Business survival tactics
We become entrepreneurs because we know there’s a better way to work and live.
And then we realize how much we have to learn. From work-life-balance to burnout to perfectionism, here’s my take on some of our biggest entrepreneurial battles:
Burnout = creativity killer (and my favourite way to avoid it)
The other day, I completely spaced out. I was riding my bike downtown to meet my partner after work. I was physically present in the world but mentally elsewhere. I zipped right past the safe street with the bike lane, the street I was supposed to take right. Instead,...
How to set up a 100% free and mostly painless webinar
Webinars are all the rage right now, and for good reason. I hosted two webinars this fall/winter and they totally helped me own my expertise, grow my list and generate new leads. But webinars are also SCARY, especially the first time 'round. Heart racing, palms...
Video: The real (and magical) reason you need to be yourself
Something incredible is happening in my business. I'm attracting lots of new clients. Clients who are smart, successful and kind. Clients who share my values, ethics and compulsion to help. Clients with sharp minds, clear hearts, and a sense of humour. Clients kind of...
A question that cuts to the core of your business story
It happened in the most unexpected of places. A dim sum restaurant. A late Sunday morning. Prawn dumpling halfway between my plate and my face. My partner and I were talking about our careers, as we often do. Our conversation drifted to understanding yourself and how...
Online marketing for introverts
I had a piece published in the Globe and Mail on Friday about how introverted small business owners can successfully market themselves online—without pretending to be someone they're not. From playing to your strengths to using video, selectivity and the stealth...
Why you need an email list & what on earth to do with it
I feel awkward telling my non-business friends about my email list. I shouldn't. I start off really enthusiastic, and then as I explain what it is and why it matters, my palms start to sweat. These are friends and family members who work in a range of industries—a...
How to make “work-life balance” irrelevant
This isn't supposed to be a self-help website. I never intended to write about my feelings and relationships and those messy/beautiful realizations that make us human. But after moving apartments again—the fifth time in 15 months—I’m feeling sentimental about change...
How to curb perfectionism before it stalls your business
I was a bit of a dork in elementary school. Or a "browner" as the other kids put it. A browner, and a perfectionist. I was locked in ongoing competition with a guy in my class. We both ran for student council president (he won, dammit). Whenever the teacher gave us...