Making the Maven

Dr. Kelley Hunter is a longtime Depth Astrologer and Mythologist. Studies in psychology, cosmology, spirituality, and holistic consciousness, and over 1001 stargazing nights enrich her teachings and personal consultation work. She considers astrology to be a language of the soul that illumines our paths through life and connects us to the greater cosmic forces. Author of two books on LILITH, she also enjoys the creative arts, which led to her recent publication, Planetary Gods & Goddesses Coloring Book (for ages 7-adult). An international lecturer, she has served on the Board of the International Society of Astrological Research and writes for various professional journals. With a special interest in the Divine Feminine, she is also member of the Goddess Scholars Network.

Key Insights & Aha Moments

* Why does Kelley call her work Depth Astrology?

* What is astrology and what can it do for you and your business?

* She picked this date specifically for our podcast because it was the first day Mercury was turning forward instead of backwards!

* Those who know a little about astrology know about the Mercury retrograde. Happens for 3 weeks every 3-4 months.

* Mercury Retrograde can mess with business operations, so it's important to know how this is fitting into everything!

* Launches during Mercury Retrograde? Not so much!

* Astrology is an observational and technological science that goes way back in all cultures. Not just a "cookie cutter" 12 sign astrology that you can look at in the newspaper for your sign

* How does the sky move and what happens in relationships within those seasonal cycles?

* Learned how to do the math early on how astrology worked, started doing individual's charts and could start to see how relationships were moving according to people's charts

* You are more than your Sun sign. Your birth chart is a map of the planetary patterns, the cosmic dance, when you were born — A LIFE MAP and LIVING MAP

* Astrology is an intuitive science. We have the science of astronomy data, but how to interpret it is the art. It's like learning a language.

* Not all astrologers are good at communicating this to people. You need good counseling and listening skills, which is how Kelley learned

* Discussion on LILITH and how it has been a part of her life and business

* Suspicious on how powerful women can get negative reputations

* How can this be used in a greater way in your business?

* Know what your strengths are and what planets will guide you to your successes in life. What is the career area in your chart all about?

* Opening a new business between the new moon and full moon, energy is growing

* Also need to look at the chart of the business, not just of your career

* Where is the spot on our charts where we can find money, satisfaction and happiness in life?

* Talks about how much things have changed in this business and in astrology since she started in the 60's and 70's

* Developed specialties and is known for her publications on LILITH. Not much is written in English on that topic in astrology

* Make sure to check out her services, email list and webinars available on her website for more information on how to learn more

Maven Moment:

Something I want to encourage you to think about… you're a business owner! No matter where you are when you're going about your day and you always have an opportunity to share your message, results and outcomes for your clients. When you do that, there is a lot of opportunities you can uncover throughout your day.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Michellemcglade.com

Maven Inner Circle

Maven Facebook Group

Connect with Kathy: http://www.heliastar.com**

books on Amazon

BOOKS - two books on Lilith (who is she?) and Planetary Gods & Goddesses Coloring Book

Kathy comes in with such a great mix of knowledge in today's podcast! She has paid her dues in the Corporate World for 20 years and even earned her MBA, just to feel stagnated in lower management. After a life-changing realization struck her, though, she took matters into her own hands, quit that corporate job and life changed dramatically! Now she helps other entrepreneurs find the perfect fit for outsourcing work in their business to a Virtual Assistant, along with training and coaching VA's to be the best that they can be! Learn all about what you should be looking for in your next VA hire today!

Key Insights & Aha Moments

* Many are curious about how to get more hours in their day, but there is a lack of knowledge in this topic in the wellness industry, and in many others!

* She started in Corporate America for almost 20 years, but just wasn't getting promoted and stuck in middle management

* She thought about how she could change herself in order to get promoted, which caused a lot of self-doubt

* Finally, she read Wishcraft by Barbara Sher and it changed her life

* She realized she could be a business owner and make even more money than she thought, even though she was 45 years old at the time.

