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Keeping Christ at the center of Christmas is a huge challenge. Busy parents are constantly pushed and pulled a hundred different directions, especially at the holidays. Our event calendar in December can look like a flow-chart from an international airport with constant departures and arrivals. It is easy to forget Christ in the hustle and bustle of baking, shopping, wrapping, and party-hopping. How do we keep our families focused on Christ during the hectic holiday season? Bethany Kimsey, host of the Warrior Mama Podcast, joins Catherine again to discuss how to keep our hearts and our families concentrated on Christ during the Christmas season. These two moms have over 40 years of parenting experience, and in this episode, they share their favorite Christ-centered family traditions. These traditions are: *Don't compare yourself to other families. *Study the names of Jesus. *Celebrate Advent. *Watch Christ-centered entertainment. *Create a Jesse Tree. *Assign Scripture passages to each family member for Christmas. *Educate your kids and give to a Christ-centered mission. *Celebrate Jolaboklaflod (an evening of book-giving) with Christ-centered books. Employing some of these wonderful family traditions will help counteract the busyness, the commercialism and materialism, and the overall stress of Christmas. Bethany's bio: As a mother to 8 children, Bethany Kimsey has seen God radically change her messy motherhood from weary, anxious, and frantic to peaceful, joyful, and triumphant. She helps weary mothers win the battle against worry and fatigue as they understand their identity in Christ and rest in the hope of the Gospel in community with other moms. Bethany recently authored A Warrior Mama's Prayer Journal to help mothers pray intentionally over their children and anchor in gospel truths. This can be purchased at www.Bethanykimsey.co. She would love to connect at her website bethanykimsey.com or her Warrior Mama podcast https://whengodbreaksthrough.libsyn.com found on your favorite podcast platform. You can connect with Bethany on Instagram or Facebook as well. Get Catherine's original Scripture songs by subscribing HERE. OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED: EPISODE 83: What Huge Lie Does Culture Teach Our Kids at Christmas? (w/ Bethany Kimsey) EPISODE 81: How Can Celebrating Advent Enrich Your Christmas Season (w/ Laurie Christine) EPISODE 51: 5 Family-Centered Films for Christmas Advent Devotional Guide with information on the Jesse Tree (by Laurie Christine) 5 Heartwarming Films You Should Watch This Christmas (article by Catherine Segars) World Vision's Gift Catalog Jolaboklaflod – Icelandic Christmas tradition of giving books. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Hello, hi! Fall is here, and it's time to embrace the beauty and magic of this season. In this episode, join me as I share five ways I'm living my favourite life. From decluttering and reorganizing my kitchen to crafting a mindful morning routine, I hope there's something to inspire you within this episode: 1. Kitchen Purge and Reorganization: There's a special kind of lightness and freedom that comes from decluttering and reorganizing your kitchen space. Find out how I did this with my best friend Sarah, making it a liberating experience. 2. Mindful Morning Ritual: I'm way into my go-to breakfast – instant oatmeal, chopped apples, walnuts, and a soothing cup of tea. Learn how this simple, up front decision sets a peaceful tone for the day, promoting mindful presence. 3. Parenting Insights: Listening to The Unruffled Podcast with Janet Lansbury is helping me become a more authentic and kind parent to my 4-year-old. It's all about embracing the parenting journey. 4. Low-Stakes Decision Randomization: My favourite life includes leaving certain choices, like my next book or nail polish to wear, up to chance. I'm surprised by the spontaneity and joy that randomness can bring. 5. Medium Lady Reads: Hosting this podcast aligns with my identity and values, making it a fulfilling endeavor. I hope you'll Join me and Jillian O'Keefe on our book podcast, where we discuss our favorite reads and literary adventures! 6. BONUS: No More Snooze Button: By quitting the snooze button, I've given my body the time it needs to wake up naturally. This simple change has transformed my mornings, leaving me less anxious and overwhelmed. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 83: Is your Self Care Helpful or Harmful? Episode 45: Five Things Saving My Fall 2022 Books and Resources Mentioned: Real Self Care A Transformative Program for Re-defining Wellness (Cleanses Crystals and Bubble Baths Not Included) by Pooja Lakshmin Md. The Cladwell App Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Key Terms Fall Season Mindfulness Kitchen Decluttering Mindful Morning Routine Parenting Insights Unruffled Podcast Low-Stakes Decision Making Randomization in Choices Medium Lady Reads Podcast Quitting the Snooze Button Snooze-Free Mornings Mindful Fall Practices Seasonal Living Fall Favorites Real Self Care Fall Self Care Seasonal Transitions Kitchen Reorganization Mindful Breakfast Routine Authentic Parenting Fall Season Wellness Life Balance in Fall Mindful Living Snooze-Free Mornings Fall Season Transformations Self-Care Practices Pooja Lakshmin MD Embracing Fall Mindfully Seasonal Self-Care
Today's episode focuses on one of the fundamental aspects of church readiness – creating a welcoming environment for new families. Picture this: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you prepared to welcome them with open arms? Let's dive in! A few weeks ago, as I sat across from a future podcast guest, I was reminded of the very reason I started this journey in the first place. They asked me, "What is your goal with having a podcast?" It took me back to the beginning, before the beginning, when I envisioned helping churches get ready, be prepared, and expect revival. I've encountered countless churches that struggled to handle an influx of new families. Today, we'll explore how to make our churches more inviting and ready to embrace new members. We will discuss key elements to make your church more inviting to newcomers. From the moment they step through the doors, we want them to feel valued and at home. Picture this scenario: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you ready for them? Let's consider a few key aspects that can make all the difference in welcoming new faces into your church. Nursery and Childcare: Having a clean and inviting nursery can ease the worries of parents with young children. If you already have a nursery, ensure it's well-maintained and stocked with sanitized toys. If not, consider creating a portable nursery kit with toys and a rocking chair, and place it in a designated area. Don't forget to have volunteers ready to assist in the nursery when needed. Hospitality: Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere starts with friendly faces at the entrance. Designate volunteers to greet newcomers and make them feel at home. Episode 19 with Wanda Littrell offers great tips on hospitality that can help enhance your welcoming efforts. Clean and Accessible Facilities: Having clean and easily accessible restrooms is crucial. Ensure they are clearly marked or have greeters inform visitors about their location. First impressions matter, and clean facilities convey a sense of care and respect for visitors. Connecting with Newcomers: Not all new families will be alike, so it's important to cater to various demographics. For instance, if you have retired couples visiting, provide them with information about ways to connect and get involved. Consider creating postcards with details about Bible study groups, men or women's events, and other fellowship opportunities. Worship Experience: Creating a vibrant and engaging worship experience can leave a lasting impression on newcomers. Ensure your worship team is well-prepared, the songs are meaningful, and the atmosphere is conducive to worship. Invite new families to participate and encourage them to feel comfortable expressing their faith. Follow-Up and Connection: Following up with new families after their visit is crucial for building lasting connections. Assign volunteers to reach out to them, thank them for coming, and provide any additional information they may need. Consider sending a welcome package or a personalized email to express your gratitude and make them feel valued. Clear Communication: Communication is key in any community, and your church is no exception. Ensure that your church's events, schedules, and important information are clearly communicated through multiple channels, such as bulletins, website, social media, and announcements during services. Diversity in Community: Embrace diversity your church community. Make sure your church is welcoming to people of different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for everyone to share their perspectives and experiences. Empowerment and Involvement: Encourage new families to get involved and contribute their unique gifts and talents to the church. Provide opportunities for them to volunteer and join different ministries. When people feel empowered and connected, they are more likely to invest in the church community. Continuous Improvement: Revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Seek feedback from new and long-standing members alike to identify areas for growth and improvement. Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in creating a welcoming and prepared environment. Conclusion: Creating a welcoming and prepared environment in your church involves various aspects that go beyond the physical space. From the worship experience to following up with newcomers, every step matters in fostering a sense of belonging and community. Remember, revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Let's pray, believe, expect, and prepare for God's great work in our churches. Creating a welcoming church environment sets the foundation for growth and revival. By taking action and making our churches places where new families feel embraced, valued, and empowered, we can set the stage for a powerful revival in our communities. YOUR church can become a beacon of hope for new families seeking a spiritual home. Thank you for joining us on this journey of preparation and expectation! Remember, together, we can make our churches revival ready! God bless you all. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will be discussing the Grace God gives you in Your Calling. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 19: Tips of Creating an Effective Hospitality Team in the Church Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode032
Discover the realities of parsonage life and the challenges faced by pastors and their families. Find faith, encouragement, and hope in their inspiring journey. Introduction: A Life Behind the Parsonage Walls Alesa Lewis Miller has lived behind the parsonage walls for over 50 yrs. Being raised in a minister's home and then marrying a minister and now a missionaries wife Alesa has experienced the joys and disappointments that can only be seen from behind the parsonage walls. With this book, she hopes to allow others to see the realism and normality in which every pastor's family lives while encouraging you to stand strong in your faith no matter what comes your way. Alesa homeschooled all 3 of her children and is crazy in love with Jeffrey Miller, who after 30 yrs of pastoring became a US missionary with Church Mobilization in the Assemblies of God, who covers some 600 churches in Kansas and Oklahoma. Her greatest blessings are her 3 children, their Spouses, future Spouse, and 3 precious little ones that call her Mimi. The Importance of Mental Health for Christian Leaders When asked about a habit or routine that keeps her healthy as a Christian Leader, Alesa shares how she focuses on mental health. Everything she does from keeping her thoughts in line with God's Word, having daily time with the Lord, making healthy choices in what she eats, and keeping her gut healthy so she can think with a clear mind. That combination of the spiritual and the practical keeps her healthy mentally and physically. Encouragement and Support for Pastors and Pastor's Wives Alesa loves encouraging people and her passion for this grew when she and her husband began planting a church many years ago. Nothing happened like it was supposed to and they ended up feeling isolated and alone. She determined then that if she ever got back into ministry, she would make sure that every pastor and pastor's wife that she met knew they were special. That they were valued and important. Through reading her book she wants people to know, no matter what they are going through, God is working all things together for His good. Alesa loves telling about her experiences and what they have been through in this life. Finding Strength in Key Scriptures: Philippians as a Source of Inspiration When asked what key scripture she has held onto, Alesa shared that Philippians is her favorite book in the Bible with many verses holding special meaning to her. Starting with Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and then backing up to verse 12 to truly understand the meaning of that verse “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Jeff and Alesa have truly lived this verse in their lives. Alesa then shared the secret to being content is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” When we put those things into practice and have our minds in line with what God's Word says we are, we can keep going. If we allow ourselves to believe we are anything besides what He says we are our lives are likely to spiral out of control. Which is exactly where satan wants us to be. If he can keep us discouraged and in fear he has us right where he wants us. It is very important to recognize when those negative thoughts come in and take them captive. Do not focus on the lies of the enemy then direct your thoughts to what you know is pleasing and admirable to the Lord. Leaving a Legacy: Sharing Personal Stories for Encouragement Alesa started writing her book in an effort to leave a legacy to her children and grandchildren. For them to see what she and her husband have been through and to encourage them as they serve in future ministry whether in the pew or behind the pulpit. She published it on Amazon, shared it with some friends, and did some simple marketing. Since then, several people have purchased the book and shared how much it has meant. Recently, a ministry network inquired about purchasing copies for an upcoming pastor-wife's retreat. Alesa is humbled when she hears from readers that it touched their lives enough that they have passed it on to a friend. She is so thankful to know that what they went through is helping someone else. The Spring of 2023: Mission Work, Weddings, and God's Faithfulness The Spring of 2023 has Alesa's life full as she takes opportunities to share about her book, while helping her husband with mission work, all amidst planning two weddings. Jeff and Alesa's ministry continues to expand in the mission area. They are connecting churches that have needs with people who can meet those needs through “Church Mobilization”. They are seeing some amazing ways of God's faithfulness. Preparing the Church for the Harvest: Finding Hope in Life's Challenges Alesa relates her story with “Preparing the Church for the Harvest” in that she prays it gives people HOPE. No matter what is happening in their life, she encourages all not to give up. If we fully rely in and trust on God in all things, we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 AMP If you don't know what to do next, do the last thing God told you to do. Keep on keeping on and God will see you through. Unforeseen Blessings: Trusting God's Plan in the Midst of Uncertainty When Jeff & Alesa planted a church back in 2000 nothing went the way it was supposed to go. They had a next-door neighbor whose 3 yr old little girl would play with their son. They introduced this family to Christ and they became members of their new church. About a year later they moved back home to Alaska. The families kept in contact during holidays and such until July 2022 when that daughter, came back into their life after her mother had suddenly passed away. For the last 20 years, the Millers wondered why they planted that church and it did not go the way it was supposed to. After all this time, that little girl will join their family as she marries their son this fall. This proves that you never know what God is up to, even when things aren't going right. Keep your eyes on Jesus and fully trust Him that ALL things are working together for His good. Connect with Alesa Lewis Miller: Purchase the book: Behind the Parsonage Walls Facebook: Alesa Lewis Miller Website: https://behindtheparsonagewalls.com Email: behindtheparsonagewalls@gmail.com Jeff & Alesa's ministry: https://millersforusmissions.com Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway: Click here and enter the code word PARSONAGE Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 017 with Jeff & Alesa Miller - Church Mobilization This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode028.
I thought long and hard about what, over the years, clients have told me tipped them over from 'maybe' to 'YES'. It's powerful!This episode gives you 6 simple things plus 1 strategic action that you can do now to help your coaching prospects shift from just considering your services to clicking onto the certainty button and committing. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/199.Are you a new coach who is ready for step-by-step hand-holding to create everything for your business with expert support and then launch with confidence? I have 2 openings now for the VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough -private program with me - Rhonda Hess of Prosperous Coach.Together we will land your niche, craft messaging & web copy, develop your Signature Program, handle pricing, packaging and positioning, marketing strategy, content and everything in between.IT'S TIME FOR YOUR SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHIf you're serious about getting your coaching business launched with expert support, fill out the application on this page and we will set up a Discovery Call to learn about each other.Other Episodes Mentioned- Episode 137 is a good one to listen to after this episode. It's called Your Future Coaching Clients Might Be Turned Off By Automation.- Episode 141 has 5 Questions to Test Your Coaching Business Integrity.
In this solo episode, Ann announces a paralegal survey that the Paralegal Boot Camp developed to get answers to some of our burning questions. Questions like: Are you happy with where you work? Do you feel valued and appreciated? What could your employer do to improve your level of job satisfaction? Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 38 on how to get past paralegal burnout. Episode 22 was an interview with a fellow paralegal who gave us some great tips on self-care. Also, in Episode 13 when Ann interviewed Dan Moulder about mindset shifts at work. LISTEN TO ALL PODCAST EPISODES Actionable Strategies Ann gave two actionable strategies in this episode: Take the paralegal survey: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/survey Share the survey (or the podcast episode) with at least three (3) of your colleagues or friends who are paralegals. Are you a paralegal who wants to skip the learning curve and kickstart your career? The Paralegal Boot Camp offers online courses to fast-track your paralegal career, including a course on how to master your attention to detail. View our course offerings. https://paralegal-bootcamp.thinkific.com. For more resources, visit our podcast page and blog.
