Crystal Uncorked

After talking with Grace Kang, I can’t wait to check out her boutique Pink Olive at any of the amazing locations she shared about on the show today.

Grace opened up Pink Olive at its first location in the East Village of Manhattan, New York 15 years ago. She now has another NYC location, as well as one in Cold Water, New York, and Little Rock, Arkansas. If you tune in, you’ll hear all about how she ended up in the adorable up-and-coming neighborhood of SoMa, Little Rock with her husband Matt.

Not only does Grace share about her wonderfully curated stores where she maximizes her Zone of Genius, bringing products to life for its ideal customer, but she also has some pretty great business and life tips too. One of the many things we have in common is the “Brain Dump”, Grace says she uses this to beat the overwhelm and get all her ideas out of her head onto paper. From there she can sort and make sense of everything she's been thinking about instead of keeping it all up in her mind.

Another thing I love that Grace recommends is “Happy Tuesday”. This is what she calls her dedicated inspiration day, where she has a special day to be happy, get inspired, and take care of her creative side. You’ll have to listen to the episode for more of her wisdom and the tips we share. Especially a really sweet piece of advice from her late father.

You can check out more about Grace Olive and Pink Olive on their website and social media.

Also, don’t forget I still have space for you at EVOLVE 2023, use the code UNCORKED when you register to save $400.

See you on the next CU!

What’s Inside:

• Pink Olive, is a whimsical Boutique with 4 locations.
• Honing and analyzing your ideal customer.
• A retail perspective on surviving the pandemic.
• This a smart tip for beating overwhelm.
• “Happy Tuesday”, Grace’s scheduled personal inspiration day.
• How Grace’s Zone of Genius works for her business.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Pink Olive
Grace Kang (@pinkolive) on Instagram
Pink Olive on Facebook
Register for EVOLVE 2023 and use code uncorked to save $400
[email protected]
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

In this part 1 episode I  am sharing my 9 MUST DOs’ in the social media and digital marketing world. Some you might already be doing, some you might be on your list to try, and some might seem totally crazy… but I promise you businesses who are doing any of these 9 tips are going to see some success this year. So let’s dive in. 

1. Increase in video usage: Leverage video to connect with customers
   -Short-form video with Reels and TikToks
   -Live stream
2. Tiktok: Powerful algorithm, especially locally with FREE reach. Change your mindset this is no longer a “kids dance app” it is a powerful business tool.
3. Personalization through segmentation: Separating email lists to address specific, personalized audiences with relevant content. 
4. Prioritizing customer engagement: Client-focused marketing with meaningful, connecting, engaging content.
5. Personal branding with authenticity: Be uniquely yourself, people buy from the people they know, like, and trust.
6. Storytelling: Making connections and meaningful content with real stories…people love to relate to stories.
7. Social commerce: It is easier than ever to sell through social media, especially through TikTok. Post promotional content through Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or Pinterest and tag your products.
8. Real-time marketing: Posting and sharing in-the-moment content, inspired by Be Real and TikTok Now
9. Customer Service: Small businesses can use social media to connect and reach customers through social media. Save time with automation by setting up chatbots to answer frequently asked questions. Go above and beyond.

Okay, my challenge for you…consider these 9 trends and let me know which one you’re really going to focus on. Send me a DM or email and let me know, I can’t wait to hear about it! I’ll see you soon for part 2.

See you on the next CU!

What’s Inside:

• Crystal’s Top Trends and Predictions in Social Media 
• How can TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms be used in marketing?
• Why you should consider getting personal with your customers.
• Authenticity is the new personal brand.
• Video content advice and tips.
• Is TikTok becoming a new version of Amazon?
• Why you should consider bringing your customers behind the scenes.
• A useful tool for automating and improving customer service.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Register for EVOLVE 2023 and use code uncorked to save $400 [email protected]
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Have you heard about Chat GPT?

I am coming to you from Salt Lake City, Utah for an Outdoor Retailer Snow Show. Paula and I are spending some time between the show getting really focused on branding and messaging for this year, and some special goals and projects we’ve got in the works. But I had to come on here and talk to you about this powerful new tool, Chat GPT.

Chat GPT is an AI that can answer questions, write essays, articles, blogs, scripts, poems, emails…you name it. It is an incredibly diverse bot that can even narrow and drill down its writing based on various prompts and requests. I’ve seen people have Chat GPT write grocery lists so specific that it plans out diet-specific meals for each day of the week. But how can you use this in business?

1. Emails - Do you have a hard-to-write email at the end of the day that needs to address an employee's behavior? Do you want to send out a mass email about a super exciting event? Give the details to Chat GPT and leave it to them.
2. Blogs- Chat GPT can actually write articles based on topics relevant to your business like the top 10 tips for new dog owners
3. Social Media - In a creative content rut? Have Chat GPT write up your next 10 social posts with a specific content focus. Too long? Ask GPT to shorten them. Need only captions, tell Chat GPT it's for Instagram.
4. Content - The uses are endless: ask for content ideas, generate a script to read on video, and so much more.
5. Procedures and Documents - Chat GPT can write down important information surrounding procedures or other documents for your business.

These simple prompts are just ideas but putting them to use can dramatically save time and even help you stand out creatively by utilizing formats you might not feel comfortable with normally. Now I know for a lot of people, AI and technology like this can feel scary…or like the newest thing to learn, and you might not feel ready for it. But I am asking you to keep an open mind because the impact of Chat GPT is going to be incredible.

At the time of this recording, I still have some tickets available to Evolve where we are going to be talking all about Chat GPT and so much more! You are not going to want to miss this event, so hurry up before they sell out!

See you on the next CU.

What’s Inside:

• What is Chat GPT?
• How can a Chat AI be used in business and marketing?
• Time-saving uses for Chat GPT.
• The power of new technology.
• Evolve Conference April 2023.

Mentioned In This Episode:
[email protected]
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Just outside the city of Austin, Texas sits the beautiful property of Flat Creek Estate. Eva Horton the owner of this winery and entertainment property joins me to share her inspiration and vision for this incredible place.

Flat Creek sits on 80 acres of beautiful vineyards, gardens, outdoor patios, and curated spaces. The winery features a tasting room and a 5-star restaurant, with plans to build lodging to extend the visitor's experience. When you hear Eva talk about this place, you can’t help but get swept away.

Italian flavors and feelings culminate in the vibe of Flat Creek. The Texas winery scope is growing, but Flat Creek still stands out, with Italian varietals grown on sight and perfectly paired with menu items prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

Whether you’re enjoying a tasting, a fun brunch, a date, or a day out with the family, Eva has curated an experience for you. With a focus on world-class wines and experiences, Flat Creek will have you wanting to come back again and again. Visiting the Butterfly Garden, picking up a picnic basket, listening to live music, or participating in a Sip'N Shop… Flat Creek Estate continues to create unique events to drive traffic and ensure a perfect and lasting experience for every visitor.

I hope listening to Eva talk about this amazing destination with first-class experiences and Texas charm has swept you away. I urge you to check out their website and plan your trip. I can’t wait to get there myself!

See you on the next CU!

What’s Inside:

• A world-class winery destination in Austin, Texas.
• What is Flat Creek Estate?
• Where can you find Italian wines made in Texas?
• What events can be expected at Flat Creek Estate?
• An all-day experience for wine and fun in a beautiful outdoor venue. 

Mentioned In This Episode:
About - Flat Creek Estate
Super Texan, 2017
2020 Spotlight Pinot Noir
[email protected]
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Happy New Year! It's 2023, and after what felt like a long, long December it is finally the new year! I hope you had a great holiday season with family, and friends, and doing what you love to do! If you're anything like me though, you're ready to start the new year with big goals, and important changes, and ready to see success. I am sharing a few rituals, one old and one new, that are helping me plan and attain my goals for 2023.

Annual New Year Ritual: Word of the Year
Every year I like to choose a word, it may be aspirational or descriptive, but it explains how I am going to work, live, and reach my goals. This year I chose two! One Professional and one personal.
Ease: This year my business hit 10 years and I really feel like we have a strong foundation and our client base and messaging are strong. So why make it complicated? I want everything to feel easy. I want ease to be the lens and filter in which my team and I do all our work this year!
Content: I have such an internal hole to fill with content creation. This year for my personal word, I want to create habits and practices that fuel my creativity and allow me to create stellar content. This goes for the podcast, social media, and hopefully some other great stuff.

New Habit: Best Year Blue Print
If you haven't heard of the Best Year Blue Print from Jenn Gottlieb you need to check it out. I learned about it in a masterclass and kind of did my own take!
Step 1: Reflection – Take all of your wins this year…big, small, simple, elaborate. Look back, remember, and write down all of those wins and accomplishments.
Step 2: Gratitude – While you're looking back, think of everything you're thankful for...people, moments, events, accomplishments. Find a place of gratitude and abundance for everything you've experienced and shared this past year.
Step 3: Create a List – Use these first two steps to help you decide how you want to feel in the new year. Goals, ambitions, feelings, success…what do you want from 2023?
Step 4: Letter to Self – Take all of that and write yourself a letter. Fill it with all the things you want to do, the changes you're going to be accountable for making, how you want to feel, the concrete goals…. and the next step is the best part.
Step 5: READ IT EVERY DAY — Read your letter every day…morning or night…build it into your routine. Use this letter to inspire you and remind you of the things you need to do to reach your goals.

I've already started reading mine and those words… "Dear beautiful badass me…" each day is already proving to be so important… I can't wait to get to the end of next year and say "I did it!".
If you're not committing to some kind of accountability or practice to help you reach those goals and ambitions you're setting for the new year, you cannot be frustrated or surprised when you blink and December is over, only to realize daily life got the best of you.

So, what are your new year habits? How are you going to reach YOUR goals? Shoot me a DM or an email, I'd love to hear about it!

What’s Inside:
Happy New Year, 2023!
What is the Word of the Year and how can it drive your goals and success?
Crystal’s take on Jen Gottlieb’s “Best Year Blue Print”.
Reflection and Gratitude on the big and little wins, moments, people, and events from 2022.
Habits and rituals to create achievement and success in the New Year.

Mentioned In This Episode:
[email protected]
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

 Are you guilty of scheduling and planning things more because you're afraid to miss them than because they’re actually something you need or want to do? I know I am. I get caught up in FOMO. But recently when I had a full schedule and cancellations were bringing me so much relief, I was reminded of JOMO, The Joy of Missing Out.   

Too often we get caught up in our schedules and places we think we should be and things we think we should do. We get tied to our obligations and responsibilities even in times we should be taking for ourselves. I recently saw a study of a group of employees in which 70% admitted they do not disconnect from work during their vacation. VACATION!!  We need to make the things that really matter a priority and stop wasting our time on things based on fear of missing out and instead embrace the JOY of missing out.

Six Tips for Embracing JOMO (Psychology Today)
-Be Intentional with your time
-Give permission to live in the present
-Embrace tech-free time
-Practice saying “No”
-Experience REAL life, not just social media life
-Slow Down

I have my own way of implementing these tips that work for me but there are so many ways you can make these work for your life. Embracing the JOMO can make room for self-care, improve creativity, and allow time for the things you are truly passionate about. How do you embrace the JOMO? Send me a DM and let me know!

See you on the next CU!

What’s Inside:

• What is “JOMO”?
• How missing out can actually bring joy and increase productivity.
• How a full schedule can create burnout and overwhelm.
• Six Tips for Embracing JOMO.

Mentioned In This Episode:
JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out | Psychology Today
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Whether you think you need to be using LinkedIn or not… Viveka Von Rosen says, you do. Viveka is the CVO of Vengreso. Vengreso started out with sales prospecting training programs and has now created an incredible text expander software for business owners and entrepreneurs, FlyMSG.

So many people are not using LinkedIn the way they should be, I’m guilty of this too. But Viveka brings up something so important, something she calls “Google Juice”. If a prospective client or business relationship googles you or your business, what are they gonna see? Is your old, outdated, unappealing LinkedIn page going to appear and make you seem unprofessional or uncommitted?  It doesn’t matter if you’re B2B or B2C, Viveka makes the point that it’s all human to human in business and LinkedIn can help make those connections.

If you want a safe place for prospective connections to land from Google, Viveka shares some things to consider for your page.
 
-An appealing background image with your business name, logo, or other relevant images.
-A clear professional profile photo of you NOT your logo
-A meaningful headline including your tagline or motto

These are just the basics but there are many more free, simple features on a base-level LinkedIn page that can seriously up your game. The good news too is that you likely won’t have to create these elements from scratch, you can recycle images and content from your other social media! This isn’t all when it comes to LinkedIn and Viveka has been so generous to include a FREE digital copy of her book, 101 Ways to Rock LinkedIn for my listeners!

Now about that text expander… Viveka is on a mission to save time for the 1 billion knowledge workers around the world. 1 hour or more DAILY in fact. If you’ve ever had to sift through old emails to copy and paste a response, save info in a document to use in emails and messages, or reference your website for critical data like phone numbers or mailing addresses to send then Viveka is about to change your life. Viveka’s company Vengreso developed FlyMSG, a text expander that allows quick and easy shorthand to drop in a pre-dictated text relevant to you and your business, saving you an insane amount of time and even headspace.

This is such an awesome episode where Viveka not only shares some really great tips you can use on LinkedIn but a lesson in pivoting, learning and trying new things in business. And don’t forget to check out the Ebook and FlyMSG for free!!

See you on the next CU!

What’s Inside:

• Why you should be using LinkedIn for your business.
• Tips for leveraging your business with LinkedIn.
• Free Virtual Access to 101 Ways to Rock LinkedIn.
• Save crucial time with text expander software that will change your response game.

Mentioned In This Episode:
2018 Spotlight Cabernet Sauvignon
Vengreso
Free eBook: 101 Ways to Rock LinkedIn
Viveka von Rosen on LinkedIn
Invest in Vengreso Inc.
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Let’s get real…I haven’t been trusting myself. This year I’ve invested a lot in myself, $57,000 to be honest…no small chunk of change for me. I’ve joined masterminds, professional development, programs, live events, you name it. And time and time again…I’m hearing the same information. And I know that I’ve learned things that are priceless and things that I might not see a return on right away. But when I’m hearing things I already know, I have to ask: What am I doing with this? How am I using this knowledge?

The truth is I’ve been consuming and consuming and consuming content to stay busy. It’s procrastination. I’ve been so focused on other people's stories, successes, and results that I just looked up and realized I'm in the wrong car on the wrong road to the wrong place. I’m realizing now that I have been so occupied with these training sessions that I haven't made time and allowed myself to go inward and decide what I really want and get creative with my thinking.

So what am I doing about this? For me, I really need a Content Detox. I’m not listening to podcasts on my walks or in the car, I’m taking a break from the content I’ve been consuming. I’m listening to music and letting my mind wander. It’s amazing when you make the space to think, the questions and ideas that will come to you!

If you’re like me and always wanted to know where your path leads, what’s going to happen, and what your results are going to look like…I urge you to slow down. Go inward. Trust the process. Trust yourself!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening, I will be back in December after the Thanksgiving holiday!

What’s Inside:

• What are you benefiting from the content you consume?
• Are you making time to go inward and pursue your own desires?
• “I already know this”, How are you using the information you’ve learned?
• Can a content Detox pave the way to a more creative mind?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Embracing What Makes You “YOU”
Get Listed Now - Crystal Media
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Susan Negen is the other half of WhizBang! Retail Training and my dear friend and industry partner. I previously had her other half Bob Negen on the show for episode 43. As WhizBang! Celebrating 23 years, Susan shares some great tips and lessons on creating both a business and a life that you love. 