* Her boss and many people closest to her told her she was making the biggest mistake of her life when she quit her job, but soon was earning double what she was making in Corporate America

* Was terrifying, but was more terrified of living her life being miserably unhappy in the Corporate World.

* Now she teaches others on how to become a VA, trains and coaches in an all-inclusive program

* Dirty secret about the VA industry – the majority of VA's don't actually know what they're doing!

* How do you know what VA you should steer clear of?

* You get what you pay for. Professional VA average rate is $45/hour. If you're looking at cheap VA's, there may be a reason why they are so cheap (don't know what they're really doing).

* You're only paying for the work you need a VA to do, so while it seems like a lot, you only need to use them as needed or for special projects.

* Hire a VA before you really need them so you aren't stuck when you actually need them. Make sure you talk with them about what they charge and how they invoice.

* VA should be providing an invoice, an onboarding process, etc. If they don't have these systems in place, run!

* Make sure you have a cap in place so you have budget flexibility

* Kathy recommends a 15 minute productivity secret – a weekly, biweekly, or monthly phone call on the day you usually plan your week on a consistent, standing date where the VA runs the meeting

* The more hours you have the VA working for you, the more frequently you should be meeting

* She is offering a free service, 1-time opportunity to meet with her for a VA matchmaking session

* Will talk about skills you are looking for, what you're struggling with, goals and what a VA may be able to do and will email you 1-3 options to interview to see what may fit best with you and your business

* Email her [email protected] for this deal and say that you heard this on this podcast

Maven Moment:

Even though it feels like it may be too soon, you always want to make sure you have someone under your umbrella before it's too late! It will feel uncomfortable and it will feel like you're not ready, but guess what?! You're suddenly going to have more hours to do what you do best – coaching! And that, my friends, will bring in more money for you and your business. Now, you may not always hire the right person the first time around but don't let them scare you off from bringing someone in. I always recommend talking to 2-3 people before hiring your VA. You'll see how is a great fit for you and who is not. Another thing my hubby and I noticed – if I talk about someone at home at the end of the day and it's negative or a struggle and it happens more than 3 times, it's probably time to let them go! Nip that problem in the butt!

Mentioned In This Episode:

Michellemcglade.com

Maven Inner Circle

Maven Facebook Group

Connect with Kathy:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/expertvatraining/?pnref=lhc

Website - http://www.expertvatraining.com/

After being a Registered Dietitian for 8 years, Alissa Daire Nelson decided to pursue her nursing degree. But after becoming an RN, she drastically shifted course. Now, a Certified Strengths Strategy Coach, Alissa helps entrepreneurs and small business owners catapult their businesses to the next level without sacrificing their sanity, integrity, or personal lives. She's an accomplished Success Coach, Speaker, host of the Maximize Your Strengths podcast, as well as published Author of a hot new book. She's also able to focus on what's most important in life – being a proud wife and mother of two, who loves helping others discover how to make their businesses and relationships thrive in harmony!

Key Insights & Aha Moments

* Believe it or not, fear was the primary motivator on Alissa Daire Nelson starting her business

* Everything doesn't happen for a reason, but good can come out of the bad. Something positive can come from any negative situation.

* Alissa is always searching for connection and externally processes the things that happen around her.

* During her time in health care, she wasn't great at self-care. Between kids, learning how to be a single-mom and life, it was overwhelming.

* Emotional health, though, was always at the forefront and she sought out counseling.

* Counseling or coaching doesn't mean you're weak. It means you have a handle on the importance of working through things in life with support.

* Her first entrepreneurial journey failed because she didn't have the items she needed to succeed. She lacked confidence in herself, but she didn't give up!

* Started working on educating herself on how to be a business owner through books, conferences, webinars, etc.

* Than she hired coaches and joined coaching programs, went through the steps and knew the entrepreneurial road was her calling

* She won't take on clients for long-term because she doesn't want it to be such a comfortable relationship that they're just getting together for coffee.