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Importance of Clarity People won't support what they don't understand. We must have clarity in order to make an impact. In this week's on-air nonprofit coaching call, I'm working with the lovely Dooshima David-Jang, a nonprofit leader from Nigeria. Inspired by her father's legacy, she started a nonprofit when she saw a disconnect in her community. First we had to dig into what that really meant. Then we could design a short-term action plan so she can gather more information from the community while serving them at the same time. Finally, she asks if I have any insights about why her grant for a much-needed idea wasn't funded. For all three points, it all boils down to clarity and impact. Let's dive in! Clarity Is the Key to Making an Impact I hope you're starting to see the power of clarity and strategic thinking. In Dooshima's case: She first needed to get clear on the impact she wants to make with her nonprofit. Then she needed an action plan to find the shortest distance from Point A to Point B. That way she can build momentum, develop community partnerships, and iterate her programs. That will give her more powerful leverage in the future when she's ready to start applying for grant funding. Challenge Question: Is there an area you're holding back because of a lack of clarity? If so, we need to dig in and polish it up! If you enjoyed this episode, you can book your own 1:1 strategy session with me at teresahuff.com/mentor. The world needs you out there making a difference! Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message. And if you need more support, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer already and let's get you moving! Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 95: 5 Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing Clarity Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip How Clear Is Your Writing? Last week we talked about the importance of using positive action words in your writing. Words that inspire. Words that cast a vision. This week we're talking about another important element: clarity. Implement More Clarity in Your Grant Writing Gaining clarity is at the core of what we do because everything else hinges on it. We need clarity ourselves before we can expect to clearly convey our work to others. Whether you're offering services, applying for grants, explaining your nonprofit's mission, outlining a program, you must have clarity. People won't support what they don't understand. If it's unclear, they can't understand it and they sure won't support it. Help them make an informed decision by clearly conveying the work you're doing. 5 Tips to Convey Your Nonprofit Message with Clarity: Decide what's your #1 goal for this piece of writing? Outline the key points in a logical framework. Fill in the important details. Cut out the fluff! Don't argue. There's always fluff. Take imperfect action. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive. Challenge Question: Where do you need to refine your work or writing for more clarity? How will you take action on it this week? Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll brainstorm with you. And if you need more support, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer already and let's get you moving! Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Episode 88: Are Your Nonprofit Blind Spots Getting the Best of You? Interview with Likky Lavji, Blind Spot Navigator Episode 94: Pro Tip to Improve Your Grant Writing Immediately Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Kind of Message Are You Sending in Your Grant Writing? If you step back and look at your grant writing objectively, you might be surprised at what you find. And it might not be quite as pretty as you thought. Before you give up in despair, though, I've got you covered. Today's grant writing pro tip will help you improve overnight once you crack the code. Does Your Grant Writing Sound Like This? When we're writing, we often tend to be polite and soften the blow: "Would you be able to help me on Saturday?" "If you had a minute, I'd love it if you could help with this." That's sweet and nice when we're asking a friend for a favor. Not so in grant writing. It makes us sound unsure and wishy washy: "If we had these funds, we could help so many kids." "If we were to get this grant, we would be able to build a playground." Ick. Now let's be clear - I'm not knocking the mission at all. But sadly, the mission is getting lost in the ambiguity. Let's try that again with a positive approach: "With these funds, we will impact over 100 students." "We will use these funds to build a playground." Boom. See the difference? It's immediately a different impact. Grant Writing Words to Avoid When you're writing a grant, watch out for past tense words that are talking about things in the future - "If we had these funds, we could..." Also avoid passive words and phrases like these: Would Could If we were Might be able to Instead, aim for positive, confident phrasing. Cast the vision for the funder. Your writing will transform. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive. Challenge Question: Find a paragraph or two you've written recently. Look it over - do you use positive action words? How can you rewrite it to be more inspiring? Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll brainstorm with you. And if you need more support, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer already and let's get you moving! Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Do Grants and Gardening Have in Common? As it turns out, quite a lot. I've been helping my husband plant the garden this spring. He has quite the green thumb of the family. Sadly, I do not. However, it's given me the chance to reflect on how much grant writing and gardening have in common. 7 Ways Grants Are Like Gardening: Both take time, hard work, and patience to tend. We can't control the outcome, so we need to be prepared and follow through consistently. Artificial opportunities may look good at first, but they won't produce the results we need. Grants and gardens take nurturing and tending to build relationships and reputation. We must learn to understand the needs and provide for those. Plant before you need it so you can build your pipeline of harvest for the future. Prepare for the seasonality. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into each. Challenge Question: How can you shift your approach to cultivate a healthier grant garden? Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll brainstorm with you. Listen to the episode for inspiration and practical advice. Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 68: How You Can Prepare for the Seasonality of Grants Episode 80: 7 Things Grants Are NOT: What You Need to Know About Grant Funding Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing? Lately we've been going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants. We learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing. Are You Stuck in the Numbers Game? Numbers can be intimidating, especially if it seems like our work doesn't measure up to others around us. However, numbers aren't everything. We need to also take the quality and impact into account. Listen to the full episode for encouragement and challenge questions to think through with your team. Challenge: How can your nonprofit look at your numbers differently? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation. Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant? Episode 76: Using Constraints as Containers for Creative Progress Instead of Roadblocks Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing. Are You Struggling to Win Grants? Grants are a long game, and they're not easy money. If you've been struggling with grant proposal rejections, today I want to offer you encouragement. You're not alone, it's normal, and you can improve! Ways to Improve Your Grant Proposals If you aren't winning very many grants, know that: You're not the only one! What external factors are coming into play? Look at your writing, or better yet, have someone else look at it. Are you clearly conveying the need, the project, and how you'll measure the impact? Gauge the level of risk you're taking with each application. Look at the different elements so you can make an educated, calculated decision instead of blind risk. Make sure you're ready for grants first. Play the long game and do the hard work of preparing. If you're a nonprofit, check out my free nonprofit audit. Build a relationship with the grantmaker. Ask for their input and feedback. Challenge: How can your nonprofit improve your grant proposals? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation. Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know. How grant-ready is your nonprofit? Take the free audit: teresahuff.com/grantready Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 9: What a Grant Funder REALLY Wants: Interview with Mindy Honey, Skaggs Foundation Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant? Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Episode 20: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant: Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing Success Episode 51: 6 Meaningful Ways Your Nonprofit Can Build Relationships with Grant Funders Join Me in the Free Webinar: Go from Rejected to Accepted - 9 Reasons Grants Get Rejected (and How to Fix Them) Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Take the Nonprofit Grant-Ready Audit: www.teresahuff.com/grantready Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Take the quiz: www.teresahuff.com/quiz What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing? This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants. We learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing. To Hire a Professional or DIY? When you're considering a home improvement project, sometimes you can handle it yourself just fine. Other times, though, you're better off bringing in an expert. The decision depends on several factors - for starters, your level of skill, budget, scope of the project. Grant writing is the same way. While there's no standard right or wrong answer, you need to consider a few aspects of the situation before making your decision. Today I'll walk you through 5 areas to think through with your team before making the call. We'll also look at a hybrid alternative that might work well for some of your projects. Challenge: What's the status of your nonprofit with regards to hiring a grant writer? Go through the audit, and then connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation. Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know. Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 37: How Do We Show Nonprofit Sustainability? On-Air Strategy Call Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like? Episode 79: Grant Writing Basics: Where Do You Find Grants? Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing? This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants. Lose the Misconceptions So many misconceptions are floating around about grants and how they work. Today we're going to address what grants are NOT so you can focus your efforts on what they ARE. This will help you be more successful in the long run! We learn how to avoid these in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing, but we have to dispel some of these common misconceptions first. Even if you as the grant writer know these points, you may have a board member now and then who might not understand. This will give them an outside perspective to help educate them. 7 Things Grants Are NOT Let's be sure we're on the same page before you start applying for grant funding. Grants are NOT: Quick fix Easy money Bailout Starter plan Solo funding plan Free for all Magic cure Listen to the episode for an explanation of each, and what you can do instead. Challenge: Today we've talked about 7 things grants are NOT. Did any of these surprise you? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 67: 9 Steps for Getting a New Nonprofit off the Ground: Interview with Alesha Mathis, Nonprofit Founder's Club Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like? Episode 79: Grant Writing Basics: Where Do You Find Grants? Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing? This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants. Where Do I Find Grants? Just like anything in life, you can always do a Google search. However, that might send you down a never-ending rabbit trail with nothing to show for it! Several grant search tools are available for nonprofits, such as: Instrumentl Grant Station GrantScape Foundation Directory Online Grant Forward Grant Select Grant Watch Grant Gopher In addition, I recommend starting local. See what's in your own community and build relationships with those foundations. Check with your local library, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses. 6 Tips Before You Start Your Grant Search: Be sure your nonprofit is ready for grants! Be sure your mission and priorities are clear and externally focused Know your program priorities so you can find a good match with grant funders Weed out quickly. Look for geographical and program fit first. Start local, especially if you're newer to grants Organize your search Challenge: Listen in today as we go back to the basics of grant writing. If you have a similar question, send me a message. Chances are others are wondering too! Maybe I'll even answer it on a future podcast episode! Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 2: What Is a Grant? (and What It's Not) Episodes 6: Grant Readiness: How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like? Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing? When I first started grant writing and working with my mentor, I asked a lot of questions. Let me rephrase that. I asked a BOATLOAD of questions. I bombarded her with so many queries that I apologized for the onslaught. I'll never forget her gracious response, "I'd rather you ask than wonder." Now that I'm mentoring grant writers myself, I feel the same way. No question is too big or too small! What Does a Grant Even Look Like? I was recently a guest presenter about grant readiness in a college class. After the class, a student came up to me and said, "I feel silly asking this, but...what does a grant look like? I've tried googling it, but the answers are so confusing!" I am SO glad she asked! Funny thing is, I wondered the EXACT same thing before I met my mentor and started grant writing. Except...Google wasn't a thing yet, so I didn't have anyone to ask! Today I'm going to explain what a grant application might look like depending on the type of grant you're writing, what things are usually included in a grant proposal, and the different ways of submitting a grant. And, most importantly, I explain how you can know exactly how to fill out a grant application! Challenge: Listen in today as we go back to the basics of grant writing. If you have a similar question, send me a message. Chances are others are wondering too! Maybe I'll even answer it on a future podcast episode! Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 2: What Is a Grant? (and What It's Not) Episodes 6: Grant Readiness: How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Are You Ready for the FAST Track? Are you ready to unleash your skills to make a massive impact? Let's get you on the FAST Track. Let's Fast Track your income and your impact in 2022. You can start learning today at teresahuff.com/vip. The Challenges of Growth The last couple of weeks we've been talking about challenge questions to ask yourself and also some things to consider before you set any goals. A recent Fast Company article by Simone Ahuja got me to thinking about these challenges. The article is called, “Rethinking constraints as a catalyst for innovation: Constraints force us to get crystal clear about the problem we're solving.” Making Creative Progress Instead of Roadblocks Constraints can be frustrating, especially in the nonprofit world. They're all around us; we're often short on time, money, staff, and other resources. Grant writers run into a lack of information, communication barriers, and word limits galore! However, constraints require us to adapt more quickly when we have to, as the last couple of years have shown us. Those confines force us to look for creative solutions. Constraints bring us to a crossroads, a sort of crisis of decision. We can give up and walk away, give in to the status quo, or step up imperfectly and find a creative way to a better solution. Listen in as I share 3 tips to reframe your constraints. f you're ready to explore this further, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's help you figure out how you can use your constraints to your advantage so you can help change your world. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Episode 63: Systems for Hire: Ways to Help Your Nonprofit Thrive Episode 73: 6 Challenge Questions to Help Plan Your Next Steps Episode 74: 3 Things You Must Ask Before You Set Another Goal Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip 3 Things You Must Consider Before You Set a Goal Happy New Year! This is the time of year when everyone is pushing for new goals, resolutions, a word of the year, or whatever version is your cup of tea. I'm calling timeout. Before you set another goal, you must step back and consider these three areas first. Lean into this part of the process; your goals (and your progress) will be much better for it! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant? Episode 43: Grant Writer FAST Focus Power Series - Part 1: Do I Have What It Takes? Episode 73: 6 Challenge Questions to Help Plan Your Next Steps If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofits, Gear Up For Grants with this free audio workshop: www.teresahuff.com/gearup
Ready to unleash your skills to make a massive impact? Let's get you on the F.A.S.T. Track. F.A.S.T. Track to Grant Writer is a VIP small group coaching experience where you'll learn how to be the go-to grant writer in your community. This is everything the books won't tell you. It's like Miracle Gro for grant writers. Fast Track your income and your impact. Join me today to start learning AND taking action at teresahuff.com/vip. We Need Learning AND Action The last couple of weeks we've been talking about the importance of both learning AND action. They really go hand in hand. I challenged you to do this in Episode 71, and last week in Episode 72 Courtney Vrablik of The Store was a great example of this. At the end of the year I like to take some time to reflect and plan, although with people around the house, for me it often spills over into January. In Episode 18 I gave you 6 questions to help you reflect on your year and look at your priorities for the new year. You can also download that worksheet in my Freebie Vault at teresahuff.com/free. 6 Questions to Reflect & Plan Go back and listen to Episode 18 after you're done here, but to quickly recap, those 6 questions were: What went well this year? What didn't go so well? What was draining? What was energizing? What do I want to do (or be) less of? What do I want to do (or be) more of? 6 Challenge Questions to Get You Thinking Today, in addition to those 6 questions, I want to issue some challenge questions. These will give you some food for thought as you consider your next steps. Was this a failure, or is it an opportunity to redirect my attention? What's not being said? In other words, where do I need to step back and read between the lines? What am I ignoring or overlooking? Am I overthinking in proportion to the importance of this situation? Is it time to learn, take action, or both? Where do I need to challenge myself? Take some time to sit with these and reflect. Maybe even journal some notes and ideas as you think through the questions. Your year will be better for it! Grab the free worksheet: teresahuff.com/free Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 18: Questions to Reflect & Plan + Free Download Episode 71: Success Leaves Clues: 2021 Nonprofit Book Roundup Episode 72: How The Store Is Changing the World with Love at the Core - Interview with Courtney Vrablik, Executive Director If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofits, Gear Up For Grants with this free audio workshop: www.teresahuff.com/gearup
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Back by Popular Demand: Grant Writer Strategy Call Today's episode is another grant writer strategy call. This one is unique because I'm chatting with Diego Reeb, one of the VIP Fast Track to Grant Writer Alumni! We first met Diego back in Episode 30 when he was finishing up the program. He completed the Fast Track to Grant Writer in early 2021. At the time, he was working part time for a nonprofit and needed support with taking his grant writing skills to the next level. Now as he's nearing the end of his Master's program and looking at graduation in 2022, he's ready to start mapping out a plan for how to be a grant writing consultant. That's what our conversation today is focused on. Discussion on How to Be a Grant Writing Consultant: How to position yourself to convey your value and experience Getting specific about the type of clients you want to work with How to frame your services and requests for better word of mouth referrals Ways to showcase your expertise when you're good at writing - even without a website Where to focus your efforts when there's so much you COULD be doing Meet Diego Reeb Diego Reeb is a Social Impact Consultant for Future Focus Global and a Grant Manager for Community Access Naperville. He collaborates with clients to create the transformation they want to manifest in the world. He helps with grant research, proposal drafting, strategic planning, process and workflow analysis, and program development. Diego will complete his Master's Degree in Social Work in the spring of 2022. How Do We Start? As you can hear from working with Diego, this is exactly what I help my clients with every day. I want you to be a good steward of your money, and I want to help you create a solid future to carry out your nonprofit vision. Let's develop a smart, strategic approach to your nonprofit or freelance grant writing. If you know you're ready to take your nonprofit or grant writing career to the next level in a way that helps you carry out your mission without burning out, I want to invite you to work with me. Nonprofits can go to teresahuff.com/apply where you can fill out my application form and see if we're a good fit to work together. Grant writers can sign up at teresahuff.com/vip and start on the Fast Track to Grant Writer right away. Let me know - what challenges do you have with sorting out your next steps? What takeaways did you find in this episode? Connect with me over in the Grant Writing Simplified Linkedin community and let's continue the conversation. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 30 - Why I Became a Nonprofit Grant Writer: Creating a Ripple Effect Episode 40 - Questions to Consider Before Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant Episode 53 - Business Building: Tips for Grant Writer Consulting Contracts Episode 54 - Business Building: LinkedIn Profile Tips for Success And a quick shoutout to our friends at Instrumentl for sponsoring today's show. Remember, if you need a hand with your grant searches and ongoing tracking, go check out Instrumentl's free trial at teresahuff.com/Instrumentl and get $50 off your first month with the code GWSPOD. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofits, Gear Up For Grants with this free audio workshop: www.teresahuff.com/gearup
Have you seen friends and family experiencing division and even ‘unfriending' one another over differences? Why is this happening, and what is the impact on our faith and leadership when we view disagreement as the enemy? Disagreement does not have to be the enemy. Yet, for many in our culture and even in our Christian communities, disagreement is viewed as something to be avoided. And when we view disagreement this way, we react to it in unhealthy ways. In this episode (part 1 of the conversation), I'm going to share 6 of the unhealthy responses to disagreement that I have seen take place in my own life as well as in the church and culture. I'm also discussing what happens as a result of these responses. In part 2 of this conversation, I'll be sharing about how we can gain a different perspective about disagreement--one that reflects the love and light of Christ more effectively. For the full show notes, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode176. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 145: Learning to See Other Perspectives & Why It Matters as Leaders Episode 59: The Importance of Apologetics in Leadership & Dealing with Doubt with Hillary Morgan Ferrer Episode 164: How to Bring a Concern to Your Leader - A 4-Step Process Episode 168: How to Receive Feedback as a Leader (and Why it Matters) Episode 173: Two Challenges that Can Destroy Our Leadership and How We Can Respond to Them with Shannon Popkin Connect with Esther and Holly: The Christian Woman Business Podcast Esther's Website Holly's Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page Podcast Sponsor: Confident Conversations is a mini-course designed to help you initiate and lead hard conversations as a Christian woman… even if you struggle with confrontation, aren't sure what to say, and want to avoid hurting people in the process. Find out more and grab this mini-course here: http://confidentconversations.co/
Welcome back! Today we are joined by digital creator Elana Berlin. Elana opens up about her experience losing her best friend to cancer and struggling with anxiety. She also shares her thoughts on being single when a lot of her friends are married with kids, and how she released the timeline expectations she used to put on herself. We talk about how grief looks different for everyone, why you shouldn't judge someone by their social media or what you see on the outside, and the importance of taking time for yourself. You can find Elana on Instagram at @highonsweatt and you can shop her collaboration with The Cosmic Project here. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 69 with Sari Diskin & Episode 85 with Morgan Raphael What we're trying this week: Carleigh's Pick: Sweat with Sweats online workout platform. Favorite new instructors: @alessiasculpt, @calynbrooke, @soniahare.fit, and @bodiesby_sav Mia's Pick: Dream Pops As always, find us on Instagram @mostlybalancedpodcast and on our website. Thanks for joining us and please leave a rating or review if you enjoyed the episode! Shop our Favs: Sakara Life - use code XOBALANCED for 20% off meal programs and clean boutique items Nuzest Protein Powder - Code MOSTLYBALANCED Recess Hemp-Infused Sparkling Waters - Code MOSTLYBALANCED Baxter Blue blue light glasses - code MOSTLYBALANCED
