Simply Fearless Solopreneurs

The Solopreneur Blog has moved to SimplyFearless.com!

2009-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Simply Fearless Solopreneurs Blog has moved! We are now publishing via the Solopreneurs Channel at SimplyFearless.com and you are invited to check it out here.

We are also looking for contributing bloggers, authors, and solopreneurs. If you are interested in being published in our Simply Fearless web community, then please send me an email at Cassandra@SimplyFearless.com

Use Twitterfeed to Automatically Publish Your Blog Posts to Your Twitter Stream

2009-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you blog and tweet for your business, then link them up. I use Twitterfeed to automatically post to my Twitter account the title of my blog posts and a link to read and comment. It's really simple. To get started now, click here.

That being said, Twitter might be more powerful for you if you pose a question instead of automatically posting just the title and link to your blog posts.

But, the fact that Twitterfeed makes this process automatic is priceless. As a solopreneur, we can easily spend way too much time on social networking. This is one way to get the internet to work for you instead of vice versa.

Plus, if you make your blog post titles questions, then you can tap into the power of both of these strategies!

Now that's cool.

Import Your Blog Posts into Your Facebook Profile

2009-01-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

If you have a cool blog with content that your Facebook friends would like, then import your blog entries into your Facebook profile using notes. Here are the instructions copied & pasted from the Facebook help library:

Facebook allows you to quickly and easily import an external blog from another website.

1. On the Notes page, select the Import a blog link on the right side of the page.
2. Enter the URL (web address) of your blog into the text box, and check the box underneath that states that you agree to our Terms of Use.
3. To complete the process, click on "Save Settings." Once you do this, your past posts will be in notes and any new posts you make will automatically display.

I have found that FB instructions tend to be vague and not give you all the information you need. So here are step-by-step instructions for how I did it:

From my FB home page, I clicked on "notes" in the "Applications" box on the right hand side of the screen. {note: I had to click "more" in order to see "notes"}
On the right hand sidebar, there is a section titled "Notes Settings" and there is an option to "Import a blog". Click it.
Read the text, then enter the RSS feed in the Web URL box {this is NOT your blog URL. It is the RSS or feed URL - click here to learn about RSS}
Check the box to give FB permission
Click "Start Importing"
You will see a preview of what it will look like - check it out and make sure you like it.
Click "Confirm Import"
You should see "Your notes have been imported." on the top of the next page.

Free Teleclass: Deepening Your Relationships Through Conflict

2009-01-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

Just last week I hosted a party for my clients and one of the topics that came up was how do couples come together and get along when they have opposite personalities and at times, completely different agendas. People were wondering how my husband and I - who really are polar opposites - manage to not only make it all work, but rock out our lives together. Here I was connecting with people I care deeply about and I could feel their confusion, frustration, and yearning for a better, easier way. It was in that moment that the wheels of inspiration began turning in my head and heart and I am excited to invite you to January's FREE teleclass:

♥

7 Simple Ways to Reconnect Teleclass
led by Coach Cassandra Rae
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
11:30am – 1:00pm Pacific Standard Time
Cost: FREE {long distance charges may apply}

♥

In this 90 minute teleclass I share my personal process for how I resolve conflicts and use them to deepen my relationships with my husband, my teenage daughter, and everyone else I care about. So dedicate a lunch hour to yourself and join us where you will:

Learn how to use disagreements as a way to deepen your connection

Receive a worksheet that you can use any time you'd like to gain clarity and confidence to move forward in resolving conflict with anyone (including parts of yourself)

Connect with like-hearted people who champion the same goal

This 90 minute teleclass is perfect for men, women, teens, couples, and parents who are:

ready to invest in themselves and their relationships

willing to receive support and encouragement

open to learning new perspectives and skills

Registration Required
To register simply enter your name and email address below. Once you click on “Register” you will receive an email to verify your intent to participate. After you click through the link in the verification message, you will receive a confirmation email with the class materials and call-in details. If you do not receive the confirmation email within 24 hours of registration, then please email me at Cassandra@SimplyFearless.com or call me at 408.206.1662. I look forward to connecting with you!

Some Damn Good Advice from the Tech Coach

2009-01-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

I attended a femalepreneur.com teleclass led by Jan Marie Dore and featuring Sandra de Freitas who is the tech coach for coaches. One of the things she shared with us is a termed called "above the fold". Basically, it refers to all of the content you would see in a newspaper on the front page before opening it up. She encouraged bloggers to have their opt-in box or monthly featured item above the fold, which in the blog-o-sphere means:

Put your entire opt-in box at the top of the page

Make sure that viewers do not have to scroll to enter their info

I now have some redesigning to do. But, I have to admit. It's worth it.

I must add:

Make your opt-in box worth-while with rockin' content

Be up front about what people are receiving including how often you will be emailing

Now go look at your blog or website, see where your opt-in box is, and make sure it is front and center, above the fold.

Would you like to expand your Twitter following? Allow Obama to show you the way...

