Support is Sexy

It's a slippery slope: Many of us, especially as entrepreneurs, get caught up in the fast lane -- appearing "busy" -- because we think it shows the world that we're up to something. Being busy must mean that we're gettin' busy when it comes to business, right?

Not necessarily. In the past week, I was reminded of this while listening to author and Good Life Project founder Jonathan Fields, who was a guest on several of my favorite podcasts recently, discussing his book, How to Live a Good Life, and this idea that being busy and being seen has become a priority for many of us, and, as a result, a distraction.

In this episode I open up about moments I've gotten caught up in the fast lane, rushing and being busy and how it has cost me -- figuratively and literally. I also offer tips on ways that you can be conscious of what lane your traveling in, and how to make the switch.

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's the real reason that you're afraid to do that thing?

Be honest with yourself when you ask the question. Be honest with yourself when you say the answer.

I had to confront this question recently and share that experience -- and the answer -- in this episode. When we get to the bottom of the WHY of our fears, it creates space for us to confront it, and often, to realize just how silly (and small!) it is.

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kathryn Finney, founder of Digital Undivided, is someone I consider an O.G. -- the flyest O.G. -- in the technology space. Kathryn, who grew up in the midwest learning about computers from very early on, started one of the first big fashion and lifestyle blogs, The Budget Fashionista, back when Google was "a baby," as you'll hear in the episode. She later sold the blog and the brand, and has since moved on to really be an advocate for other women in the technology space.

Today, as head of Digital Undivided, Kathryn provides programs and resources -- such as her BIG accelerator program in Atlanta -- to empower women in technology and give them access to the vital tools, knowledge and support they need to build successful, sustainable companies. On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Kathryn talks about how to level the playing field when it comes to the number of Black and Latina women who receive investment, the kind of support network -- and romantic relationships -- entrepreneurs should consider, and how to build a badass brand that people may want to buy.

On this episode, you'll learn...

What entrepreneurs looking for love should consider.How becoming a parent empowers you to say no and mean it.The shift to the 1099 economy.Her advice for consultants looking to work with big corporations.How she built and sold her blog, The Budget Fashionista.The drawbacks of aligning your brand with yourself.3 ways to decouple yourself from your brand so that it can stand alone.4 reasons that people buy into a tech brand.How to change the disparity in how few Black and Latina women tech founders get investment.Why you should only take investment to get growth not to get started.Other ways your family and friends can invest in you that you may never have considered.And the POWER of asking for support.Why support networks -- especially with people who aren't afraid to tell you about yourself -- are key to your success.

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The moment Christy Haussler realized it was time to make the leap and become an entrepreneur, she was in her car, driving to work, listening to podcasts to pass the time. Christy spent hours commuting back and forth to an office for a job that didn't fulfill her, and decided it was finally time for her to make a move and give her own business a try. The first thing she did? Take the first step, and then another and then another.

Today, Christy's company -- Team Podcast -- provides production and strategy for more than 40 shows and produces about 200+ episodes a month. Her business is steadily growing, she lives in a city she's happy to call home and she spends her time doing work she loves.

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Christy talks about the importance of taking that first step toward your dream, having the right mindset, building and engaging your audience in multiple ways and making the most of your podcast -- beyond money.

On this episode you'll learn...

How to recognize that you're on the right trackKnowing that you are one decision away from a completely different lifeWhy you have to be brave enough to walk awayYour network is your key to successHow podcasts offer new opportunities no matter your industryWhat you need to know about podcastingThe importance of marketing to increase your list and your engagementDon't get caught up in downloads3 common podcasting mistakes many women makeWhy podcasting isn't just for monetizingHow to engage your audience and make them feel invested in your productShow notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maya S. Penn is remarkable -- and that is an understatement. I have been a virtual fan and supporter of the now-sixteen-year-old for several years via social media, with a true appreciation of her hard work and her clear vision at such a young age. To have the opportunity to speak with her more in depth now? I am completely blown away, and I believe you will be, too!

The Atlanta-based teenpreneur started her own business, Maya's Ideas, when she was just eight years old. By the time she was 13, the business was generating six figures. And today, she is a designer, social entrepreneur, activist, author and environmentalist. Among her many accomplishments, Maya has given three TED Talks (so far) and is author of three books, including her latest, You Got This: Unleash Your Awesomeness, Find Your Path and Change Your World (Simon & Schuster).

Here, Maya shares her vision for the future of her business, how she's working to impact the lives of girls around the world, and her advice for becoming, being and growing as an entrepreneur -- no matter your age.

On this episode you'll learn:

What parents can say and do to encourage children who have interests in entrepreneurship (straight from the mouth of a teenager who began her business at age eight!).The first step to launching your business (at any age).Her advice for kidpreneurs.Ways that we can all give back through out businesses.What she's doing to empower young girls around the world.The value of idea journals.Why it's imperative to have mentors and an advisory board as you scale your business.No matter how old you are, it's important for you to take a break.Why meditation and breathing space are vital to decision-making.What can be learned from failure.The importance of doing it afraid.What Maya believes every entrepreneur has a responsibility to do.