Gear Up For Grants at teresahuff.com/gearup. Happy Birthday to the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast! When I started the podcast one year ago, I never dreamed it would be downloaded in 72 countries across 6 continents! Today I want to thank YOU, my amazing listeners, for all your encouragement and support through this journey over the past year! Last Friday I had the honor of presenting a grant writing session at the Drury University Nonprofit Leadership Annual Conference. The irony was that it had been exactly one year since the official podcast start date. It was amazing being back in person again and meeting some incredible humans doing amazing work in the nonprofit world. What a way to celebrate!! Top 10 Things I Want You to Know About Grant Writing To celebrate the 1 year birthday, I thought a good ol' Top 10 list would be fun! You've heard me say some of these in multiple episodes, and that's because these are important! Ready to Gear Up For Grants? New Private Nonprofit Workshop I've been cooking up some resources just for you nonprofits out there! A powerful, focused strategy map is the key to helping you gain traction and make a bigger impact in your nonprofit. This FREE 4-part audio workshop and workbook will help you start to lay the foundation for future grant success in your nonprofit. You'll learn to leverage your nonprofit's resources more strategically so you can make a bigger impact. Get the details and Gear Up For Grants here! Want to Be a Grant Writer? Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer If you're wanting to become a grant writer to help nonprofits tell their story to make a bigger impact, then get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer today at teresahuff.com/vip. And a shoutout to our friends at Instrumentl for sponsoring today's show. Remember, if you need a hand with your grant searches and ongoing tracking, go check out Instrumentl's free trial at teresahuff.com/Instrumentl and get $50 off your first month with the code GWSPOD. What's YOUR why? Send me a message - I'd love to hear it! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 4: Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Grant Writing Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Episode 24: How to Prevent Nonprofit Decision Fatigue Episode 30: Why I Became a Nonprofit Grant Writer: Creating a Ripple Effect Episode 37: How Do We Show Nonprofit Sustainability? On-Air Strategy Call Episodes 43 - 46: FAST Focus Power Series Episode 59: How to Tell Your Nonprofit Story Through Video Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofit Storytelling Is an Art AND a Science This month we've been talking about nonprofit storytelling and some different ways you can do that. Now we're going a little deeper into how to craft your nonprofit story, and I'm going to share 5 tips that will help you figure out how to tell your story. Grant writing is both an art and a science... It's a science because you have to understand the process, use the research, and follow the funder guidelines to a T. It's an art because you need to decide how much to tell, which data and stories to use, and how to present it the most effectively. Listen in as I share 5 Questions to Ask When Crafting Your Nonprofit Story. Let's Work Together to Tell Your Nonprofit's Story Sometimes you need help sorting out your nonprofit story and figuring out how to tell it. You know it's vital, yet it's hard when you're in the thick of things and you can't see the forest for the trees. If that's you, then send me a message on LinkedIn or reach out on my website contact page and let's discuss what that could look like for your nonprofit. If you're wanting to become a grant writer to help nonprofits tell their story to make a bigger impact, then get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer today at teresahuff.com/vip. And a quick shoutout to our friends at Instrumentl for sponsoring today's show. Remember, if you need a hand with your grant searches and ongoing tracking, go check out Instrumentl's free trial at teresahuff.com/Instrumentl and get $50 off your first month with the code GWSPOD. Your story is important, and the way you tell it is important. How will you share your story this week? Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 4: Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Grant Writing Episode 20: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant: Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing Success Episode 58: Are You Telling Your Nonprofit Story? How Coffee Mugs Are Like Grant Writing Episode 59: How to Tell Your Nonprofit Story Through Video Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Developing Nonprofit Board Members Developing a healthy nonprofit board can be a challenge. Often board members agree to serve without understanding their role or how they can best help the nonprofit. Board training and communication can alleviate some of this dysfunction. Board members can then step into their leadership roles and use their skills more effectively. Brian Brandt, CEO of Core Insights, shares words of wisdom for nonprofit board members. We chat about: The role of nonprofit board members Where to start when onboarding new members The importance of market research when starting a nonprofit How to encourage board members to get involved Fostering connection and vision among nonprofit boards Better equipping board members to serve Developing ambassadors, not just board members Approaching difficult board conversations with grace Listen in for some great advice from Brian's years of working with nonprofits. Meet Brian Brandt: Brian Brandt is the CEO of Core Insights, a Texas-based company providing training and facilitation for nonprofits and businesses. With three decades of leadership experience, he has devoted his life to developing stronger leaders and organizations. His expertise revolves around board training, leadership, and communication. Brian frequently speaks at conferences on board development and engagement, human resources issues, leadership, change management, and strategic planning. He co-authored The Ambassador's Journey: A Parable About Nonprofit Board Leadership and Blind Spots: What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You. Brian holds a Master's in Global Leadership and a Bachelor's in Accounting. LinkedIn: Brian K. Brandt, Core Insights Email: brian@coreinsightsleadership.com Nonprofit Work Is a Journey If you're a nonprofit and not sure how to move forward with your mission, go to teresahuff.com/nonprofits and let's chat about the next best steps for you. If you're a grant writer wanting to make a career out of this, join me in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so we can map out specific action steps for your income. Now is a great time to jump in so you can level up your grant writing career. What is ONE SMALL thing you'll do today to make the world around you a better place? Now go do it! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 26: The Value of Unexpected Mentors and 5 Ways to Find Them [Mentoring Series #1] Keys to Success as a Nonprofit Leader: Interview with Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International [Episode 027] Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Building Your Grant Writing Career This Grant Writer Business Building Series has been so much fun! We've had some great conversations around building your grant writing career. Today I've got a juicy topic for you! If you're tired of trying to figure it out on your own and you need support to connect the dots, sign up for the Fast Track to Grant Writer at teresahuff.com/vip. The students in there have a clear plan and even more importantly, they're taking incredible action! Questions from Grant Writers and Nonprofits I hear a lot of questions from both grant writers and nonprofits. Nonprofits are trying to figure out what's a fair way to pay the grant writer, and grant writers are trying to price their services fairly. Grant writers are asking me: Should I work for free? How much do I charge? Grant writing requires a highly specialized skill set. Believe it or not, though, you probably have a lot to work with already, even if you're new to grant writing. Let's make that gap as small as possible so you can feel good about what you have to offer. If that's where you are, then join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer at teresahuff.com/vip. Nonprofits often ask me: Do you know of any volunteer grant writers? Do you work on commission? Or performance-based grant writing? How much should we expect to pay a grant writer? If this is where you are in your nonprofit, then fill out the application and we'll map out a plan for you at teresahuff.com/nonprofits. Should a Grant Writer Work on Percentage Fees? Listen in for my recommendations along with questions to consider before determining how much to pay a grant writer. If you're a nonprofit and not sure how to move forward with grants, go to teresahuff.com/nonprofits and let's chat about the next best steps for you. If you're a grant writer wanting to make a career out of this, join me in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so we can map out specific action steps for your income. Now is a great time to jump in so you can level up your grant writing career. What is ONE SMALL thing you'll do today to make the world around you a better place? Now go do it! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant? Episode 52: The Tech Tools I Use Most in My Grant Writing Business Episode 53: Business Building: Tips for Grant Writer Consulting Contracts with Danielle Liss Episode 54: LinkedIn Profile Tips for Success Episode 55: Grant Writer Strategy Call - How to Start Freelance Grant Writing More Grant Writer Strategy Calls: Is Grant Writing for Me? with Lisa Ortman Do I Have What It Takes? How Do I Get Started in Grant Writing? Starting a Grant Writing Business from Scratch Click Here to Download the Free Guide for the LinkedIn Checklist Join me over in the Grant Writing Simplified LinkedIn community. Let's make LinkedIn the place where the cool kids hang out! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Ready to Be a Grant Writer? This Business Building Series has been so much fun! A lot of you are asking the same questions about becoming a grant writer, so I wanted to address some of those this month. If you're tired of trying to figure it out on your own and you need support to connect the dots, sign up for the Fast Track to Grant Writer at teresahuff.com/vip. The students in there have a clear plan and even more importantly, they're taking action! How Can I Become a Freelance Grant Writer? Today I'm talking with Julie Nyhus, a nurse practitioner-turned-grant writer. She's just beginning her grant writing career after 20 years in the nursing field. She's asking: I'm good at writing, but how do I find clients? How can I leverage my 20 years of experience as a nurse? Am I supposed to advertise my services? We Talk About My Tips for Starting a Grant Writing Career: Look for ways to specialize Tap into your network Start with the opportunities around you, and then specialize over time How to research potential nonprofits that you'd like to work with The importance of understanding how nonprofits operate Reaching out to prospective clients to start the conversation Listen in for a great conversation on how to become a freelance grant writer! We dig deep into this in Fast Track to Grant Writer, the VIP program where we'll spend 90 days getting your grant writing career up and running. If this is the kind of support you need too, message me and let's chat about how I can help you. Meet Julie Nyhus Julie Nyhus is a nurse practitioner and freelance health & medical writer. Her first love is writing flash fiction and short stories, but when she's not crafting words behind the keyboard, she's busy biking, boxing, knitting, or playing saxophone with the band. Julie is a momma to two daughters and bonus-momma to two daughters and one son. She lives in Indiana, a five minute walk from Lake Michigan, with her husband and Bernese Mountain dog. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 52: The Tech Tools I Use Most in My Grant Writing Business Episode 53: Business Building: Tips for Grant Writer Consulting Contracts with Danielle Liss More Grant Writer Strategy Calls: Episode 5: Is Grant Writing for Me? with Lisa Ortman Episode 12: Do I Have What It Takes? How Do I Get Started in Grant Writing? Episode 49: Starting a Grant Writing Business from Scratch Click Here to Download the Free Guide for the LinkedIn Checklist Join me over in the Grant Writing Simplified LinkedIn community. Let's make LinkedIn the place where the cool kids hang out! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Download the Free Guide: www.teresahuff.com/linkedin Let's Talk LinkedIn Why am I sharing LinkedIn profile tips today, you ask? Open up a browser in private mode on your computer. Google your name. What comes up in the first 3 results? Lemme guess... Your LinkedIn profile. Maybe it was even first. Amiright? In this series, we're going through tips for building your grant writing career. These episodes give you a sneak peek into the VIP Fast Track to Grant Writer program where, among lots of other game-changing strategies, we go through your LinkedIn profile in detail and you can get feedback from the group. We talk about which strategies are best for your career goals to help you become the go-to grant writer in your community. What's So Special About a LinkedIn Profile? I'm going to let you in on one of LinkedIn's best-kept secrets: your LinkedIn profile is not a cut and paste of your resume. This is a space where you can be professional yet show some personality. Your LinkedIn profile and activity essentially become a brochure for your business and career, so steward them wisely and you'll soon see momentum. 4 Phases of Polishing Your LinkedIn Profile I recommend that you start with the basics and build your muscles from there. We'll talk about this in 4 phases: Phase 1: Polish your Profile Phase 2: Find and Follow Phase 3: Comment and Connect Phase 4: Master your Messaging Click Here to Download the Free Guide for the Full Checklist Join me over in the Grant Writing Simplified LinkedIn community. Let's make LinkedIn the place where the cool kids hang out! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 52: The Tech Tools I Use Most in My Grant Writing Business Episode 53: Business Building: Tips for Grant Writer Consulting Contracts with Danielle Liss Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Think Grant Writing Is Boring? Think Again! Grant writing might sound a little dry, and maybe it can be at times, but it can also be quite creative and innovative. There may be days when we feel stuck or can't think through a problem. We've stared at the screen so long, when we close our eyes we still see the screen in front of us. That's a good sign it's time for a break! These are a few tips to get you started; listen to Episode 50 for the full explanation of each. What is ONE thing you'll do this week to encourage creativity? Who knows, that might just be the catalyst that will change your world. What are some ways you enjoy being creative? Join me in the Grant Writing Simplified group on LinkedIn and tell us! If you are ready to scale your grant writing career, the Fast Track to Grant Writer is open. Sign up at teresahuff.com/vip. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 24: How to Prevent Nonprofit Decision Fatigue Episode 22: Preparation for Grant Writing: 6 Things Your Nonprofit Should Have on Hand Episode 20: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant: Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing Success Episode 43: Grant Writer FAST Focus Power Series - Part 1: Do I Have What It Takes? Episode 21: Tips for Successful Grant Writing & Federal Grant Project Management: Interview with Brandi VanAntwerp, CoxHealth Foundation Grants Administrator Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Grant Writer Mid-Year Checkup It's hard to believe we're halfway through 2021 already! Have you taken time to reflect on your progress and celebrate your wins so far this year? I'm celebrating 10,000 podcast downloads! Thank you all for your support and encouragement along the way. Grant Writing Seasons Grant cycles tend to be seasonal, so I hope you're getting in some down time this summer. If you are, it might just be the perfect time to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer! Asking the Hard Questions Sometimes as grant writers, we have to ask the hard questions. We have to dig deeper and play devil's advocate even when it's easier to just go with the flow. However, that's not good in the long run. We need to be proactive and look for the potential problems so we can address those up front. Listen in as I share several examples of tough questions we may need to ask when preparing a grant project or program design. Looking Ahead What's next for you in your grant writing journey? I've got some great episodes coming up on the podcast this summer, so come hang out with me every Tuesday! In the meantime, go change your world. :) Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 22: Preparation for Grant Writing: 6 Things Your Nonprofit Should Have on Hand Podcast Power Series: Grant Writer Fast Focus - Episodes 43-46 Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Download the Grant Writer FAST Focus Workbook at www.teresahuff.com/fastfocus. Grant Writer FAST Focus Welcome back to this special Podcast Power Series, Grant Writer FAST Focus. This week I'm going to help you develop the confidence and clarity you need to start your grant writing career. So far in this series, we've talked about: Part 1 - Move away from “Do I have what it takes?” and instead ask, “How can I get there?” Part 2 - Take inventory of your skills Part 3 - Learn the F.A.S.T. steps - FOCUS on your goals, ASPIRE to learn, SHAPE your online presence, and TRACK your progress Now in Part 4 we're going to tie up the loose ends and bring it all together so you can develop a plan for your grant writing career. How Can I Start as a Grant Writer? We've gone through all those steps, so today we're going to talk about the #1 question I hear from grant writers. That is, “Where do I start?” Today I'll share some of the struggles and mistakes I've made along the way, and how I've learned from those. Turns out those valuable lessons are now helping other grant writers in a big way! You don't need to be nervous, struggling, or not sure where to start. You most likely have a lot more skills than you realize already, Take that inventory and then figure out the shortest distance from point A to point B to become a grant writer. Make sure you've listened to all the episodes in this FAST Focus series and DO the homework. If you still need help, then get on the Fast Track so I can help you dig deep and get really clear on this. F.A.S.T. Track to Grant Writer: How do you know if this is for you? You have a heart to SERVE. You need to be passionate about helping nonprofits. You love to LEARN. You need to be willing to put in the time to learn in the program. Show up for the group calls and watch the videos. You're ready to IMPLEMENT. You need to be committed to doing the work in the program. This isn't for people who want to consume more content and then send it to the digital graveyard. It's for go-getters who are ready to take serious action. You're ALL IN. You're ready to take the next steps in your career. You're not going to hide behind fear or “what ifs” anymore. You're ready to go all in on this new adventure. This is the most cost-effective way to work with me. You're getting high level, intensive advice customized to your situation. We work on both the technical grant writing skills and the business/career building. Start with what you know and go from there. Figure out the shortest distance from Point A to Point B. But to do that, you need to do 4 things F.A.S.T. (and by the way, these are the 4 phases we cover in Fast Track to Grant Writer): FOCUS: Get clear on your career goals and what is realistic for you in your current season. Develop your career roadmap - either for starting your consulting business or working for a nonprofit as an employee. ASPIRE: Learn pro grant writing strategies. In grant writing, you're going to need to understand much more about nonprofits than just how to write a grant. SHAPE: Build a professional online presence and LinkedIn profile that reflects your career goals. TRACK: Execute your action plan so you can build your grant writing career around YOUR ideal life with confidence. You need a plan and goals. Those are the steps most new grant writers miss. And it's the support I wish I'd had as a new grant writer. Challenge for Grant Writers I want to leave you with some important challenge questions today: What do YOU have that makes you memorable? What do you have to start with? We all have something, no matter where you are in your journey. I've worked with brand new grant writers, experienced grant writers, business owners, retirees, college students, a nurse, a digital marketer, an artist, and so many others. You're not too old, you're not too young. Stop making excuses for yourself and let's explore what's possible. What do you need to learn? Do you already know business? Nonprofits? Grant writing? Figure out what you know and where you need to fill in the gaps to learn more. “Are you going to do the work of hiding or are you willing to show up and do the work of art?” - Emily P. Freeman, A Million Little Ways Are You Ready to Move F.A.S.T.? The Fast Track to Grant Writer group program is OPEN! I would be honored to serve you when you're ready to step up your grant writing career. Listen in to the full episode for today's lesson and homework assignment. Then download the free workbook at www.teresahuff.com/fastfocus and let's get you moving forward! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 32: What It Means to Change the World Episode 40: Questions to Consider Before Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant Podcast Power Series: Grant Writer Fast Focus - Episodes 43-46 Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Sign up for Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Do I Need a Lot of Detail in a Grant Application? Today I want to share a great question I received recently from a new grant writer: How do you know what is sufficient detail in a grant application? There could always be more to write about your program. Glad you asked! In this episode I'll talk through three things you need to consider when adding detail to your grant application: Is there a limit in the application (word count, character count, page limit)? If so, you're forced to write tight! Focus on the application guidelines and the goal of what you're asking for. Remember there's a person at the other end of everything you write. Make it clear, concise, and compelling. What questions do YOU have about grant writing? Send me a message, and maybe I'll answer it in a future episode! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight Podcast Power Series: Grant Writer Fast Focus - Episodes 43-46 (starting June 22!) Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Book your own strategy call for grant writers and nonprofits at www.teresahuff.com/nonprofits. Nonprofit Strategy Call I'm excited to share this on-air strategy call with you today! I'm working with the talented Ashley McMichael and coaching her through a grant application she's working on for her nonprofit. One of the questions asked about organizational sustainability. We talk through several ways she can demonstrate a solid sustainability plan for her nonprofit. Ashley also shares why she started a nonprofit, how she relates to clients, and the ways she's stepping up to lead by example. About Ashley McMichael: Ashley McMichael, B.S, M.S, Founder and Executive Director. The Innovative Academy of Liberal Arts & Sciences (IALAS) is a non-profit organization that opens the doors of opportunity for students and families that have been historically neglected. IALAS provides 2-generation STEAM (science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts, and mental health) and economic empowerment education initiative to address the ongoing disparity between Ward 7 and its surrounding wards. Find out more about our organization at www.theialas.org. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 5 - Grant Writer Strategy Session: Is Grant Writing for Me? Episode 12 - Grant Writer Strategy Session: Do I Have What It Takes? How Do I Get Started in Grant Writing? Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Need help with your nonprofit or grant writing strategy? www.teresahuff.com/nonprofits Welcome to Part 4 in our nonprofit fundraising series! Back in Episode 34, I gave you over 60 fundraising ideas and 9 questions you should be asking. Those were some great ideas. But if it left you scratching your head and wondering, “Where do we start?” then this list will help you take it a few steps further. You can’t possibly do ALL the fundraisers at once, nor should you try. That’s why it’s so important to first look at the bigger picture and then determine how you should move forward. Listen in for 10 steps you need to develop to have a stronger nonprofit fundraising plan. This is important knowledge for both nonprofits and aspiring grant writers to have in your toolbelt! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: Grant Readiness - How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit Episode 34: 60+ Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas and 9 Questions to Help You Choose Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Need help? Book your strategy session: www.teresahuff.com/strategy. I hear so many nonprofits, especially new ones, trying to figure out how to raise funds. They think they can get grants, but then realize that won’t work for them until they’re a little more established. So what's a nonprofit to do? I've got you covered with this list of over 50 fundraising ideas. Hang on a minute though - before you jump in, there are 9 questions to consider first. Download the full list at www.teresahuff.com/34. If you aren't sure where to start, or you need help sorting out how to move forward, book a strategy call today at www.teresahuff.com/strategy. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: Grant Readiness - How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing Episode 25: Nonprofit Donor Relations & Marketing Tips: Interview with Jenni Hargrove Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join the Fast Track to Grant Writer today: www.teresahuff.com/vip. This is the 4th episode in our Grant Writer Mentoring Series. We've shared so many good resources! Today we're talking about: How to get started as a grant writer Mapping out a plan to move your career forward How to get past the mindset of, "What if I don't win the grant?" Interviews with two VIP students and takeaways from their experience in the Fast Track to Grant Writer program. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 5: Grant Writer Strategy Session: Is Grant Writing for Me? Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a Bad Grant Writer If I Don't Win the Grant? Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Ready for the Fast Track to Grant Writer? www.teresahuff.com/vip Someone the other day asked how to get started with his grant writing career. He's volunteering at a nonprofit already and wants to step up into paid consulting work. I share 6 ways he can learn valuable grant writing skills in his nonprofit volunteer role. This topic is a sneak peek into my mentoring program Fast Track to Grant Writer. We learn plenty of the pro grant writing tips. As one VIP Fast Track student said, "Understanding the writing PRO tips was so good. Grant writing is nuanced and it helps to get some insider tips to help craft our writing.” We also go over exactly how to use those tips. Another Fast Track student said, “I appreciate all the ways you are showing us how we can help non-profits. There are many nuggets we can incorporate into consulting that I hadn't previously considered. Even if they've read the books and taken the courses, new grant writers STILL ask me questions like: How do I find clients and market myself? How much do I charge? Should I work for free? How do I find a job working for a nonprofit without any experience? We cover ALL this and so much more in Fast Track to Grant Writer. Here’s the thing, friends - I'm not going to dump a bunch of cookie cutter grant writing lessons on you and say, “Now go write your grant!” Grants aren’t that way, and I don’t believe mentoring should be either. Sign up for the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program at teresahuff.com/vip. We are having SO much fun! The doors are open until March 25 for the Spring 2021 cohort! Spots are limited though, so the sooner you sign up, the better. My friend, the world needs you out there making a difference. It’s time to get you on the Fast Track. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 21: Tips for Federal Grant Writing and Project Management - Interview with Brandi VanAntwerp, CoxHealth Foundation Episode 26: The Value of Unexpected Mentors and 5 Ways to Find them Episode 27: Keys to Success as a Nonprofit Leader: Interview with Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Description #055 - Taking the entrepreneurial leap is a big decision under normal circumstances. And to many, it may seem like a crazy thing to do during a pandemic. But we have encountered several nurses who have successfully gone from side hustle to full-time nurse entrepreneur in 2020. We will feature these amazing nurses in a mini-series starting on today's episode with Ananya Datta. Ananya is a dual board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, consultant, and coach on a mission to help the next generation of nurse practitioners step into practice with confidence and clarity. Her desire to support new grad NPs in their transition to practice is mission-centric and ties back to her lack of orientation and onboarding support as a new grad many years ago. In addition to that, Ananya has started her nurse consultant agency. Show Notes Today we're talking with Ananya about her journey to nurse entrepreneurship. Make sure to listen until the end where she shares the biggest piece of advice that has helped her. Don't Miss Moments 3:12 Her journey as a pediatric nurse practitioner to being a nurse entrepreneur 9:04 Consulting is a lucrative field 12:30 Her mindset and how she started with consulting by joining Healthcare Consultant Masterminds and the academy 15:58 Changing mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to this” can change your world 16:50 More about her passion in helping nurse practitioners 19:55 Becoming a full-time solopreneur during the pandemic 20:25 How she balances her time, energy, and resources between two businesses Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 21: The One Thing Guaranteed to Prevent You from Reaching Your Goals and Dreams More About Ananya Ananya is a dual board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner nurse entrepreneur, nurse consultant, and educator on a mission to help the next generation of nurse practitioners step into practice with confidence and clarity. Her desire to support new grad NPs in their transition to practice is mission-centric and ties back to her lack of orientation and onboarding support as a new grad many years ago. She is a strong advocate for NPs and champions the perspective that NPs are powerful, indispensable providers who can lead as vessels of change in our healthcare system. Jumpstart your job search and nail that interview! Grab your FREE NP new grad toolkit to help you get intentional and strategic right away! https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fecd9d01eedb38453c9119e Connect with Ananya Email: AnanyaDatta3@gmail.com Facebook: ananya3 Instagram: @ananyathePNP LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ananyathepnp
Description #50 - In today's episode, you are going to be inspired by millennial, wife, mother, nurse practitioner, case manager, author, and owner of a healthcare consulting firm, “Mercedes The NP”. Mercedes walks us through how she got to where she is today and how she turned her passion for maternal-child health into a viable business model. Show Notes Download a sneak peek of Mercedes' book What In The Baby?!? Here. Get the scoop on the basics of baby care, the postpartum fourth trimester, and much more! Other Episodes Mentioned Episode #35 Work From Home Nursing Jobs Series - Case Management Interested in Case Management? Check out our Foundations of Case Management Course and take 20% off at checkout when you use the coupon code ‘tsahn20' More About Mercedes Mercedes Thomas, MSN, APRN, CPNP is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, certified lactation counselor, maternal-child health consultant, and the author of "What in the Baby?!?: The Modern Mama's Guide to Confidently Caring For Your Baby and Surviving the Postpartum Period," which will be released in early 2021. She was recently awarded the 2020 Washington Parent Pick in the category of breastfeeding support. Mercedes owns a health consulting firm where she provides families, healthcare providers, and organizations with education and content focused on infant care, pediatrics, lactation, and postpartum. Mercedes has over 12 years of nursing experience working in both the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as well as, inpatient and outpatient pediatrics. Her mission is to combine her nursing expertise with her experiences as a mom to provide evidence-based education to families to help simplify parenting during the first year and reduce healthcare disparities. Mercedes also serves on several national committees in an effort to improve infant feeding practices and access to quality healthcare. Connect with Mercedes Email: hello@mercedesthomas.com Instagram: @mercedesthenp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedesthenp Website: www.mercedesthomas.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesthomasnp I want to thank each and every one of you for listening to the podcast. It would be amazing if you would leave a review and rating. They are incredibly helpful and I value your feedback so much. Follow The Stay At Home Nurse on Facebook and join The Stay At Home Nurse Podcast FB group. We have a listing for each episode that you can share with your friends. We are also @the_stay_at_home_nurse on Instagram. Follow me there and share the podcast. Follow me on Clubhouse @dgillingham And finally follow me, Deanna Cooper Gillingham on LinkedIn.
Welcome to Episode 20! I talk with a lot of new grant writers and nonprofits that are really nervous about starting out with grants. Even if you’re new, you can do this. We ALL have to start somewhere! There are so many factors that go into a grant decision. Today I'll talk through those and then share one specific way you can increase your chances of winning the grant. Grant Funder Call Script Template: www.teresahuff.com/call Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 9: What a Grant Funder REALLY Wants: Interview with a Grant Funder Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a Bad Grant Writer If I Don't Win the Grant? Connect with Teresa: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Follow Me on Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Facebook
Nearly everyone with fibromyalgia has had some sort of trauma in their past. Mental or physical abuse, car accident, illness, the death of someone close to you, chronic stress, and more are all considered trauma. But some people come through these traumas and become better people as a result. Perhaps they are more compassionate, learn resilience, or have a greater appreciation for life in all its imperfection. This is Post-Traumatic Growth. In this episode, Tami interviews Dr. Robin Pfaff about her work with post-traumatic growth, including sharing the story of one of her clients, Laurie. They discuss what trauma is and the impact that it has on fibromyalgia. In addition, Tami and Robin talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), what PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is, and the benefits of looking at fibromyalgia through the lens of any past trauma. Content / Trigger Warning This episode includes mention of trauma and suicide. If you are experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, or concerned for someone else, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. Key Points A very high proportion of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia will meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder at some time in their life. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) assessment score has been highly correlated with the development of chronic illnesses later in life. One of the ways that we can mitigate the impact of trauma on our lives and our physical health is to wrap our minds around the concept of post-traumatic growth. Post-Traumatic Growth means you went through a really stressful experience and came out the other side a better person. In coaching, there’s no failure. We either succeed or we learn something. Coaching in and of itself brings out the growth aspects for people. Fibromyalgia is so tied to our fight or flight that anytime you can calm down your anxiety and stress response, it’s going to have a spillover effect of making your fibromyalgia symptoms lessen. Being coachable, teachable, and willing to try new things really does make a difference. About Dr. Robin Pfaff Dr. Robin Pfaff is in the business of helping women transform their lives and reach their full potential. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia herself over 20 years ago. After working 25 years as a psychotherapist, she retooled as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach. Robin has a special expertise in helping women reclaim their lives from the grief, loss and trauma that often accompany fibromyalgia and move through post traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth. She loves working with her fibromyalgia clients and considers Fibromyalgia Coaching to be an invaluable and unique treatment option that helps women regain their health and learn to love their lives again. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get free copies of Tami’s books here. You will find the Dream Week exercise mentioned in this episode in Take Back Your Life. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Assessment Test Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory The Dream Week worksheets, videos, and other resources can be accessed by signing up here. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robin Pfaff The Fibro Manual by Dr. Ginevra Liptan (Affiliate link) Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 18, CBD for Fibromyalgia with Dr. Ginevra Liptan Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching and Post-Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff Research Studies Google Scholar is a great place to find research studies on a variety of topics related to ACEs, fibromyalgia and trauma. Littlejohn, Geoffrey, and Emma Guymer. “Central Processes Underlying Fibromyalgia.” European Medical Journal 3.4 (2018): 79-86.
In this episode of our Ask the Coach series, Tami answers a question sent in from a listener: Should I go outside my insurance to get fibromyalgia treatment? Many fibromyalgia patients who are struggling to feel better focus on what their insurance will provide for them. The reality is that no matter how good your doctor is, or how good your insurance coverage is, there will be things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket if you want to feel your best. This may mean adjusting your expectations and re-prioritizing how you’re spending some of your finances to focus more on your health. Tami also introduces the Sherri Little Foundation, a non-profit organization created to provide micro-grants of $1,000 or less to chronic pain patients for things that insurance doesn’t cover, such as medical equipment, travel to see specialists, treatments, and more. The Sherri Little Foundation will begin awarding their first grants in 2020. Key Points You need to do what it takes to get yourself feeling better. If you have a health care savings account or flex spending account, you can use pre-tax money to buy things that would not be covered under insurance. If the ultimate goal is to feel your best, what are you willing to do to get there? No matter how good your doctor is, there are still things you’re going to have to pay for out of pocket if you really want to get better. We need to adjust our expectations and realize that it’s going to take an investment of money, time, energy, and effort to get better. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get a free copy of Tami’s book,Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books Pain Warriors documentary on Amazon (Affiliate link) Sherri Little Fibromyalgia Coaching Scholarship Sherri Little Foundation, Inc. Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching, and Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff
We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 episodes and even more excited to include several of our listeners in this episode! In this conversation, Holly and I are taking a break from our Mental Health series this month to pause and celebrate. We can hardly believe we’re at episode 100, and we are so grateful to each of our listeners, our guests, and our team for helping us get here. To celebrate, we are including clips from many of our listeners who sent in their thoughts about the show and how it’s impacted them. Featured Listeners: Kass Fogle, “fan girl” and host of The Introverted Believer Podcast Amanda Florczykowksi, author of Unraveled, speaker, mom & pastor’s wife Marion Syverson, host of Money, Motherhood & Motivation Podcast Gena McCown, author of Women’s Ministry with Purpose Cyndee Ownbey, founder of Women’s Ministry Toolbox and guest on Episode 97 Janell Wood, host of the Finding Something Real Tabitha Bigbee, founder of the Everyday Faith Ministry and guest on Episode 62 Kim Wahl, author of The Complaining Cure Madge Obaseki, host of the Healthy Church Growth Show Podcast and guest on Episode 95 Kristen Joy, founder of The Ministry Wife Coach Elizabeth Cook of Elizabeth Cook Communications Lisa Bynoe-Stevens Kari of Love Does That Laurie Fowler, my pastor’s wife and friend Our Reflections on Reaching 100 Episodes After hearing from our listeners, Holly and I spend some time discussing the feedback and our intentions for the podcast. Our goal for this podcast has been from the start: “We discuss issues related to leading as a Christian woman, and we also interview other women who share their leadership journeys. Through this podcast, we offer encouragement, tools, and resources to help you live out your unique calling as a leader and lead with confidence.” We are grateful that we’ve been able to do this and that we’ve had the blessing of being the hosts of this podcast. Holly & I reflect on some of the blessings of the podcast to ourselves, including the opportunity to talk with our guests, the different perspectives we bring, and our friendship. We also chat about how the podcast got started and some of the seeds that were planted many years ago that laid the groundwork for this show. Special Announcement: We have merch! We are excited to announce that we have opened up a merch store where you can buy some swag related to the podcast. Click here to go to the store and check out the items! If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it and share it. Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram Fun question of the Day Holly and I answer the question: “What has been the most awkward part of the podcast for you?” Key Quotes from the Episode: “I was immediately hooked, like ‘fangirl’ hooked… I know when I listen to Esther & Holly, I am following a Biblical leading toward making real changes that will drive results.” - Kass “Leadership can just naturally deplete us and so I started seeking solid, Biblical and practical insight that would refuel me, and I found it in CWLP.” - Amanda “The CWLP is a blessing… I feel like I’m working in the field with a whole bunch of laborers who are equally full of integrity.” - Marion “I love the CWLP… it fills a void and provides a voice to those of who are leading in the trenches as women.” - Gena “I don’t listen to many podcasts, but the CWLP is on my must-listen to list.” - Cyndee “I haven’t always considered myself a leader… your podcast has been so empowering to me... It’s been a practical help to go do what I’ve been designed to do with the abilities that God has given me.” - Janell “Esther & Holly have created a platform that encourages women to embrace, be bold in, and grow in who God created them to be.” - Tabitha “It is so impactful because Esther is not afraid to dig into the tough topics.” - Kim “Keep inspiring us because it’s sorely needed.” - Madge “You are bringing really important conversations to the table, and I’m learning to think more deeply about them because of your work and guests.” - Kristen Joy “This podcast came along at just the right time for me… the biggest impact it’s had on me... is pointing me in the direction that the confidence doesn’t need to come from me... I can be confident in the role that God has placed me here for.” - Elizabeth “The podcast has been used by God to really heal the bruised parts of me.” - Lisa “There are so many things I appreciate about this podcast.” - Kari “Every single episode I’ve left with something of value to use in my life and ministry.” - Laurie “Sometimes your journey of leadership starts with saying ‘yes’ to something that 10 years later may look like no big deal. But at the moment that God is asking you to do it, it may feel like a really big scary thing.” - Esther “Sometimes we just need someone to invite us in and say ‘I’m doing this, let’s do it together.’” - Holly Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 82: Three Shifts You Need to Make as a Christian Leader and How to Make Them Episodes 83 & 84 with Tembi Secrist Communication Series Episode 97 with Cyndee Ownbey Episode 85: Simply with Strategy Episode 62 with Tabitha Bigbee Episode 88 with Kelsy Schmidt Episode 95 with Madge Obaseki Episode 87: Simple Self-Care Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode100.
The 2020 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day episode is a special collection of tips pulled from a virtual event Tami hosted for her clients, coaches, and her coaches’ clients. Tami asked coaches and clients alike to share their best fibromyalgia management tips, the thing that helped them the most on their fibromyalgia journey, and what it was like to work with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Listen in to hear our best tips to help you feel better. Key Points If watching the news stresses you out, have someone else in your house be the designated news watcher. Working with a coach on your goals provides needed accountability. If you don’t have a functional medicine doctor or a naturopath on your team, it can be really, really hard to make progress. You’re not in a sprint, you’re in a marathon… Don’t worry about time pressures that are put on you by society. Being willing to spend the money, time, effort, and brainpower to try some new things can really be a huge benefit to helping you get better. Educating yourself is critical. You have to advocate for yourself; you are the only person that knows what it’s like to live in your body. Most importantly, doctors are not being taught how to treat fibromyalgia. Links & Resources Note: This episode’s show notes contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we will likely receive a small commission. Read about what we do and don’t promote here. Get free copies of Tami’s books here Tami’s Facebook page Fibromyalgia Podcast Facebook page Figuring Out Fibromyalgia by Ginevra Liptan, MD (no longer in print) The Fibro Manual by Ginevra Liptan, MD (Affiliate link) Freedom From Fibromyalgia by Nancy Selfridge MD and Franklynn Peterson (Affiliate link) The Patient’s Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia by Bruce F. Campbell (Affiliate link) Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 3, How Fibromyalgia Became My Friend Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching, and Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff Episode 25, The Impact of Juvenile Fibromyalgia on Families with Jara Halfen Episode 29, Fall In Love With Your Fibromyalgia Body with Janet Farnsworth Episode 35, My Favorite Energy Management Tool
We've all had those times where we're going along, we're doing fine, and all of a sudden, we've done too much. We've all been there! It seems like the line between "okay" and "too much" is so fine, you can't tell when you're going to crossover. In this episode, Tami shares her favorite energy management tool that will put you back in the driver's seat and in control of your own energy levels. Key Points Using a pedometer or activity tracker can help you manage your energy. If we want to get better, we need to budget some of our energy towards our healing. If you don’t feel good at your current average number of steps, you may need to figure out ways to decrease your steps. Don’t look at the number of steps on your activity tracker as the minimum to meet each day. Instead, it’s the maximum amount you can spend for the day. Pay attention to how many steps each activity costs you. Once you have an idea of what things cost, you can start making choices on how you want to spend your energy. Activity trackers give you an objective way to estimate how much energy you’ve spent and have left. This puts you back in the driver’s seat and gives you control. Tracking your steps gives you a way to go back and look at your history when you have moments where you think, "Oh great. I’m in a flare. What the heck did I do this time?" In order to get better, you have to know how much energy you’re really spending each day, what makes you feel good, and what is too much. Most of Tami’s fibromyalgia clients average 1,000-5,000 steps a day at the beginning. If you feel good and have energy at the end of the day, that means your body has energy left to heal. It doesn’t mean you should have done more. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Tami's first book, Take Back Your Life, contains more information on managing your energy using a pedometer. Get free copies of Tami’s books here. Find a Coach to help you discover new ways to improve your energy Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 27: Goal-Setting & Habits with Fibromyalgia Episode 28: Exercise in a Fibromyalgia Body with Megan Densmore Episode 32: Your World Revolves Around Your Healing, Not Your Illness
Are you feeling more overwhelmed and tired than usual? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, Tami shares some thoughts on how you can use this pandemic to re-evaluate your choices on how you want to spend your time and energy. Don't feel like you have to do All. The. Things. Give yourself extra grace and compassion and tell yourself often, "It's okay. You're doing your best." Key Points We need to protect our own energy, emotions, and thoughts., especially if we are home alone or with others who are anxious and stressed. It’s okay if you feel overwhelmed. It’s okay if you are exhausted and tired and don't know how to handle everything. Give yourself extra grace and compassion right now. Don't feel like you have to do all the things. You do not have to use this time in any particular way. There is no right or wrong way to go through a pandemic. Everything you used to be committed to has stopped. It's an amazing opportunity to re-evaluate where you want to be spending your time and your energy. The Pause button in life has been pressed and we get to decide what happens when we hit Play. Practice telling yourself, “It's okay, you're doing your best. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get free copies of Tami’s books here Visit FibroWorkshop.com to discover our monthly free FibroWorkshops taught LIVE by Tami. Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 32: Your World Revolves Around Your Healing, Not Your Illness
What exactly is discipleship, and why is it important to discuss on a leadership podcast? How can churches include discipleship in their structure, and what impact does this have on leadership development? As Christian leaders, we cannot separate the issue of leadership from the issue of discipleship--the two are inextricably linked. But what exactly is discipleship, and how do we implement it in our churches and our everyday lives? In today’s episode, Holly and I are kicking off a new series on Discipleship. We’re diving into our perspectives on discipleship, as well as our own experiences with it. Then we’ll discuss how discipleship can take place within churches and the connection between discipleship and leadership development. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode94. The Confident Leader Catalyst is open until April 8, 2020: http://confidentleadercatalyst.com Key Points Discussed: Why Discipleship? [1:28] Defining Discipleship [4:13] What Discipleship Means Views on Discipleship Esther & Holly’s Experiences with Discipleship Discipleship Within the Church Context [21:45] Developing a culture of discipleship in your church What do we need in a discipleship plan or program? The Link Between Discipleship & Leadership [41:50] Fun question of the day [58:00] Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 59: The Importance of Apologetics with Hillary Morgan Ferrer Episode 62: Developing Discernment with Tabitha Bigbee Episode 19: The Value of Mentoring with Elisa Pulliam Episode 42: Leading in Women’s Ministry with Holly Cain & Sandy Flewelling Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode94.