2008-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

This evening I opened up my email and found that I had a new Twitter follower. So I clicked through the link to check out their profile. Their latest tweet was about Obama's Twitter campaign. That sounds interesting. I think I'll check it out...

Okay, my first thought after reading the article is that I am deeply troubled Obama has a brand recognition strategy. He's not a brand. He's a person with an extremely important mission. But, I also recognize the importance of "marketing" and building a brand in political campaigns. So here's the article for you to check out for yourself:

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Obama08 Leveraged Twitter to Drive Traffic to Their Website and Help Win an Election Part 2 – Twitter Action Plan for Small Businesses
By Obama 2.0 Marketing

This is the second part of an article about how the Obama08 presidential campaign leveraged Twitter as a marketing tool. The first part was about how Barack Obama promoted his marketing message and built his brand awareness on Twitter.

Increase Their Number of Followers

By Election Day, Barack Obama had over 115,000 followers. That is the largest number of followers that anyone has on Twitter.

Barack Obama has excellent name recognition and is very popular. This was the primary driving force behind his 'super-sized' follower count. But Obama's activity on Twitter was...

{click here to continue reading}

I found the suggestions in this article extremely helpful in building a Twitter following. I already have some of them in place and I plan on adding more of them. If you are just beginning with Twitter or you aren't satisfied with your number of followers, then you've gotta check out this blog post. Let's just hope that Obama maintains his "following" now that his marketing campaign has proven to be extremely effective.

Happy Twittering ~
Coach Cassandra Rae
Follow me on Twitter
Simply Fearless

7 Simple Ways I Have Grown My Business

2008-11-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Owning and running your own business is challenging enough even in a healthy economy. So as the fear, doom, and gloom abound in the media I thought it would be helpful to publish an article about how I've managed to grow my business during a financial maelstrom.

7 Simple Ways I have grown my business are:

#1 Talking to and meeting as many peeps as possible
I belong to multiple in-person networking groups where I am consistently asked, "What do you do?" Just having someone standing in front of me, looking me in the eyes, and listening to me has been incredibly valuable. Each time I share I learn more about where I am and where I'd like to go. {Note: be selective about the groups you join to make sure they are in alignment with your personal and professional goals - I sense another article coming on!}

#2 Blogging every day
I am committed to sharing my personal and professional process on my blogs and not only do I receive value by doing so, but I'm also creating an on-line community of people who support me and my efforts. Now, I don't mean that they are all hiring me. I do mean that they listen, provide valuable feedback, and some subscribe to my blog and newsletters. Oh yeah, and of course my SEO is growing up in the process :~)

#3 Offering a FREE eCourse as a subscription bonus
I am so excited about this because not only does the eCourse provide an incentive for people to sign up, but I am honoring my wisdom and knowledge by sharing it. How cool is that?!

#4 Twittering
Twitter is one of the fastest and easiest ways I've grown my on-line community. It is short, sweet, and to the point. I love connecting with others and you don't have to sift through a ton of content because people are only allowed to post within 140 characters - which is really short! By far, Twitter has been one of the biggest impacts on my blog traffic and new subscribers.

#5 Continuing to grow personally
I believe that as long as I grow personally that my business will also grow so I take classes and join groups for my own personal development. Currently I am taking a teleseminar series called Know Your Purpose that is helping me both personally and professionally because I am exposed to how another coach/trainer is structuring his program. What a phenomenal experience!

#6 Learning from others who already have what I want
It is so important to learn from others who have already been where you are AND successfully moved forward. There are certain coaches who I follow because I admire their work (all of them have helped me personally) and I want to learn from their business development process how I can move forward in mine. I look at what they did to get to where they are and I adopt bits and pieces that resonate with who I am. The key is to always incorporate it into your personal values and offerings because the all-time best thing you can do to grow your business is...

#7 Just be yourself!
That's right, folks. The most important thing I have done to grow my business is to be willing to share with people who I am, where I'm at, and what I stand for even when I don't have it all figured out. As challenging as it is to put my real and authentic self out there for all to see, it is also the most rewarding. The bottom line is people hire me because they like me. {Wow! People like me? Really?} Yes, people like me and they are willing to pay me to help them. I really am that good!

As you know, it's important not to boast and brag about yourself just for personal flattery. However, it is important to stand tall and proud in who you are right now in this moment. Now, I know you are awesome. And I know you have valuable information to share with others. So get out there, blog, publish newsletters, meet people, continue to learn, and most importantly just be yourself. The world is waiting for you! Success is yours for the taking.

Valuable Lessons and Resources for Bloggers

2008-11-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

I use aWeber for my email marketing campaigns and today they sent out a message linking to this article:

How Email Segmentation Made My List Stronger AND $31,940 More Profitable

I just read the article and I am absolutely amazed by this guy. He has more than 45,000 blog subscribers! Plus, he calls himself a professional blogger, which personally I have never heard of before but now totally want to be!

Here's what I learned by visiting his site:

1. He has 2 different opt-in bonuses. One for subscribing to his blog and one for subscribing to his newsletter, which leads me to the next lesson:

2. He has 2 different subscription levels. One for blog posts and one for the newsletter. I too have 2 different levels of subscription, but realize that it's not being offered as clearly as it needs to be.

3. He is up front about his intention with his blog & newsletters knowing that he isn't right for everyone so he doesn't try to be.

4. He shares his ideas and strategies openly. In the article I linked to above he shared about email segmentation - something I'm not ready for quite yet - and I am simply blown away how his generosity leads to making money. This is so counter-intuitive in that it seems like a common thing for people to feel like they need to hoard their ideas because if they give them away, then they won't make any money. Well, this guy proves exactly the opposite!

All in all, I am now inspired to subscribe to both of his lists to receive both of the freebies plus rework my own offerings so that it is as clear as possible what people are signing up for and what they are receiving.

Thanks aWeber for sharing this valuable resource and thanks Yaro for sharing your experience!

Host a blog giveaway

2008-11-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

A fun way to increase traffic on your blog is to do a giveaway. I've never hosted one before, but here is a link to one I'm hoping to win:

Just Kat Stuff: Giveaway a Day - #1

Blog Coaching for You!

2008-10-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Blogging is an amazing way to create a buzz about you and/or your business and at the heart of blogging is writing. What we do in the Private Blog Coaching Program is smooth out the process so that you're clear about your intention, not wasting time, and getting the most out of your blog. Together we create a blogging routine to help you manage expectations, keep you out of overwhelm, and consistently publishing. Doesn't that sound awesome?! You are invited to tap into the power of blogging through...

Private Blog Coaching
with Cassandra Rae, CPC

What is it?
Private Blog Coaching is one-on-one instruction and coaching to create or update your personal or professional blog. In addition to an on-line assessment and private coaching, we will help you get through as much of the following as possible:

Create or update your blog
Go through the writing process from start to finish
Publish at least one article
Set up a blogging routine
Burn your feed
Set you up for subscribers
Link your blog to twitter and facebook
Re-syndicate your blog content on your website

How much we get through depends on each individual's technical skills. Our intention is to get you absolutely as fas we can in as short amount of time as possible so that you can be up and blogging right away.

Who is it for?
This program is for people who are ready to tap into the power of blogging and willing to make a commitment to the process.

How does it work?
After you fill out the blogging assessment, you meet one-on-one with Cassandra Rae where you will receive support specific to your needs and goals. Together you custom fit your sessions so that you get absolutely as much as possible out of the process. The Private Blog Coaching Program is $175 and includes:

Blogging Assessment
2 50 minute private coaching sessions
Homework assignment
Blogging schedule
Email support as needed

During the first session we will go through the writing process from start to finish and you will have the opportunity to experience for yourself how simple blogging can be. We want this to be an easy and effective way to get you and your message out there.

How do I sign up?
The first step is to create your own free account in our Private Client Center. Once your account is activated, log in and fill out the Blogging Assessment and book your first session. Click here to get started now.

Not convinced about blogging?
Solopreneurs read this article about why you should be blogging now.

Take the Simply Fearless Focus Challenge {there are prizes}!

2008-10-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today I posted the Simply Fearless Focus Challenge for people who want to make better use of their time, create more focus in their life, or want to make sure they are getting the most out of their time and energy. Come and play with us and receive a free half an hour of personal coaching with me! Check it out at: http://www.cassandrarae.com/?p=382

Rich Brooks Tells us how to Get Started with Social Media

2008-10-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

"Ya Gotta Put Yourself Out There Folks"
Photo artwork by Me!

One of the biggest challenges in running my own business is that I constantly have to put myself out there. Okay, it's true. I enjoy it. But, sometimes it can get overwhelming and so today I'm posting an article about how to get started using social media. I love what this guy has to say and if you are feeling overwhelmed with how to put yourself out there on-line, then this is the perfect article for you:

How to Get Started with Social Media
| posted by Rich Brooks
The gym I belong to has an inspirational message posted that changes weekly. Today there was a quote from Barbara Hall from her book A Summons to New Orleans that ended:

Look. Listen. Choose. Act.

And I thought, "that's the perfect way to explain how to get started with social media."
Social media is...{click here to continue reading}

p.s. I found this article because one of my Facebook friends posted a link. I personally *LOVE* social media.

Last chance to join a Simply Fearless Solopreneur Group for $90!

2008-10-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to invite you to participate in the next Simply Fearless Solopreneur Group! We are meeting on 6 Thursdays from 11am to 12:30pm beginning on November 6, 2008 in person in Sunnyvale.

