Fuel Your Foundation

It’s not just the warm breezes and sunshine that highlight this season; summer invites you to indulge in quieter moments as you fuel your foundation.

The shift in weather, the relaxed schedules, and the impulse to travel encourage living in vivid color, leaning into creativity, and following the urge to open the doors and explore.

It’s no coincidence that the midpoint of the year arrives in sync with such a luxurious season. Nature offers us the chance to radiate new energy, refresh our thinking, and rejuvenate our plan for moving in a chosen direction.

Here are 10 distinct ways to savor the season as you cultivate your path forward.

Routines that Radiate

1. Rise and recharge - decide to step outside to watch the sunrise or sunset at least once a week this summer. Nature’s canvas does not disappoint.

2. Shift one Zoom call or meeting to a walk, be in motion while you motivate, learn, or listen.

The OOH! Effect

3. Free valuable mind space by moving all that cluttered thinking Out Of your Head (OOH!) onto paper. Start each week by writing down the challenges, ideas, and questions that fill your brain. Without judgement. Yes, all those consuming thoughts you keep rehashing. Review each one on paper and ask yourself: Is this true? Is this something that needs to be handled now? Decide to delegate it, delight in doing it, or delete it. Watch as fresh creative ideas and clear thinking come rolling in.

Bloom from Beginning to End

4. Note your top three priorities to start each day.

5. Name three wins (big or small) each evening before lights out. Teach your brain that good things are happening every day. Look for the evidence.

6. Highlight the details of one memorable, positive experience from each week in your journal.

Nourish Your Network

7. Connect with a different colleague, collaborator, creative, or funny character in your life at least once each month. Liven things up with new faces over coffee, lunch, or drinks.

Summertime Sizzle

8. Pour in what nourishes you, from books and podcasts to festive beverages. Read Brianna Wiest’s The Pivot Year or The Life That’s Waiting; her strong, soulful words will nudge you to keep going. On a hot summer day, try a glass of Athletic Brewing’s spirit-free Ripe Pursuit in Lemon Radlar. This zesty beer will wake up your taste buds!

9. Clear out. Good riddance to stale thinking, habits, or people in your life who no longer support your dreams and ambitions. Clean house in all ways and create space for your summer sparkle and success. Pick one today and begin the purge.

10. Capture the colorful. Snap those beautiful photos of the flowers, parks, beaches, and mountain views. Fill your memories with what delights you. Keep these pictures for your future book, your fabulous client emails, or postcards of inspiration when the weather or your mood needs an influx of sunny disposition.

Make the most of this opportunity to breathe in more basking, reflecting, and laughing. Then allow this energy and fresh thinking to turn into ideas and next steps for a fabulous finish to the year.

Your Train is Leaving the Station

What’s the energy you create in meetings and conversations? Are you in motion, excited about where you’re going, sharing your next steps?

I love riding the train, especially the moment it pulls away from the station. That’s why I equate the energy of successful founders with the “All Aboard” mentality. People can join you on this fabulous journey or choose to watch you go.

Customers, future clients, and business colleagues feel the energy of someone on the move. No one wants to be left behind and miss the chance to be part of something fresh and exciting.

Don’t get stuck thinking there’s only one way to spark momentum. While stories of client sales make for great sharing, there are other ways to attract interest in you and your business, especially in the early days.

Here are five examples (other than sales) of how to generate the vibe of excitement around your new business.

1. What upcoming events are you attending? Is the event full of interesting speakers who are intriguing, inspiring, and not easily accessible? Who will you meet? Will you be learning new skills, ideas that you can’t wait to share to assist customers?

2. Are you posting valuable content? Are you writing an amazing blog or sharing video tips, steps, lessons that add value, a new experience, or a new way of thinking for your customers?

3. What new products are coming? Share your excitement for the next product you plan to launch or a recent addition. How is the product different from the competition, and how does it aid your clients? What unique features does this product offer?

4. Have you been asked to speak? Being asked to speak or host a workshop adds credibility to you and your business. By speaking on panels, as keynotes, and in workshops, you demonstrate that others value your knowledge, skills, and experience. Make the most of the aligned opportunities.

5. Are you attracting new vendors or partners? What will this new talent bring to your existing products, services, or events? Share what’s fresh, exclusive, or one-of-a-kind about this new business partner or vendor.

In the early days of business, it’s all about the energy you bring to the table. When you’re enthusiastic about your plan and the path you’ve created for yourself, others will be too, and sales will follow.

Magnify Your Momentum

What causes the biggest delay in making sales as an entrepreneur? It’s hiding behind screens. 