* There needs to be a constant push for growth.

* It's not a bad thing to have multiple coaches to help you work through different things in your business

* She works with her clients a lot on strengths and doesn't work within any specific industry

* Doing her own strength finder was so impactful and life-changing for her, so that is what really changed her course when she was building her coaching practice

* Coaching is all about dragging their best self out of them

* Her new book is a little bit of self-development and a little bit of productivity blended to keep growing!

* The book is intended to be reread to keep growing in 3-month periods!

* Get the First Two Chapters Here NOW for FREE, Mavens!

Maven Moment

Well, I took a strengths test with Alissa and it looks like I'm working in my A+ zone and my zone of genius! Hurray! Since we're on this topic, I want to reinforce the importance of knowing, owning and leveraging your strengths for success in your business! I don't believe in cookie-cutter, which is why I don't sell courses. I have an individualized coaching program. Not every course will work for everyone and nothing is cookie-cutter in business. Get to know yourself, outsource when you can and know your limitations!

Mentioned In This Episode

Michellemcglade.com

Maven Inner Circle

Maven Facebook Group

Connect with Alissa

Website

New Book - From Frustrated to Fricking Awesome

Grab the First Two Chapters in the new book HERE NOW FOR FREE

Happy Thursday to you beautiful Mavens! This week I'm musing on what an effective treatment plan looks like for your wellness business.

Have you ever wondered how many treatment sessions and for how long to work with your clients?

If you're a health coach you might be thinking…

Do I need to work with clients for 3 months or 6 months…once per week or twice per month.

If you're a licensed acupuncturist,,,

Maybe you're wondering if it's too much to ask a client to come in twice per week…or even three times.

In this Maven Mini I'm covering the importance of confidence, setting a treatment plan based on getting results, and your treatment frequency based on what is best for the client and for you.

Shout out to Modern Acupuncture Marketing for inspiring this conversation.

Sarah is an empowered sensuality & fertility coach, with over a decade of experience helping driven women and entrepreneurs reclaim healthy, happy sex lives, and discover deep wisdom, love, and trust within - through the process of claiming shameless pleasure and sensuality. She's had her own podcast, led workshops & retreats, coached individuals and groups, and created a complete program for women looking to reclaim sensuality & fertility. This girl has been around the block, searching for the best non-dogmatic methods and philosophies to empower extraordinary women in their search for well-being and we're so lucky to have her here today!

Key Insights & Aha Moments

* Sarah discusses how sensuality and pleasure are the touchstones for lasting empowerment, and the ultimate path to breaking through plateaus in business.

* She has found parallels between birthing babies as a doula and birthing a business

* Rupture to rapture – What was her personal journey?

* What broke down for her and led her to this empowering place.

* Sarah has a really unique background

* As someone who has always thought outside of the box and branched out to do her own thing, she's comfortable making the "next step" and helping other goal-oriented women do the same.

* She finds that she doesn't even really fit into a category when doing her taxes anymore because what she does is so unique!

* Her outer work is reflected in her inner work and it has helped her come to know herself as a woman and entrepreneur

* Enjoyed teaching yoga and body work working with women one-on-one was when things really launched for her

* Now tailors her work with women to focus on reproduction and pre/post natal care, as well as being a doula

* She has found powerful synergies between personal growth as an entrepreneur and how a woman grows and develops physically and emotionally when birthing babies

* Works with women entrepreneurs to open themselves up for self-care and self-love

* How do women realize that having a deeper connection and love with your body is an important part in their business and life?

