Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 12.

Today we talk about Letting it Go. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

 

In today’s short podcast, I speak on a subject that has always been difficult for me, but once I did it…man was it ever the easiest decision I have ever made. I am talking about letting go. Letting go of control, of having to do it all yourself, asking for help and list can go on and on.

What I feared the most

When people speak about outsourcing or hiring out or even asking someone for help, there is this bottoming out feeling (at least for me), where you can almost hear the brakes being hit and they screech to a halt.

My biggest fear was that someone was not going to put in the work like I would. That they didn’t care as much as I did on this project or job. And that eventually, they would let me down and I would have to go back in and clean it all up and do it over again (such a burden to be a know it all huh?).

What I found

So my first attempt at letting go came with asking a wonderful lady to do my accounting. This is something I despised doing and she was overly enthusiastic about numbers and spreadsheets…bless her heart. So, I took a leap and let her straighten out my tangled mess. Oh boy was I nervous. She was going to see into the catch-all drawer or that closet that we all have where we just stuff crap till it explodes. And yet, she had it on track in less than 2 weeks and still wanted to speak to me! Who would have known! It was not as bad as I had made it out to be.

Now, when I pull up my reports…”Ahhhhh”, they are done and done right! Such a relief. Such a weight off my shoulders.

What I learned

So if joining forces with a bookkeeper wasn’t a form of torture like I expected, then maybe, just maybe, I could combine forces with others?!?! So my husband and I took on a project together (which is being revealed next Tuesday) and man has this been one of the best things we have ever done. We got to pour into each other in a way that had been previously segregated. My business, his job, your paycheck etc. Now, this was our project, and we both had stock in it. Just recently we sent prototypes out to contest winners and beta testers for the trial period. Some in New York, Ohio and even Peru! Then it hit me….we created something together that is on it’s way to New York and Peru. WOW! Something two people made out of love and combined efforts had that far of a reach, and can possibly bless someone else’s life. That was a very sobering moment for me. So humbling. That would have never happened if we would not have worked together!

So I encourage you to allow others to live in their strengths so that you can live in yours!

Hope this helps!

With much love and many blessings!

Please leave us a comment, topic to discuss, a question to answer and a review on iTunes!

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please schedule an interview here.

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 11.

Today we talk about Intentionality. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

 

In today’s podcast we talk about being intentional with your dreams. Writing them down…being specific. This word kept coming up for me this past week and especially when my husband and I were doing a self reiki healing session. I was like “what am I supposed to think about?” He answered with “your intentions”….well what does that mean?

Ask yourself what you want…

What do I want for my life, career, job, business, family, even dinner? Ask yourself what you want and need and then be prepared to answer those questions

Be specific on the answer…

When your out for dinner and the server comes to place your order do you say “oh just whatever”…or are you specific? Yes, you are…you want this item, cooked this way with none of this on the side, but add this please. Ok then, so same concept when it comes to setting intentions. Be specific when it comes to what life is asking you what you want.

Write it down!

Here comes the tricky part. You have to write it down. Taking the thought, idea or dream and then to leave it that way is non-productive. The simple act of taking the idea, grabbing a pen or pencil and writing that idea down into a journal or keepsake book MAKES that thought now a real action. The other day on a podcast, Rachel Hollis stated that she writes down that she DOES speak on Dave Ramsey’s stage everyday as if she is already doing it.

So for this week set a small intention and write it down…if its a home cooked meal…be specific and jot down everything you need for that meal. Then follow up with that intention and make sure your making it come to fruition.

 

Some wonderful people to follow on setting intentions are: Rachel Hollis, Oprah, Christy Wright, Amy Porterfield, Pat Flynn, James Wedmore, Christine Hassler, Chalene Johnson,

Hope this helps!

With much love and many blessings!

Please leave us a comment, topic to discuss, a question to answer and a review on iTunes!

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please schedule an interview here.

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 10.

Today we talk about how NOT to do video (trust me, I am an expert). Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

In today’s VIDEOCAST I talk about how NOT to do video. I know all about how not to do this…trust me. Doing videos are hard. Most people do not like seeing themselves on a screen unless you are just that into yourself, and most of us are super critical when it comes to what we say and how we say it. Raise your hand if you self-critic your own stuff (HAND UP). So it is real easy to fall into nervous habits (like my umms and ya knows) when doing a video.

This all takes time to work out and make second nature so no worries. Just give yourself a break and don’t think small and let fear be the driving force. However, here are some tips on what not to do…cuz I am have done all of them!

Tip #1

Eye contact people – Get a picture of your spouse, friend or something soothing and stick it to the top of your computer, phone or webcam! Then make eye contact with that picture. *Side note…do not use spouse that day if disgruntled (LOL)*. But this will give you something to focus on and not have your eyes wandering all over the place when it comes to doing your video.

Tip #2

Be Ready – Even if you have to edit the video later (for this videocast I used My Movie Maker), do not just have dead air space with *click *click *clicks in the background and you looking at your phone or screens and “waiting” for people to jump on. You start a live at 4…then start it. Remember, you have about 3-5 seconds to capture someone attention…then you have to hold it…so no dead air!