Over the last few weeks, we have received many messages asking if fibromyalgia increases the risk of developing COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 (aka, "the coronavirus"). Tami has interviewed several doctors to get the facts, as best as we know them right now. This episode contains the information we know to be accurate as of the time of publishing. Tami also covers things you can do to strengthen your immune system so your body is best equipped to fight off COVID-19. Key Points Fibromyalgia itself doesn't increase your risk of COVID-19. However, fibromyalgia patients often have compromised immune systems which does increase your risk. Your best protection is to avoid exposure to the virus by staying home. Make sure your body and immune system are as healthy as possible to fight off infections. If you have autoimmune conditions, you want to be careful about how you strengthen your immune system. Focusing on the positive strengthens your immune system response. Be gentle with yourself. This is not the time to be beating yourself up. Links & Resources Get free copies of Tami’s books here Visit FibroWorkshop.com to discover our monthly free FibroWorkshops taught LIVE by Tami. "Are You at Higher Risk for Coronavirus?" Dr. Lynn Webster. Pain News Network. 15 February 2020. The Painful Truth: What Chronic Pain Is Really Like and Why It Matters to Each of Us, Lynn Webster, MD on Amazon (affiliate Link) It Hurts Until You Die (film) Segerstrom, Suzanne C., et al. "Optimism is associated with mood, coping, and immune change in response to stress." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 74.6 (1998): 1646. Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 32: Your World Revolves Around Your Healing, Not Your Illness
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are suddenly being placed in a leadership role that you didn’t expect? Or maybe you’ve recognized your leadership later in life and you feel unprepared for it. Has God asked you to step into a position that you feel unqualified for? In episode 68, I went through the 5 stages of confident leadership. But for some of you, you might not struggle with the confidence part at all. You might be completely confident in God’s love for you, in who He made you to be, and what your gifts and strengths are. But you might have found yourself in a situation you feel surprised by or unqualified for leadership. You might not have ever considered yourself a leader before, but now you’re in this role and you’re navigating it and trying to figure out how to fulfill the expectations successfully. So how do you do this? What are some tips to help you accept your leadership role, even when you’re surprised by it or you feel unqualified for it? In this episode, I’m sharing 3 things you can do to help you step into a leadership role you did not expect or anticipate. Plus I’m giving you some very practical actions you can take in order to move forward in your leadership. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode70. Key Points Discussed: Remember that God has brought you to this place. Find a mentor Develop your leadership skills Take the Confident Leader Stages quiz. Take the strengths finder assessment. Ask for feedback. Determine what leadership skills you want to develop. A final word of encouragement. Quotes from the Episode: “God often puts us into places and roles that we do not feel qualified or ready for so that we learn to trust and rely on His strength.” “Do not shrink back or decline this calling or role God has given you. Step into it.” Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 68: What You Need to Know About Becoming a Confident Leader Episode 11: From Dream Career to Purposeful Leadership Episode 19: The Value of Mentoring Episode 9: Discovering Your Strengths with Jenni Schubring Episode 8: The Key to Becoming a Better Leader Episode 2: What is Leadership and Why Does Your Leadership Matter? Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode70.
You know that confidence is important for you as a Christian woman leader, but how do you become a confident leader? What do you need to know in order to get started? In today’s conversation, I’m sharing with you what I believe you need to know about becoming a confident leader. You’ll hear about my very first experience on stage as an insecure child, and how God has transformed me from the inside out. I’ll be diving into the stages of confident leadership that I have developed, but I also discuss some of the caveats and reminders about this journey of leadership. Finally, I’ll share with you what you need to do in order to take your next steps. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode68 Key Points Discussed: What Happens When You Lack Confidence It’s Possible to Become a Confident Leader Caveats about the Confident Leader Journey The 5 Stages of Confident Leadership Stage 1: The Reluctant Leader Stage 2: The Hesitant Leader Stage 3: Active Leader Stage 4: Purposeful Leader Stage 5: Confident Leader Reminders About Becoming a Confident Leader Key Quotes from the Episode: "The truth is, becoming a confident leader is a journey, and I believe for most of us, it happens in stages." "Your stage of confident leadership does not define who you are. It is not your identity." "Your confidence comes from God and not from yourself." "Your leadership journey is not necessarily linear or static." "No matter where you are at right now, remember that God loves you, has a purpose for you, and there are people ready to be impacted by YOU." Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Episode 67: The 5 Reasons Confidence Makes You a More Effective Leader Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode68.
Do you want to be the most effective leader possible and make a lasting impact on the world around you? If so, confidence is the key. Over the next few weeks and months, we’re going to dive into confidence along with some related issues such as communication and stepping out of your comfort zone. These are all factors that are essential in leadership, so we are going to spend some time discussing what they look like and how you can move forward in them. In a past episode, I shared why leading with confidence is important for us as Christian women. But I did not dive deep into the specific benefits of confidence and why it will help you become a more effective leader. If you missed that episode, be sure to go back and listen to it here. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode67. Key Points Discussed: 5 Reasons Confidence Will Make You a More Effective Leader Confidence impacts the people who follow you. Confidence helps you make decisions more effectively Confidence will help you speak up when it’s uncomfortable Confidence helps you to step out of your comfort zone Confidence keeps you from comparison 2 Tips for Becoming a Confident and Effective Leader Tip 1: Identify where you are at currently Tip 2: Take your next step Free quiz to help you determine your stage of leadership Key Quotes from the Episode: If you are a leader who is confident and calm, people will find it easier to follow your leadership. Confidence will give you an extra layer of protection from the opinions of others. Without confidence, it’s really tough to step out of your comfort zone. Confidence will help you to be secure in walking the path that God has given you instead of longing to be on someone else’s journey. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Episode 61: How to Stand Firm in the Face of Christian Criticism Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode67.
Have you ever experienced criticism from fellow Christians? How do you stand firm when you’re under fire from people you thought were supposed to support you? In the next episode of our Faith Series, we’re diving into the idea of standing firm in the face of criticism. Specifically, criticism from fellow Christians. Criticism is inevitable as a leader, so we hope to provide you with practical steps you can take when you come under fire. What Criticism Looks Like Sometimes we as Christians can be the most critical people. And I have to confess that I am guilty of this. I can easily point out when I feel like something isn’t being done the “right” way, or when I think someone should change an approach, etc. But in preparing for this episode, I was reminded of why I want to work on not having a critical spirit. Criticism is a type of feedback, but it has an inherently negative connotation to it. The definition of criticism is: “the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.” If you are in leadership, you likely already know exactly what it’s like to receive criticism, and it never feels good. Holly and I share some examples from our Facebook group about ridiculous ways our members have been criticized. It’s likely you can add something to the list we share as well. We’re not saying that there is not a time and a place for confronting a brother or sister in Christ about a sin issue. We’ve discussed that on previous episodes, and I do believe there are times when criticism is warranted. But in this conversation, we want to focus on how you can hold onto confidence when you experience criticism. First, though, let’s identify the types of criticism you could receive. Different types of criticism you might experience: Personal criticism: someone says something directly to you about something you did, said, believed, etc. Public criticism: someone shared something publicly (in a group, on social media, etc) about something you did, etc. Suspected criticism: you suspect someone is being critical of you based on their behavior or interactions towards you, but you have not actually heard or seen it. Criticism by association: someone has criticized your business, ministry, or a group you’re involved with, but the criticism is not directed at you specifically. How to Stand Firm in the Face of Criticism: Holly and I go through 6 things you can do to help you deal with the criticism you might receive as a leader. 1. Start with the truth Identify what you know is true about God, about yourself (gifts, skills, calling), and about the world. Start with knowing that you are loved by God, no matter what. You cannot be an effective leader if you do not believe this. And you will not be able to withstand criticism if your value is rooted in something outside of Him. Make sure your confidence and trust is based on God (Psalm 20:7-8). For more on this idea of leading with confidence, check out episode 6 of the podcast. 2. Evaluate the source of the criticism Next, it’s important to determine where the criticism is coming from. It is someone who is close to you, or someone who is consistently negative? Or is it someone who rarely speaks up or complains? The source of the criticism will help you to determine how to respond. 3. Consider the content of the criticism Okay, so now let’s get into what was actually said or done. What type of criticism was it? Because this may affect how you respond. Ask yourself whether there was truth in the criticism and whether it was criticism about something you did or about who you are. As we discussed on last week’s episode with Kadi Cole, sometimes we create our own sticky floors, and the way we perceive criticism is based on our own insecurity. As leaders, it’s important that we make sure we are not looking for things to be offended about. 4. Consider your motives and intentions Next it’s important to look at where you are at currently. Have you been struggling, feeling discouraged or defeated? This could affect how you deal with criticism. Also, if you can evaluate your intentions in the situation, you may find out that there was something you were expecting or anticipating… and maybe it was based in pride. 5. Consider that it might not be about you or the other person It’s important to recognize that spiritual warfare is real, and that the criticism you are experiencing may be a spiritual attack. Ephesians 6:10-17 reminds us that: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. There is a spiritual battle going on. You need to put on your spiritual armor so that you can stand firm. 6. Take action Okay so after you have done ALL of the above, now you can respond to the criticism. You may want to do one of two things: Don’t respond or respond. Don’t respondMaybe this isn’t a battle you need to fight. Sometimes staying silent is the best option. We see examples of that in scripture, with Jesus as our number one example. Scriptures referenced: Matthew 27:11-14 and 1 Peter 2:23 Sometimes we need to allow God to deal with the other person. We do not need to react, retaliate, or defend ourselves. This article discusses the value of remaining silent as leaders. Another possibility is that you need to take a break to heal, reflect, or get help. Respond However, it’s possible you do need to respond to the criticism. If it’s from someone you are in an ongoing relationship with, and you want to maintain a healthy relationship, you may need to address the situation. If you do respond to the criticism, it’s important to do so with gentleness and respect. Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20 What not to do when you experience criticism: 1. Don’t stop saying hard things. As leaders, we will say hard things. We will go against the grain. We will speak up about topics that most people want to avoid. Just because we receive criticism does not mean we should STOP doing what we are doing. In fact, it’s probably a sign that we are on the right track. 2. Don’t forsake the fellowship. Don’t allow the actions of people to tear you away from the church. It’s easy to allow being hurt by Christians in church as a reason to not continue being part of a church community. But in the long run, this will only hurt you, not help you. Scripture referenced: Hebrews 10:25 Conclusion: We know that as leaders we will experience criticism--it’s inevitable. And while we would love it if you never experience criticism from fellow believers, we know that it will likely happen. We hope that the points we have provided will help if and when criticism from Christians comes your way. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Faith Series Episodes Key Quotes from the Episode: “You cannot withstand criticism if your value is rooted in something outside of God.” - Esther Littlefield “As leaders, we should not be looking for reasons to be offended.” - Esther Littlefield “If there’s one thing that gets us off track the fastest, it’s Christians fighting against each other.” - Holly Cain “If you’re only saying things that everybody agrees with, you’re never actually saying anything of longstanding importance.” - Esther Littlefield “Don’t stop saying the hard things. Fill them with even more love, and even more grace, and even more truth, but don’t stop saying them.” - Holly Cain Episode Sponsor: Audible Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audible and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. How your free trial works: Choose a free audiobook and set up a trial 30-day membership! After 30 days, get one audiobook a month for $14.95/month Receive 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases Cancel at any time. The books are yours to keep, even if you cancel Go to estherlittlefield.com/audible to start your free trial. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode61.
When you’re in the trenches of stress and life, how can you realistically practice self-care? What are real-life ways to take care of what’s going on inside your heart when you feel super stressed? And what are Lauren and I doing about it? Co-host Lauren Trantham and I talk about what’s going on in our lives, how we’re battling stress and the possibility of a Shamelessly Feminine Retreat in 2020. If you’re stressed out right now, take comfort in knowing that Lauren and I are right there with you so we share what we’re doing in our real lives to combat stress and practice self-care. Three Ways We are Practicing Self-Care: Both of us will attend a retreat. It’s so good to get away, but it’s also super hard. Lauren decided to unplug by taking off all the apps on her phone and turning off her email. When we decide to get away, we wonder what do we do with ourselves when we’re not social. Lauren has attended workshops because she likes to get away from home and learn from an expert. But how do you know when you’re ready to go on a retreat? For Lauren, going on a retreat is just an annual thing. Her family asks each other how they’ll get to the next level and learn something new. Going on a retreat or attending a workshop is just a part of her life. For me, it’s about getting away from my daily life because I want to get real and do the work. 2. We’re not self-medicating. I haven’t been drinking lately to take better care of myself. Without drinking, there is so much more clarity and pain. We can self-medicate with our phones, exercise, shopping. Ask yourself, “What am I doing to self-medicate?” Nobody feels better after self-medicating. Make a journal of ideas to practice self-care and what brings you joy so that list is available in times of high stress so you don’t have to think of ways to practice self-care on the spot. A creative outlet like art, photography, etc. can help you practice self-care. 3. We’re broadening the definition of self-care. Self-care may look like tapping, a.k.a. EFT or Meridian Tapping. It might look like Reiki (energy healing) or Polarity Therapy. And of course, don’t forget to move your body, whether that’s through a work-out or dancing. (Check out Lauren’s Instagram Story Highlights!) Conclusion: Listeners, what do you think about a Shamelessly Feminine Retreat in 2020? Leave a response in the comments section below! Lauren and I would love to hear from you! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 16: Healing Ourselves Inside and Out with Tina Conroy Episode 22: Chronic Illness and Mindfulness with Marin Turner Episode 26: Practicing Mindfulness with Cory Muscara Episode 29: Remove Your Limiting Beliefs and Live a Life You Love with Valerie Friedlander Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Facebook) Ride My Road (Website) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website) Lauren Trantham’s superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real. Key Quotes from the Episode: “That’s really what changes you -- when you take yourself out of your comfort zone.” - Jen Rozenbaum “I know that I need to go through the pain to resolve whatever is going on in life.” - Jen Rozenbaum “I’ve just become so acutely aware lately of how we self-medicate.” - Jen Rozenbaum “As women … we keep things so close to our heart and we don’t talk about what’s really happening.” - Jen Rozenbaum Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine: Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode48.
