. Did you see the new podcast art? Let's talk about it. New logo defining the show more completely.  That's my FACE on there now!  I feel a bit nekkid putting my face out there for the whole world to see.  It's just one more step to not being holding myself back.  It took about a year for me to get off my duff and do this. Also, you may have noticed that's an elephant topping the "I" in Think.  The elephant runs in a matriarchal order.  Not that I don't appreciate men, I just come from a long line of women taking care of more than their share.  I honor those women, and each of us, who lead families, work teams, organizations, and share our influence with the world in that image. Thank you to my designer, Jason Clement, for helping me put more me into the conversation. Then you see my name a little structured and maybe a bit mischievous. That's me.  I learn more when I'm playful.  It's the balance of the structure and the creative that makes me who I am.   You can find out more from Jason Clement at http://jasonclement.com/podcast-covers/ The 5 Best Books for a Breakthrough This started out as "The end of the year booklist."  But this is more than that.   This is the list for you, you smart, ambitious woman, when you are ready for a breakthrough. But every challenge requires a different kind of breakthrough. I'm not a fantasy reader.  I don't get into to fiction much, because, I have more practical things to take care of.  And that's what my list of books has brought me.  Practical solutions.  Excellent reads.  Lessons and strategies. I like to implement directly.  In fact, I've been told I just run with an idea like a horse out of the gate.  This is the list that helps you crash through that door and stand tall in your place.  Here's my criteria to make it on this list. 1. Every book here I read in 2017.  That means it is fresh and current in my mind. The notes, ideas & lessons are applicable today. 2.  Every book I read at least twice. Most I listened to the audiobook first, then read the Kindle version. (Our family has a daily commute to school and I listen to books on our drive.) 3. Each book listed comes with a direct recommendation for a particular point, challenge or struggle that a woman faces right now.  Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes Year of Yes, by Shonda Rhimes is a powerful read to help you realize that you are not being sensible, safe or living smart...you could easily be living in fear.  And not even know it.  Shonda shares her insights on how she decides to stop saying no and for one year, just one year, she will challenge herself to say yes. A perfect read for the woman that:  Is ready to start her new year and step out of her comfort zone. She's not quite sure where this will take her. The leap of faith is what she needs. Braving the Wilderness, Brene Brown Brene Brown makes me realize I'm not alone in my challenging thoughts.  Braving the Wilderness is as the tagline reads, the "Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone." If there's one thing we have learned in 2017, it's that people think differently than we do.  That should be okay. Using the internet, we can polarize ourselves on issues and create battlefields that hold us back.  This book helps us find an understanding and be willing to discuss the issues in peace.  People are hard to hate close up. "True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are, it requires you to be who you are." A perfect read for the woman that:  Wants to understand the other side.  She is ready to have a conversation without judgment.  She yearns to be more comfortable standing alone and ready to participate in a bigger conversation. The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks This book had been on my list for over a year. One little nudge from Ray Edwards podcast to get me to read it. Read in the month of November, I've re-read it 3 times now.  That's saying a lot for me.  The Big Leap takes a deep, deep dive to on how each of us can hold ourselves back.  There are many reasons we believe we are unworthy.  A perfect read for the woman that:  Achieves in many facets of life, but continues to struggle with one specific area.  She is ready to cancel all the self-sabotage holding her back.  She seeks opportunity to work in the zone of genius. Wrecked, Jeff Goins In our interview with Jon Stolpe, he mentions this book.  I devoured this book in a couple days. Wrecked touched my spirit. it is so easy to be involved in your own life, that looking out for other's needs doesn't seem to be the top priority. Service, compassion, and giving are great topics at the holidays and sometimes missed throughout the year.  This book shares poignant moments that touched me deeply.  A perfect read for the woman that: Seeking new insights, tools, and find ways to serve & have more compassion in the daily routine. She is ready to "get over herself," and have a more humanistic view of the world, then put her talents to use in some capacity in that.  The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins This is the book a lot of us need.  The 5 Second Rule is the book that helps us overcome that space from, "Yes, I know I need to do this thing..." and "I am doing this thing."  That space is where we can get so stuck.  We think about accomplishing that thing.  We talk about it.  We have a pretty good plan to make it work.    A perfect read for the woman that: Has had the same resolution for the past few years.  She knows precisely what has to happen but she just doesn't feel like it. She wants to change, really change, but gets stuck in her head. What book would you add to the list? 

Monday Maxim with Amy, 2018 It’s your mental Vitamin B for the week. Each Monday I share a little motivation & insight to start the week. You’ve got a lot of people depending on you. There is big work to do. So here’s a maxim for you, the smart, ambitious woman, to help you SHINE. We start out the year with one from Michael Phelps.  "The more you dream, the more you achieve." Don't hide those dreams in the back of the closet somewhere.  Step into it.  And watch this year, become your best one yet. A quick challenge for the week: 1. Take 15 minutes this week and dream.  Think bigger.  Imagine.  Dive in and feel those feelings of what you want to achieve in this year.  2. Then, and this is so important, write that down. 3. Then get to work.  _________________________  

How to Stretch Yourself to Become Your Best This week I'm delighted to have Jon Stolpe on the show. We discuss: How we connected.  Why STRETCH is such an important term in Jon's life. He's helping men around the country help improve their commitment to fatherhood, family, faith, and work challenges.  See the Stretched Men Group for more info. How Jon first got to Guatemala. The big confirmation that allowed him to go there. Jon and his blog audience brought the finances available to build houses. His book, Rooftop Reflections. How the book, Wrecked, for something good, as Jeff Goins described. The socio-economic status of families in the Guatemalan culture.  How widows struggle amidst the situation. They have built multiple homes in Guatemala to help families of widows in Guatemala.  Jon's vision to build 100 houses in Guatemala before he passes away.  The next step in his journey to impact families and involve the community in the process. What Jon and his family would like from you. How much it costs just to build one house for a family in Guatemala. The life change his family experienced through this. Jon & his wife chose to sell their home to have more margin in their lives to live, give, and save. How they have chosen to live differently to make a greater contribution. "Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone,"  Andy Stanley. "You can be extraordinary right where you live with the people you rub shoulders with every day." Do a little better.  Stretch yourself.  Make an impact. How difficult it is to translate what that experience was like. The Hobbit's parallel and how hard it is to come back to regular life. You are not ordinary.  You have an amazing opportunity right in front of your eyes.  You can change the world for someone else and yourself. Do something today. Cause yourself to stretch.  Become your best.

