Support is Sexy

Miral Sattar has always been an entrepreneur, launching various businesses since high school -- from creating a successful blog for South Asian women to having a t-shirt line with fun slogans for South Asian women to launching her own iPhone case business (one of the businesses she wishes she held onto). "The hustle has always been in me," the Queens, New York, native says. This passion was passed along to her from her dad, an immigrant from Pakistan who was a very successful entrepreneur and who actually questioned why Miral wanted to work from someone else after she received a degree in engineering from Columbia University.

Eventually, while working for Time she became intrigued by book publishing industry while working on her thesis for her masters degree, and created a tool that would evolve into her first business as an entrepreneur, Bibliocrunch. Bibliocrunch is a platform that connects self-publishing authors with professionals they need to produce their book. Today the platform has more than 17,000 authors and more than 1200 professionals. More recently, Miral has also launched an education platform, learnselfpublishingfast.com.

On this episode, Miral talks to Support is Sexy podcast about what you need to know before you self publish, why 40% of Amazon's bestseller list is made up of self-published authors, how to learn what you need to know fast and why books have become the new business card.

On this episode you'll learn:

Important lessons Miral learned from her dad about entrepreneurship.What she makes sure she does before every launch.How self publishing has evolved in the past five years.Why some authors choose self publishing over traditional.Myths about self publishing.First three steps to take to self publish your book.The sweet spot as far as pricing for your self published book.The biggest mistakes self publishers make.Why that five-star review really matters and the best ways to get them.

BONUS OFFER

Tweet @bibliocrunch and tell them you heard about them on the #SupportisSexy for a discount code for courses on Learnselfpublishingfast.com!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Karen Cahn, a native of Canton, Massachusetts, has always believed in women building their own thing, living on their own terms and having their own money no matter what -- even when working for another company. Karen, who has worked ever since she was 13, took a job very early in her career at Google and spent 10 years at the Internet giant, working with YouTube, leading strategy in video and becoming an intrapreneur by launching a business within the business -- the Branded Entertainment Group -- which let her know that, yep, she could be a badass entrepreneur.

Today, Karen has launched two businesses, is financially secure and is clearer than ever that money buys freedom, and now she is creating spaces (and businesses) where other women can realize that freedom as well. Through her latest venture, ifundwomen.com, which is the first crowdfunding platform exclusively for women, Karen offers women entrepreneurs and creatives a way to not only get their businesses financed, but to get vital support -- directly from Karen and her team -- in other important ways that will help them move forward, such as video production and accountability.

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Karen talks to us about why women still lag significantly behind when it comes to funding (despite the fact that we are launching more businesses than ever), how to get of our own way, and her unwavering mission to support the female economy.

On this episode, you'll learn...

Myths about crowdfunding.5 questions you need to ask yourself for your project.Why crowdfunding is a great way to test your project and see if there's a business there.Why it's all about FFFs.What the confidence gap for women is and how Karen is working to close it.Why men don't have the confidence gap.How to know when someone is NOT going to invest in your business or project.Why we need to stop apologizing and people pleasing.Being aware of how you process feedback.How you do yourself a disservice if you don't share your idea with other people out of fear of stealing it.How the recent US election has refueled her passion.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Tracy Matthews considers herself a "natural hustler," comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and feels like entrepreneurship has always been in her blood. In fact, the idea of working for someone else kinda makes her cringe. But creating something? She can't get enough! In 1998 -- while still in her twenties -- Tracy created a top jewelry line, Tracy Matthews Designs, that became a beloved brand among celebs, was featured in several media outlets and was generating nearly $1 million in revenue. Her business was shining brightly -- until a drastic change in the 2008 economy nearly shattered everything. On this episode, Tracy talks about how she built her internationally successful jewelry line, mistakes she made along the way, what she learned about her business and herself during the tough times and why she's passionate about supporting other jewelry designers by creating something she didn't have access to when she was a young designer: shared information. On this episode you'll learn: How Tracy built an international jewelry design company (and why she walked away).The importance of structuring your day properly.How to focus on revenue generating activities.The importance of building on your momentum.Why you can't you jump directly from A and Z and succeed.What Tracy learned about growing fast without being ready.Why having a consultant -- and a support system -- can save your business and get you through the tough times.Questions to ask yourself when it's time to move on and when your business no longer serves you.Getting over the ego's definition of success.Learning to think strategically and install systems. The value of getting buy-in BEFORE you create a new product.Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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From the time she was a young girl, Jovian Zayne witnessed her parents -- especially her mom -- setting up shop, creating her own consulting business and claiming her own space. As a result, "young Jovi" was the kind of child that dressed as a businesswoman for Halloween, used to sit at her mom's desk and pretend to handle business and was a natural negotiator on the school playground.

Today, after leaving her full-time corporate life as a managing director of Teach for America, Jovian now helps her clients navigate the journey of finding their own unique contribution in their businesses and in their lives through her firm, On Purpose Movement. On this episode, Jovian talks about creating your movement, getting clear on your gifts, being uncomfortable and living not by accident, but decidedly on purpose.

On this episode you'll learn:

Why you gotta get comfortable being uncomfortable.How to position your business for success.How to determine when we're NOT living on purpose.Important resources to help you get clear on your WHY.How to make a shift to help you live on purpose.The value of accountability.Why the things that are bigger than us are the things that last.Building an effective team that helps you execute your big ideas.The importance of amplifying the greatness of others.Why it's more important than ever for us to get clear on our own unique gifts and how we can offer those to the world.Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Wow! What a week!

In the United States, we had an election that was -- to say the least -- shocking to people within the country and all around the world. And I believe that's true on all sides, no matter who received your vote.

