Power Your Platform

Hey there, Story Sister! Today, we’re going to talk about what it means to share your message on a purpose-driven platform and how you can start thinking about building one.  

I think it’s going to really simplify your message strategy and help you maximize your time, energy and resources. All good news, right?  

So today I’m speaking to those of you who are Story Builders and who are looking for a way to start sharing the message or story that you feel compelled to share with the world. I might also be speaking to some Story Pros out there who are overwhelmed by all the systems and processes you’ve created – only all of that hard work isn’t actually getting you any results.  

If that’s you, you might be wondering: is there a way to make this all, well, simpler? The answer is yes, there absolutely is.  Now, here’s the thing: it can be super daunting to think that you have hundreds of platforms to choose from and you should really be on as many as you can. That’s just not the case. In fact, when I talk about platforms, there really are only three I would even consider. Not hundreds. Three. 

And in this episode I’ll share with you what those are and why they’re different from things like visibility tools or your paid products. So what is a purpose-driven platform? Let’s dive in to that a bit.  

A purpose-driven platform is built around your why. In episode #6, I talked about the importance of uncovering why you do what you do. Because understanding your core purpose gives you direction and a focus and a clear vision of what your purpose-driven platform needs to look like.  

So since your WHY is so important, let’s use those letters -- W H Y -- as the structure for our approach to think about a purpose-driven platform.  

The W stands for WHO: who do you serve? 

The H stands for HOW: how do you serve them? 

The Y stands for YES: when you know your who and your how, it makes it much easier to say YES to the right platform for you.  So which are the three platforms you should be considering? 

I recommend selecting a platform that is free, public, allows long-form content and has a long shelf life. Those platforms tend to be: podcasts, blogs and YouTube channels.  

Now, podcasts, blogs and YouTube tend to appeal to different types of Storytellers, but that’s OK. Because you really only need to choose one. And once you do, you need to go ALL IN on that platform. That’s where you spend 80% of your time developing content that will PUSH your message out to your audience rather than using PULL marketing which is what social media is all about.  

When you create great, consistent content on your ideal platform, your brand will automatically rise in the Google rankings, allowing you to be found more easily by prospective clients. It will earn you the loyalty of your audience as well, since you are consistently providing excellent value that speaks to their pain point and provides solutions that solve their problem. That’s why you want to zero in on the platform that’s right for you.  

But we’re going to do that in our next podcast because we’re out of time for today.  

Be sure to join me next time as we take a look at which purpose-driven platform is the right fit for YOU.  

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

I was thinking about something today on my way home from my son’s baseball game and I thought I’d share it with you today as a bonus episode. 

You see, my son was pitching in the game this afternoon and before he pitches he’s got this little ritual. He takes off his hat and wipes his forehead, and he brushes the hair out of his eyes. Then he puts his hat back, he takes a deep breath and tucks his baseball glove under arm and kind of wrings the ball as if he’s squeezing all the juice out of it. And then he gets into his stance and he pitches. 

And as I was watching him today, I realized that part of what he does when he’s pitching is ritual and part is routine. He’s actually been taught by his coaches how to pitch well, and so he follows through on those motions almost without thinking. But before he pitches, his actions are actually rituals. Those are the actions he takes to get him to slow his breathing and clear his mind from whatever happened in the last pitch and get him focused for what’s coming next. 

Every pitcher does this a bit differently. And that’s why it’s more ritual than routine. So watching him pitch today got me thinking about the difference between story routines and story rituals, and I thought I’d hop here toady and record a little episode to help you build your storytelling muscle and providing you with some ideas to help you get out of your writing rut. 

First, what's the difference then between a routine and a ritual? Both are habits actually, but routines are those actions we carry out in our day without really giving them a second thought. Like when we wake up in the morning and we brush or teeth or comb our hair or put on deodorant. Those are really non-negotiables I think for most adults I know. 

On the other hand, rituals are actions we take that have a deeper level of meaning. They may be actions we also take every day, but there’s a greater purpose behind them. For instance, maybe you do yoga every morning to help you focus and find your centre. If you’re a woman of faith, you may read a devotional. Others may use affirmation cards or listen to a particular piece of music to get themselves in the right frame of mind for the rest of the day. 