MAYA IS OFFERING A SPECIAL GIFT TO SUPPORT IS SEXY LISTENERS FOR 20% OFF OF ALL ORDERS $50 OR MORE ON MAYASIDESA.COM! USE THE DISCOUNT CODE: SUPPORTISSEXY

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When all goes wrong -- where does your mind go? Does the issue stop you in your tracks, or do you figure a way to keep it movin'? If not, you should!

In the past couple of days, I had the pleasure of having my web site elaynefluker.com going down (ACK!!!) and my mind's initial response was to spiral into all the reasons this was a disaster. Was it a bad 48 hours? Yes. Was it the end of the world? No. Was it something that was going to stop me completely? Hell no!

You gotta keep it going.

On this episode I talk about eight ways to keep it moving when problems arise in your business, or in your personal life.

Have a listen, let me know when you think, and let me know if you have other advice!

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some designers do not know how to sew, sketch or tell you the way a fabric will function on the body. Fashion designer Ashaka Givens is not one of those designers. Thanks to the powerful women in her family, the upstate New York native learned very early on how to use a sewing machine and make her own clothes, watched fashion shows at her mom's side, and eventually attended one of the most prestigious fashion institutions in the country – New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. And since then, she has been designing a career in fashion that is completely her own.

Today, Ashaka works with Grammy award-winning artists, such as Erykah Badu, creates custom gowns for brides, dresses celebrities for red carpet events, serves as costume director for film and TV projects and designs her own line of clothing and accessories. On this episode, she talks about advice for remaining relevant in the fashion industry, the importance of expansion and why being a fashion alchemist sets you apart.

On this episode, you'll learn:

Why knowing the basics of design help you be a far better asset to your client.How you take this glam idea down into an actual physical garment.The importance of being open to opportunities that feels right.Knowing the art of professionalism.Why you can't get caught up in the social media hypeThe dangers of being mediocre.Mistakes are good.Her advice for young designers.Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://supportissexypodcast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey, you! Whaddya want?

No, really. What do you want?

Seriously. Have you given that some real thought lately? Beyond your to-do list, what's your vision for what you want, the life you want to create, what you want to spend your time doing each and every day, and with whom you want to do it?

These questions are floating around in my head more frequently these days -- perhaps because it's a new season, or we're closing in on the end of the year, or perhaps because I have another birthday rolling around early next year. Blame it on the 40s. :)

Recently, while recording my free audio training on "How to Make Brave Decisions," I spoke about getting clear on what we want, daring to verbalize that dream that we barely believe is possible. In this episode, I go into more detail. Have a listen!

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From very early on in her childhood, Abiola Abrams learned the importance of finding her own voice, being herself and creating her own path. As the daughter of immigrant parents who came to the United States from Guyana, Abiola and her family were often bullied and mistreated by some of the other families in their New York neighborhood for being "different." Rather than being crushed by this cruelty, Abiola says this part of her journey taught her how to be resilient. And that resilience -- and her spirituality -- continues to carry her forward today.

Now, as a proud "multi-hyphenate," Abiola is an author, coach, speaker, media maven and creator of the Sacred Bombshell brand, and she teaches other women how to find their authentic voice and create a business that allows them to follow their own path as spiritpreneurs. In this episode, Abiola shares her journey to accepting herself as a spiritpreneur (and what that means), reveals a few defining -- and sometimes embarrassing -- moments from her career and business, and gives insight on why healers sometimes stumble when it comes to compensation.

On this episode you'll learn:

What a spiritpreneur is, and why you should be compensated appropriately for being one.How to get clear about what you offer, whom you serve and how you add value to people's lives.The importance of listening to your audience and asking them what they need.Why an audience that is not targeted is an irrelevant audience.How to sell people what they want and give them what they need.Why owning your own list is crucial to your business.How to avoid being a "wounded healer."How to get over people pleasing at a micro and macro level.Ways to start over again after a public failure.How to avoid the sunk-cost fallacy.The business mistake she made that she has never shared before.Why you work become richer because of the challenges.Why you can't bitch about it you have to be about it.Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend, or whatever day it is that you happen upon this episode, be sure you have some YOU time in your schedule. YOU time is your time to replenish, to have some breathing space, to meditate, to hear your own thoughts -- or to not think at all, time to just be.

As entrepreneurs and women who are creating something super sexy in the world, I get it, you're busy. You have a lot to do -- probably too much to do -- and you simply can't stop now! But, here's the thing: you MUST.

Otherwise, you will crash, you will burn, and everything that you say your sacrificing your YOU time for will not matter in that moment. Instead, take care of YOU! You will be a better entrepreneur, a better leader, a better woman for it.

On this episode, I've rounded up the parting wisdom of some of our previous guests from our first 70 episodes -- women who not only offer keys to success, but keys to your well being. Pause for a moment, just under 10 minutes, and have a listen.

You deserve this. It's all for YOU.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices