Yearly Archives: 2012

3 Ways to Burn Out

Published August 28, 2012

Be kind to yourself as you learn + move forward

I sat with my friend by the pool, sipping Snickets.

(What’s a Snicket? A shot of vodka, a squeeze of lime, a sprig of fresh mint, topped off with seltzer).

We made jokes that this is how the millionaires live: cocktails poolside.

Nevermind that the pool is small, plastic, kiddie-sized.

And I pulled out a dead cricket (the pool boy hadn’t been around in awhile).

The dog ran around the yard, as dogs do.

A dove sat above us on a sunlit branch.

And there was this “thank you” moment.

Now, I don’t know who I was thanking.

I’m not …

Posted in business, creativity, how to be

3 Ways to Boost Creativity

Published August 21, 2012

To be creative, you have to do stuff differently.

This one is for my superstars who value creativity.

Here in Stella’s Laboratory, we’ve long suspected that creativity gets lauded in the “gifted and talented” way, when sometimes the experience of being creative feels more like Special Ed.

Especially in business.

Because as a creative person, you not only need to keep your eyes on the regular stuff—time management, goals, attracting clients, avoiding burnout—you are also developmentally unlike Regular People.

You need to fuel your creative engine and do weird things to keep it from gumming up and seizing on you.

Not only that. There’s added peril for the creative …

Posted in business, copywriting, creativity, how to be

Passive Income is a Hoax*

Published August 14, 2012

Raise your hand if you have been working on our passive income streams.

Okay, good.

For those of you getting the hang of the lingo, “passive income” is where you create something once and sell it again and again, with little additional work. A home study course is an example of passive income. You’ve recorded the class content, and now you just send customers the recordings and handouts. Easy-peasy.

That’s why so many of our colleagues are chasing the “passive income” dream.

And while it’s a lovely fantasy, I want to make sure you have your head on straight about …

Posted in business, copywriting, know your numbers, marketing, marketing online

Two ways to write a weekly newsletter

Published August 7, 2012

two ways to get your newsletter done

If this is you, it may be helpful to start this conversation here: “That’s Not Writer’s Block”

In a nutshell, here’s why it’s worth figuring out how to get your newsletter out weekly:

You create the impression of having your act together
You build rapport and connection with your tribe
You create a platform to promote your latest program or product
You hone your “message” and find what’s juicy to you and exciting to your readers (read: testing ground and market research)

From there, you need a writing habit.

Option #1 – Your weekly article writing date
My preferred …

Posted in copywriting, how to write, marketing, marketing online

Everybody Must Get Stoned

Published July 31, 2012

Don't be afraid to make enemies

Remember back in the day when people threw rocks at women who were non-conformist, uncommonly wise, and intuitive?

I think that’s what keeps a lot of coaches and service professionals from sharing their real point of view in their marketing.

They are afraid of getting stoned like folks used to do to witches.

Deep down, are you hiding your real point of view from your marketing because you think you will scare people off… or the townsfolk will come after you?

Because you think if people REALLY knew who you are, they would not like you. And they would not …

Posted in brand + message, business, how to sell