So because they are intentional and are more purpose-driven, these actions I’ve just listed would be considered rituals. 

Here is a list of 7 Story Rituals to consider adopting as a part of your day or week: 

1. Start a story journal. 

2. Play some word games. 

3. Write someone a longhand note of thanks or congratulations (or just because). 

4. Listen to a story-related podcast (like this one!). 

5. Look up new words or acronyms that pop up during your day. 

6. Watch an inspiring TED Talk.  

7. Subscribe to our Power Your Platform weekly story prompts. When you do, we'll send you an email each Monday with a story prompt to help you kick writer's block to the curb. Whichever story rituals you make a part of your life, keep stretching your storytelling muscles - -and, hopefully like my son in his next baseball game (fingers crossed), you'll be hitting the ball out of the park when it comes to your next project. 

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Today we’re going to take a look at the last step in our 4-part Story PATH framework series. This episode is all about HABITS and let me tell you, this is one HOT topic in the business world today. 

The reason the topic of habits is such a popular one these days, is because business owners are realizing that it doesn’t matter if you have a great framework or system that gets you results – if you’re not implementing it consistently by building it into your calendar, then all you’ve got is a great action plan with no impact. 

One of my favourite books on this subject is "Badass Habits" by Jen Sincero. In it, she writes “Contrary to popular belief, habits are more about who you’re being than what you’re doing.” Wow, right? 

So let’s break that down a bit. 

Who are YOU being when you show up to your life every day? Are you a person who takes action? Or a person who procrastinates? Are you deciding to be a person who’s focused? Or a person who’s easily distracted? Are you showing up as a person who’s driven by purpose? Or overwhelmed by public perception? 

Who we’re being ultimately determines what we’re doing which of course leads to our habits. But the great news is this: we can intentionally show up differently in our lives every single day, and develop new habits simply by focusing on a new way of being. 

#1 is to Create a Habits Inventory. And be honest with yourself: what are the habits you’re proud of in your life, and which ones are holding you back from success? If you’re struggling, get a close friend or family member to help you zero in on some of your great and not-so-great habits. But brace yourself, you may hear some things you don’t want to hear. And that’s OK. Because growth is going to cause you some discomfort, so it’s a good idea to get into that mindset right from the start. Once you’ve created your habits inventory, it’s time to move on to step 

#2 – Replacing Your To Do List with your To Be List. Because we’ve already established that creating new habits and getting rid of old ones isn’t about doing things differently, it’s about being different. This is going to take some self-reflection, but that’s OK because investing the time to get to the heart of your purpose and practices is never time wasted. Ask yourself: if I’m going to adopt this new habit – for example, being more punctual for meetings – then who do I have to be in order to make that happen? Using this example, I would ask myself: who am I being when I show up on time for meetings? I would say that makes me a person who respects other people’s time as well as my own. So if my goal habit is to be more punctual, I could commit to becoming a person who respects my own time as well as the time of others and over time, that state of being, becomes a state of doing. 

#3 is to Create Your Own 21-Day Habit Challenge. This is a 3-week commitment to your new INTENTIONAL way of being. Of course, it's hard to do alone. You might want to consider finding an accountability partner by asking a friend or colleague -- or a Story Coach -- to join you in your habit journey. You could even join our free Power Your Platform Facebook group where we can cheer each other on together!  

Thanks for listening in today! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to take a screen shot and share it to your Instagram feed – and be sure to tag @PowerYourPlatform when you do! We always enjoy sharing listener posts. 

Until next time, remember to raise your voice, speak your truth and make your mark. Because the world is waiting to hear your story.

In this episode, we’re going to continue our conversation about the Story Path that leads to your purpose-driven platform. We’re on Step 3 of 4 in our Story PATH framework today. And I can safely say that this is the episode where the rubber meets the road. 