The holidays are so much fun...and so much extra work. This time is so precious. You can easily run out of energy, zest, and enthusiasm if you’re not careful. Enjoy your marathon, and set yourself up to WIN.  Holiday Extras are your Responsibility. Take care of yourself, girl, there are too many other depending on you. Solution:  Get a team.  Involve others.  Ask for help.  Let the older kids wrap presents with you... or don't wrap at all! Too Much Good Stuff.  Everywhere. Too much of anything is just too much.  So enjoy the goodies.  Just be wise.   Solution:  Drink your water. Decide your limits. Get a water tracking app. Lots of late nights and ridiculously early mornings. Sleep Doesn't Happen in December. Solution: While it's easy to say you're going to bed on time.  Set yourself an alarm. Really. Making sure it's...perfect. Say no.  Even in December. Solution:  It's time to laugh more at Christmas.  Tell your family and friends you are not going for all-out perfection. Plan the next thing. Explain how the mind can trick you.  Multi-tasking is not helpful. Solution: Let yourself be in the moment. And enjoy...you deserve it. Make Time to Laugh. Explain how the mind can trick you.  Multi-tasking is not helpful. Solution: Let yourself be in the moment.

A year ago, I shared a post about how Thanksgiving is like Leadership. But the more you dive into the makings of a happy holiday feast, the more you realize, Thanksgiving is like your Business. No matter how well you plan, one thing can derail you how you respond says everything. You think you’ve got it covered- the full logistics. Find the less than obvious things. We thawed the turkey in the bathtub. Lesson learned: Turkey Thaw (Prep) Time. You cannot make up lost time. Be a turtle.  Keep moving forward. Multiple things are going at the same time. You don’t have to be there for each one.  Efficiency. Don’t crowd the oven. Set stations & spread it out.  Lesson learned: Set up stations. Structure the project with assembly line focus. Become efficient. The restriction of 1 oven held us back. Three tools allowed us to have multiple things cooked and ready at the same time.  Lesson learned:  Invest in the tools. You need to maximize your efforts and your time. Ask these three questions before making your  next business purchase: How often will I use this? Can I use this tool for multiple projects? Will I be using this in one year in my business? Dad can do the cranberry sauce. A child can stir while you add. (You take care of the big stuff you must take care of) Pass #2 & 3 priorities on to someone else.  Lesson learned: Delegate. Structure the project with assembly line focus. Become efficient. Sick kid: yes, even though you plan & make it work, somehow your kid can get sick. Just because. So we were in the InstaCare and late night pharmacy. This is real life. This is how life works. Lesson learned:  Something things you cannot control: health, sickness, the weather. Keep the important things important.  Your business does not overrule relationships. BONUS Secret:  Yes, you can. If you can plan, prepare & execute a Thanksgiving dinner- you can run a business. (The steps are far more apparent for a holiday dinner. Do your research.  Lesson learned: Believe in yourself. If you are having a hard time, know that I believe in you. You can do this.  You can create something.  Do it now. 

Ep. 90 How to Take Quality Care of Your People (Think: Your Champion) Sales Funnel Series, Part 5 Take your small business to be the business “everyone keeps hearing about…” Who are Your People? Your people (they have decided to be your Super Fan) They’ve been coined “your apostles” because they are out speaking the good word of you. We call them CHAMPIONS They feel comfortable (They seek out new ways to) learn from you, be part of your group, or contribute to your cause. You know you have a champion when… Their spouse, close friends, and beauty shop ladies know you.  By name. They cannot stop talking about you.  Everywhere. The love and buy every, single thing you sell. They volunteer to do more, buy more, or give you even more than what you asked of them. The relationship between you and your champ is what we call “The Ultimate Win-Win.” Why do your champions matter? Organizations, businesses, and even political parties do not survive WITHOUT them. Example: NFL with the Seahawks fans in freezing cold weather. These are the lifeblood of your business.  Think of Cheers, “Norm…” walks into the room.  McDonald’s shift and the old, curmudgeonly guys come in for morning coffee and pancakes. They know their menu better than you. How do I influence my champions even more? Figure out a way to be one-step ahead of their request. Keep them happy. Example: NFL with the Seahawks fans in freezing cold weather. These are the lifeblood of your business.  Think of Cheers, “Norm…” walks into the room.  McDonald’s shift and the old guys come in for morning coffee and pancakes. They know their menu better than you. Why are they so committed to me & my services? They seek connection.  Find ways for these members to meet others like them.  (Membership group. MeetUp of members.) They want status.  (For the Inner Circle of fans.  High paying customers… we offer this…) They want access to you.  (NFL, meet the players day…with purchase of this & this…) Find ways to have “elite club members only” events.  (Only season ticket holders get to attend the event…) If you buy this package AND the membership bonus, you’ll receive FREE _________. What else can I offer them? Signed copies of your work (great for creators.) An open house of your newly remodeled restaurant (by invite only of those reward members that have 5,000 points of more.) Offer a new experience.  How often should I connect with them? Surprise them.  Make it personal. Everyone knows a card is coming at the holidays.  I send a card 2-3 times a year in the off months. Leave something that reminds you of them.  Send them tickets to your exclusive event… A simple thank you card for doing business with you.  Buy the staff lunch after your business with them.   How do I include them? Something special…just for them.  Think everyone can buy tickets to a concert. Few pay more for the up close seats. They pay more for the backstage passes. And your champions will pay a lot more for the “15-minute meet the band” before the show… (that comes only with  up close seats and backstage passes…) So, How Do You Quickly Get Started with Your Solid Sales Funnel? Take one step and start moving forward. Next time I'm going to show you how to do even more and get your customers to start talking about you. You have big work to do. I love showing you how to simplify the steps so you are working smarter instead of harder.