In the early days, when you’re trying to build traction, old-fashioned shoe leather is the ultimate tool, and it’s one many try to avoid. We trick ourselves into believing that social media will drive sales, and for the majority of solopreneurs, especially those new to the role, it doesn’t happen. 

The benefits of human-to-human meetings are unmatched. You learn a ton of valuable information when you see their expressions, hear their questions, objections, and gauge their enthusiasm. This priceless insight informs a wealth of areas, including your messaging, content, and product development. 

One strategy that’s worked for me is to begin with a single geographic area, one immediately around you. Start where you’re known and already have connections. Networking is easier in familiar territory, as it allows you to meet future customers in person and return for follow-up appointments. It’s also efficient. 

While it’s tempting to hide behind your screens, don’t be fooled into relying on social media and the noise it creates in your head, not to mention the time it takes. Step into the field, lead with you, your passion for helping customers solve a pressing problem, and your enthusiasm for your product or service. 

As you move through these client interactions, you can then post on social media what you learn, where you go, and what’s happening behind the scenes—a beautiful blend of online and in-person. 

This is how you magnify your momentum. You meet contacts, expand your connections, fill your knowledge toolbox, like a domino effect, opening one door and then another.

Dial into Your Brilliance

Defining your brilliance creates a fabulous energy that puts you in control of the day and your future. How often do we get thrown off track from the morning’s mission? When that happens, how do you rally your reset?

Imagine turning the dial back to your brilliance each day.

Some say they don’t have time to think about this, but I ask, how can you not? When you avoid turning your internal dial to its success setting, you lose time, energy, and impact. By focusing on how you want to show up, you stay on point with essential business and commit to actions that accomplish your goals - not someone else’s.

When we let others decide our strengths and savvy, we're at the whim of the day and their opinion of what’s best for us. That’s when less appealing options take root. Anxiety and distraction creep in while our energy drains. Don’t let others trim your colorful, unique advantage and hinder your growth.

Take a moment today to choose the words that describe you at your best. Pick three words that resonate with your success setting. How do you define your best self as you build and stretch? It may be words like determined, calm, creative, powerful, elegant, or unstoppable. Or something completely different - the point is, you make the choice.

Ground yourself in the truth of what makes you bloom, and nurture this declaration daily.

Forge Your Story of Skill and Talent

Creating a rich repository of your skills and talents is part of launching a successful business. (Think of it as your pot of gold.) The story of your entrepreneur evolution reveals how you capitalize on luck while unlocking opportunities. Are you embracing the chance to be your own lucky charm?

As the sparkling personality who attracts your clients, team, and partners, where can people connect to learn more about you? Where are you sharing the lessons and accomplishments that led to the exciting business you’re building?

BE your own lucky charm

People buy from people. In my business, the data confirms that our “About” page has been a consistently top-viewed story for years. Buyers want a look behind the scenes to be inspired by you and find a connection. Do you have a simple web page dedicated to your evolving and exciting journey? If not, I encourage you to consider adding one today. (Hint: a web page that you own and update, not an app.)

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity,” as the saying goes. If you’ve skipped this preparation part (sharing your story) that helps attract your best customers, I offer these points to consider what you may be missing:

Potential customers want to know who they support when purchasing your goods or services. Promoting only products and offers without sharing your story as the leader and executive leaves people wondering who is behind the mission and why is it important to you?

Beyond value, your journey communicates how you’re qualified to deliver on your commitments and builds trust. The successes and challenges you’re hiding translate to valuable lessons and experiences—knowledge that only comes from doing and being in the trenches. Be proud of them.

A well-crafted “About” page is an opportunity to establish credibility by telling the genuine story of how your interests, talents, and passions converged to prompt the start of the business. No one has your exact background; share this valuable and unique aspect.

Your experience attracts clients who appreciate the passion and persistence you’ve demonstrated to get to this point. It’s a chance to connect with customers on another level. The “right” clients (the ones who are a natural fit) will appreciate your journey and be moved to learn more about how to work with you.

Unplug to Uplevel

I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return. 

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire. 

British Virgin islands (BVI)

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently. 

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go. 

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude. 

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success. 

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.  

Bring Festive to the Forefront

One of the reasons I favor February is the chance to spark a color revival! We’ve refreshed from the holidays yet remain in the chill of winter. Are you ready for a break from bare surroundings? Create cheerful inspiration with these colorful collections, vibrant textures, and tastes. Rev up your studio and rejuvenate your space. Treat yourself in small and simple ways as you step into your best year yet.