What do you do when you feel like God is asking you to pivot in your life or business? How do you build confidence when you feel like your lacking in an area? And how can you redefine the concept of wealth in your life? Podcast guest, author, speaker, coach, and media personality Patrice Washington shares her insights into leadership, how to trust God through transition, and how to build confidence in your calling. If you’re struggling with trust, change, and what to do next, Patrice shares insight after insight in this episode. Patrice’s Leadership Journey Patrice is America’s Money Maven, but she didn’t start out with that title. She launched her business as a real estate and mortgage broker at the age of 21, but when the recession hit, she lost everything. God led her to Proverbs 17:16 and from there she launched a blog, pursued wisdom, and looked for books to help her define who she was. She was greatly impacted by Talane Miedaner’s book Coach Yourself to Success, which encourages the reader to look back in time to help her discover her purpose. Patrice realized that she had been a leader since she pursued a Student Council position in third grade, a time when she didn’t feel confident. She knew from a young age that she could help if just given the chance. When she ran her first business, Patrice understood that she was a boss because she had employees, but she’s since realized she’s a leader in her business within the past few years. She realized that if people trusted her, she couldn’t be haphazard and must lead with intention. Patrice reminds us that it’s time for Spirit-led, faith-filled people to step up and lead. Christians are sprinkled everywhere to lead people everywhere, but we get timid about sharing our faith. How Faith has Played a Role in Her Leadership Faith has always been a part of who she is. She tells event planners and media schedulers who ask her to speak that spirituality is a part of her; it’s a pillar in her life. She must talk about it. She feels that her job is to plant seeds and to tell the truth about her story. We don’t lead people by beating people up, convincing them, or convicting them. We lead by example. How Patrice Defines Leadership Leadership, according to Patrice, is being the example of the path. Being a leader means that you are clear, authentic, Spirit-led, and can articulate the vision. Patrice’s Advice for Younger Leaders Give yourself permission to be awesome, to be all God made you to be, and still be a hot mess. Trusting God Through Transition Since 2009, Patrice has called herself the Money Maven until other people believed that about her. She’s appeared on Fox News, The Dr. Oz Show, and Steve Harvey. She realized that in order to rebuild wealth, you can’t just focus on budgets and savings. In 2017, the Holy Spirit said that she must tell the whole truth. Sometimes the Holy Spirit calls us to pivot or transition, and we may wonder why He wants to interrupt our current success. God called Patrice to transition her business from focusing on money to focusing on the idea of “redefining wealth”. Redefining your wealth is so much more than just money and material possessions. The true definition of wealth (from the Bible) is well-being. Patrice built Redefining Wealth on six pillars: FIT, meaning your physical health PEOPLE, which includes your relationships and connections SPACE, honoring the time you have FAITH, meaning your relationship with God WORK, involves living out your gifts and talents MONEY, which is your financial situation Patrice shares some examples of how God has taught her lessons in the various pillars of Redefining Wealth. She has seen how valuable relationships are, for example, and has learned the value of simply treating people well. How Patrice Developed Redefining Wealth The Holy Spirit drove her message. He asked her to get out of her comfort zone, but getting out of the box is frightening. But Patrice obeyed and looked at her life and the patterns and practices that had helped her achieve success. She wrote out 200 ideas that later became podcast episodes. Then she moved those ideas into categories. She saved the money and faith pillars toward the end intentionally because she wants her audience to do the work and not just wait on God without taking responsibility for their lives. What Happens When You Need to Pivot Patrice had a previous business, Real Money Answers, when the Holy Spirit prompted her to start her current business, Redefining Wealth. She used her existing platform to pivot. As she transitioned from Real Money Answers to Redefining Wealth, she took down all her old products so she had no income. She used her savings to finance her new venture. During her launch time, lots of previous venues turned her down. She had a strong conviction and stuck with it. Her time of transition and pivoting forced her to re-evaluate who she was as a businesswoman and to become independent of what other people think. Patrice reminds us to not give up just because other people don’t understand. Our job is to relentlessly communicate the message we’ve been given. Building Confidence in Your Calling A lot of us struggle to build confidence or discover our gifts and calling because we’re in comparison mode. Negative words or experiences about our natural giftings come easily. For example, Patrice’s gift is speaking, but she got in trouble in school for talking too much. It only makes sense that your gifts will be attacked by your enemy who is trying to steal your gift. Therapy, personal development, and studying God’s Word will help you discover your God-given gifts. How to Develop Confidence Before Patrice speaks, she still gets nervous and feels like a wreck. One trick she has learned is to make a joke early on. The smiles put her at ease. She’s always looking for ways to break the ice. Therapy has also helped her. She grew up believing she was ugly because people told her she was, but that’s not a story she has to own. Patrice notes that a big part of building confidence is simply in the doing--you have to practice using whatever gifts you’ve been given. Confidence, for Patrice, comes from knowing she’s genuine. She knows that this is the story God gave her and her responsibility is to share it. Her story is not about her. Tools Patrice Used to Help Her Understand Her Wiring Patrice is a self-proclaimed “assessment junkie.” She loves Gretchen Rubin’s “Four Tendencies.” She’s a questioner, and knowing this about her made so many things make sense. It gave a name to her way of being. Leaders Are Learners: Patrice loves Atomic Habits by James Clear* Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 31: The Key to Accomplishing Your Goals Episode 33: My Favorite Tools for Goal Setting, Planning, and Creating Habits Connect with Patrice Washington: Website Instagram YouTube Podcast Patrice Washington is an award-winning author, transformational speaker, hope-restoring coach, and media personality. Patrice got her start as your favorite personal finance expert, “America’s Money Maven,” having tremendous success with her “mindset approach” to personal finance. She has since expanded her brand and mission, encouraging women to chase purpose, not money. Patrice is committed to redefining the term “wealth,” using its original meaning, “well-being.” She encourages women to have “wealth” in all aspects of their lives by pursuing their purpose, being fulfilled, and earning more without ever chasing money. Through her teachings, Patrice empowers women to look at life through the lens of abundance and opportunity, instead of lack and scarcity. As the founder of Redefining Wealth and The Earn More Money Movement for Women, Patrice has built a thriving community of high-achieving women committed to creating a powerful life vision--in their careers, home, health, and personal finances. Key Quotes from the Episode: “It’s one thing to boss people around. It’s another thing to enroll people in a vision.” “People are following you whether you want them to or not.” “Learning how to share your faith without condemning other people is what truly allows people to get the message.” “The best example I have is to share my story, share my wins with that lens of ‘But God…’.” “It’s not budgets; it’s behavior.” “It’s not my job to try to force or manipulate or make things happen. Just treat people well.” “You can quit a job. You can’t quit a calling.” “Greatness requires you to expect resistance.” “Confidence is built in the doing.” *Affiliate link. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode51. Episode Sponsor: Confident Leader Club The Confident Leader Club is a resource designed for Christian women who want to receive additional community, growth, and action. Each month, members of the club receive a practical training developed by me (or other amazing women) that will help you grow in your faith, leadership, or relationships. We also have a monthly Take Action call where you can focus on one project or goal during the time allotted. Plus, we also have a book club and other fun things going on! Join us here or get on the waitlist. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode51.
What do we mean when we say “personal and relational wellness,” and why are they important for you as a leader? And how can you develop habits and routines that will help you stay healthy personally and in your relationships? We continue in our Wellness Series with this conversation about both personal and relational wellness. If you missed part 1, be sure to go back and listen to Episode 48. Staying Healthy as a Leader: Personal Wellness What do we mean by personal wellness? Our minds, our intellect Our emotions Our mental health If I’m feeling overwhelmed, it’s often because I’m not taking good care of my personal wellness. Neglecting our personal wellness can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. It’s important for you to know where your baseline is and be aware of this, especially when it comes to mental health so that you know when you may need additional support. How we can take care of our personal wellness as leaders: Doing things that help you to de-stress on a regular basis. Managing our emotions. Self-awareness--recognizing your own baseline for emotional and mental health. It takes a lot of self-awareness to figure out what things actually rejuvenate you and what things don’t. Regular rhythms of rest; having a Sabbath and times when you do not have work or a to-do list. Episode 260 of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast with Ruth Haley Barton addresses the issue of busyness and the need for rest as leaders. Taking our thoughts captive. Reaching out for additional support from professionals. Holly and I both share some examples of how we stay healthy personally. Staying Healthy as a Leader: Relational Wellness Relational wellness means the health of your most important relationships. In Episode 15 - we talked about Healthy Relationships 101, and we really dove deep into our framework for how we see this topic. The health of our leadership is directly impacted by the health of our relationships. How we can take care of our relational wellness as leaders: Invest in your most important relationships; make space for these people. Creating rhythms and routines for your closest people. Develop friendships and mutually support one another. Grow in relational skills and/or address specific concerns (communication/conflict, mentoring, step-parenting). See the list of episodes below for episodes that address these areas. Don’t live in unforgiveness. It is not easy to forgive, but it important to work towards that in all relationships. We discuss some of the habits and routines we have created to keep our relationships healthy. Conclusion: As a reminder, all 4 areas of wellness are interconnected. We need to be intentional about our personal and relational wellness because things naturally deteriorate rather than improve. And finally, don’t try to focus on changing everything at once. Want some help figuring out how you are doing with your wellness? We have a quiz for you! Go to estherlittlefield.com/wellness to take the quiz! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 5: Designing a Life You Love with Lilah Higgins Episode 15: Healthy Relationships 101 for Leaders Episode 16: Healthy Communication for Leaders with Carrie Sharpe Episode 19: The Value of Mentoring with Elisa Pulliam Episode 21: How To Develop Healthy Relationships with your Children and Stepchildren with Gayla Grace Episode 22: What To Do When Relationships are Hard Episode 33: My Favorite Tools for Goal Setting, Planning and Creating Habits Key Quotes from the Episode: A routine is really important even if you don’t really love it. Living in unforgiveness in one relationship affects all of the others. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode50. Episode Sponsor: Confident Leader Club If you are looking for a way to connect with like-minded women who understand how lonely leadership can be, to grow and broaden your skills as a leader, and to have some accountability to take action on your big goals, I want to invite you to join the Confident Leader Club. The doors open a few times per year, and you can get on the waitlist (or join if we are open) at confidentleaderclub.com. You don’t have to lead alone, and the Confident Leader Club will provide you with the community you’ve been looking for. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode50.
Why do Christian women leaders need to practice wellness? And what exactly is wellness anyway? How can you practice wellness spiritual and physical in your already busy life? Holly and I unpack the big topic of wellness: what it is, the four main components of it, how Jesus practiced it, and what it can look like in your everyday life. There is lots of grace in this episode to not feel pressured to practice all four parts of wellness “perfectly,” especially as each of us is in a different season of life. If you’re ready for the Biblical view of self-care and how you can make small (but significant) tweaks in your life, listen in! What is wellness? According to dictionary.com, wellness is “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.” Wellness is the umbrella that encompasses your overall health and means you are intentionally investing in yourself so that you can stay healthy. We’re talking about a lifestyle, not a magic formula or rigid routine you must follow. Some people call wellness “self-care,” which is taking care of yourself so you can function and give your best to God and others. Wellness comprises four main areas: Physical Wellness Spiritual Wellness Personal Wellness Relational Wellness Today we will dive deep into physical and spiritual wellness, and then next time we’ll go into personal and relational. Why does wellness matter? Wellness is extremely important for you to practice as a Christian woman leader because when you practice wellness you: set an example for those who you lead. positively impact your ministry, team, and business. avoid burnout. Holly and I are not mental health professionals, but we do know that there are things we can and should do as leaders to stay healthy for the long-term. How did Jesus practice wellness? Jesus is our example in everything, including self-care. Jesus ministered for three years, meaning that He didn’t push before His time to get out and lead. He obeyed when His Father told Him it was time to lead. Jesus also rested and didn’t minister 24/7. Jesus fasted, prayed, and ate with people. Staying Healthy As a Leader: Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness is foundational to every other type of wellness. For this podcast, Holly and I define spiritual wellness as growth, nurturing your soul, and taking care of your spirit. How to Practice Spiritual Wellness Connect with God daily through prayer and reading your Bible. You need to know the truth so you have strength and discernment as you live and lead. When spiritual warfare happens, you will have the armor of God so you can fight battles. Attend a local church. Through church, you’ll have community with other believers. You’ll also benefit the body of Christ by using your spiritual gifts to help others. Participate in a small group. Small groups provide a safe space to wrestle with issues. You’ll also find wise people there! Be aware of who and what you let into your heart, mind, and ears. Pay attention to what you consume, e.g. social media, TV, podcasts, books. Be aware of the spiritual health of those with whom you have close relationships. Have mentors and mentees. Disciple others and be discipled. Serve! An intense way to serve is through mission trips. Confess and be accountable to others. By having accountability partners, you avoid staying in your own head and justifying sin. Holly and I share what spiritual wellness looks like in our lives right now and some of our regular habits and practices. Staying Healthy as a Leader: Physical Wellness For this conversation, Holly and I define physical wellness as taking care of your body through good stewardship. Physical wellness is not about having the perfect body, eating only organic foods, never getting sick, or living 100 years. We are to honor our physical bodies, which are temples. How to Practice Physical Wellness Move your body. Think about how (and what) you eat so that you incorporate variety and moderation. Incorporate habits that help your body. Remember that results may be years away. Get sleep and take time to rest. Listen to what your body is telling you and call the doctor! Holly and I discuss what physical wellness looks like in our lives right now and some of our regular habits and practices. Conclusion: Remember that while we break down the four components of wellness, all four are interconnected. All types of wellness come down to being intentional. And of course, don’t tackle all four areas of wellness at once. Comment below because we’d love to know what one area of wellness you’ll focus on this month. Let us know! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 31: The Key To Accomplishing Your Goals Episode 36: Ditching Balance for Surrender Episode 45: Developing Confidence in Your Gifts & Managing Multiple Roles with Breshana Miller Key Quotes from the Episode: Wellness is about a lifestyle and not just some magic formula or rigid routine. Moderation is key when it comes to maintaining your physical wellness. In order for us to have a long-term ministry and a healthy life … we actually have to be intentional about how we’re living every single day. - Esther Littlefield Being able to serve others ... has been a big catalyst in my spiritual journey. - Holly Cain For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode48. Episode Sponsor: Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audible and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. How your free trial works: Choose a free audiobook and set up a trial 30-day membership! After 30 days, get one audiobook a month for $14.95/month Receive 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases Cancel at any time. The books are yours to keep, even if you cancel Go to estherlittlefield.com/audible to start your free trial. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode48.
Do you find that you like everything to be perfect? That you can’t stand it when you let someone down? Do you have a low tolerance for mistakes? And does forgiving yourself seem impossible? Lauren and I dissect our lives as we talk about what perfectionism is, why we can’t stand making mistakes, and how to forgive ourselves. You’ll also hear about the mistake Lauren made for a charity event, the time I hit a 95-year old man with my car, and an email from a fan declaring his love for me. You won’t want to miss this episode. Letting Go of Perfectionism Recently, Lauren left off her partner’s logo on a graphic promoting a charity event. She felt horrible. Here’s one question to ask yourself when you’re struggling with being perfect: What is the truth in this situation? Making Mistakes Lauren believes that she’s not so much a perfectionist, but someone who doesn’t want to let anyone down. When she does make a mistake, she resolves to be better only to let someone down again. Here are several questions to ask yourself when you’re struggling with being perfect: Where does that thought come from? Do I hold people to the same standards that I hold myself to? What stories am I telling myself? Forgiving Yourself Others may forgive you far more easily than you forgive yourself. Here’s one question to ask yourself when things don’t go as you planned: Can I forgive myself when I make a mistake? Your Next Steps Remember that perfectionism can show up in body image and unrealistic expectations. Read this Psychology Today article, Mothers are Drowning in Stress, to get an idea. Here are two more questions to ask when you’re struggling with perfectionism, making mistakes, and forgiving yourself: Who do I have to be perfect for, i.e. who demands perfection from me? What is real? If you struggle with perfectionism and a low tolerance for mistakes, will you get back with us? Let us know if you struggle in these areas too! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 40: Pachamama - A Moving Experience in Peru Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Facebook) Ride My Road (Website) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website) Lauren Trantham’s superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real. Key Quotes from the episode: There’s so much pressure on women to be perfect. - Jen Rozenbaum Perfection isn’t real. - Jen Rozenbaum Perfectionism comes back to self-worth and forgiveness. - Lauren Trantham We’re trying to be everything all the time. - Jen Rozenbaum Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine: Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode44.
Stress is a part of life, especially for women who are passionate about what they’re doing. So how does it affect us and what are five practical ways you can de-stress today? My co-host Lauren Trantham and I share three ways stress impacts life, what’s stressing us out right now, and five practices to help battle stress. You know you’re stressed right now so join us in this friendly conversation about stress and how we all struggle with it. The Impact of Stress As women, we care for everyone and everything around us. We take on a lot and that responsibility has an impact. Stress Impacts You Emotionally It’s easy to pull back from our friends when you need people the most. You may not share what’s going on in your life so you feel isolated or you may not be as available for your friends as you’d like to be. There’s also the element of guilt that you’re not a good friend or daughter when you’re in stress. Stress Impacts Your Mindset Stress also makes every problem seem bigger. Keeping perspective is hard because everything seems like a big deal and small things can set you off. Stress Impacts Your Body Sometimes in times of stress, your brain seems to shut down and you can’t think clearly. Your body tells you that you can’t push it to do any more than it’s already doing. High-emotion times can lead to sickness. What’s Stressing You Out You’re a woman who knows what she wants and is multi-passionate. One area that may cause you stress is work, but how do you not do what you’re passionate about? How do you do what you love without getting overly stressed? How do you not over-do it, get work done, and take care of yourself? Five Practical Strategies to Help Manage Stress Ask yourself, “Who am I? What do I want?” In stress, you may feel disconnected from your “why.” Find gratitude in the mundane. We lose sight of all we have to be thankful for in times of stress. Develop a game plan. Go through the options at your disposal with friends, family, or co-workers. Rest in awe. Do something that amazes you and is restful. Rest and relax in what lights you up. Remember you always have 10 minutes. Take a deep breath. Step outside. Read a book. Meditate. Conclusion: Lauren and I don’t have the answers to stress, but we are right there with you. You’ve got the tools that can help you manage the stress. It’s just a matter of using them. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 26: Practicing Mindfulness with Cory Muscara Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Website) Ride My Road (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website) Lauren Trantham’s superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real. Key Quotes from the Episode: “Women take on a lot.” - Jen Rozenbaum “Can I find gratitude?” - Jen Rozenbaum “Rest in awe.” - Lauren Trantham Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine: Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode43.