What is it?
The Simply Fearless Solopreneur Group is an intimate gathering of solopreneurs (business owners and founders) led by certified profession coach Cassandra Rae. We meet each week to:

* Share our challenges
* Receive uplifting support & encouragement
* Brainstorm solutions & marketing ideas
* Tap into the wisdom of others
* Connect with like-hearted entrepreneurs
* Encourage and inspire each other to take inspired & fearless action

Who is it for?
The Simply Fearless Solopreneur Group is for business owners and founders who are:

* Ready to take their business to the next level
* Willing to receive uplifting support and acknowledgment
* Open to playing with new perspectives
* Want to help others along the way

How does it work?
The overall structure is as follows:

* 6 Participants
* 6 Weeks
* 90 Minute sessions
* On-line forum for sharing resources and staying connected in between sessions

We meet in small groups of up to 6 participants for 90 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. At each gathering, everyone has a chance to share and receive the focus and support of the group. You can use your "spotlight" time however it serves you best. You can practice your elevator speech, ask for specific resources, or simply share where you're at in the business building process. Each person will have the opportunity to pick a commitment and/or focus topic for in between meetings to help keep you moving towards your short-term goals and life-long dreams!

How much does it cost?
The introductory cost to join a Simply Fearless Solopreneur Group is only ~~$150~~ $90 for the entire 6 weeks! We are offering inexpensive and invaluable support for you because you are your business and we want you to shine!

**Note: this is the last Solopreneur group to be offered at the introductory rate of $90 - the next one will be offered at $150 for the 6 week session

Learn more about why Simply Fearless Solopreneur Groups were created by clicking here

How do I sign up?
Fill out this form to begin the registration process:

{note: once you submit your info, you will automatically be redirected back to this post page and an email will be sent to you. If you do not receive that email confirmation, please email me directly at Cassandra@SimpleWaysCoaching.com}

Michael Katz gives Solopreneurs 3 Reasons to Write that Newsletter

2008-10-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today I received this message from Chrystal Bougon founder of BlissConnection.com and solopreneur extraordinaire:

Hi there, I had to share this with all of you because it's such great advice. This guy, Michael Katz writes a newsletter about newsletters and he is pretty infamous and well known for giving great advice to small business owners. His website is
www.bluepenguindevelopment.com. This is his content from today's newsletter and he makes some great points. Less competition out there so great time to start a business and great time to advertise and market your business! Enjoy, Chrystal

I read the article, checked out his website, and subscribed to his newsletter. Not only do I like what he has to say, but I also like how he has his website set up. It's a great example of how to integrate your website/blog content with your newsletter and entice people to sign up.

3 Reasons To Publish Now
by Michael Katz

Okay, so you're busy. There's a financial crisis going on, there's a presidential election going on, there's Halloween just two weeks away and you still have no idea what to wear.

So I understand, you've got to prioritize.

And besides, in these hectic times in particular, it would be wasteful – even frivolous – to burden your clients, prospects and others with one more E-Newsletter that they need to read. So you gather your staff (or dog, if like me, you work alone) one Monday morning and announce: "How about we wait until things settle down a bit? Then we'll start publishing our newsletter again."

You look like a nice person, so let me just say, in all candor…[click here to continue reading]

Syndicate Your Blog on Your Website

2008-10-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Success!"
Photo Artwork by Me!

Woohoo! I am now re-syndicating all of my blog posts here on the Simply Fearless Solopreneurs Blog onto a dedicated page on my personal blog! I've been wanting to integrate the 2 blogs for awhile now, but have also wanted to keep the content separate because not all of my readers at Simply Fearless are solopreneurs. I've played around with a couple of options and even asked my web developer who wasn't sure how to do it.

So now every time I post here, the entire article including photos are automatically published on a page on my other blog. The really cool thing about this is that you can do this with your website too! Meaning that you can re-syndicate your own blog articles on your website without spending any additional time! It's like you push the "publish" button on your blog and it publishes it to your blog and your website simultaneously. Oh this so cool because now your website visitors don't even have to leave your site to view your blog content.

Here's how to do it:

Sign up for a free account at rapidfeeds
Enter the Blog / Feed URL in the "Start Resyndicating Now!"box
Click on "Configure" to choose your settings (I used a pre-designed template)
Click on "Preview" to check it out - make any necessary changes by clicking "Configure" again
Click on "Get code"
Select your language (I used JavaScript)
Copy & paste the code wherever you want to re-syndicate your feed!

To check out how I've used it on my site click here. As you will see I have added a short message at the top of the page letting people know that they can click through to post their comments, questions, and insights.

A special thank you to Library Clips for providing the info about rapidfeeds who is powering my syndication free of charge!

Connect Twitter and Facebook to Streamline your On-line Activity

2008-10-15T10:40:00.001-07:00

The Sparrow Family
Photo Artwork by vtpeacenik

Today I received this question:

Cassandra,

Do you post both on Twitter and Facebook what you are doing? Or is there a way to post on one and have it sent to both?

Gina Covello, MA
Habla Language Services
408-348-5268
www.hablals.com

Awesome question, Gina, and I post to Twitter, which automatically updates my status on Facebook. Here's how I set this up:

...actually I found an awesome tutorial that explains this process much better than I would because it has screenshots (something I don't know how to do YET).

Click here to read the tutorial

There are multiple ways to link up Facebook and Twitter - if you read the comments on the above link you will see more options. I set it up the same way explained in the tutorial, which works for me. Have fun & let me know how it goes for you.

