Live Full Work Fun Podcast

In this digital age, if you're in business, having a website is a requirement.

Your website is your digital home. YOUR digital real estate. If you don't have a website and are solely using social media to share your message, consider your content on borrowed land.

Your website paints a picture of who you are and what you stand for. It's a means of helping people to get to know, like, and trust you. Those who you resonate with, will do business with you.

The consistent content you place on your website, along with your social media and email plans help start and grow relationships. All these digital avenues for communication with our clients make up our marketing foundation.

In today's episode, I thought I'd pull the curtain back a bit and share tidbits of a recent consultation session I had with a client.

My client has a tough time with tech. It wasn't until about a year or so ago that she had gotten into the habit of opening and following up on her email.

My client and I sat down together for about a two-and-a-half-hour intense session where we unwrapped her goals, her aspirations, and her fears.

She kept repeating that she wants to go online because there is such a need in the market for what she does. But as we went into more depth into the conversation, she really had no idea what being online meant or what that would look like.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with not having a clear picture at this point, after all, that is why we're working together.

Intuitively, you'd think that the first thing I'd suggest to her was to create her website. After all, building an online platform starts with a website.

During our conversation, we brainstormed on many possibilities of how she could scale her business. The possibilities excited yet overwhelmed my client.

Recognizing that if we dove in too fast, she would be frustrated and give up on the whole online thing before she even started.

Truth be told, I did tell her that she will have her website…but not now. First, we agreed that she needed to get comfortable with some aspects of using tech while at the same time helping her with her current sales and follow-up process.

We are chunking things down so that working with tech isn't so intimidating to her.

Our first mission is to set-up and train on how to use a CRM in her business. I recommended to her Less Annoying CRM, because it is a robust system and affordable.

Listen to today's episode to get the whole story.

Enjoy!

Resources:

• Platform – Get Noticed in a Noisy World | Michael Hyatt
• Less Annoying CRM

What vision comes to mind when you hear the word "networking"?

A room full of business executives in their suit and ties mingling around shaking hands and passing out business cards? A place where you've got to have this stellar performance to sell what you have to offer? A place where you don't feel like you fit in?

The word "networking," for many of us, especially those of us who are introverts, conjure up feelings of dread. The interactions seem insincere and uncomfortable.

On many occasions, I've asked my husband, Robert, to join me to attend business networking events. He would graciously accompany me, but they're certainly not his thing.

Robert is the behind-behind the scenes guy on the Scrivener Solutions team. His day job with Scrivener Solutions involves primarily editing and producing podcasts for our clients.

Marketing our company in official business networking channels is not where Robert's area of excellent lies. Although he's very talented in his skills of editing and producing podcasts, he'd rather be making leather hunting pouches.

Recently, we made a trip to Conner Prairie outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert had signed up for specialized classes for his fur trade era mountain man artistry.

Robert was nervous about going because he knew he'd be in the same room with leaders in the niche and he didn't know what to expect. He had fears that his skills didn't measure up.

"I'm with my people."

What resulted was five days of discovering that he was truly "with his people." He learned new skills, but most importantly, he genuinely got to know leaders in this niche. He received advice, direction, and encouragement. Conversations led to new discoveries of skills, interests and new connections.

Robert realized that he was networking.

In today's episode, I asked Robert to join me so that we could share our conversation about how you could be networking and not even knowing it.

The very root of growing your business is creating relationships and helping people. Having genuine conversations with individuals may start as little ripples in your business growth but will lead to big waves down the line.

Networking doesn't have to be uncomfortable or boring.

If you're the creative type trying to make a living with your creative talents, perhaps this episode will help you gain perspective. Find your people and you'll realize like Robert did, that you are networking when you're honing your craft through classes and events.

Enjoy!

Resources:

• Robert Scrivener
  • Website
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
• Conner Prairie | Fishers, Indiana
• Ken Scott | American Frontier Artist | Pouches
• Eddie Rector | Can-tu-kee Hunting Pouches and Accoutrements
• Contemporary Longrifle Association

One phrase I find myself saying often to my clients as we work through projects is to "chunk it down."

When you have a mountain of a project to do, you need to chunk it down into manageable bits so you will make progress.

Some people have a knack in chunking things down. Some need a little help.

That's why I invited Theresa Volesky to this week's podcast.

Theresa is a professional organizer. She works with her clients assessing their piles cluttering up their living or working spaces. While those piles overwhelm her clients, leaving them paralyzed as to where to start, Theresa, she sees the piles and immediately knows how to conquer the project. She chunks it down.

I love Theresa's story and wanted to bring her on the show for you to meet her. Now Theresa doesn't have an online business…yet…

Her business is one on one client work. She started her business during transitions in her life. I think you'll enjoy the episode as Theresa shares her journey.

Resources:

Theresa Volesky

• • Email
  • Facebook
• Clutters Anonymous
• The Purpose Driven Life | Rick Warren

In this episode, I'm proud to introduce you to Penny Rosema, owner of 2 Views International. Penny is a professional speaker and consultant specializing in negotiations. She also is the managing director of the Cookware Manufacturers Association.

I met Penny last year at the Less Annoying CRM user conference. Less Annoying CRM is one of the tools I, and some of my clients use, for our customer database.

Through a series of brief conversations at that conference, Penny and I ended up working together. I love working with Penny because she has such energy that I wish I could match. She says she's all over the place, but I admire her momentum and how much she accomplishes.

I invited Penny to the show to share her experience of how she moved from corporate life to becoming a successful solopreneur. She shares great insight and tips about how she manages her business and her time.

Resources:

• Penny Rosema
  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Negotiate Like a Boss Podcast
• Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job | Jon Acuff
  • Chapter 1: Don't Quit Your Day Job (mentioned in episode)
• Slack
• Asana
• Hour Tracker
• Less Annoying CRM (referral link)
• 20 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas

Steven Covey teaches us in his book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," that habit two is to begin with the end in mind. The habit is basically refers to always having the image of the end of your life as your frame of reference to evaluate everything else. He says to start with a clear idea of your destination, so that what you're doing daily will always result in going in the right direction. The things that make your life busy should at least be important to you. Clear idea of your destination... Although, I agree that the clearer your picture you have of where you want to land in life…the easier it will be to make the right decisions to propel you forward.

However, does this mean that we should wait to take action until we have a clear picture of our destination?

If I would have waited until I had complete clarity to leave my traditional 9-5 job behind me, I would still be stuck in a lifestyle where I felt stifled.

This little two-word question started it all into a new life of creating a lifestyle and work that I absolutely love.

Two words…

What if?

Asking "what if" started the ball rolling, but I definitely didn't have a crystal-clear vision of my destination.

I hope you enjoy this week's episode and it sparks a little fire in you.

Feel good about getting started, even if you don't have a completely clear vision of your destination. Doing, learning, and trying will give you the clarity you need.

Know that it's OK to be a little (or a lot) fuzzy in your vision of your future. Your vision will give you direction. As you take your first steps, you will gain clarity.

The lesson here...don't wait.

If you truly want to achieve more freedom that an online business would grant you...don't worry if you're nervous or feel like you don't know what you're doing.

Just start.

If "start" means to download 20 Work From Anywhere Job Ideas to get your creative juices flowing, that's fantastic! Download the list today.

If you dream of more freedom, but the tech is what scares you, then my new work from anywhere mastermind group may be exactly what you're looking for. It's available to a limited number of folks. I'm in the process of selecting members. Simply email me at [email protected] to learn more.

I'm confident that you'll achieve freedom in life and in work you're looking for.

Enjoy!

• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Steven Covey
• 20 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas
• Email | [email protected]

You're in for a real treat. I've asked my lead designer on the Scrivener Solutions team, Brandy Van Riessen to be on today's show. I am excited for you to meet her, virtually speaking.

Brandy got her start with her very own work from anywhere business shortly she started her virtual assistant position with Scrivener Solutions. She owns and operates Olivia Mae Furnishings, her branding, web design, printables, and apparel company.

I hope you enjoy the episode as Brandy shares how she juggles being a mom to three wonderful youngsters, a coach's wife with a hectic schedule, working as one of my virtual assistants, AND build her business.

I'm super proud of Brandy as I see all the opportunities that are ahead of her. I think it's wonderful that she can grow her business at her own pace as she spends quality time raising her kids.

Another benefit of creating a work from anywhere business: if her husband has a job transfer to another part of the country, she doesn't have to go through the headache of finding a new job. Her business travels with her! She can continue her revenue stream no matter where she's living. Now that's a great asset.

Enjoy!

Resources:

• Olivia Mae Furnishings
  • Website
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
• Elizabeth McCravy Podcast
• 20 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas

In today's show, I am excited to have Sharon Snow as my guest. You've heard about Sharon many times on the show as she is a Scrivener Solutions Virtual Assistant and is the go-to gal for our social media management.

Sharon also owns and operates Let's Go Travel with Sharon, her work-from-anywhere business. I thought it would be wonderful for Sharon to share her experiences in growing her travel agency. We discuss the challenges she faces and the rewards she reaps from growing her business.

I learned a lot in our conversation, and I talk to her all the time. She even shares some secrets on how you too can get started in the travel agency business.

Enjoy!