What does staying relevant in ministry look like? And is it something we should strive for as Christians? Are we at risk for compromising the gospel when trying to be relevant to our culture? In this episode, Holly and I dive into the issue of staying relevant in ministry. We explore the tension between relevant and traditional, what “relevant” actually means, how we can stay relevant, and what the Bible has to say about the topic. Finally, we discuss some of the implications for us as leaders if we want to remain relevant, as well as some questions to ask yourself to determine if your ministry is relevant. Relevant vs. Traditional (a.k.a. “old school”): The word “relevant” tends to be a hot button issue. Some people think it means trendy, compromising the Gospel message, and wearing skinny jeans. Some assume that if your church or ministry wants to be relevant, then it automatically means you are focused only on non-believers, on being “seeker-friendly” and on attracting large numbers. If we think of it this way, it’s easy to throw it out and say that it’s not a valid approach. Then we have another camp that we might call traditional or “old school”. At a glance, some people might think of “old school” as people who just want to stick to their traditions, keep church the same size, and only preach the Bible verse by verse. Again, it might be easy to throw out this approach if you take it at face value. But we need to dig a little deeper. What are some of the positives and negatives of the “old school” churches or Christians? Pros: They are purists and help us stay true to God’s word, his message, and keep us seeking his face. Usually very focused on “community feel” in their church. Appreciate the rich heritage of Christianity and what’s been done in the past. Cons: When people think how “we used to do it” is actually the most truly divine and inspired way. When we cling to things that are preference and not truly biblically we become out of touch to the general population around us. Focusing on the “good old days” rather than adapting and asking “how can we reach the younger generations?”. What are some of the positives of the “trendy” churches or Christians? Very focused on reaching their communities. Want to stay current with what is most effective, Seem to be in touch with the younger generations. Outside of the box - changing up the way ministry is done. Fun environment, more energy. We get into some of the risks of relevant or “trendy” churches later, but first, let’s look at what relevance actually means. How to Stay Relevant in Ministry: Definition of relevant: “closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered; appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; of contemporary interest.” In light of this definition, we do think that we should be relevant in our ministry. But we can do so without compromising the message or watering down the Gospel. We can also still appreciate and incorporate some of the positives of the traditional approaches. How do we remain relevant in our ministry? Consider the demographics and culture of your area and ask yourself if you are relevant to them. This will look different based on where God has called you. Learn about the culture you are trying to reach. Adapt your style and approach to the culture where you are serving. “Learn your people” as Breshana Miller shared in Episode 45. What does the Bible say about relevance? Matthew 7:28-29 says: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (KJV). Jesus adapted his teaching style to the audience he was speaking to. He used parables often. He adjusted the approach based on the setting and the audience. It’s clear that Jesus made his message relevant to those he was speaking to. 1 Cor. 9:19-23 says: “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (ESV) Paul also shows us that it is necessary to adjust your methods based on the people you are reaching. We note that one key factor here is becoming a servant rather than focusing on your own preferences. Is there a risk in trying to be too relevant or even trendy? Compromising the gospel or watering down the message. Focusing only on getting people in the door and not on helping people to experience the transformation Jesus offers. Becoming a message of “self-help” or inspiration instead of truly acknowledging our sin and our need for Jesus. Becoming a social club rather than a church or ministry where the power of the Holy Spirit is experienced. No authenticity. What does relevance mean for us as leaders? Staying relevant in ministry has implications for us as leaders. Here are some of the ways it will affect us: We need to be willing to adapt and change May have to give up personal preferences Might need to learn new technology or tools Need to stay tuned into the current struggles of our audience Need to embrace the power of the internet and social media We will have to get out of our comfort zone We may need to go be in places we might not normally be present If you want to evaluate how relevant your ministry is, you can ask yourself these questions: How does the community you are in view your church/ministry? Do people come to you in their time of need/crisis? Is your ministry in a rut? Are you doing the same thing over and over but not getting the results you are shooting for? Does your church/ministry lift up the community or just satisfy the needs of those inside? If your church closed, would your city be grieved? Would it even notice? Are our lives and our ministries vibrant, exciting, energetic? Does society need us? Why? Are we considered necessary, or just nice to have around? We cover a lot of ground in this discussion and we encourage you to wrestle with this issue to decide where you stand. We do feel there are positives on both sides--traditional and “trendy”--but we feel it is important to stay relevant if you want your ministry to stay alive. We believe that you will need to give up some of your own preferences at times, and be willing to adjust your methods based on the place God has called you. May 2019 Giveaway: We are running a giveaway for all 4 episodes in May 2019. Each Tuesday, we will draw 1 winner from the previous week’s episode. Entries count from Tuesday through Monday of each week. How to enter: 1. Write a review for the podcast - take a screenshot of your review and email it to podcast@estherlittlefield.com. Alternatively, you may also write a review on my Facebook Page about the podcast. 2. Share about the podcast on your social media - Instagram or FB. Tag either my Facebook page (@estherlittlefield) or Instagram account (@estherdlittlefield) and make sure post is public so we can see it. 3. Tag a friend on any of my posts on my Facebook Page or Instagram account about the episode of the week and encourage that friend to take a listen Each of these things will get you an entry into the drawing for the week, and you’ll also be added to a grand prize drawing, which we will draw by June 7th Giveaway Prizes: Weekly: 1 Book (US entries only); drawn on May 14, 21, 28, and June 4th. Grand prize: Exact items in grand prize to be announced soon! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 45: Developing Confidence in Your Gifts & Managing Multiple Roles with Breshana Miller Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Key Quotes from the Episode: “Don’t let your message become only inspirational instead of transformational.” “Relevance for the sake of relevance is not the point; relevance for the sake of people is the point.” -Holly Cain “The message stays the same but the methods can change”. Episode Sponsor: Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audibleand browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. How your free trial works: Choose a free audiobook and set up a trial 30-day membership! After 30 days, get one audiobook a month for $14.95/month Receive 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases Cancel at any time. The books are yours to keep, even if you cancel Go to estherlittlefield.com/audible to start your free trial. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode46.
Who or what is Pachamama? How did encountering her change my life? And what can you take away from my encounter with her? In this episode, Lauren and I talk about our experience with Pachamama in Peru. This is really the story about Mother Nature, the power of feminine and energy, and believing that power. Our experience with Pachamama was both spiritual and life changing. Our Pachamama Story In 2014, I was asked to do an educational event for photographers in Peru so I called Lauren and asked her to come with me, and of course, she said yes. While in Peru, Reuben, an Incan, was our guide. When we asked Reuben how the Machu Picchu ruins got there, he answered, “Aliens.” Lauren and I were skeptical. As I felt the rocks, there was no energy -- they were just cold. Then we went to Moray, which is also an Inca site where ancient Peruvians would plant crops to climatize them to the height of the peaks. At Moray, there is also a temple and the stones were warm here. Reuben asked if we wanted to go into this sacred hole and that he would call Pachamama for us. Pachamama is Mother Nature. Peruvians don’t worship her, but they do pray to her. She’s a spirit and controls the weather and harvest, and is represented by a rainbow. Lauren and I go to the hole, lay down, and Reuben calls Pachamama. We can feel the wind swirling and it sounds like a freight train. The birds stop chirping. Then the wind is gone and the birds start singing again. We are crying. Reuben wonders why because he said he would call Pachamama and she came so what’s the big deal? The next day, the three of us go to Machu Picchu and a rainbow appears, something Reuben has never seen in almost 18 years as a tour guide. Now, Lauren and I see rainbows everywhere. Why our encounter with Pachamama was life changing For me, my experience with Pachamama changed my perspective. We are connected to the universe. There is a force out there. We can’t downplay that there is something else out there. My experience in Peru also opened my eyes to how other people live, that there is so much variety. When we see how big our world is, our problems become small. Let’s enjoy life! And I love that travel gives you a perspective you can’t get sitting at home. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 39: Manifestaction Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Website) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website) Ride My Road (Facebook) Lauren Trantham’s superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real. Listen + Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or STITCHER We’d greatly appreciate a podcast rating and review so that we can reach more women! Search for the podcast in your podcast app (Shamelessly Feminine) Scroll down and click 5 stars Tap “Write a Review” & enter a brief review Press send Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine: Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram Key Quotes from the Episode: “Sometimes we just need a perspective of a bigger picture.” - Jen
Is it possible to manifest without taking action? Can you get too specific in manifesting? And why in the world do we talk ourselves out of manifesting our biggest dreams? In this episode, Lauren and I talk about manifestaction, what it is, how to do it, and what happens when life doesn’t go exactly as you planned. If you’ve ever had questions about manifesting and how or when to take action, this episode is for you. What is manifestaction? Manifesting is intentionally creating what you want to happen in life, but manifesting also needs to involve action. To manifest, be specific about what you want and then ask that it happen in the kindest, most gentle way possible. Have the vision -- get clear about what you want -- then act on it the best way you know how. Manifestation is not about “the thing” you want, but about the energy around it - your vibe and thinking. In my life, I asked how I could reach more women. Not long after that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which I saw as my way to reach more women. It’s important to remember that many good things come because of pain, suffering, and hardship. Why do we talk ourselves out of our dreams? We women can easily talk ourselves out of pursuing our dreams, especially those money-related dreams. Here are some tips in manifesting what you really want: It’s important to understand your motive behind your manifestation. You must know your “why.” When you struggle with understanding why you are so blessed when others aren’t, remember that you may be blessed with good things so you can bless others. Ask yourself what lies you’re telling yourself. Believe in yourself and then things will happen. Remember that negativity attract negativity. Ask yourself what’s going on in your life that’s making you feel negative. Make a promise to yourself not to worry. Instead, turn that worry into an action phrase, “Today, I’m going to …” Can we get too specific in our manifesting? Lauren wonders if as she’s manifesting for a new partner, if she’s being a strong woman or just being nit-picky. How can you tell the difference? Ask yourself, “What’s real vs. reel?” Manifest about how you want to feel when you’re with someone vs. the specific looks or job of that person. Manifest how you want your life to look when you’re with that person. Think about what qualities are most important to you. Final thoughts on manifestaction Manifesting may not take the form you thought. Listen when the universe answers, and pay attention to how the answer shows up. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 37: Reel vs. Real Episode 36: Less But, More Butt Connect with Lauren Trantham: Ride My Road (Facebook) Ride My Road (Website) Authentic Media Training (Facebook) Authentic Media Training (Website) Lauren Trantham’s superpower is fierce tenderheartedness. Just imagine an elite ninja crossed with a hopeful romantic and you can understand her personality! She believes in black coffee, dark beer, shooting straight liquor, and that true strength lies in vulnerability. When she is not riding her motorcycle or traveling the world she is helping entrepreneurs find their authentic message so they can grow their business by getting real. Listen + Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or STITCHER We’d greatly appreciate a podcast rating and review so that we can reach more women! Search for the podcast in your podcast app (Shamelessly Feminine) Scroll down and click 5 stars Tap “Write a Review” & enter a brief review Press send Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine: Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram Key Quotes from episode: “Without the action, nothing is ever going to happen.” - Jen “Because [life] wasn’t what I thought it would look like, I wasn’t paying attention to the beautiful blessing that it was.” - Lauren This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode39.
What sets Christian business owners apart from the rest? Should we follow the standard business advice out there, or should we be doing things differently? In this conversation, Holly and I dive into the topic of business again. In episode 38, you heard Holly interview me as I shared about my business journey. But today, we are digging into some key principles that we believe set us apart as Christian women in business. Whether you have a business of your own, work in a business environment, or have considered working from home or starting a business, this episode is sure to give you some points to consider! And if you are someone who would like to earn some extra income from home, join me for my free workshop to help you understand your options. It's taking place April 9th, 2019 at 12:30pm Eastern. Sign up here for the free workshop:5 Ways to Earn Income From Home. Ministry or Business? Before we discuss the key principles, we want to tackle one question that we received in our private Facebook group: How do I know if I have a ministry or a business? Holly and I each share our perspectives on this, and we note that we all have a ministry, regardless of what kind of work we do. We are all called to bring glory to God in whatever we do, and we’re also called to make disciples. However, if we are purely discussing ministry vs. business in an organizational sense, we identify a ministry as typically being a non-profit organization whereas a business would be for-profit. In this conversation, we are primarily focusing on business in the traditional sense, where a product or service is being offered in exchange for money. 5 Key Business Principles as a Christian Business Owner: 1. Our focus is a Kingdom focus instead of an earthly one. Colossians 3:2 - “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Having a Kingdom focus will affect the way we view work itself, the way we view our money, and the way we treat others. In episode 3, Abby Rike Rockenbaugh shared that in Christian leadership, we might do things differently than what the typical business advice might be. 2. We steward our money and recognize that it belongs to God. When we view our business finances in this way it really gives us a good perspective on how we handle things. We are working in God's business and we are handling God’s money so what we do with it matters. Deal with your money mindset. Take your finances seriously. It’s not wrong to make money. Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'" The issue is not earning money but rather having a love of money. It comes down to trusting God to provide what you need. At the same time, you need to be willing to work when necessary without being obsessed with money or wealth. Listen to the How They Blog episode about making money as a blogger or online. Listen to episode 35 with Melissa Whaley. Visit Holly's website to learn more about her bookkeeping services. Download Holly's FREE Guide: Best Practices for Handling Money as a Christian Business Owner 3. We treat our clients and customers as people made in God’s image, not just as a means to an end. We believe that if you are a Christian business owner, then every person you interact with should be treated with dignity and respect, because they are made in God’s image. This means that even if they hold different values than you do, or even if they are rude or unkind, we still have the choice to treat them with kindness. Also means that we don’t see our clients or customers just as dollar signs or stats on a page… but rather real people. Honesty, respect, and integrity should mark us as Christian business owners. It’s also important to remember that we never really know what others are going through. We are able to meet people’s needs and minister to them even in the business world by showing them love. Your business does not have to be faith-based to be effective or to be a ministry. 4. With our marketing, we are strategic but not sleazy. There’s a lot of things you can do in marketing that are legal and even praised in the business world…. But they can sometimes become sleazy. It’s possible to promote a product or service without being dishonest. It’s also vital not to be desperate in our marketing attempts. It’s not wrong to sell or to use marketing tools in your efforts, and it’s important to recognize that not everyone will love what you do or buy your product or service. 5. We operate out of our core values. What are core values? They are how we make our decisions. We all have them, but we’re not all intentional about identifying them. Getting clear on your core values will help you make clear decisions. Our core values should be connected to our faith in some way. When we follow other business mentors or leaders, we need to discern whether what they are teaching line up with our core values and/or line up with Biblical principles. It’s easy to get “FOMO” and feel worried about missing out on business or leads if you don’t know what your core values are. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 3: Surviving Loss & Embracing Leadership with Abby Rike Rockenbaugh Episode 35: Healing from Ministry Hurts with Melissa Whaley Episode 36: Ditching Balance for Surrender Episode 38: From Social Worker to Business Owner Connect with Esther, Holly, and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Facebook Page Episode Sponsor: Confident Leader Club Today’s show is brought to you by the Confident Leader Club. If you’re a Christian woman leading in ministry or business, and you have a desire for deeper community with other leaders, accountability towards reaching your goals, access to ALL the downloads I’ve created, monthly bonus content including workshops and trainings on specific topics, and much more, I want to invite you to check it out. Visit confidentleaderclub.com to learn more. Key Quotes: “The love of money can affect rich, middle class, and poor. When our obsession becomes money, that is when it’s a wrong perspective and a wrong attitude.” “If I were to only serve Christian business owners, I’m actually losing an opportunity to minister to people who might not otherwise get to know God.” This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode40.
You’ve set your goals. You’ve cast a dream and vision. You even know how your personality impacts the goals you set. But how do you actually go about implementing all you’ve planned? Oftentimes, we’re great at dreaming, but not so great at actually executing what we’ve set out to do. If you’re ready to get to work on your goals, this episode is for you. In this episode, Holly and I talk about what holds us back from accomplishing our goals, why habits are essential for leaders, and how to create habits. You’ll find the one key you need to implement the goals you’ve set. To access the complete show notes for this episode, click here. Why Habits are Essential for Leaders Habits eliminate decisions. As a leader, you make thousands of decisions a day. Putting some tasks on autopilot frees you up to make big-picture decisions. Habits inspire others. People are watching you. They are seeing you showing up day after day, week after week. Having consistent habits and routines as a leader will inspire your team and give them encouragement that they can do the same. o how to set goals for the next 90 days and breaks the year into four 12-week sections. How Habits are Created Holly explains how habits are created based on the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg*: Notice your cue. For example, your cue may be that you’re bored and tired everyday at 3 p.m. Develop a routine. Your old routine may have been a snack, but your new routine is to get up from your desk and take a walk. Establish a reward. Your new reward is feeling energized after the walk. Believe the new habit will work. Belief is critical and so is having a support system. Have a co-worker encourages you to take that walk each day at 3 p.m. Strategies to Implement New Habits I share some keys to implementing habits from two books I read, Atomic Habits* and Better than Before*: Remember that daily habits create your future. One way to change your habit is to change how you view yourself (your identity). Consider WHO you want to be rather than WHAT you want to accomplish. Schedule time in for your habit. Stack your habits by taking one habit you already have and adding another habit to it. Get clear on exactly what habit you are working on and exactly how you are going to implement it. Clarity is essential to creating new habits. Read my blog post with 5 steps to creating new habits here. Episode Sponsor: Confident Leader Club Today’s show is brought to you by the Confident Leader Club. If you’re a Christian woman leading in ministry or business, and you have a desire for deeper community with other leaders, accountability towards reaching your goals, access to ALL the downloads I’ve created, monthly bonus content including workshops and trainings on specific topics, and much more, I want to invite you to check it out. Visit confidentleaderclub.com to learn more. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Episode 24: What You Should Do Before the New Year Begins Episode 26: The Importance of Dreaming and Casting a Vision for the Future Episode 28: Three Practical Approaches to Goal Setting Episode 30: How Your Personality Impacts How You Set and Accomplish Goals Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page *These links are affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase via one of the links, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support the costs of running the podcast and blog. This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode31.
Have you ever wondered why you set goals differently from others around you? Why is it that some leaders naturally set specific and measurable goals while others seem more relaxed and don’t set goals at all? How you set goals and how you feel about them is intricately woven into how God wired you. This episode is all about accepting how you were created so that you can have a year of impact. For the full shows notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode30 While Jill and I talk specifically through the lens of the Enneagram, there are other personality resources available: Meyers-Briggs The Four Tendencies If you’d like more information about the Enneagram, listen to Episode 17 with Beth McCord. Type 1 - The Perfectionist or Reformer - loves goal setting and has about 1,000 ideas that are all lofty and large. Type 2 - The Helper - is indifferent about goals. Type 3 - The Performer or Achiever - both love and hate goals. Type 4 - The Individualist - sets goals less as concrete action steps and more as general, romantic notions of how life “should” be. Type 5 - The Investigator - has an extremely healthy view of goal-setting because they set clear and measurable goals. Type 6 - The Loyalist - needs goals to keep moving forward, but can also overthink them. Type 7 - The Enthusiast - are less likely to set goals and more likely to set intentions or a word-of-the-year. Type 8 - The Challenger - like goals and focus more on the end-result than the details. Type 9 - The Peacemaker - has a very hard time setting their own goals because they are so concerned and involved with helping others meet their goals. Are you ready to take action? Join me for a free workshop: 3 Strategies to Accomplish Your Goals and Create a Purposeful Year. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 7: Receiving Grace and Speaking Truth with Jill McCormick Episode 11: From Dream Career to Purposeful Leadership with Jenni Catron Episode 17: How the Enneagram Can Help You Nurture Healthy Relationships with Beth McCord Episode 27: Keeping God at the Center of Your Leadership, Life, and Business with SJ Meeson Episode 28: Three Practical Approaches to Goal Setting Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode30. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.
You’re ready to start setting goals. But where do you even begin? Perhaps the goal setting approaches you’ve used in the past haven’t worked. Or maybe you’re ready to create an action plan you’ll actually stick to. If you’re ready to set goals for your life and leadership, this is for you. In this episode, Holly and I build on our goal-setting framework that we’ve outlined in our Goal Setting Series. We talk about what to do after you’ve reflected, dreamed, and set a vision. This episode is all about the principles behind setting goals and three approaches that will help this year be a year of impact. Principles of Goal Setting Know your why. If you don’t, it will be easy to throw in the towel when reaching the goal gets hard. Your goals should line up with your reality. Be honest about how much time, energy, and effort you can invest in your goals. Prioritize your goals. To do this, go back to your vision for the year and your values. Three Practical Approaches to Goal Setting While there are many ways to set goals, these are three approaches that Holly and I have experience and success with. SMART Goal Approach - This acronym helps you wisely set goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound Cut Your Goals in Half Approach - This approach advocated by Jon Acuff in his book Finish is as simple as it sounds. Start with what you’d like to achieve and then cut your goal in half so you build momentum and always feel encouraged. The 12-Week Year Approach - This approach guides you into how to set goals for the next 90 days and breaks the year into four 12-week sections. Are you ready to take action? Join me for a free workshop: 3 Strategies to Accomplishing Your Goals and Creating a Purposeful Year. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 24: What You Should Do Before the New Year Begins Episode 25: How to Grow and Reach Your Goals by Doing Less with Barbara Carneiro Episode 26: The Importance of Dreaming and Casting a Vision for the Future Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page Episode Sponsor: Audible Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audible and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode28. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.