3 Reasons Why Every Solopreneur Should Blog

2008-10-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

"Vulnerable Strength"
Photo Artwork by Cassandra Rae

Every solopreneur should blog. Why? Good question. Here are my top 3 reasons:

Personal development
The more we write about who we are, what we're offering and why, the better we become at articulating why people would want to work with us. The truth is there are other people out there who do what you do or sell what you sell. BUT, there is no other YOU. You are the only you and your potential clients or customers cannot get that anywhere else.
Product or service promotion
When you truly believe in your product or service, then you can promote the heck out of it without coming off like a sleazy salesperson. People will feel your enthusiasm and will want to know more.
Community
Let's face it. It takes time to build a business because at the heart of a successful businesses are healthy relationships with loyal clients/customers. And relationships are built over time in a community of people who like each other.

So blog for yourself, your service or product, and for the people you'd like to serve because when you do everyone benefits.

Oh, and be sure to post a comment here so that I can check out your blog and we can build a community together!

Get Entrepreneurial!

2008-10-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Listen
Photo Artwork by Me!

I am excited to announce that the Simple Ways Solopreneur Blog is listed as a resource on the Get Entrepreneurial page on My Inspiration Lounge! I highly recommend that you check out this fabulous website and all of the amazing resources they share. From their website:

My Inspiration Lounge is the union of my last ten years spent working in the web world, the movement to make the world a better place starting with you and me, a reflection of everything I love to do and want to do, and what I feel women need that was being overlooked online.
The web has become the new world for women to collaborate, create endless opportunities and make what once seemed impossible happen. Of course, we’re still time- crunched; sometimes our interests and ambitions fall to the bottom of the to-do list day after day, year after year while we focus on careers and family.

What women know for sure is we like efficiency: help me get it done, please! That’s why I created my inspiration lounge - an online portal to useful, inspiring websites and articles so women can get on their way to taking action! Small steps lead to big change when we reignite old passions, discover new ones, be the change, expand our minds and feel engaged.
~ My Inspiration Lounge

Blogging Q&A

2008-10-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Unload
Photo artwork by Me!

Hi Cassandra,

Here is the list of blog-related questions that I wrote after we had set up my blog that first day. I am including them here for two reasons, one, I'd love to get the answers one day and two, because they might come up for your other new bloggers!

Regards

Catherine

I love this girl! And here are her questions and thoughts along with my answers in color

1. Comment Form Placement - full page or pop up window ? I went with full page in case someone has pop ups blocked

I went with pop up window because I like having my blog in the background in case commenters want to view the original post along with the rest of my blog while they are writing. When you use the full page it shows a stripped down version of the post only and I have a lot of photos on my blog. If someone really wants to comment they will allow pop ups for my blog and they should only have to make that choice once (i.e. allow pop ups for this website). That being said, this is totally a personal preference and choosing full page is a great way to go too!

2. Do you have Comment moderation - on or off? I went with always moderate

I have comment moderation off. This is simply about my time management. I do however receive an email whenever anyone posts a comment so that if it is inappropriate I can delete it.

3. Backlinks - what are these? I went with 'show'

Backlinks are when another website links to your post. I went with show too. This can be helpful so that you can see who is linking to you. But, it might get spammy so just keep an eye on it.

4. Site feed - please explain

Straight from blogger help:

A site feed is a machine-readable representation of your blog that can be picked up and displayed on other web sites and information aggregation tools. For information on enabling your feed, see: How do I change my site feed settings?

Special pieces of software called feed readers, news readers, or aggregators can scan your site feed, and automatically let your readers know when your blog has been updated. An example of such software is Google Reader, which you can use with your Google Account. Other options, including both web-based and client-side software, are listed at AtomEnabled.org.

5. OpenID ??

OpenID allows people to use their login for another platform (i.e. Wordpress.com) to comment on your blog. This will automatically link their name to the website when they post a comment on your blog.

I hope these questions and answers helped you too. Feel free to post your opinions, questions, and experience too. And Catherine, you're free to email as many questions as you'd like. It was fun answering them!

Simply Fearless ~
Cassandra

Self Care is Business Care

2008-10-06T14:19:00.001-07:00

Perspective
Photo artwork by me!

Dear Solopreneur ~

I know you work hard, which is why self-care is an integral part of running your own business. I mean, come on you are your business! So what exactly are you doing to take care of you? Your business (and maybe some people you love too) is begging you to invest some of your precious time back into you. Here is one thing I'm doing and that would be so ultra cool if you participated with me!

Stop, Balance Go Meditation Workshop
Saturday, October 11, 2008 9am - 5pm
Harbor House Conference Center, Half Moon Bay, CA
Led by Cassie Schindler (an awesome woman I met a few months ago and saw present at the Circle of Women Conference. I absolutely love her energy and her story is uber inspirational.)

Enjoy a day with ocean breezes and the sound of waves as they gently caress the shore. Give yourself a much needed brake to connect with women from all walks of life who are ready to explore a new idea, a new pace.