Resources:

• Let's Go Travel with Sharon
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
• 20 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas

If you're not sure what passive income is, it's defined as income resulting in cash flow on a regular basis with little effort.

That sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Like money for nothing!

Then why isn't everyone on the planet doing it?

Listen in on today's episode as I share my take on what stops most people from cashing in on passive income.

Could it be that you, subconsciously, think that getting money for nothing is morally wrong? Here's a little secret...

Don't let the concept fool you. When it comes to reaping the benefits of passive income, you will earn every cent.

You'll hear in this episode my ups and downs...yet not gonna give up...story on one of my revenue streams.

With every learning experience, things have gotten easier. That's not to say that I didn't throw up my hands wanting to quit. And that's not to say I won't want to quit in the future. But, this long-term ride for this passive income stream fits in very nicely with my traveling lifestyle.

Learn some ideas where you can create multiple streams of revenue.

• 20 Work From Anywhere Job Ideas (download)
• Platform Get Noticed in a Noisy World | Michael Hyatt (affiliate link)
• Book Recommendations
• Resources Scrivener Solutions Uses
• BlueHost | Web Hosting Service (affiliate link)
• Episode #074 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas

An essential piece of growing your online business is most certainly publishing consistent content. Not just social posts. Not just emails. And not just a blog post. It's all three working together.

But where it all starts with your website...your blog.

New content published on your website on a consistent basis either in the form of a written article, a video, or a podcast is considered a part of your blog in my book.

In this episode, I share how from the first moment I began researching how to create my new online career back in 2012, I learned that consistent quality content was a key piece in my business growth. Yet, I resisted. I'd try. I'd start. I'd stop.

Here's what was going through my mind and stopping me from creating content:

• I'm not an expert yet
• I'm not a writer
• Surely, I'm different...I can do this without consistent content
• I have no idea what to say or write
• No one will listen or read my stuff
• I don't have time
• This is hard

Are you creating consistent content? If so, FANTASTIC! If not, what's your biggest obstacle?

At the end of 2017, I decided that my weekly podcast would become my core piece of content. Anything else would build around the podcast. The podcast is a priority.

I did have a bumpy start, but over time, it has gotten easier. More importantly, continuing to be consistent has given me clarity and I've gained a larger audience allowing me to grow as an individual and as a business.

Don't let the start stop you. Your message matters. By being consistent, you will get better, the process will get easier, and it will pay off.

If you're struggling in starting and staying consistent with creating your content, this episode is for you.

Resources:

Building Trust Online Mini Course | GaylaScrivener.com/trust

Starting and building your work from anywhere lifestyle doesn't have to be lonely. Learn more at gaylascrivener.com/member

Having the desire to work from anywhere is one thing. Figuring out how to achieve the lifestyle is quite another. Especially if you're unsure what your job would even be.

Let me tell you. Working in the same career for 20 years, I had no idea of the vast possibilities available when it came to work from anywhere job opportunities. I had been in the same industry for so long, it was hard for me to think of what I could do.

For many of us, it's a scary thing to venture out into the unknown and actually go after the lifestyle we truly want.

Ask yourself this… "If not now, then when?"

If you're working a day job and you're listening to this podcast and others like it, you're searching for more out of your life. Then let's start with some ideas to get you heading in the right direction.

The biggest obstacle...or at least I thought so at the time...was answering this question:

"What the heck would be my job!?"

I had no clue.

All I knew was my experience in the medical field. I worked for various physician offices from a one doctor shop to a health system employing over 6,000. I held different positions and worked with different specialties. I acquired many skills with my experience. Yet, I had blinders on for over 20 years. I was completely engrossed in my medical management career.

I was truly unaware and didn't understand how many wonderful opportunities there were to earn a living...and have fun doing it.

All I knew was the type of office atmosphere that I was surrounded by so far in my adult life. I wanted something different. I wanted out.

It was hard for me to see my own talents and experience and how those skills could transfer into a totally new career path. I was lost.

What did I do?

I took action and brainstormed. I evaluated my talents and listed tasks in which I could help people and build a business around. There were some things that I thought would be cool to do. But I didn't know how, so I learned.

If you're in the same place I was back then and need a little help with your brainstorming, this episode is for you.

It takes a little bit of creativity and the bravery to take a few risks. But you can do it!

Even if you don't want to travel like I do and just want the flexibility of having a home office, this episode will help spark some ideas.

Download this worksheet for even more ideas. You'll find a job that's perfect for your work from anywhere lifestyle.

Enjoy!

Resources:

Download 20 Work from Anywhere Job Ideas

Starting and building your work from anywhere lifestyle doesn't have to be lonely. Learn more at gaylascrivener.com/member