What would it look like to keep God at the center of your leadership, life, and business? How does this practically happen in your real life? Is it even possible with all the daily to-do's, demands, and discipline necessary to run a business, team, organization, and family? In this episode, I talk with SJ Meeson, owner and founder of The Automation Girl, a business that helps small businesses automate processes, and Christian Woman in Business, a community of women dedicated to aligning their businesses with God. We talk about how to keep God at the center of your goals, decision-making, and boundaries. Listen closely because SJ dispenses wisdom upon wisdom! For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode27. Leaders Are Learners: SJ’s recommended reads: The Linear Bible Lord Teach Us How To Pray The Leadership Challenge Episode Sponsor: Audible Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audible and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Episode 10: Finding Your Purpose The Purpose Series Hear Esther on Episode 94 of Christian Women in Business Podcast Connect with SJ Meeson: The Automation Girl Christian Women in Business Christian Women in Business App Instagram Founder of Christian Women in Business & The Automation girl – SJ’s is on a mission to help women in business understand how faith and business can be connected together. SJ is originally from the UK, has been living in Australia for 10 years and is married with no kids or fur babies, but does have a mountain bike and climbing gear ;-). Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode27. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.
Have you been thinking of launching your own podcast? It’s been a game-changer for my business and personal brand - and it can be for yours too. But, it can seem overwhelming and daunting: What to do first, then next, what equipment and software do you need, much less thinking about the format and interviewing guests, and so on. In this episode, you’ll learn what’s important - and what’s not - when launching your podcast. I’ll also share with you the #1 reason for podcasting success. This is from a presentation I gave recently to the Orlando Podcasters Meetup group, so you’ll also see how I use my story structure framework when creating my own presentations. See if you can spot the different elements. No need to take notes - you can download the slides, including specifics of the tools and equipment you need to get started, at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/87. Need help identifying your podcast niche, audience, core message, and/or format? Launch with clarity and confidence. Sign up for a 90-minute strategy session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/podcast-strategy-session/. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. *************** I’m thrilled that this episode is being sponsored by Book Launchers. I met Julie Broad, the founder, at a conference earlier this year, attended her session on Writing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Book, and invited her on this podcast in episode 65. Julie’s experience and expertise were so evident in that conversation that many of you listeners reached out to her because you’re working on your signature talk and you also want to write a book - they go hand in hand very nicely! But it can feel very overwhelming - you’re not sure where to start much less how to organize it to make it an effective marketing tool for you and then how to market it. That’s where Julie’s company Book Launchers comes in. Book Launchers has an incredible, hands-on workshop coming up November 1-3, 2018, in the Los Angeles area. They have people flying in to attend, so you don’t have to be local. Before you even walk into the room, Book Launchers will help you position your book so it's going to stand out in the marketplace. On site, you'll create your outline (or refine it), plan your book marketing in detail, and brainstorm key elements like chapter titles and book titles. Getting those things right will matter a lot for your book marketing … and tying it into your signature talk. You'll work directly with an Emmy nominated writer, a book marketing specialist who took her last client to the WSJ Bestsellers list, and a brilliant social media strategist who wrote the very first book on Twitter. Plus, before you leave, you'll have created a clear step by step plan (with dates!) to take you from writing to book launch. And, you'll spend eight uninterrupted hours writing! You’ll write more in a weekend than many people write in months! At their last writers retreat many of the attendees wrote more than 10,000 words (that’s almost one third of a book), improved their book idea, and created a plan with dates to launch and market their book! I invite you to check out the details at https://booklaunchers.com/carol You can use the code “Carol” to receive $100 off the single pay option. *************** Links: Download the FREE PDF for this episode at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/87. Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Podcast Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/podcast-strategy-session/. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Links and Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 65: Writing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Book with Julie Broad Episode 57: How to Use Simple Story Structure to Create Compelling Content Episode 59: Why You Shouldn't Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead Episode 85: Pivoting Your Business Model by Asking ‘What Do You Really Want’ with Katie Krimitsos
Do you have a podcast - or video series or blog - but aren’t getting leads from it as you had expected? You know your content is good - you’re getting listeners and viewers and readers - but, when it comes to making money as a result of that content, it’s crickets (and an empty inbox). What can you do? This is the question my guest today, Stacey Ogden of Busy Mom Collective, had. In this on-air coaching call, you’ll hear as we dissect what’s going on with her podcast (if you don’t have a podcast, you can apply it to the content you’re creating). We come up with specific strategies she - and you - can use to generate leads, including: what to do on her podcast to talk about what she does what kinds of calls to action to include and how many where to promote her podcast what to do when people sign up for her email list. One thing Stacey told me is that she doesn’t want her podcast to come off as a sales pitch. And, I totally get it. I did an entire episode on why you shouldn’t sell from the stage - and what to do instead (episode 59). The same premise applies to your podcast and other content. If you need help strategizing your podcast, video series, or messaging in general, you can book a strategy session. Strategy sessions are great for specific questions or challenges you have. We dig deep and you walk away with a concrete action plan, much like you’ll hear here with Stacey. This episode is the second in a 4-part series related to podcasting. If you host a podcast or have a thought about it, this series will help you get better results. If you don’t have any plans for a podcast, still listen! The strategies we talk about can be applied in other areas too. About My Guest: Stacey Ogden is the founder and owner of the Busy Mom Collective. Through her podcast of the same name, and working one-on-one with clients, she helps working moms and mompreneurs master their schedules, own their time, and conquer their out of control to-do lists. She lives in western Connecticut with her husband, 7 year old daughter, and German Shepherd puppy where she teaches middle school music and runs a local chapter of Business Among Moms. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Highlights: Having a focused niche for your podcast The kinds of episodes you can do on your podcast (guest interviews, coaching calls, solo episodes) Why you should do on-air coaching calls on your podcast The calls to action Stacey currently has on her podcast and what she could change them to Should you should have only *one* call to action or is it ok to have multiple ones? How Stacey is using her Facebook page Specific strategies to get more leads from the podcast What to do when someone joins your email list Where to place your calls to action within your podcast How to connect your call to action to your on-air coaching call Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/86 Stacey’s website: https://busymomcollective.com/ Check out Stacey’s podcast “The Busy Mom Collective” Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 59: Why You Shouldn't Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead Episode 34: Relationship Selling with Nikki Rausch Nikki Rausch on Stacey’s podcast episode 29
In this on-air coaching call, you’ll hear how to distinguish and balance the WHAT, the WHY, and the HOW of what you teach related to your business and your offer. My guest is Libby Rothschild, a registered dietitian who helps other registered dietitians build their businesses and use social media, especially Instagram, effectively. With her partner, Libby offers an online course and masterminds. We talk about how she can tweak the content of her presentation to focus on the WHAT and WHY so that people in the audience are interested in taking her course or mastermind for the HOW. We also brainstorm audience engagement activities, whether the audience is 60-70 people to audiences of 300-500. About My Guest: Libby Rothschild, MS, RD, CDN, is a social media influencer and academic content creator. Libby creates an authentic and highly engaging dialogue on social media reaching more than 12 thousand individuals, mainly registered dietitians and nutrition students, as well as creates content for health-care settings and corporate wellness institutions. She monetizes her brand by coaching, speaking and creating online courses which are approved for Continuing Education. Libby co-created an online course and she co-facilitates a regular mastermind with a focus on Instagram. Libby received her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Hunter College. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/77 Libby’s websites = https://www.libbyrothschild.com/ and https://www.nutritionmasterminds.com/. Connect with Libby on Instagram: @nutrition_business Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 59: Why You Shouldn't Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead You can get the Feedback Form template in the download on this episode
Do you feel like everything’s already been said about your topic and that your audience has heard it all before? Let me assure you that sharing your own experiences, knowledge, and examples*will* set you apart. The key is to have a unique angle and to align your presentation content with what you do in your business. In this on-air coaching call, you’ll hear how my guest Regina Byrne and I find what she should center her presentation around. Hands-on audience engagement activities end up being a big part of it, precisely so that the audience can get a sense of what it’s like for Regina to come to their organizations and provide them with training and coaching. For your presentations, think about how you can involve the audience more and how your content leads to what you offer. Need help? Let’s work together. About My Guest: Regina Byrne is a leadership coach with a background in Human Services Management and the development of person-centered services. Having operated at Director level, Regina is a well-established professional with in-depth experience in strategic leadership, organisational change, and business development. She is a qualified coach, NLP practitioner and holds qualifications in Social Sciences, Management and Conflict resolution. Over her career, Regina has learned (often the hard way) that the key to success at work is clear, honest, open communication, what she calls real conversations, and she loves sharing those principles and practices in talks, workshops, team and individual coaching, to help create wonderful workplaces where people thrive, are valued and do great work. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/75 Check out Regina’s website at https://www.reginabyrnecoaching.com/ Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 48: [Coaching] Strategies to Get Visible with Pam Andrews of the Scholarship Shark Episode 61: A Game Changer for Your Business and Presentations: Developing Your Own Framework Episode 59: Why You Shouldn't Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead You can get the Feedback Form template in the download on this page
Being a guest on podcasts is great for brand awareness, credibility building, networking, and lead generation. How can you pitch podcasters the right way so they want to have you on their show? In this episode, I talk with Nicole Holland of Interviews That Convert on: what to do and, just as importantly, what *not* to do in your podcast pitches how to turn listeners into leads specific tips on how to be a good podcast guest Here’s an example of a landing page I create for each podcast I’m a guest on, so I can track opt-ins and leads for that particular podcast: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bizchix/ About My Guest: Nicole Holland is the lady behind the scenes at Interviews That Convert where she supports business owners and CEOs in making a greater impact in the world through Podcast Guesting for exponential growth. Nicole inspires entrepreneurs worldwide with her very popular podcast, The Business Building Rockstars Show and launched a fantastic new podcast in February, Get Guest Ready, that teaches you how to be the best podcast guest ever. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Highlights: What *not* to do in your podcast pitches The right way to pitch a podcaster How to get on a podcaster’s radar Permission-based pitching Questions to ask yourself before pitching Why being on a big podcast isn’t necessarily going to give you what you want The importance of being part of a podcaster’s community Converting listeners to leads Specific tips on how to be a good podcast guest Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/73 Check out Nicole’s website at https://interviewsthatconvert.com/ Connect with Nicole on Twitter: @niczthename Listen to Nicole’s podcasts: The Business Building Rockstars Show and Get Guest Ready Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 62: Tired of Asking? A Better Way to Get Referrals with Stacey Brown Randall
Speaking in front of the right audiences with the right message can position you as an expert in your field, showcase your business, build relationships, and lead to clients and referrals. Have you been getting the results you want from the speaking engagements you’ve been doing? What you need is a clear and intentional speaking strategy and a powerful signature talk. Consider: Are you speaking in front of the right audiences? Are you talking in the right settings based on your natural and preferred communication style? Are you sharing the right information based on the audience’s prior knowledge and worldview related to your topic? Are you presenting the right offer for that audience? What you’ll learn on this episode: Why you need a clear and intentional speaking strategy that aligns with your business goals – and the dangers of not having one How to identify the best speaking engagements - and which to say no to How to select the best topics to speak on that drives interest in what you do = leads, clients, referrals You’ll hear success stories of other women speakers and how they’ve used speaking strategically to grow their business. → Download the free Speaking Strategy PDF workbook for this episode at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/72. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Highlights: Why you need a clear and intentional speaking strategy that aligns with your business goals – and the dangers of not having one How to identify the best speaking engagements - and which to say no to How to select the best topics to speak on that drives interest in what you do = leads, clients, referrals Success stories of other women speakers and how they’ve used speaking strategically to grow their business Links: Show notes and free PDF workbook at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/72 Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 24: What It Takes to Do a TEDx Talk with Tammy Lally Episode 35: How to Rock a Panel as a Moderator and Panelist with Natalie Eckdahl of BizChix Episode 57: How to Use Simple Story Structure to Create Compelling Content Episode 59: Why You Shouldn't Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead You can get the Feedback Form template in the download on this episode Episode 50: The 3 C's of Visibility: What It Takes to Get Known Anna Seewald of Authentic Parenting
You’ll notice that the title of this episode is in the definitive: using humor in your talks *will* get you more speaking engagements. I don’t mean you have to add a stand-up comedy routine to your presentations (leave that for the comedians!). Rather, as my guest Kathy Klotz-Guest and I talk about in this episode, using humor and improv techniques: Makes you more relatable to your audience Allows you to be present and in the moment Provides for a richer learning experience for the audience The results? You’re more confident and comfortable on stage. The audience enjoys it (great reviews!). Event organizers are more likely to ask you back and refer you to others. You’re more likely to get paid speaking engagements. Kathy and I have a fun, and at times deep, conversation about what practicing improv means not only for your presentations but also for your business and life, as well as what it’s going to take to get women speakers at parity with men (in numbers and in pay). About My Guest: Kathy Klotz-Guest is a keynote speaker, author, workshop leader, and improv comedian. With an MBA and MA, she has 20 years in communication and innovation strategy and storytelling on business and comedy stages in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her career is a story of using play as creative fuel. How does your culture focus on making people’s lives better? It can run like an improv group with a collaborative “yes and” mentality. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. I’m thrilled that this episode is being sponsored by Book Launchers. I met Julie Broad, the founder, at a conference earlier this year, attended her session on Writing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Book, and invited her on this podcast (episode 65). Julie’s experience and expertise were so evident in that conversation that many of you listeners reached out to her because you’re working on your signature talk and you also want to write a book - they go hand in hand very nicely! But it can feel very overwhelming - you’re not sure where to start much less how to organize it to make it an effective marketing tool for you and then how to market it. That’s where Julie’s company Book Launchers comes in. Book Launchers has a hands-on workshop coming up June 21-23 in the Los Angeles area. They have people flying in to attend, so you don’t have to be local. Before you even walk into the room, Book Launchers will help you position your book so it's going to stand out in the marketplace. On site, you'll create your outline (or refine it), plan your book marketing in detail, and brainstorm key elements like chapter titles and book titles. Getting those things right will matter a lot for your book marketing … and tying it into your signature talk. You'll work directly with an Emmy nominated writer, a book marketing specialist who took her last client to the WSJ Bestsellers list, and a brilliant social media strategist who wrote the very first book on Twitter. Plus, before you leave, you'll have created a clear step by step plan (with dates!) to walk you step by step from writing to book launch. And, you'll spend eight uninterrupted hours writing! You’ll write more in a weekend than many people write in months! I invite you to check out the details at https://booklaunchers.com/carol You can use the code “Carol” to receive $100 off the single pay option. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/71 Check out Kathy’s website and speaker videos at https://www.keepingithuman.com/ Connect with Kathy on Twitter @KathyKlotzGuest My appearance on Kathy’s show SHEnanigans: When brands get political Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 66: Mastering Your Speaking Style and Stage Presence Episode 68: Getting Paid to Speak and Negotiating Speaker Fees
Do you have your eye on a conference or event that you really want to speak at? How can you get selected? My guest today is Erin Smith, who runs the annual Entrepreneur Summit in Dallas, Texas. We go behind-the-scenes into how event organizers select speakers, who they choose to pay and why, and what *not* to do as a speaker. Erin shares what to include in your speaker submissions to get noticed and how to negotiate your speaker fee. This conversation was very eye-opening for me and you’ll walk away with a new understanding of how to get selected to speak. About My Guest: Erin Smith is the founder of The Starters Club, a place for entrepreneurs and new business owners to get on their feet and start making sales. Erin runs the annual Entrepreneur Summit in Dallas, Texas, and is the host of the Epic Live Events podcast. Erin has successfully run and sold two businesses and bought and sold real estate all across the country. She also loves dogs and has rescued a number of them. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Highlights: What running an event has done for Erin and her business What to do - and what *not* to do - as a speaker for an event What to include in your speaker submissions How to get invited to be a speaker How to get paid to speak and how to negotiate your fee Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/69 Check out Erin’s upcoming summit in Dallas on June 18-19, 2018: https://www.esummitevents.com/ Erin’s business The Starters Club: https://www.thestartersclub.com/ Erin’s podcast Epic Live Events: https://www.epicliveevents.co/ Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework or sizzle reel? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 59: Why You Shouldn’t Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead Episode 57: How to Use Simple Story Structure to Create Compelling Content Episode 61: Developing Your Own Framework
How can you get your first paid speaking engagement? How do you figure out what to charge and how to negotiate? In this episode, you’ll hear from 7 women entrepreneurs and speakers who share how they got their first paid speaking engagement. I also share how I got my first paid gig for Speaking Your Brand and how I got paid to be a political analyst on TV news. There are lots of great reasons to speak for free and I speak for free several times a year for: Brand awareness Credibility builder Lead generation Networking In-kind exchange (ticket to conference) Practice Enjoyment However, it also feels really great to be paid to speak - plus it’s nice to have direct revenue for your time and effort. As you listen to each speaker, see if you can spot the commonalities in their stories. I’ll share at the end what I see as the top takeaways. You can connect with the women featured here in the free Speaking Your Brand community. You can get access by going to https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Guests Featured: Diane Diaz of The Brand Teacher Tara Lynn Foster Kate Ahl of Simple Pin Media Jan Bowen Lara Currie Jill Allison Bryan Dr. Carmen Landrau Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 45: Your Visibility Roadmap Episode 50: The 3 C's of Visibility: What It Takes to Get Known Episode 2: [Coaching} Taking Your Speaking to the Next Level with Diane Diaz Episode 14: [Coaching] Shifting Your Presentation from Practical to Inspirational with Tara Lynn Foster Episode 19: How Publishing a Book Impacts Your Speaking Opportunities with Jan Bowen Episode 28: [Coaching] Networking the Right Way to Find Speaking Opportunities with Carmen Landrau Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/68 Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review!