Ep. 89 You've made the sale. Now make a connection.      How to Get Your Customers Speaking About You.      Be the tour guide. Remember that funny scene in Toy Story? Tour Guide Barbie drives them through the experience. 1.  Show them what to do next. Don't assume they know. (Don't give them a fish!)  Think of our discussion on the last the sales episode.   Focus on the relationship. Thank them directly. Tell them, “Great!  Do this next…” Take them to the next step, add the link so they can follow your process.  2.  Need a testimonial or review?  You guide them through it. If they send you an email with some great feedback, ask if you can share it. If they tell you in person, ask if you can write that down and they can add their insights. You can write a testimonial and ask if they would be willing to endorse you. Ask customers to leave a review on Yelp. Or your Facebook page. Only ask for one request.  Too many requests and what happens?  Nothing. 3. End every communication with Calls to Action (CTAs).  As the tour guide on this sweet experience for your customer Walk them through the maze of customer service.  Example?  Trying to pay the electric bill here is completely different experience from paying the cell phone bill.  Say, for example, “Now, click on the link and leave a review on iTunes.” You may have to show them how.    Social Media Steps to Get them to Speak More About You Consider opportunities like this for social media: Ask a question.  Tell them to “hit like,” or “Give this a thumbs up if you know what I’m talking about…” Ask for exactly what you want. 'Fill in the blank..." If you are on a Facebook live, ask your audience to give you some love (click on those little hearts) then share this recording so others can learn, too. On a live recording, tell them the exact words you want them to post below. Intrigue your readers on your blog, “Comment below,” or to share this on social media…   Real Life Steps to Take so Customers Speak About You The process is: See > Serve > Show > Share: See:  they see me, I see them. We connect. Serve:  help them somehow.  Share some insight.  Show your personal touch. Tell them why. Show: Show them how.  Take their phone, open the podcast app, subscribe them to the show. (Note:  I actually did this with some women at jury duty last week.  This works!) Share:  Ask them to share it with someone who would love this.  (People don’t enjoy buying what they NEED, they enjoy buying what they WANT.)   So, How Do You Quickly Get Started with Your Solid Sales Funnel? Take one step and start moving forward. Next time I'm going to show you how to do even more and get your customers to start talking about you. You have big work to do. I love showing you how to simplify the steps so you are working smarter instead of harder.

You know what a smart, ambitious looks like.   We love what she accomplishes. We admire & respect her. So why is it so hard to recognize the smart, ambitious woman in ourselves? This is a tough concept we haven't talked about enough. Smart, ambitious women are so busy caring for others and reaching out to make a contribution to the world they can easily overlook themselves. So today let's break it down. All smart, ambitious women have 5 strengths that are innately part of who they are.  These women:  Believe in themselves.  Plan to succeed.  Have the heart to serve & to teach.  Finish the job.  Epitomize "aggressive consistency." These are strengths that we can all work on.  It is this inner grit that makes us stand out. But there is more to it. This is The Value that Unites All Smart, Ambitious Women Allow me to share my delayed jury duty experience. It hit me how important this is when another juror looked right at me and said,"Motherhood is hardship." The value that unites us is family. Family is our top priority.  Family is our full focus.  Family is our place of happiness.  The smart, ambitious women I work with show the value of family many ways.  There is a role in your family situation that only you fulfill. I teach business, marketing and how to increase your bottom line...so that you can fulfill that very important role in your family. Behind my family and my faith, this is my life's purpose.   As a smart, ambitious woman, money should not control of what you are able to accomplish in life. Let's get your business thriving. Email me directly and let's get you on the right track.  amy@thinkenriched.com