Seven tips to find your flair:

• A pep talk in pink

• Sweet snacks to share

• A striking addition

• Delightful dessert boards

• Icy inspiration

• A burst of blooms

• Highlight your heartfelt notes

You Are the Secret Sauce

One of the gaps I see in coaching women business owners is the lack of a founder story. Your depth and experience are an opportunity to generate enthusiasm and credibility, and it’s a critical missing link when overlooked.

A founder story is your distinct background, how it impacts your skills and inspires new approaches - a valuable combination to your future clients.

As a solopreneur or business owner, sharing your unique story isn’t about ego; it’s about connection. Clients, partners, and investors want to hear your novel account as they decide whether to believe in you, to give you their time - and money. Before you talk about your product and race to schedule meetings, understand the significance of your journey. This narrative isn’t optional; it’s something to plan for and be proud to reveal. Can you articulate the path that led to your business?

Each of our individual stories is unique; however, here are essential steps as you build your founder message.

As a seasoned and savvy woman, you haven’t been on this earth for decades without learning any number of valuable lessons: the art of negotiation, service, persistence, follow-up, prioritizing, idea generation, communication, and bouncing back. I know your list is long. As the owner and CEO of your business, claim the skills that make you the perfect person to deliver your product or service right now.

These early weeks, when you have few, if any, paying customers, are about establishing credibility. Setting yourself apart. You want future clients to see that your business is an intriguing new option that benefits them in a meaningful way. Invite curiosity about your future plans - what will you do next? - via your compelling story.

Reflect on each milestone you’ve experienced, and detail how it makes you strong, knowledgable, and capable at this very moment. Write ten things you’ve accomplished, situations you’ve overcome, connections you’ve made, and skills you’ve acquired that led you to this moment in your business. Allow time for reflection and revisions in this process. Then, narrow your points into a brief yet powerful message.

One thing I remind business owners is that executives and organizational leaders hear from people making claims and promising the moon all the time. As a former Director of early stage funding programs, I’ve heard it all. Most of us can smell a fake story a mile away. Be genuine and deliver on your early goals and commitments. This will set you apart.

Each of you has an incredible story to tell if you take the time to reflect on it and document the lessons. Define why you are your secret sauce - a unique individual offering your specific craft or service. Be ready to share the story of you, and build excitement for what’s next.

Finding Harmony

Back in October, I celebrated the start of a new decade, excited to declare it my best yet. In January, I’m processing the news that four different friends have passed away in the last month. This was not in my plan. I now understand that to experience more ease and joy, I must also learn to find harmony between sorrow and celebration.

my weekly morning walk

The universe at large seems to test our commitments, checking to see just how devoted we are to them. Fortunately, I’m dedicated to mine. We held a wonderful family celebration to kick off the year, and we have fabulous travel planned in the coming months - lots to be grateful for. On the other hand, sad news abounds. Welcome to a rich life experience.

If this time finds you in need of more harmony, I’ll share what works for me in the hope that it helps you. I offer these words as comfort, in the spirit of community, and moving forward together. For me, finding harmony means allowing time to feel the grief, and the sadness, to rest, read, write, walk, and, when I’m ready, to keep going. Onward toward joy.

Reveal a Fresh Perspective

This season invites us to declare a fresh break, upend the old habits, and reveal a new perspective.

How are you doing as the CEO of your life? Before you dive in and do all the things, have you determined the end result? What’s your vision of an ideal week or month, and are you working toward it? For some of us, being the chief executive includes running a business. For others, it doesn’t; either way, you’re the boss of you! This season of renewal is well-suited to asking yourself quality questions and proclaiming the answers.

Our brains love to go to work on answering our questions, whether they’re good or bad. There is such a thing as bad questions, ones that don’t serve you. Challenge your brain to think of answers that will excite you, require new skills, and open new doors. Don’t talk yourself out of what’s possible this year by asking the wrong things. For example, “Why doesn’t anything work for me?” “Why can’t I figure this out?” These are not inquiries you want your brilliant mind to answer. Instead, ask something like this: “What are ten new ideas to get the result I want?” Guide your brain to offer interesting choices, and be open to what you hear.

Consider that your questions send a message to clients, your team, and your family. Author Joe Dispenza, in his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, prompts us to ask, “What am I broadcasting (consciously or unconsciously) on a daily basis?”

Write down questions that inspire your best ideas:

• How can I work less and earn more?

• What if it’s possible to…..write the book, get the job, close the client, start my business, experience more calm? What would that look like?

• What kind of mom/partner/friend do I want to be this year?

• What are ten new ways to reach my revenue goals?

• What are five fun ideas for a friend’s night out?

Complete the “What if it’s possible to….” sentence with whatever speaks to you, serves you, and helps you accomplish your mission.

Here’s my question for you…What are you willing to do differently this year to build the life you love?