Are You Linked Into Business?

This Week’s #WOW is the Inspirational Viveka Von Rosen who is a linkedin expert, Viveka is ranked #6 in Forbes Top Ten Women in Social Media: Listed by Mari Smith as having the niche quality of a social media superstar and is one of the most engaging women I’ve ever connected with . Her Interview is so honest , funny and heart warming where she shares tons of incredible valuable business building tips in her own unique style. When I asked Viveka to be one of my featured #WOW’s it was slam bang in the middle of her book launch “linkedin Marketing, an hour a day” and a really hectic speaking schedule where she was flying all over the world. So I am really honored that she took the time out and gave a rocking interview as she’s one smokin’ hot Goddess.

Tell me a little about you, your lifestyle and what you are passionate about? What a great question. Fortunately I’m prepared for it because my life coach asked me this about two months ago.

I can’t believe my life right now. Ever since I was little girl I loved writing. I loved being on stage. And I loved teaching people.  In my long work history I’ve done everything from assistant professor to selling cars.  So I am absolutely thrilled that finally, at age 44, I am doing everything I love. I get to write books, articles and blog posts every day (Well, not all at once) I get to talk and teach people about social media. A few times a month I get to stand on a stage or in front of a room and speak to  an audience of soon to be like-minded others.  And I get to help business owners make more of an impact in their businesses and lives.

I’m also excited because I’ve always liked working with female entrepreneurs. A few years ago I created a business specifically for women and social media called Smart Blonde Media but it didn’t take off.  The timing wasn’t right.  However, I am finding that now I am beginning to get in front of female audiences, and working more with female clients. I love it.

On a personal front, I’m also a relationship with the best man in the world, live in my dream house in the mountains, and have the world’s cutest dog and cat. I am truly blessed.

While even I have been skeptical about the “Do what you love and the money will follow” and all that law of attraction stuff, I have to say I’m finding that having a very clear idea of what you want to do, and a complete vision of yourself doing that thing (living in that place, being in a relationship with that person) allows you not only to attract, but to recognize those things in your life.  I think we are constantly being given opportunities, but somehow by being focused on the life we want we can see those opportunities more clearly.  And take them.

So now more than ever I am excited about helping people realize that their passions and dreams are absolutely achievable. And my particular channel for that is LinkedIn

So tell me about your business, who is Linked into Business all about?  Whoops, I should’ve read this question first. As I mentioned earlier, I love working with entrepreneurs. And especially female entrepreneurs. However I do have niche markets with the legal industry as well as business associations.

I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with the PR firm Hellerman Baretz Communications. They have brought a level of professionalism that I probably would not have created on my own. I wear more suits now :-)

I have also discovered that Legal Firms at very good at sending limos to the airport and putting me up in fine hotels!

Again, for me LinkedIn is a perfect vehicle for communications and positioning.  Hellerman found me through LinkedIn, as did Wiley (my publisher).  Having a good Continue reading

Kick Ass and Grow Your Business

I was so happy when this week’s #WOW the inspirational Michelle Mahoney accepted my invitation to be featured as her story really resonates with me and carries many similarities to my own story as I’ve been earning my own money since I was 11 and always looked for opportunities to help others grow and progress. Michelle Amethyst Mahoney helps holistic small business owners who are struggling to find clients and are feeling overwhelmed attract more clients and  make more money so they can serve their bigger purpose in the World and help more people without burning out.

Tell me a little about you, your lifestyle and what you are passionate about? I am passionate about helping holistic small business owners getting their gifts out to the world so they can help others while getting paid really well to do it.

So tell me about your business, what is Kick-Ass Business all about?  Kick-Ass Business News is a resource for small business owners to find the best tips available today all in one place. We recently came out with a new magazine that is totally free to help more people.

What lead you to making the decision of creating your own business? When I was 12 years old I got tired of handing over hundreds and even thousands of dollars to the school, to scouts, and to other organizations after I spent hours and hours selling candy, calendars, and other things for them. I decided to cut out the middle man and go in business for myself.

Has there always been a burning desire inside you to create this or did it your business evolve from your original idea? Ha – well, I don’t sell Googly-Eyed Critters door-to-door like I did back then (when I was 12). My first “legal” business when I was 18 was a multi-level marketing business. By the time I was in my mid-20’s I was a professional pet sitter. Seven years ago I started reading Tarot.

Once I figured out how to become successful at that, I realized that there are Continue reading

Release Your Icon – What is your style saying about you ?

 Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing an inspirational young lady who’s mantra is ‘Release Your Icon’,  This week’s #WOW is Author and London fashion stylist, Fellow Entrepreneur Tanesha Westcarr. Tanesha embodies creating a business around your passions and life’s purpose . She has taken her unique gifts and created a successful brand around them. She changes her clients lives by helping them make the best first impressions, attract and keep the right life partners, renew their confidence and dress for success.  I’ve had the privilege of hearing Tanesha speak , I not only took away some amazing fashion tips (I was straight down the shops and buying some skinny belts to make me look slimmer round the waist ) but also valuable thought provoking lessons on life and how others perceive us and make judgements based on how we present ourselves.

Tell me a little about you, your lifestyle and what you are passionate about? My name is Tanesha Westcarr, I am a fashion stylist, author, brand and Icon Specialist. I would describe myself as determined, optimistic and fun with a love for my family, athletics and netball.

I am extremely passionate about enabling people to stand out as the best at what they do, to unleash their greatness, raise their standards and improve their strategies so they can get greater results with balance in their personal, social and business life.

No two days are the same for me and I am normally moving at high speed. One day could be a fashion styling job, then on to a consultation with a business executive on their brand image and identity and end with a speech at a university, where I’ll empower women in business on how to make a great first impression.

So tell me about your business, who is Tanesha Westcarr all about? We love and enjoy helping people to fulfill their potential and become a better, brighter and more bankable version of themselves, one of the ways we do this is by improving their personal and professional image.

What lead you to making the decision of creating your own business? I realized that I could do the same job that I was doing for someone else, for myself – as long as I was committed to learning, improving my skillset and managing my time, I knew that I could make a whole lot more income with a lot more control if I started my own company. I decided to add a system to my skill and provided the service that my target audience wanted. Initially that was in the fashion styling field then in expanded. People always want to look, feel and be better; I help them to do just that.

Styling Stripped Bare: Dynamic Strategies to a Stylish New You

Has there always been a burning desire inside you to create this or did it your business evolve from your original idea? As a very creative person and entrepreneur, I sometimes feel like I have too many ideas. I always knew I was going to own my own businesses and that it would have something to do with improving people’s lives, I didn’t know how it was going to materialize in the beginning. My business came as a result of simply solving a problem for others that I could easily do for myself. It started with compliments from people on my confidence in the way I spoke and how I presented myself – dressed and matched different clothes together. Then I decided to help other people achieve greater results with a higher level of confidence and style.

What did/do you find to be the most challenging part of your business?  Paperwork, seriously all the little things take care of the big things. Though I have a PA there are still little things that need to be taken care of that only I can do. So sometimes I just have to set some time to get the key paperwork out of the way.

What have you learned about yourself during the process of setting up your business? I am a great multi –tasker, incredibly determined and I am not afraid of temporary failure for long term success.

What advice would you give someone considering starting their own business?Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will anything that is a substantial and long term success. Give yourself time to develop into the person you want to be so you can have the business you desire. You must commit to learning, as you will never know everything in your field. Learn to take calculated risks and don’t be afraid to stand out. My mantra is standing out is not your problem, it’s your solution so shine. Lastly perseverance, discipline and optimism are key to enduring the road of success. Don’t ever stop until you reach your goal, and when you reach that goal surpass it and dream again.

What products and services do you provide? I have a whole host of styling and shopping services to improve your personal and corporate image. http://stylingsays.com

I also provide private consultancy services for business owners, executives, celebrities and media personalities to improve their potential, make them even more bankable and help them release their Icon. http://taneshawestcarr.com

What is the greatest success story for your business? I have had many highlights from writing my book Styling Stripped Bare, partnering and running catwalk shows with the Ideal Home Show with an attendance of 60,000+ people, styling at London Fashion Week to winning numerous awards andbeing invited to 10 Downing Street to meet former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. But the greatest success story came from a 17 year old girl that literally had no confidence when she first came to me, she had been bullied on social media and had a really rough start in life but by the end of just one session she was able to see and say that she is beautiful and deserved the best in life. She continues to grow in confidence every day.

Thank you so much Tanesha , you are an inspiration to me and so many others. If you would like to get Tanesha’s Book or sign up for her style tips go to http://stylingsays.com

Next week I’ll be interviewing Dr lara Fernadez who along with her husband Johnny are soulmates on a mission to help single spiritual women, create a life they truly love with the love of their life by their side.