* Sarah walks us through her very own rupture to rapture and how hitting rock bottom helped her move forward and slow down

* What are the warning signs women have

* Sarah has openings in her calendar for discovery calls. Are you a fit for my RADIANT + Sensual Entrepreneur program? Website below

Maven Moment

I found Sarah's message to relevant, since I called my first business my business baby. Literally! This was my rupture to rapture moment! I built it from the ground up and it was a reflection of everything about me! But I got myself too attached. I was willing to give anything to this business, but it really had to stop. It was getting detrimental to everything else in my life. I was putting too much pressure on myself and I'll never make this mistake again! I gave more to my business than I did to myself and it was so hard to disconnect from that business. It almost felt like I had to kill my "baby" in order to get back to a healthy lifestyle! While it was a powerful experience, it's definitely not recommended. Think about how much you're giving your business and how you're balancing your business and life! It's so important!

Mentioned in This Episode

michellemcglade.com

michellemcglade.com/maven

michellemcglade.com/community

Let's go back to getting started in your business. I'm hearing it everywhere right now and I want to make sure that I'm being as clear as I can be on what you can focus on that will actually start bringing you in money as soon as possible!

When it comes to getting your wellness business started, how should you go about marketing yourself to prospective clients? What are you doing right now to do that? I know that many of you are struggling with all of the ideas that you hve in your head, but how or where do you REALLY take action?

The simplest answer I can tell you on how to get your business started the right way is to just take action! Any action! Something that moves you into the direction of clients! Typically, I see three things happen where people are unable to move forward.

1. Some of you stay frozen in fear.

2. You tend to get caught on the hamster wheel of collecting information, but you're not actually doing anything with it.

3. You are taking action, but doing it on the wrong things. Spending time on items like business operational activities or administrative items won't bring in clients!

Soooo… as uncomfortable as it may be, the very first thing you need to do is to put that business owner hat on! Get focused on sales and marketing.! I REPEAT, focus on sales and marketing! Because when it all comes down to it, if you don't have any clients, all of the operational stuff you're spinning your wheels on doesn't even matter!

Trust me, I understand you want to have an online presence. But obsessing over the preparation of having a beautiful and perfect online space doesn't matter since nobody is even searching for you! Bottom line, it's a nice to have, not a need to have!

So get started on your business the Maven Way - work on client generating activities! Get your butt out of the seat and start talking to people about you and your business! Focus on meetings and placing yourself in front of potential clients, set clear goals on action items to work on, create a comprehensive marketing plan to attract your ideal client and be consistent!

DON'T STRESS over colors, logos, websites, copy for website, surfing the internet, getting all free downloads or info, etc. Be targeting, consistent and aligned! You'll quickly be focusing your time on the right activities instead of going nowhere!

Michelle Grasek is a certified acupuncturist who started her business two and a half years ago. She teaches fellow acupuncturists online how to become good at marketing, so they can get clients, help more people, and get paid what they're worth! Michelle shares a very important tip that she wished she knew before she even started her website. Here's a hint: Always check whether you can legally use your business name before creating one!

Key Insights & Aha Moments:

*I've relaunched my free Facebook community!

*Two Michelles are coming to you today!

*Who is Michelle? She's an acupuncturist who has her own online business.

*Why is Michelle changing her name? She didn't check whether her website name could be used for business purposes.

*Michelle started her business 2.5 years ago and it's grown to something so big since then!

*What kind of feedback is Michelle getting from her community?

*Why is marketing so hard?

*We often feel so insecure becoming the 'expert,' despite spending so much money to go ahead and be one!

*Set up your business first, and then become an acupuncturist.

*How does Michelle help acupuncturists get clients?

*You can be available to your community, but you still have to build deep relationships and connections if you want to get anywhere.

*A lot of people don't want to spend or invest money into their business. How does Michelle handle clients who have a bad money mindset?

*If it doesn't cost you money, it's going to cost you time.

*Confidence — the piece is huge to creating a successful marketing plan/advert, and so many of us struggle with it, especially when we're so brand new.

*Michelle has a freebie for us today!