So stay tuned --- it’s going to be a fun ride! But before we go any further, I want to invite you to join me after the show in our FREE Power Your Platform Facebook group. That’s the place where I’ll be sharing even more story strategies, free tips and other valuable resources to help you build a story brand that gets noticed and creates an impact. I hope to see there! 

For now -let’s get into today’s episode! Are you ready? Let’s turn up the volume! 

Traction is what happens when you get a good grip on something and you’re able to hold onto it securely. Kind of like when you’re driving down the road on a snowy day and you’ve got snow tires on your car. Rather than slipping and sliding all over the place, the snow tires help you get a grip – or traction – on the road so you stay the course and get to your destination. I know that’s a super-Canadian example, but hopefully if you’re listening from a sunnier part of the world and you didn’t even know there was such a thing as snow tires, it’ll still makes sense to you. 

So today we’re talking about traction in terms of your messaging. How can you create a story brand that grips your audience’s attention and HOLDS it long enough for them to understand your message and take action? This is one of the biggest challenges companies face since there are so many competing messages in the marketplace today. 

In this episode, we explore 4 simple ways to get more story traction. 

#1 - Know Your Audience. Creating a specific customer persona is the first step to ensuring that message traction takes place – because it forces you to go deep when it comes to getting to know your core audience. 

#2 - Optimize Your Language. This step is all about using language that resonates with your core audience. Once you get to know your audience as outlined in Step #1, you should have a better idea of the words and phrases that will attract your core customer as well as the words and phrases that will repel them. 

#3 - Start a Conversation. If we’re looking to get traction with our audience, we need to start a conversation. It actually improves our chances that people will not only take notice of our message, but respond. We call that audience engagement and it plays a huge role in message traction. 

#4 - Create a Community. After all, when one person is communicating a message, it takes a lot longer to get the word out than when an entire community is sharing that same message. But remember, you can’t just start with community. You need to start with Step #1 which is knowing your audience. Once you do, you can begin speaking the language your audience connects with. That leads to Step 3 which is starting conversations. And once you have regular engagement with your core customers, you’re ready to start building a community. 

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

You might not realize it, but you’ve just stepped into an action-packed episode today. Literally. It’s all about action.  

And I’m excited because if you get what’s at the heart of this episode, there will be no stopping you. 

Because here’s the truth: your story is your superpower. And you were born to share it. So hold onto your seat ‘cause this is gonna be GOOD! 

When I talk to my clients today about the importance of taking action, it’s a concept they embrace in theory. But it’s a lot harder to live out in practice, possibly because a lot of these women weren’t immersed in action figure messaging from the time they were kids. 

What I do see is a lot of women accessorizing their business ideas with beautiful social media feeds, high-end photo shoots and strong branding campaigns. 

But when it comes to the action part of the equation, there’s a real lack of substance. Why this matters is that no matter how committed we may be to our purpose, it means absolutely nothing without action. In fact, if we’re aware of a problem that needs changing in the world and we do nothing about it, we become a part of the problem. 

So what do I mean by taking action? Well, what I don’t mean is creating a carefully curated Instagram feed although there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m talking about having an actual action plan. Fortunately, I can help you in that department. 

My 4-step action plan helps get my clients get unstuck and moving in the right direction. 

Here’s how it works: 

#1 - Know your mission. Remember, your purpose is your WHY and your mission is your HOW (action).  

#2 - Seize your opportunities. Don't sleepwalk through life. Be mentally alert and present in the moment. Remember the Japanese tea ceremony saying, "Ichigo Ichie" which literally translates as “One time, one meeting.” The broader meaning is that “This happens once in a lifetime – be present and treasure it.” Don't miss out on your opportunities! 

#3 - Know your value. In this episode, we talk about the difference between your "worth" and your "value". You are absolutely priceless as a human being; your worth actually can't be measured. But your "value" can be measured based on your years of experience, your reputation, your level of proficiency and (very important) what the market is willing to pay for your product or services.  

#4 - Evaluate your progress. Use SMART goals to evaluate your actions along the way. SMART stands for Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Timely. Don't wait until your product or service is perfect; just take it to market, and the market will perfect your product. 