Warning: This is How You Get Customers to Act Now Sales Funnel Series, Part 3 Think of that guy you see on your daily routine.  You develop a relationship with a stranger. This is the process your customer goes through.  First, they Acknowledge you, then they connect (a relationship is made), then they are willing to try what you do.  That is, they have enough trust to spend money with you.  A:  Acknowledge C: Connect T: Trust/ Try Research from over 2,000 customers showing how far companies must go to please (or alienate) customers. * Customer-centered marketing (aim at the customer) >> Customer-first marketing (elevate the customer). Your customers today are: modern empowered customers people looking for personalization those that value efficiency The number 1 reason people were satisfied customers is: “I consistently have good experiences with it.” The number 1 reason people were unsatisfied customers is: “The company does not put my needs and wants above its own business goals.” The key to getting your customers to act is to show empathy. You are already doing this. You show empathy throughout the day, meaning you know what they are going through.  The thoughts, feelings, or attitudes of others. There is not another group of people on the planet that can match the level of empathy of smart, ambitious women. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”  — Zig Ziglar, Secrets of Closing the Sale, 1984 The steps to showing empathy & getting your customer to act are: 1.  Make the Connection Starting to get them to act is starting a conversation. Make it genuine. Be right there with your customer. 2.  Speak their language Big companies have brand ambassadors.  You are your own ambassador. This is the long-game.  Building trust takes time.   Speak to your customer in her moment.  (Think the woman on the bus at day's end.  She's not stupid.  She's tired.) 3.  Be Orginal.  Be true.  Be You. Don’t put anything you out there you wouldn’t want shown on the Times Square Billboard to be shown. They may copy your graphics, color & design…they can’t copy YOU.  You are the secret weapon. Share what’s going on in your journey.  Really connect. 4.  Remember, It’s not about you. Make it about them. Find ways to make it an easy convenient sale.  Example: great reminders come through Instagram.  Show the story of how you got where you are/ created your product/ get through the process of ideas... Think, what else?  What else does my customer want with this?Example:  Selling a product…add a sample of the companion product. Make it easy to buy. Have the next step in the process there for them.  Example: Amazon as a search engine.  You can find it, click, and do nothing with credit card info because they’ve saved it there for you. 5.  We're all busy. Time is of the essence. At the end of the day, we all need deadlines. Set a deadline and stick with it. (No one takes you seriously until you do.) Add some sort of bonus with your purchase if you act now. Follow up. Sometimes people get distracted. 6.  You + Your product is an irresistible team! This is the biggest truth I want all smart, ambitious women to understand:  People aren’t buying the product, they are buying you.  They trust you.  You already have people who trust you- let them have your best. Confidence comes when you take action.  Start.  Ask.  And move forward. 7.  Ask:  will you _____? Some less-effective business coaches tell you, “The next thing to do is…” as you walk customers through the steps of the purchase.  NO. Have some class.  Treat them like you want to be treated. Start invite with, “Will you ______ ?” 8.  Show them what to do next. Don't assume they know. (Don't give them a fish!)  Think of this podcast.  I take the ir phones from their hands, show them where the podast app is, put in the show title or my name and click subscribe. Tell them, “Great!  Do this next…” Thank them directly. Take them to the next step. Social Media Steps to Get them to Act Consider opportunities like this for social media: Ask a question.  Something that can be used a conversation starter. Set a timer for 5 minutes and follow the hashtag rabbit hole. Like & connect.  How do you start convos?  Use a question.  Here’s the key:  when the timer is up, you are done. Serve others in social media. (this the modern, empowered customer era) Answer questions.  Share info. Offer to help 1:1.   Real Life Steps to Take so Customers Spot You The best way to get customers to act. The process is: See > Serve > Share > Stay Steady : See:  they see me, I see them. Serve:  help them somehow. Share: tell them what you do and why. Stay Steady:  If they say no- you do not change how you treat them.  This is where many smart, ambitious women fail in the Sales Funnel. So, How Do You Quickly Get Started with Your Solid Sales Funnel? Take one step and start moving forward. Next time I'm going to show you how to do even more and get your customers to start talking about you. You have big work to do. I love showing you how to simplify the steps so you are working smarter instead of harder. If you have questions, are looking for even more insight, you can send me an email at: amy@thinkenriched.com. * Resource:  https://www.marketingsherpa.com/

How to Quickly Get Started with Your Solid Sales Funnel This is part 1 in the series on Sales Funnels.   The old school vs. new school sales funnels.   Too many terms, not enough tactics. Attract Your Customers With a Nibble You are leading them on a journey. In a world bombarded with noise, it doesn't help to give someone the full feast of what you offer. It's appetizer education now. Give them a nibble.   Your customers are too busy with all the incoming messages, a nibble is all they need.  Think of Costco runs on Saturday afternoons.   Those sample stations are at nearly every turn. Smell good? Have a nibble. "Do you like it?  They are located right around this corner and are sale today!" It Starts When Customers Spot You. Here's How the Big Companies Do This. Companies pay millions of dollars so that you can spot them. A few examples are: Movie/ television sets are paid by companies to have their products on camera. Think of cereals, etc. Sponsorships of teams and organizations in the community. Banners out on left field, on the walls of the high school, etc. Celebrities holding a can of Pepsi. Billboards across the globe. Thank you, Coke. Times Square flashing lights. YouTube ads: before you can watch some videos you have the 5-second mandatory ad.  Streaming videos: services have mandatory commercial breaks within the shows.   You, Smart, Ambitious Woman, Are Already in Sales. And You're Good at it. We make sales too complicated. You are a salesperson, you may not have realized that. I'm on a mission to help smart, ambitious women make sales simple & a natural part of daily life. Because you are already in sales. The process of making a sale is convincing someone to act.  You do this every day when you: Remind your child to make their bed so they can get to school on time.  Get the family out the door on time so you're not late again. Help a co-worker pass that certification with study notes/ practices so she can get a raise. Give someone a reason why they should join the volunteer organization, or plan the company picnic, or do something extra so they can put it on their resume. Negotiate the purchase price of an item so you save money and they still get a commission. We'll go into the power of sales more down the road, recognize that you are an excellent salesperson already.   How to Make it Easy For Your Customers Spot You Your sales funnel is your strategy. You implement the tactics.  This is why there are so many in business who give you the strategy and sale the tactics.   So now to the tactics to start your sales funnel so your customers spot you easily. But first, know your customer.  You must know who you are looking to draw into your sales funnel.  If you're not sure about that, I've got an entire worksheet dedicated to your perfectly delighted customer in the show notes.  The secret?  Make it a part of everyday life. Use what you've got, girl.  A few ideas that come to mind are: If you are a natural encourager, encourage your customer. If you are funny, be funny in your placement. If you are out a lot, be the person with your product. You are putting your message/ product/ad out in the world. [Note: Do not do all of these at once.  Start with one and do this consistently for a month. Then look at adding another. Don't be concerned it's not enough, people will start to notice. You are laying the foundation for your powerful sales funnel here.]   Social Media Steps so Customers Spot You Consider opportunities like this for social media: Make a consistent post. At a minimum, post twice a week, you could post daily. (10 words or less is ideal for graphics.) Tell a funny story in your life. Pull that story back to your product or service. Show pictures of your life in daily use on how the product works. Ask a question.  Something that can be used a conversation starter. Share the good news! If your product, someone in your organization has an article or post, share that and explain why this is important. Send congratulations!  When someone else succeeds doing something that you are happy for or talks about your product or service, bring up in the feed.   Video posts. This will take more time and planning but should be on your radar.    Real Life Steps to Take so Customers Spot You Life doesn't happen only online. The best way to allow your customers to spot your product is when they spot you. Think of it this way: You are your product. When customers choose to buy, they choose you. They notice you when they trust you. Dress like a professional.  Smile with confidence. (You can watch Amy Cuddy's TED Talk here.) Listen. Listen 3:1 ratio. People instinctively trust the listeners. Don't push.  Say less about your product or business, a casual mention is sometimes more powerful than a full-scale business presentation at the kids' soccer game. Share a sample, if someone shows interest.  Remember this is the world of appetizer education, so give them a nibble. So, How Do You Quickly Get Started with Your Solid Sales Funnel? Take one step and start moving forward. Next time I'm going to show you how to do even more and get your customers to act. You have big work to do. I love showing you how to simplify the steps so you are working smarter instead of harder. If you have questions, are looking for even more insight, you can send me an email at: amy@thinkenriched.com.