You'll learn a 3-step process that will change the way you look at stoplights forever! You'll explore ancient and practical methods for balancing your responsive (green light), reactive (red light) and reflective (yellow light) energies, to more effectively direct the flow of your life.

Cost: $135 per person (includes breakfast, lunch & snacks)

Oh that would be so cool if you registered and went with me! Click here to learn more & register.

Prune Your Tree of Ideas

2008-10-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

branching out
Photo artwork by shapeshift

A few weeks ago, part of a big, beautiful tree by my house broke and crashed onto a parked car beneath. It’s just part of nature. If trees aren’t pruned, then their limbs will naturally break and fall off to keep the tree grounded. The limbs simply get too heavy to carry and gravity pulls them down.

The same thing can happen to us in our business because solopreneurs are by nature very creative people. We are constantly coming up with new products, services, or programs. However, if we don’t prune our tree of ideas, then we too can become heavy and overloaded. One thing I've learned about my own process is that I always have way more ideas than I can bring to fruition at one time.

The bottom line is that trees that aren’t pruned are a hazard. Your ideas can become hazardous to your business if you are taking on too many of them at once. That being said, don’t limit your ideas or your creativity. Pick a few of the really juicy ones and give them your time, energy, and attention so that they have a chance to weather the seasons and blossom. This whole line of dialogue has inspired me to:

1. Create an idea journal that will keep all of my awesome ideas close at hand for when I am ready to try something new; and
2. Take some time to prune my own ideas.

What do you need to prune in your own business and life?

Become a Time Expert

2008-09-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

Time...
Photo artwork by (Erik)

I just signed up for this really cool telesummit because along with success comes the challenge of making the most of my time! Feel free to join me:

Hello – Bill Baren here.

Most of the people in my life have thought I was successful. I had a full coaching practice. I had successful associate coaches. My workshops have done well. So what's the problem?

I've had this nagging feeling of something holding me back from moving to the next level and being of even more of service to my clients.

It finally hit me - I had major issues with time management and being productive. I kept having more and more things to do, and was struggling to keep up. And I realized that I'm not the only one!

I decided to change my approach and to become an expert on Time Management, and saw an opportunity to share this knowledge with the world. And I wanted to do it in a BIG way. So we have gathered some of the world's TOP experts on time for an unprecedented event: the Time Experts Telesummit.

If you find yourself having a similar conversation, please join me. I have never been more proud of an event in my life. You can learn about it here and sign up. And, it's free:

http://www.timeexpertstelesummit.com/

I know that this is the ticket to help you be more productive, less stressed and more alive. So I urge you to participate. Mark your calendars now, as this event is generating A LOT of interest and we want you to be able to take part ("seating" is limited). And I ask you to let all your friends and clients know about it. Thank you for helping the world be a more "time friendly" place!

What: Time Experts Telesummit

Where: Your nearest telephone

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon PT, beginning October 14 and running for 5 weeks thru November 14

Cost: Free

Why: To develop a new, empowering relationship with time for you and your clients

More info: http://www.timeexpertstelesummit.com/

Is fear holding you back?

2008-09-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Fear can be so debilitating. And yet, it is a natural part of life. The real crapper here is that it can be even more intense when we are taking steps towards creating the life, business, and relationships of our heart's desire. The good news is I'm here to help! You are invited to join us for October's FREE coaching group where you will have the opportunity to:

* Create a new and empowering definition of fear
* Learn how to transform it into a helpful tool
* Brainstorm simple ways to take powerful action
* Connect with others who champion the same goal

Dedicate an hour to yourself and join us for:

Simple Ways FREE Coaching Group
led by Coach Cassandra Rae
Focus topic: Fear

Over the phone on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 12pm Pacific Daylight Time {this call will be recorded}

In person on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7pm in downtown Sunnyvale {space is limited to 6 participants and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis}

This group is for men and women who are:

* Ready to release the fear
* Willing to receive uplifting support and acknowledgment
* Open to learning new perspectives and skills

Registration Required
To register simply fill out the form below. Once you click on “Register” you will receive an email to verify your intent to participate. After you click through the link in the verification message, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary details. We look forward to connecting with you!

Facebook Pages Insider's Guide

2008-09-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

I found this really cool Facebook resource that lays it all out for ya! If you would like to tap into the power of putting your business on Facebook, then you have to check this out:

Many businesses, from leading global brands to favorite local bands, are enjoying tremendous impact using Facebook Pages for free viral marketing. Check out some key strategies from the most successful businesses on Pages:

1) Regularly adding engaging and useful content
2) Letting fans participate in the conversation
3) Expanding their distribution with Facebook Ads

We’ve collected some of these winning strategies—along with the nuts of bolts of how to create and manage a Page—into a Facebook Pages Insider's Guide

Source: http://www.new.facebook.com/notes.php?id=10381469571

Solopreneur Coaching Group

2008-09-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to invite you to participate in the next Simple Ways Solopreneur Group! The first group filled up and the second group already has 2 participants, which means there are only 4 spots left! We are meeting on 6 Thursdays from 11am to 12:30pm beginning on October 16, 2008 in person in downtown Sunnyvale.