Tip #3

Acknowledging EVERYONE – Yes, people love to be acknowledged. But I have seen so many, high figure earners, start and stop their sentence 3 or 4 times because they were saying HI. Reminds me of the show where the guys nickname was “10 second Tom” (Bonus gift to anyone who can name the movie that comes from). So acknowledge the sum of the whole up front and ask for a LIKE or a HEART and then in the Q&A Section at the end of your video, call out individually per questions and give special thanks then.

Tip #4

Scripting – You are not on a syndicated network or at the Emmys…no reason to follow a teleprompter or script for your video. The pressure that puts on yourself is immense. Hit the major points with keywords and go from there. That way you can go back if need be if skipped and NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW!

But most of all Chillax my friend. You are essentially having a virtual conversation and there is already enough pressure! No need to add to it. The more you do the more will be done. And DONE is good when coming to your progression and journey. Done is better than stuck!

Hope this helps!

With much love and many blessings!

Please leave us a comment, topic to discuss, a question to answer and a review on iTunes!

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please schedule an interview here.

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 9.

Today we talk about getting real. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

Today we talk about getting real. I have noticed that in my past podcasts I have really tried to go over and above on the “professionalism” and they have turned out not sounding and feeling REAL. So in this episode, I talk to you mono e mono…just like I would if we were face to face.

(This podcast was created using Sparemin for the audio recording and Sparemin Headliner for the video output. Check it out.

Please leave us a comment, topic to discuss, a question to answer and a review on iTunes!

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please email me at [email protected]

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 7.

Today we talk about accountability. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

Intro

Our Guest today is Julie Mako, of The Continuation Project. Julie offers Accountability Coaching to entrepreneurs and small businesses to get them focused, organized, motivated and set up for success.

What do you think are the biggest obstacles for people when it comes to accountability?

Not accepting the help when you need it/being stubborn. Feeling lost/confused/unmotivated.

How can we overcome these obstacles?

ASK FOR HELP. It’s scary but sometimes you have to do it. Define your why, the reason you’re trying to do what you’re doing. What is the end goal? What will it get you? How will you feel?

What steps do you recommend getting a routine in place?

Figure out the way that works best for you, first. Some people like planners, other people like Google calendars.

Are there any programs or courses you offer that can help the listeners?

I offer a one month program with 4 calls and unlimited messaging for $125 (please email me and say you heard this offer on the Creative Guidance Podcast for this special price)

How is the best way to get in touch with you?

Email, [email protected], Facebook and Instagram. Also check out my web page at www.mycontinuationproject.com

Thank you again, Julie, for joining us today.

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please email me at [email protected]

 

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Intro Music: Spirit of Success by Matthias Harris

Copy Write Assistance: Tonya Burnett

Audio Production by: Carrie Silverhorn via Audacity Copyright Creative Guidance Podcast/ Dream Keeper Designs 2018

 

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 6.

Today we talk about showing up and being accountable, not only to your clients and for your business, but for yourself. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

Intro

Today I took a quick moment to record this podcast in my car with a handy-dandy app called Spreaker. You can find that on Google Play for mobile and I have included the link as well.

But I really wanted to just do a little spurt on showing up and yes….a bit of a confession on my part too. I promised to do this podcast weekly and man have I been slacking! One of those “Oh this won’t be hard and I can fit it in”…SHOOT! Podcasting is harder then it looks….errr…sounds.

Anyway, what brought this to mind was an incident that I had this last week where I advertised for a housekeeper and had an applicant set the day and I set the time for the initial interview and she didn’t show. My immediate thought was NOPE, onto the next. But after chatting with her a bit and reiterating that I needed someone dependable, and she assured me she was, I rescheduled….only for her to no-show again! So when I was tagged in a social media post about a cleaning lady, and they recommended her…I voiced my “Thank you but no thank you” opinion and why.

Now that is not good publicity for her new business….nor is it good feedback for any of us who don’t show up and hold ourselves accountable for what we say we are going to do or provide. ME INCLUDED! I have lost clients, projects and reputation due to this in the past and let me tell you it is one bad habit to break!  One of those “Never start cuz it’s hard to quit” type things like smoking or drinking pop (Okie term for soda) kinda things.

So how do you stop that habit? How do you hold yourself accountable? Well, ask yourself some probing questions. Is this person depending on my service or product? Will my reschedule, missed apt or no show affect them and their life? Think about it….they probably had to clear a time to meet with you, speak to you or work you in. They lost possibly another client for that time promised to you that they did not get paid for (my hairdresser is pounding her fist in her hand ready to pummel me at this very moment)…and vice versa. Maybe it could have even ruined their afternoon or day! You never know what someone had to go through to make time for you….so don’t waste it. Respect them and yourself.