The next few episodes, we're going to take each step, each component, and really go into that, how you can make that work for your business, how it's going to happen, and put the pieces together. By the end of the next few episodes, you will have your own kind of sales funnel to get your marketing going for your people.   The question really comes down to is where are your next customers?   You know they're out there. You know they're people can benefit from what you have to offer. Not just the product or service, but from you as a person. It all comes down to this. You need a sales funnel. It's some jargon marketing sales talk just to relate the customer experience. I learned about sales funnels in a marriage and family relations class in college. Smart sales funnels take the entire population and guide the person through the experience and keeps them not only to become a first time buyer, a customer. Examples of sales funnels you see daily. Define the Terms of a Sales Funnel Make it a snack Email in your sales funnel

Hey Smart, Ambitious Woman, You Good? Speak the Lingo: Here's a term we should all know:  netiquette. Yes, it's really a word, meaning, the etiquette of the Internet; polite online behavior :  netiquette. (n.d.). The Dictionary of American Slang. Retrieved October 12, 2017 from Dictionary.com website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/netiquette   5 Easy Ways You Beat Stress Right Now I see you. I hear you. You are busy.  You are serving. Components of life: Family Faith Finances Fitness Friends  Feed running That's running on normal autopilot.  What happens when that is overpowered by something else? How can you take care of yourself while you are taking care of so many? Try a couple.  When you find yourself in that moment, there's a lot going on and you just need a break, take your 5-minutes. Because we need you.  We need you GOOD. Have a drink of water. Your stress, headaches, muscle aches and more could simply be that you are dehydrated. Take a bathroom break. Your body responds to your mind.  Listen & dance to one thing that makes you feel AMAZING.  Have a laugh. Really laugh. (Go to YouTube. Search for your favorite comedian. This is a great place to find a quick break. I really laughed at Oprah and Ellen talk about going to the bank. Make list. Right now. Write it down. Get it out of your mind. Call somebody. (Yes, you can fit a 5- minute call in.) They might think it’s weird. Tell them to listen to this podcast. Breathe. Inhale. You can’t always exhale. (Brene Brown shares the story in Braving the Wilderness.) Try a 5-minute meditation.  Find them for free on YouTube or other podcasts.  

Books every smart, ambitious woman should read. I read in the car. In today's list, I'll share with you the book and why you need to take it in.  Then you can decide which order to read them.   The Deeper Path by Kary Oberbrunner This book, The Deeper Path, profoundly impacted my life.  I have given away multiple copies to friends. You should read this because: like all of us, you have a tendency to hide your failures and pain. You can either work through toil and suffering, or you can work to create your OPUS, your masterpiece. This book takes a profound look at how to take your pain, the scary room in your heart, and all of who you are to create your OPUS.     Essentialism by Greg McKeown If there is one thing every smart, ambitious woman understands, it is that there is not enough time to get it all done. But where do you decide to cut something off?  Essentialism helps you navigate that space. You should read because: not only have you found yourself stretched too thin... you, smart, ambitious woman, have definitely felt completely overworked and unfulfilled. The substance of the book is made of 3 questions we have discussed, specifically:  What is the core mindset of an Essentialist? How can I discern the trivial many from the vital few? How can I make doing the vital things almost effortless?   Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown What a powerful read this one was.  I was laughing out loud and crying at times by the sheer rawness of Brene Brown's honesty.  Braving the Wilderness touches on some important issues we must address. We have forgotten how to communicate with one another, and how to just be with one another. The final chapter, Strong Back. Soft Front. Wild Heart. had me in absolute tears.   You should read because: you understand what it means to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.  You have so many listening to you and depending on you, that you must know how to speak truth and be civil. And, oh, smart, ambitious women need a place to hold hands with strangers. You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Note: she is a bit crass for some readers and listeners.  It's part of her charm and adds to her perspective. You've been warned. Most people have no idea what their mindset of wealth is.  Jen Sincero breaks it down in a very plain, easy to understand steps.  At the end of every chapter she shares a "Suggested Money Mantra (say it, write it, feel it, own it)" Most people have no idea what their mindset of wealth is.  Jen Sincero breaks it down in her easy to understand steps.  In You are a Badass at Making Money, at the end of every chapter she shares a "Suggested Money Mantra (say it, write it, feel it, own it)" You should read because: you need to know what is holding you back from making money.  You will know how to tap into your natural ability to grow wealth. And she is highly entertaining! QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller In a world eager to point the blame, personal accountability is rare.  John G. Miller shares his insight in QBQ, why each of us needs to accept personal accountability with wisdom and integrity. You should read because: he gives you the structure on how to ask the right questions.  The QBQ method allows you to look at yourself and see if you are behaving and asking questions as a leader or as a victim.     