There are more details on each of the above points in the episode, so be sure to listen in! 

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to take a screen shot and share it to your Instagram feed – and be sure to tag @PowerYourPlatform when you do! We always enjoy sharing listener posts. Until next time, remember to own your story, follow your purpose and raise your voice. Because the world is waiting to hear your story. 

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

In today's episode, I'm introducing you to the StoryPATH, a simple framework that I created to help my clients clarify what they speak about, who they speak to and why. 

For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of women just like you to build their story brands and propel them onto their purpose-driven platform. To do this takes a plan, and fortunately for you, I’ve got a great place for you to start today. 

The StoryPATH Framework consists of four key elements: purpose, action, traction and habit. P.A.T.H. Yup, that spells path for the smart kids in the class. 

So today I’d like to focus on the first part of the Story PATH which is purpose. 

Now stay with me here: a lot has already been said and written and recorded about finding your purpose. I get that. But today’s episode isn’t about finding your purpose, it’s about following it. 

Because purpose – and just not passion – is what we need to follow if we are going to make an impact on this world with our gifts, knowledge and expertise. Waking up in the morning and knowing WHY we’re doing something will compel us to do it, even when we feel discouraged and completely unmotivated. Trust me, I’ve faced a lot of mornings like that in my own life. 

Without knowing why we’re doing something, procrastination can easily set in. But when we know our purpose and who is waiting for us to take action, then we’re able to set aside the distractions and prioritize what really matters. One of the best ways I’ve found to crystalize what your true purpose is, is to think about it as your rebel cry. 

There’s a great book called 3 Word Rebellion by Dr. Michelle Mazur that talks about taking a good, hard look at the things you want to change about the world and figuring out how YOU can play a part in that change. I really do think that’s the key. 

So here’s an exercise I highly recommend. 

Ask yourself the following 3 questions and record your answers in your Story Journal. 

#1 is What’s one thing that’s driving me crazy about the world today? 

#2 is What’s one thing that’s breaking my heart? 

And #3 - What’s one change I’m praying to see happen within my own lifetime? 

To hear how I answered those questions, listen to the full episode.  Once you discover your rebel cry, let me know by tagging @poweryourplatform on Instagram or sending me a DM. I'd love to hear from you!  

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

Today, I’m going to talk about the 3 ways you can get the most out of this – or any – podcast. 

Has there ever been a time in your life when someone shared a piece of advice with you that seemed tailor-made for the struggle you were facing at that moment? Maybe their words of wisdom steered you clear of a bad relationship or helped you make a better business decision. If you’re anything like me, that positive word of advice probably made you stop in your tracks and say –ohhhhhh! I get it now. Why didn’t I see that before? 

We’ve all experienced those aha moments – the flashes of understanding that suddenly clear up a soupy, mess of a problem we’ve probably been dealing with way too long. I live for those moments, don’t you? But here’s the thing. We never know where they’ll come from next. And that’s why we always need to be paying attention. Some people call it being mindful or self-aware. But whatever you call it, if you’re not watching and listening carefully to what’s happening around you, even the brightest moments can pass you by. 

So here’s the thing: when you’re listening to this podcast – or any podcast for that matter – I’ve got 3 quick tips to help you focus in and get the most out of your listening time. 

#1 - Move your body while you listen. – Whether it’s walking the dog or weeding your garden or doing the dishes, there’s something powerful that takes place inside our brains when we move. 

#2 - Hit the pause button. - Taking the time to pause and reflect can help our brains better process what’s being said. And what’s more – by repeating it, we’re more likely to remember it. And if we remember it, we’re more likely to take action. 

#3 - Get the notes! I know it’s hard to jot down ideas when you’re moving like I suggested in Tip #1– but don’t worry! The key takeaways for every Power Your Platform episode are captured in the show notes. So all you need to do is check them out. 

If you enjoyed this mini-episode, feel free to take a screen shot and share it to your Instagram feed – and be sure to tag @PowerYourPlatform when you do! We always enjoy sharing listener posts. 