But this episode is not about the election. It's about YOU, and making sure, whether it's feelings about the election or everyday life, that you're okay. A lot of people or spaces, well-intentioned or not, often -- in my opinion -- push you to "just get over it" whenever you're going through something or you're, as they say "in your feelings."

Know what? It's okay to be in your feelings, to own what you feel, allow it, and then, in your own way, figure out a way to move on, to drive out that darkness. And on this episode, I offer seven ways that you can take care of yourself -- based on my own experience -- and how you can bring the light back into your life.

Have a listen, and, when you're ready, feel better!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Like it or not, we live in a world where -- if you own your own business -- you, more than likely, need to have some sort of presence on social media in order to (as they say) establish your digital footprint. But with new platforms and unspoken rules of engagement popping up what feels like every other day, it can be difficult, and at time overwhelming, to not only know where you need to be but how you need to show up.

Cathy E.Smith, owner of C2 Internet Marketing firm, helps her clients get in the right place with the right platform using the right tools and resources to make sure they maximize their opportunities to raise awareness for their brands. As the daughter of two longtime entrepreneurs, Cathy always had the desire to follow in their footsteps, but worked instead at least two jobs all while growing up. Now, although she still has a full-time gig with major benefits, Cathy is making moves and planning her exit strategy, and on this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast she speaks about why -- when it comes to business -- everybody can't come.

On this episode you'll learn:

Ways you can consider the both-and rather than the either-or when it comes to jobs and entrepreneurship.The trouble with "leaps of faith."Why you need an exit strategy before you quit your job.How to think of your job as an investor in your business.Realizing that you need to shift the focus of your business.How to know if you're using social media right.Top 3 strategies for maximizing your brand awareness online.How to pick the best social media platform and how to make it easy for people to find you.The value of having a digital footprint and why you should protect it.Why some of the folks who started with you may not continue with you.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Evita Robinson launched Nomadness Travel Tribe on Facebook when she was on unemployment and looking for a way to connect with other world travelers who were having some of the same challenges that she was at that time in her life -- wanting a space to share their experiences and longing to travel to even more far-reaching places. The New York native had no idea that this small group that began with about 100 people would grow to the community it is today, five years later, with 15,000+ people and nearly 30 international trips under its belt.

Much like many of her extravagant trips organized for her tribe, Evita's entrepreneurial journey has been sometimes complicated. She's clear, in fact, that entrepreneurship can make you feel kinda crazy (I relate!) and she is candid about the important role therapy played not only in her business but throughout her life. On this episode, Evita opens up about how she built her mega brand, how she got over being a people pleaser, why she chooses to use her platform to discuss mental health, and the importance of having her brand's evolution reflect her personal journey.

On this episode you'll learn:

Why you have to be a little delusional to be an entrepreneur.Getting comfortable making business decision that piss people off.Shutting out the white noise and making self care a sacred priority.How to maintain your sanity as an entrepreneur.The importance of lifting the taboo of discussing mental health.Why writing in a journal is the cheapest form of therapy for her.Why she shuts down the idea that she's fearless.The dangers of scaring yourself into analysis paralysis.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Since she was a young girl in Washington, D.C. -- towering over other kids in her class thanks to her statuesque physique -- Quiana Murray has embraced her bossiness with pride. While many girls may be dissuaded from taking the bossy route, Quiana says her mother made sure to cultivate her leadership qualities.

That propensity to lead carried over into college, where Quiana realized she was someone who naturally knew how to galvanize support for events and projects she led for the school. And later, as an entrepreneur, her business evolved as she tapped into that expertise and began focusing on helping small businesses and nonprofits procure sponsorships and giving them the ability to hone in on their own zone of genius.

Now, as a business transformation coach, Quiana wants to help you take your business from "breaking even to bankrolled!" On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Quiana discusses the journey to discover your own expertise, how to shift your mindset around sponsorships and partnerships and how to know when you're ready to make that first call.

On this episode you'll learn:

What the ability to say "no" teaches you about yourself.How to become sponsorship-ready.Shifting your mindset around sponsorship and partnership.Why you should rethink corporate opportunities.The biggest challenge businesses face when seeking sponsorship.The questions you need to ask yourself to know if you're sponsorship-ready.Which sponsors you should reach out to.The important difference between affiliates and sponsorships.Top 3 tips for getting sponsors.How to get to know your "tribe."Why you need to get started TODAY.Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Dr. Jen Riday grew up on a farm in Iowa, where family, a strong work ethic and dedication were instilled in her from the beginning. When Jen became a mother of her own children -- six in total -- she dedicated herself to raising them as a full-time mom and held off on putting her Ph.D. in human development and family studies to use, at least professionally. Until she realized being a stay at home mom wasn't enough for her, and she was brave enough to admit that to herself after hitting rock bottom.

Jen set out to find out what made her happy and eventually decided it was time to make a change -- a drastic change -- to have that happiness be a part of her life, and her new business as a life coach and happiness expert, each day. On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Jen talks about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, managing expectations and living a vibrant, happy life no matter what.

On this episode you'll learn:

How to get over the "shoulds"How to move beyond social expectations.The importance of putting your oxygen mask on first.How to figure out what makes you happy and choose that for yourself each day.The power of meditation.Why it's important for moms to set boundaries, especially with those you love.How to let go of control and let others you love step up

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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"This is the number one rule for your set, in order to survive, gotta learn to live with regrets..."--Jay Z, "Regrets."

Funny how an evening conversation with my dad reminded me of this Jay Z lyric from the song "Regrets" from the 1996 Reasonable Doubt album (one of my favorites). Regrets, I believe, are a part of life, certainly a part of business, but -- if not kept in check -- they can hold us hostage, stuck in time and unable to move forward.

In this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, I talk about six ways to live with regrets, how it's important for you to acknowledge them, how you manage them and how you can use them to your advantage in business and life.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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