 You Need an Excellent Community Now. Today's focus: Autonomy is not Isolation. Technology pushes us to believe that they are similar. Why You Need Community? Loneliness and Social Isolation are Risk Factors for Mortality. Social isolation, loneliness, and even living alone can increase your possibility of death by at least 26% for people younger than 65.  See this paper. Gender, length of time, and region of the world didn't matter in that same study. Connection is the Opposite of Addiction, according to this. What is Community for Smart, Ambitious Women? Your community is your social group. Community of excellence comes when you make time for it.  Set your standards Make time for that Encourage, empower & uplift your community     "Networks are only as valuable as those they bring together and what happens as a result. The innate value of a network and what you get out of it can make or break your chances for development." Athena Vongalis-Macrow, Harvard Business Review   Ask Yourself These 4 Questions When Evaluating a Network Group 1. Who is in the network? You want valuable members who are: part pack rat, part librarian, and part Good Samaritan.  "The pack rat brought a range of resources that could be accessed and used to create new and fresh ideas. The librarian brought information and knowledge. And the Good Samaritan had the attitude and practice of sharing. A network built on relationships between talented, knowledgeable, and supportive members is worth joining. If that rel ationship doesn’t exist, you may need to look elsewhere." HBR 2. How well does the network connect? Consider the frequency and quality of communication.   Find out if it's an invitation-only group. Ask about mentoring options within the group. 3. Is there functional communication? "Care and concern create network value because they are resources that help build trust and support. Ask yourself, does your network offer support that enables you to overcome difficulties?" 4. Who are you talking to? Find out if the network gives you access to more influential people.    How to Create a Support Network 1. Join a group.    2. Create a group.  3. Volunteer in the community. 4. Start an online group.    The many resources for today's episode: Why Women's Networking Groups Fail, Forbes This post from Brie Gowen Why does being lonely make you ill? BBC Assess the Value of Your Networks, HBR How Extreme Isolation Warps Minds  BBC Caring and the generation of social capital: Tow models for a positive relationship. Johansson, Leonard and Noonan. Connection is the Opposite of Addiction, by UpLift. Mark Slemons, Leader to Leader podcast. Let’s connect! Want to join the group of smart, ambitious women working together? Want to be part of the Team?  Join here.   You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

This is the first episode in the Naked Summer Series.  Today we talk about why it's important to say no. Why you need to say no even more than you think you need to say it and I share with you an exercise I learned from Greg McKeown on how to do that. Why you need to say no even more than you think you need to say it and I share with you an exercise I learned from Greg McKeown on how to do that. Now get your fruity beverage, sit by the pool or beach (if nearby), and let's have a chat!

The world makes way for those who know where they are going. Get that in your purse: I just finished reading "Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes.  I thought I had to know of every episode of every show she's ever created to get it. Uh, no.  Here's just one quote to give you some perspective.  "When you negate someone's compliment, you are telling them they are wrong. You're telling them they wasted their time. You are questioning their taste and judgment." Say Yes to yourself.  If you're not a reader, I know you're a listener, because, well, this is a podcast.  Get Year of Yes and listen while you are driving the kids in the car.  Get the Audiobook here . Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: ambitious Having ambition; eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power, wealth, a specific goal, etc.   Today's focus: Being a Smart, Ambitious Woman is tough.    We are too tough on ourselves.  We expect more from ourselves than is necessary.  Our striving for excellence can actually hold us back.  We need a reminder. We need perspective. We need to understand why we are fighting that internal battle of pushing to excel while allowing ourselves to be content at the moment. That's why I've written "The Smart, Ambitious Woman's Manifesto." If you would like your own copy to print out, save with your PDF file or take a screenshot and use on your phone click here.  "Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." - Salvador Dali   Interested in having your own podcast?  You can now start your own and get your first two months of hosting FREE.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code. Let’s connect! On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.  

    Get that in your purse: Always on the hunt for the lowest prices on Amazon?  Check out https://camelcamelcamel.com/. This site will do your comparative price hunting for you on Amazon.  This is one of those power tools saving you time and money.  Today's focus: Stop Suffering from Super Woman Syndrome and Shine I play the piano for the kindergartener's graduation program.  It has been an adventure.   Which brings me to the Super Woman Syndrome.  Do you suffer from this affliction? Consider, a Super Hero: Solves problems.  Only fixes things and moves onto the next challenge. Thinks herself invincible.  She pretends she is completely unruffled by life. Never gets down.   Always happy.  Always have a fake, toothy grin. Is a doer.  She does it all herself. She doesn't need help from anyone. Is a complete workaholic.  All she has is proving to the world she's a hero.   Now consider a Smart, Ambitious Woman. She: Asks for help.  Sometimes even just a little more than she needs.  (It's because she understands that she is giving someone opportunity to lead & serve.) Allow herself to be vulnerable.  She mentions to someone she trusts when she is struggling or feeling the fear that comes with progress. Gives herself room to feel the emotions of life.  She is real.  She allows herself to breathe and just be in the moment. Communicates.  She doesn't try to do it all herself.  She encourages and graciously accepts help from others.  That doesn't mean she's weak, she understands the value of teamwork and relationships in life. Appreciates hard work, but puts that aside to focus on other things to make her life enriched. Which would you rather be? Smart, ambitious women are so much more fun.  They're more real. They are living life, not just going through the motions. Let’s connect!  You can hear from me every day.  Sign up at http://thinkenriched.com/5-minutes/. On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.   Did you know??  You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