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into the stories we tell ourselves. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I predict this one is gonna get you thinking. 

Can you think of a story that’s been rolling around like a marble inside your own mind about who you are and how much you’re capable of? 

Chances are, you’re carrying around some stories that other people have told you as well about who you are and what’s right for your life. Often these stories come in the form of expectations of how others see our lives unfolding. 

Parents and family members have a particularly strong influence when it comes to creating the stories we carry around inside our heads. They may be projecting their own fears on us about risking too much or dreaming too big or steering us clear from unknown paths because “no one else in our family has ever done it that way”. 

Without realizing it, those stories in our heads create success barriers. Thankfully, not all of the stories inside our heads are necessarily negative ones. Maybe we were encouraged to do great things and live bold lives. Maybe the story inside our mind is that we’re here for a purpose – to help others and add value to the world. Those are great story lines and we need to continue carrying with us. But what about the others? How do we replace the negative stories in our heads with positive ones? 

Here are four tips I offer my clients who are facing this challenge: 

#1 – Pay attention to your thoughts. Listen closely to the stories you’re telling yourself day in and day out. Notice when the stories you’re repeating to yourself aren’t serving you anymore. Think about where those stories originated. Are they still true today? Were they ever true? Reflect on which stories need to be revised and which stories can stay if you are to move ahead in your success journey. 

#2 – Dare to flip the script. What would the story inside your head look like if it were the complete opposite? For instance, if you’re telling yourself like I did that you belong behind the scenes, what if the opposite were true and you actually belong front and centre? What would that new story look like in your life? If the story you tell yourself is that no one in your family has ever started a business before, imagine the opposite to be true: imagine yourself being the first person in your family to lead a highly successful company that employs other smart and capable individuals to make real change in the world. 

#3 – Remind yourself of your new story constantly so it begins to take root in your mind. Say it out loud to yourself. Write it out in short form on post-it notes and put them in places you won’t be able to miss. Share your new vision with someone in your life that you can trust – not for their approval necessarily, but so you can hear yourself telling a new story about your own life. With time, you’ll start to believe it too. 

And finally #4 – Look around for role models. Who are the other people around you who have changed their own story? How did they flip the script? Where possible, reach out and learn from them. If they can do it, so can you! 

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to take a screen shot and share it to your Instagram feed – and be sure to tag @PowerYourPlatform when you do! We always enjoy sharing listener posts. Until next time, remember to raise your voice, speak your truth and make your mark. Because the world is waiting to hear your story. 

EPISODE LINKS:

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

Web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re going to get to know a lot more about YOU and your storytelling stage! Specifically, we want to find out: are you a Story Starter, a Story Builder or a Story Pro? 

We’ll even give you a link to a quiz to help you decide which storytelling stage you’re at, PLUS a FREE tool to help get you started no matter where you fit in. 

One thing my clients hear me say all the time is that the world needs to hear your story. And it really can’t wait any longer. 

That’s why I work closely with the women in my world to help them get clear on what their message is, how they can get that message in front of the people who need hear it, and finally how they can get paid to deliver their signature story. 

I really do believe there’s never been a more important time for women’s voices to be heard than right now. So we really can’t waste another day of sitting around and waiting for someone else to step up. That someone else is you and me, sister. We’re it! This is OUR TIME. Now I get it - it can be hard to know where to start. 

It’s actually kind of overwhelming to think about creating a signature story and putting it out there for the rest of the world to see. Am I right? 

So in this episode, I’m going to introduce you to three Storytelling Stages today which I call the Story Starter, the Story Builder and the Story Pro. 

I hope that by the end of today’s episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of where you fit in to the storytelling continuum and what your next moves are to help you build momentum. 

So listen in -- and don't forget to take our FREE QUIZ that will get you more free resources to help support you on your storytelling journey! Are you ready for it? Let's turn up the volume and dive in now! 

EPISODE LINKS:

Power Your Platform Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569102257443807

PowerHER Platform web site - https://www.powerherplatform.com/

Subscribe to our Story Fuel Newsletter - https://www.powerherplatform.com/subscribe