Not only does Susan run an incredible business, but she also does it with her spouse! She shares how they don’t just make it work, they thrive together. For partners working together, it’s important that they be aligned with their thinking and plan to grow in the same direction. If you both don’t have the same goals for your business, you can expect problems. That doesn’t mean you won’t have differences, but Susan highlights the importance of making time to discuss your visions and blend them where they don’t match up. She also says defined roles are key! Both partners should have a specific job and own it. For Susan and Bob, she is the actionary, getting shit done and Bob is the dreamer and visionary!

Susan has a lot to share about visioning and converting that vision into focused action. Your outcomes and dreams can be planned and actualized if you just take the time to think and make your vision clear. She uses a great analogy about going out on a hike and you get to a beautiful peak but your campsite isn't there…the view may be beautiful but it was not what you wanted and you'll need to go back out and hike some more to get to the right peak. It’s so much easier when you reach your desired destination the first time, if you do the work and you plan the vision, and you read the “map” you can get there.

One thing I love about WhizBang! is their team, every event it's the same team. Susan and Bob are such great leaders that they have incredible employee retention and great culture. One thing that can cause failure in leadership and employee turnover is burnout! In today’s business world this is a big problem and a hot topic. Susan says the key is active rest…and not feeling guilty. We talk about active rest versus fake rest and the importance of giving yourself grace to do the most important thing for yourself and your business: make time for you!

With 23 years in business, Susan’s biggest takeaway from her journey is to take risks and go all in. WhizBang! is always working to provide an ever-increasing positive impact for the independent retail community. You can find out more about WhizBang! Retail Training on their website and social media!

What’s Inside:

• Converting vision to focused action.
• Tips to create a business and life you love.
• Preventing and handling burnout.
• Active rest versus fake rest.
• The secret to working with your spouse.

Mentioned In This Episode:

2018 EMPATHY RED
2019 Dreamville Blend 75
Episode 43: Mindfulness and Business Success with Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training
WhizBang! Retail Training
WhizBang! Retail Training (@whizbangtraining) on Instagram
WhizBang! Retail Training on Facebook
Get Listed Now - Crystal Media
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎

Paul de la Garza brings with him over 25 years of leadership experience. He is a dear family friend, my "adopted" father, and my business coach. He has a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor, both of which he lets shine in this episode.

Paul and I discuss this great analogy for your various journeys, whether it be in life, business, relationships or all of the above. So often you find yourself needing to know the end goal or the final destination that you're not even on your way. For me, I was stuck in the car in the garage and I just needed to go. Too busy contemplating the future? Get on your way, tackle the path most likely, and move towards your future before you let it pass you by!

It's also no secret that the last three years have been times of unprecedented crisis. Between the COVID pandemic, the economy in the United States, and the effects of international wars, it can be easy to become impaled by fear. Paul reminds us that while we cannot always be in control of what happens we can be in control of our response and the energy we bring with us!

Healthy debate is an important part of communication, listening and understanding. Paul explains the "Gem Statement" and the debate process as described by David Brooks, a renowned New York Times Columnist. When two people in a debate can come to this process, they create unity, community, and communication. Paul encourages people to follow this process and become better listeners and to more often seek to understand rather than to be understood.

This conversation with Paul filled me with hope for our world, community, and future. He leaves us with these beautiful words: "We are going through very interesting times, and it is very important to the power of one, that is us and wherever we stand we have the choice to become light or darkness…Have faith in yourself and the people around you."

You can find out more about Paul de la Garza and his contact information by visiting his website, High Performance Business Solutions.

What’s Inside:

• Wisdom for the journey of life, business, and relationships.
• COVID, The Economy, and International War: Navigating Times of Crisis.
• Being present in your moments despite the final destination.
• A healthy debate process from David Brooks.
• The importance of Listening.

Mentioned In This Episode:
2020 L'Atelier du Sud
[email protected]
High-Performance Business Solutions
Get Listed Now - Crystal Media
EVOLVE 2023 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Let's stay connected:

• Follow my journey on Substack: https://buildingmyepicempire.com
• Email me: [email protected]
• Instagram: @crystalvilkaitis

I'll CU on the next CU! 😎