This week I'll share with you the real difference between passion and desire; what that Disneyland kid taught me; how you should prepare for the reaction of those around you when you absolutely know you have to do it. Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Desire vs. Passion We often hear people use the term passion when really they just desire something. Desire comes and goes. Passion doesn't let go. "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." --Oprah Winfrey "You can't fake passion." --Barbara Corcoran Today's focus: Everyone has that one thing they've been talking about doing. Some of us know people who never take the steps to make their dream come to fruition. On my email list, yes, I email them every day, we have been working through some kinks the month of April to make these people's ideas become profitable business ideas. When you absolutely know you have to do it. I share with you what I learned from the Disneyland kid. What you need to know about the phases other people go through trying to accept/understand your "crazy dream..." They'll say to you things like, (Each one of these a phase the people you love go through to accept the "new you" and your passion/project/big dream.) "This is so weird." They don't understand. It's awful. "What? Are you serious about this?" They are kind of intrigued. They half-mock/half-listen. "Really? You want to do this?" Now they are interested. They start to listen to you. "How does that work?" Now they are entertained. They want to know your story. "Why does this matter? Or, Why didn't I think of that?" They are enchanted. They love what you are doing. They are cheering you on in your journey. "Don't die with your music still in you." -- Wayne Dyer Want a daily email to light you up? Consider it your 5 minutes away, the vitamin B for your soul. Sign up here: http://thinkenriched.com/5-minutes/ You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting. Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code. Let’s connect! Follow in social media: Facebook, Instagram.

Today's episode is going in a different direction. This new insight has been of tremendous value for me and I want you to hear about it.  These insights are notes gleaned as I read "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself," by Dr. Shad Helmstetter. Negative thoughts... they can pop up anytime. Here's how to beat them.  Understand that your mind is a computer. The programming of that computer has been done. Change the program. Use the 1:5 ratio to make that happen. Make Self-Talk a regular part of your day. Record your new program. You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

 This episode continues to explain the RICH Life Framework.  Today    Newsflash: Adding a new segment to the show, occasionally we'll be sharing a newsflash or interesting tip that applies to all of us.   Today's newsflash is, the good people at Podcast Movement mentioned me and Think Enriched, as one of 10 women you should know at PM17. See the post here. Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Network Too many of us are concerned to start an income stream because, "I don't want to be too salesy..." Or, "I don't know anyone." Oh please.  Consider the people you see at: school drop off kids' activities the gym church groups the same checker at the grocery store that is so friendly neighbors Use your skills and gently reach out to those in your daily routine.  Those tiny conversations build the seed of trust with others.   This is how you begin to plant the seeds of your  network. Habits of Excellence: This week's Habit of Excellence: The Power Nap. WebMD shares why a power nap is more effective than caffeine.  When's the last time you've had a power nap? 20-minute nap :(Stage 2 nap) is good for alertness & motor learning skills like typing and playing the piano. 30 to 60-minute naps helps decision-making skills, vocabulary memorization and direction recall. 60 to 90-minute naps allow you to make new brain connection and creative problem solving. How to Nap.  Yes, really.  We need to re-learn to energize ourselves: Be consistent. Keep a napping schedule.  (1 to 3pm is prime time.) Go dark. Nap in a dark room if you can. Stay warm. Use a blanket, as your body temp drops while you snooze. Today's focus: Here's how to have happy, successful business relationships. Be genuinely interested. Learn about them because it's fun. Unexpected surprises. The best way to grow a new business relationship is to plant the seed. Next time you are working to create a solid business relationship, remember the acronym PLANT.  What is PLANT?  Simply, it is this: P: PLAN. "When you don't know where you are headed, any path will take you there."   L: LISTEN. The best networkers know more about others.  Show that you are listening (active listening skills.)  Ask smart questions.   A: AUTHENTIC. Let people know that who you are at the dinner table is who you are in the office.  Let them see you. N: NEED.  Watch for needs that you can fill.  We're not talking money, here.  Small needs that pop up. T: TRUST. Trust is credit which builds over TIME.  You need to consistently be working on the first four skills to build that trust.   A few ways to incorporate the PLANT strategy: Listen more intently. Fill a need that you can.   Surprise people along the way. Turn a daily acquaintance into a business colleague.      You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code. Let’s connect!   On Facebook, Instagram.