What is it?
The Simple Ways Solopreneur Group is an intimate gathering of solopreneurs (business owners and founders) who meet each week to:

* Share our challenges
* Receive uplifting support & encouragement
* Brainstorm solutions & marketing ideas
* Tap into the wisdom of others
* Connect with like-hearted entrepreneurs

Who is it for?
The Simple Ways Solopreneur Group is for business owners and founders who are:

* Ready to take their business to the next level
* Willing to receive uplifting support and acknowledgment
* Open to playing with new perspectives
* Want to help others along the way

How does it work?
The overall structure is as follows:

* 6 Participants
* 6 Weeks
* 90 Minute sessions
* On-line forum for sharing resources and staying connected in between sessions

We meet in small groups of up to 6 participants for 90 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. At each gathering, everyone has a chance to share and receive the focus and support of the group. You can use your "spotlight" time however it serves you best. You can practice your elevator speech, ask for specific resources, or simply share where you're at in the business building process. Each person will have the opportunity to pick a commitment and/or focus topic for in between meetings to help keep you moving towards your short-term goals and life-long dreams!

How much does it cost?
The introductory cost to join a Simple Ways Solopreneur Group is only ~~$150~~ $90 for the entire 6 weeks! We are offering INEXPENSIVE and INVALUABLE support for you because YOU ARE YOUR BUSINESS and we want you to SHINE!

Learn more about why Simple Ways Solopreneur Groups were created by clicking here

How do I sign up?
Fill out this form to begin the registration process:

Raising a Business

2008-09-20T08:13:00.001-07:00

the frustrations of growing up
Photo artwork by TheOpenMind.org

We all want our businesses to grow. Truly growing is simply learning. Learning about ourselves, about others, and about what works.

What can you learn today?

How Much Time do You Spend on Email?

2008-09-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

Wildflower
Originally uploaded by Big Grey Mare

I was on a call yesterday with other coaches when the topic of time management came up. Specifically, we talked about our email reading habits. As soon as it came up I knew I needed to make some changes. So this is what I did...

After taking care of appointments and everything urgent that needed my attention, I turned off my computer and made a commitment to keep it off for the rest of the day. It was just one of those days when I needed a break. So I took one - and good thing I did because I found out my daughter cut school yesterday. I guess she needed a break too! But, that's a different story for a different blog.

I also decided to set up an email structure. The plan is to check email no more than 3 times a day - morning, afternoon, and night. Boy, does it feel good to let go of email! I didn't realize how much time was being swallowed by the constant interruptions. In fact, I would have to admit that email is a HUGE distraction that actually kept me from getting a lot of work done.

How about for you? How do you process email? Or does it process you?!

Business Development Doesn't Have to be Expensive

2008-09-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

Free enough to tumble
Originally uploaded by s3ood

One of the things I've recently added to my business development is taking advantage of free teleseminars. There are so many fabulous people out there who love helping others and want to see you succeed. So why not tap into free resources and receive knowledge, support, and inspiration along the way?

You can view some teleclass listings at:

http://planetteleclass.com/
http://teleclass.com/

Please post additional free resources as comments - we all benefit when you share!

Romance is Key in Your Business Development

2008-09-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Romance
Originally uploaded by phoenixawaken

I was on a telecall earlier this week with other solopreneurs and one of the featured guests said something like, "Your sex life is important in your business development!" and you know what? I completely agree.

Our romantic/sex lives are vital in our overall health. If you are neglecting this part of your life, then your business will suffer. Why? Because you are the foundation of your business and when your needs are neglected, you're business is neglected.

So, take some time to consider how fulfilled you are in your romantic life because your business deserves it!

I am Wildly Successful!

2008-09-11T11:50:00.001-07:00

Persistence
Originally uploaded by MumbleyJoe

Last week at JoyceAnne's I read this note from her bulletin board:

Success is doing what you love

Oh, how I love this saying. And I've heard it before, but this time it really resonated with me - I think because I truly am doing more of what I love these days. It feels so good to let go of other measures of success like money, the number of clients, etc. It's not that those aspects aren't important - because they are - but, they are also outcomes that are outside of my control. But, I do get to choose what I do and it is amazing to make that choice based on a heart-felt desire to connect with and help people.

So this morning while I was walking from my car to my office a thought popped into my head, "I am wildly successful!" I smiled to myself and nodded in agreement because I really love what I do.

What do you love?
What do you do?
Are you successful?
Why? Or why not?

Your Business Shines When You Shine

2008-09-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

{click through the photo to read an inspiring quote}

It actually takes a lot of energy not to shine. We are meant to share our talents and express ourselves boldly. We are meant to embrace our quirks and to be uniquely us. It is when we try to hide it, dampen it, shield it that we find ourselves drained, miserable, and not as successful in our business as we'd like.

How much are you allowing yourself to shine in your business?