Maven Moment:

Before we wrap up, I just want to nudge you to think a little bit more about what you're focusing on, vs. what you should be focusing on. I know so many people are focusing on the wrong things! They spend way too much time invested in their logos and graphics, and not enough time actually getting out there and getting clients. Don't get me wrong, it's important to focus on that, but at the end of the day you don't have a business if you're not making money!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Michellemcglade.com

Maven Inner Circle

Maven Facebook Group

Connect with Michelle

Website

I had a really great question from one of my beautiful members of the free facebook community. Claudia was wondering what was better, an online business or a local business? If you already have both of those things going for you, which is better? From her perspective, they're both very different. Since I have experience with both of those two worlds, I would agree with her. However, to come a little bit full circle on that thought, I do believe there are a lot more similarities than we realize.

So, to get a little clearer on this thought. When you just have a local business, it's still pretty important to have an online presence. You're obviously focusing on being a better pillar in the community, and networking more one-on-one, but it's still important to have a website, or at least be on Facebook. I mean, everyone is on Facebook, which means you have to be on the top of their minds.

Now, if you're going to have a virtual model for your business, there's always a big, big emphasis on creating your presence online. However, I think it's just as important to create your presence locally, too. You don't need to emphasize it as strongly as if you had a brick & mortar business, but word of mouth spreads like fire, and can really help you excel in your online business too! These are where I see the most similarities between the two.

So, which one is better? You know, I don't think it's an either/or situation. I think it's more about understanding what type of business that you want, and how you want to structure it to meet your lifestyle goals!

Lacey Craig is a business mentor and success coach for high-performing women entrepreneurs. When working with clients, Lacey often sees people lack one of these three areas: Mindset, strategy, and execution. It's important to get the right balance of these three pillars if you want to stop getting hung up, and start skyrocketing! Keep in mind, you don't have to work yourself to death in order to create a sustainable business for both you and your family too!

Key Insights & Aha Moments:

*How did Lacey get on this crazy entrepreneurial path?

*What made Lacey take the leap and start her own business?

*When did mindset play an important role in Lacey's work?

*Mindset alone won't help you get clients! You need three pillars: Mindset, Strategy, and execution.

*How do Lacey's clients incorporate all three pillars at once?

*Once you're clear on what you have to do, all your business decisions becomes super easy!

*Lacey sees that after implementing a new strategy, she sees the results for it about 90 days later.

*You don't have to work night and day on your business. It's your business, your schedule!

*This idea of constant hustle is just not sustainable.

*Where do people tend to get stuck the most?

Maven Moment:

I want to share my 'frying pan' moment when I first dipped my toes in business. I spent a lot of my time on different Facebook groups and communities, in fact, I want to say I spent TOO much time in these areas. I wasn't seeing any return, and I kept thinking, 'what's the problem here?' Then the frying pan hit me! Why am I even doing this?! Why am I not leading with my strengths, which was to host my own one-on-one parties! So I stopped! I no longer hang out in Facebook groups. These do not play to my strengths. So for you out there, stop trying to put squares pegs in circular holes!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Michellemcglade.com

Maven Inner Circle

Connect with Lacey

Website

Alituplife.com/quiz

One of my dear clients is a health coach, and is thinking about seeing clients only on Wednesday and Sunday. She's currently working a full-time job, and is worried that only working these two days will put off some of her clients. Of course, she wants to keep her boundaries, but at the same time, perhaps she should become more flexible/available for her clients.

For me personally, I believe it's important to set your boundaries right away. When you set strong boundaries, you will attract the right types of people you want to work with. So, if you only want to work Wednesdays and Sundays? Then do that! Since this is your business, you are more than able to run things your way! And you know what happens? Your clients will conform to your business schedule and will show up.

I just want to share one more example before we end today's Maven Mini. These boundary issues seem to show up in the different ways. So, another client of mine is in the acupuncture business, and is working part-time on it. After digging into her business a little bit, I found out she was seeing clients at all times of the day, and at any day of the week. There were no boundaries!

As you can imagine, she was having some challenges with this schedule. For one, she never got a break! I highly discourage this. SET YOUR HOURS. If you don't, then you're going to find yourself having an impossible schedule, and your business will slowly begin to own you, instead!