  In this special interview, we have Megan Dowd with us.  Her vibrance & information will really be something special for you!  Get that in your purse:   Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Self-Care "Self-care is a very active and powerful choice to engage in the activities that are required to gain or maintain an optimal level of overall health. And in this case, overall health includes not just the physical, but the psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual components of an individual’s well-being." Physical Self-Care: Sleep, Counting calories, Exercise Psychological Self-Care: Avoiding negative self-talk, prescriptions,  Emotional Self-Care: Dealing with emotions, grieving, depression, anxiety Social Self-Care: Be with those you love.Talking through conflict, addressing emotional needs of others Spiritual Self-Care: Faith and meaning in life, meditation, walks,  We all need to make self-care a priority.  As women we can set the standard to  Today's focus: I'm excited to share with you our interview with Megan Dowd.   Megan Dowd is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor in Matwork and Reformer, Levels 1 & 2, which means she's spent a lot of time in both the classroom AND studio to learn how to adapt this work to all bodies. Bodies are weird, wonderful, and AMAZING - yours included - and her work centers around helping you feel greater control and grace in your body RIGHT NOW. She loves to cook (and eat), bakes when she gets stressed out, and regularly goes for walks in the historic graveyard near her apartment (to be clear, there are miles of walking path so she's not just wandering the headstones…). In this interview we discuss: Mind Body Connection and how it matters to us. Megan is ready to show you how to do 3 Stretches in Bed!  Go to https://www.megandowdpilates.com/thinkenriched to get it. As a bonus Megan is offering you a 25% discount on your first session! Find Megan online:  https://www.megandowdpilates.com/  Start Your Own Podcast Did you know you can start your own podcast and get 2 free months of hosting?? Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code. Let’s connect!   On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Invest in Yourself. Easy to say. So very hard to do if you haven't before. Get that in your purse: Check out "5 Minutes for You." Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Invest As you continue to invest in yourself, you'll be able to serve others even better. Today's focus: Continuing on the with RICH Framework, we are talking about the letter I, which is all about investing in yourself. A couple of caveats, your most valuable resources are: Your time. Your energy. Your money. Find ways to maximize those resources. Don't A few ideas to consider investing in yourself are: Read more, plus read a variety of books Make time to learn a new language, a coding program, a new stitch Create something in a new form for you Work with a new tutor, mentor, or coach in your field. Find one that really stretches you to excel. Think about today and tomorrow. Let’s connect! Sign up for "5 Minutes for You." My gift to you, my friend, while you ambitiously give to the world, take 5 Minutes and let's connect. Ever wanted to start your own podcast? Now you can start your own podcast, get your first two months of hosting FREE. Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

Are you Mindfully Alive in Your Creative Process? Today's episode is giving you more insight on how to allow more time to create, and, in particular, we're focusing on the Mindfully Alive Retreat. This free retreat is for you, my friend, the woman who is working, serving, giving to so many.  The experts speaking are sharing their insights on topics like: Stress & Creativity Managing Creative Blocks How to Find Creativity While You're Stuck Money, Art & Stress So many exciting topics to discuss.  I'm delighted to be one of the speakers sharing insight.  Click here to sign up for  the Mindfully Alive Retreat. Get that in your purse: You can join me daily at "5 Minutes for You." You, my dear friend, do so very much.  Consider this your 5 Minute Break at the end of the day for a little laughter, inspiration and cheering you on in the many roles of being a woman. Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Create A few questions to ask yourself: How are you Creating?  Or, if that's not the case, consider What is keeping you from being creative? Do you find immersed in the creative process? What kinds of activities allow you to be more creative? Do more of that!  Creativity allows you to come alive and tap into Flow.   Read: Finding Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Today's focus:  Today we're talking about the Mindfully Alive Retreat.   Part of living is being free to create.   And, it's completely free when you sign up.  Later, you are welcome to purchase the recordings if you'd like.   We discuss: Julie is an occupational therapist & artist. She coaches artists to become excellent business people. Money & creativity can be messy.  She helps you keep it organized. Letting go is the part of the process for sale. How to go through life and stay "Mindfully Alive." Do you consider yourself creative?  You belong at the Mindfully Alive Retreat. How you can get back into flow. For a quick 2 weeks, you'll enjoy daily speakers delivered right to your inbox. Take some time out for yourself. How money & stress holds you back  How you can make money as an artist Your clothing can affect your mindfulness throughout the day Finding Creativity When Your Stuck Why you need to allow yourself time simply for creativity. The difference between, "Sharing your art, but not your soul." I will be speaking at the Mindfully Alive Retreat.  I hope you can join us there! Julie is an artist, coach and bestselling author whose passion is to see talented creatives become talented business people.  She has sold her art internationally over the last 15 years but has done it in a way that feels good rather than filled with fear, uncertainty and doubt which has been the recommended way to sell online. Julie has always been creative, one of her earliest memories is playing with the sequins in her grandmothers’ bead pot.  Anything that is shiny attracts her, including new ideas… lots of them.  She has used art to heal during her 20-year career as a mental health Occupational Therapist and personally within her own life.  She now daily completes a meditation using art to focus her day and it’s an amazing bonus that these pieces sell. You can find Julie on her website, JulieMerrett.com. Let’s connect! On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Intro You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.   Get that in your purse: Check out the Hemingway App.   Concerned about your skills as a writer?  Want to make what you write sound more polished, professional, and easy to understand? You should try the Hemingway App.  Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: RICH The RICH Framework depends on understanding the word.  Rich means living in abundance, plenty of resources, and high value.  This is the entire goal of the RICH Framework. Habits of Excellence: This week's Habit of Excellence: Quick walks for freshness.  Use the FitBit app to remind you to take a breather.  They say, "Sitting is the new smoking."  Get up, quick walk and get back to work.  Today's focus: The RICH Framework, how to make your day & life the paradox of big picture & intentional daily living. R is for Refresh. To Refresh yourself: Set daily routines.  Consider your micro-routines.   Deliberately create a daily routine that creates a regular day of success. Eliminate decision fatigue from your life.   "Strenuous thinking leaves your body exhausted," according to Mark Wilson at CoDesign. Gets you off the roller coaster ride of, "What's next?" Write down the daily routine, create a daily docket. Auto-pilot magic.   This allows you to BE in the moment. The roller coaster of great and mini slopes of life.  These first few steps are how you'll be able to determine business concept.   Take time to Refresh yourself today.  Set yourself up for a Rich life. Let’s connect! On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.