New Solopreneur Coaching Group Forming

2008-09-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to invite you to participate in the very first Simple Ways Solopreneur Coaching Group! We are meeting on 6 Friday mornings from 10 to 11:30am beginning on September 26, 2008.

What is it?
The Simple Ways Solopreneur Coaching Group is an intimate gathering of solopreneurs (business owners and founders) who meet each week to:

* Share our challenges
* Receive uplifting support & encouragement
* Brainstorm solutions & marketing ideas
* Tap into the wisdom of others
* Connect with like-hearted entrepreneurs

Who is it for?
The Simple Ways Solopreneur Coaching Group is for business owners and founders who are:

* Ready to take their business to the next level
* Willing to receive uplifting support and acknowledgment
* Open to playing with new perspectives
* Want to help others along the way

How does it work?
The overall structure is as follows:

* 6 Participants
* 6 Weeks
* 90 Minute sessions
* On-line forum for sharing resources and staying connected in between sessions

We meet in small groups of up to 6 participants for 90 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. At each gathering, everyone has a chance to share and receive the focus and support of the group. You can use your "spotlight" time however it serves you best. You can practice your elevator speech, ask for specific resources, or simply share where you're at in the business building process. Each person will have the opportunity to pick a commitment and/or focus topic for in between meetings to help keep you moving towards your short-term goals and life-long dreams!

How much does it cost?
The introductory cost to join a Simple Ways Solopreneur Coaching Group is only ~~$150~~ $90 for the entire 6 weeks! We are offering INEXPENSIVE and INVALUABLE support for you because YOU ARE YOUR BUSINESS and we want you to SHINE!

Learn more about why Simple Ways Solopreneur Coaching Groups were created by clicking here

How do I sign up?
Fill out this form to begin the registration process:

We are All Afraid of Something!

2008-09-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

"Worry gives a small thing a big shadow." ~ Swedish proverb

It is so easy to get overwhelmed by fear when developing your business. But, fear is always bigger than the reality. In fact, being afraid is human nature and a natural part of stretching ourselves beyond the comfort zone - which is where most of our business development is done.

So the next time you feel stuck in fear ask yourself these 2 questions:

What am I afraid of?
What do I need to receive in order to move forward?

And then go out there and ask for it or give it to yourself because you are worth it!

List Your Business on Facebook

2008-09-04T19:01:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can list your business on Facebook for free? It's super easy to get set up and if you have a personal Facebook profile then you're already part way there. Some might argue that it gets a little sticky mixing your personal Facebook profile with your business, but why wouldn't your friends and family want to know what you are doing in your business life? They can be some of the most valuable advocates for your new and/or growing business and serve as an incredible support system for you.

You can have as many Pages as you have businesses - but remember that all of your Pages are created through your personal profile of which you only have one. For example, I have one profile and two Pages - one for my Family Coaching Practice and one for the Solopreneur Group. Here are a some good reasons why you would want to create a Facebook Page:

Build your on-line presence
Link back to your site (this helps with search rankings)
Build a "fan" base - Facebook users have the ability to become a fan of your business - the more fans the better of course
Have your clients and colleagues write your business a review - you can also copy & paste these onto your website
Post your events and invite your fans
Create an on-line dialogue between people who use your services and who like what you do

Here's how to list your business on a Facebook Page:

The first step is to create a personal profile. This is required and Facebook only allows you to maintain one profile. If you create a personal and business profile, they can (and probably will) delete both of your profiles. You are the person behind your business and the more your potential clients can see who you are, the better.
Once you have created your personal profile, log in and click here
Read what they have to say about what you can do and then click "Create a Facebook Page"
Select whether you are a local business, brand or product, or a celebrity. If you select local (and most of you will), then choose your industry. For example, I selected "Local" and "Professional Service" for the Simple Ways Solopreneur Page.
Type the Name of your business and click "Create Page". For example, I entered the name of the Professional Service as "Simple Ways Solopreneur Group.
You will be brought to a page that says "Your page has been created" and click "add information". Enter your address and hours and click "Save Changes".
Click the "Detailed Information" and enter your website (be sure to add the whole site using the http:// at the beginning) and a blurb about your business in the "General Information" box. Click "Save Changes".
Click "edit" after the business name at the top of the page and add any of the other features that you'd like such as a picture.
When you are done editing, click on "publish this page" which will make your Page public. Yay! You are live and on the scene.

Your potential clients are using Facebook so go out there and create your business page. And while you're there, check out the Simple Ways Solopreneur Group Page and become a fan.

Post your questions, comments, opinions, or experience with Facebook Pages as a comment. Everyone benefits when you share.

**Note: based on feedback I received from the Natural Healers Network, my next two articles will be:

Import your blog to your Facebook profile and/or to your Facebook business page
Create a Facebook Ad

Welcome!

2008-09-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there ~

Welcome to the Simple Ways Solopreneur blog! My name is Cassandra Rae and I created this blog because building my own business is one of the hardest things I've done! I will publish my personal secrets of success along with resources and links to other sites to help you build a thriving business.

Here's to your success!

Warmly ~
Coach Cassandra Rae