Even if it is a discovery call for yourself as a business owner for a product or service…respect yourself and your business to show up and ask the questions you needed to ask. Don’t let fear get in the way and then just ignore the appointment. SHOW UP. Take that 15 mins to see if it is right for you. If not, then say no thanks, but at least you know, right!?!  Everyone deserves the chance to succeed in what they love doing and in thier strengths and we all deserve the courtesy of another person’s time and undivided attention!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK – Much love and many blessings!

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please email me at [email protected]

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Intro Music: Spirit of Success by Matthias Harris

Copy Write Assistance: Tonya Burnett

Audio Production by: Carrie Silverhorn via Audacity Copyright Creative Gui...

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 5.

Today we talk about being your own Valentine and Self-Care. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

Intro

Lauren Emma Kelley is a Confidence coach currently training to be a Positive Psychology Coach. Lauren helps females to create their own definition of success through helping them to build the confidence to go out and get what they most desire.

What is your definition of self-care?

They are simple behaviours which allow us to take joy in ourselves and in the world around us. “The things that make your soul sing”

What do you think are the biggest obstacles for people when it comes to self-care?

Time. Believing its all about lavish spa days and spending money. Not knowing what self care is and why its important.

How can we overcome these obstacles?

We only give time to things that we think are important. Our priorities are often more focussed on the action and making tasks and I believe we need to consider self-care as an important action taking step. If we don’t feel good, happy and aligned we wont take the right action moving forward. Correctly educating about self-care. Stop the myth that self-care is all about money and change the focus to joy, enrichment and enjoyment. Again this is education around the 6 sections of self care (which I go over in my Self-Care Ritual challange).

How can people contact you?

The best way to reach me is on my website at www.laurenemmakelley.com. My page for my self-care ritual is https://ra418-d4041f.pages.infusionsoft.net/

You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook @laurenemmakelley

Thank you again, Lauren for joining us today.

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please email me at [email protected]

Our show is brought to you by The Serenity Keeper.

Intro Music: Spirit of Success by Matthias Harris

Copy Write Assistance: Tonya Burnett

Audio Production by: Carrie Silverhorn via Audacity Copyright Creative Guidance Podcast/ Dream Keeper Designs 2018

Today we talk about Giving in Abundance and the blessings and “rules” that go along with it!

Do you know what it is to give? What is giving in abundance? How do we give with boundaries and without being taken advantage of? We talk about all of this in this episode.

Book I reference: Expectation Hangover by Christine Hassler

Your listening to the Creative Guidance Podcast, Episode 3.

Today we get down to business with Sarah Hinton of The Serenity Keeper Bookkeeping services, on the importance of your business finances. Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Carrie Silverhorn, and I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly 20 years…it’s my passion to help business owners not only to overcome any business obstacles but to also come up with creative ways to achieve their goals and visions they have for their company. This is not just what I DO, this is what I LOVE.

Intro

Sarah Hinton is the owner of The Serenity Keeper, a virtual bookkeeping firm. If she keeps your books, you’ll keep your serenity. She loves to work with small business owners to help them keep their peace of mind when it comes to the business side of their businesses.

What Software do you recommend and why?

For bookkeeping, I recommend QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks is the gold standard when it comes to bookkeeping software, and the online version is definitely the way to go over the desktop version. It does have the downside of having a monthly fee. However, it will always stay updated, and there is a companion app to keep your business financials always at the tips of your fingers. ( I personally use 17hats for my service side and intergrate that into Quickbooks.)

I would also recommend the app MileIQ for mileage tracking. It works with the GPS on your phone to automatically capture all of your business mileage. It’s soooo much easier than keeping an old school mileage log.

Another great resource is HubDoc. Rather than saving all of your receipts, you can just take a pic with your phone and upload it to their secure storage. It can also automatically pull in your bank statements so that when it’s time to do your bookkeeping, everything is all in one place.

What is the number one thing business owners overlook when it comes to finances?

I think the number one thing most business owners overlook is the importance of bookkeeping in general. Many business owners are excited to get started and then when it comes to tax time, they suddenly realize that they don’t have ANY system in place. Keeping up with your bookkeeping throughout the year will make doing your taxes quicker, easier, and cheaper, but more importantly, it’ll give you a better idea of how your business is doing on all of the other 364 days of the year.

How can people contact you?

The best way to reach me is by email: [email protected] or by phone: 417-986-3193. You can also check out my blog on my website for more great information: www.serenitykeeper.com

Thank you again for Sarah Hinton for joining us today.

If you are a thought leader and have some words of wisdom to share, please email me at [email protected]

Our show is brought to you by The Dream Keeper Balance Box.

Intro Music: Spirit of Success by Matthias Harris

Copy Write Assistance: Tonya Burnett

Audio Production by: Carrie Silverhorn via Audacity

Copyright Creative Guidance Podcast/ Dream Keeper Designs 2018

Creative Guidance Podcast – Episode 2 – Logos vs Branding.

Today we talk about the importance of branding and the knowledge you need to know when it comes to your own brand and how to present it.

Recorded with Spreaker Studio app via phone. You can find this app here for free. http://bit.ly/2DUoJQ2

Contact us at www.dreamkeeperdesigns.com