How to be Irresistible Online to attract clients to you

Today’s WOW  (Wednesday’s Outstanding  Woman)  is Jess Webb from Be Irrestible Online. I’ve been following and getting advice from Jess for a while and what she doesn’t know about having an online presence and building your brand isn’t worth knowing. She’s very generous with everything she shares and gives clear no nonsense advice and information.
Tell me a little about you , your lifestyle and what you are passionate about? I’m a barefoot hippie and love being in nature and living naturally and simply. I work from home and tend to be a bit of a hermit. I love my me-time and having the freedom to work when and where I want. I’m very passionate about business, online marketing and creating the life that I want for myself and my family. My mission is to help and support women entrepreneurs to do the same.

So tell me about your business, what  is Be Irresistible Online all about?  Be Irresistible Online is all about designing an online empire that makes your heart sing! When you feel good about how you look online, people will pick up on that. You’ll approach your marketing with so much more confidence, because you feel great about what you’re putting out there.

And when you feel confident and irresistible, you’ll attract the people who you are meant to help, and they’ll be eager to pay you what you’re worth. I work with female entrepreneurs to design and build their irresistible online presence for them, so they don’t have to try and figure it all out themselves but can instead focus on what they do best: their business.

 What lead you to making the decision of creating your own business? I always knew I wanted to be able to do my own thing. I wasn’t happy working for someone else in a “normal” job. I had so many ideas and dreams and wanted to be able to run with those and create what I want for my life.

 Has there always been a burning desire inside you to create this or did it your business evolve from your original idea? My business has very much evolved from my original idea. I started out just doing website design, then I was introduced to an amazing online community of women entrepreneurs and started to see other things that they needed help with, so it evolved to include social media design, branding and other parts of creating an online empire.

Now, I do soooo much more than just website design and I love being able to help my clients put all the pieces into place so they have a beautiful, professional online presence that portrays them as the expert that they are and helps them share their BIG message with the world.

What did/do you find to be the most challenging part of your business? The most challenging part has been learning to focus and be efficient. It’s too easy to get distracted by email, social media, research or other things. I’ve often found myself distracted and overwhelmed, feeling like I’m not doing anything worthwhile, but not sure WHAT I do need to be doing.

Getting clear and focused on what is really important for my business and bottom line is challenging, but oh so worth it. It gives me purpose and direction, so I can then go to town and get done those things that really matter.

What have you learned about yourself during the process of setting up your business?  I’ve learned that I have so much more to offer than I tend to think. And that people really DO need and want what I have. I’ve learned that when I step up and play a BIG game, that’s where the most growth happens, and that’s where my dreams are. It takes big, bold thinking and actions.

What advice would you give someone considering starting their own business?Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Hire a coach, someone who can guide you through the process, and help you avoid costly mistakes (and get what you want a lot faster!). I hired my first business coach a couple of years ago, and I wouldn’t be without one now. It has been the one thing that has really helped move me forward.

What products and services do you provide ? I provide website and brand design, to help you create an online presence that truly reflects who you are and your big message, so you can attract your ideal customers.

I also provide all kinds of design and techy support services around that, to help build your Empire and make sure everything matches up with your main brand. Some of these include, design and setup your email newsletter, design and setup your ebooks or other products, create a Facebook page that is branded AND builds your email list, business card design, and more. My goal is to be your one-stop-shop for all your design, branding and Empire-building needs.

What is the greatest success story for your business? There are two that come to mind, so I’m going to share both briefly…

#1: I created the design/branding for the Love Your Naked Ass Warrior Series with Kimberly Riggins, as well as the design/branding for her program, Release Your Inner Vixen. I had sooo much FUN on both of these projects, and it’s been very rewarding to see Kimberly really rocking it out with both of these programs. And I know SHE feels more confident about putting these out there into the world, because they look so professional and irresistible.

 #2: One of my clients is a holistic energy therapist, who didn’t have a website or really any kind of online presence when she came to me. I created her brand and website, and am currently working on her social media sites and other pieces of her Empire. She now has a beautiful site that she is proud to send people to, and she is excited to finally be taking her business online in a big way.

Thank you Jess , I love how you’ve been able to combine your passion and create a successful business and are helping others in their journey. How your business has evolved shows clearly how women naturally create businesses that grow as they themselves grow and begin playing bigger.

You can find Jess here and  Learn how to build your Empire with the 10-part Be Irresistible Online: Top 10 Must-Have Web Secrets for Female Entrepreneurs e-course, Jess’s gift to you.   http://www.beirresistibleonline.com

Next week I’ll be interviewing my mentor and the lady who helped me find my path, Happiness Coach Sue Jaques Weston.