The Robyn Graham Show a Podcast for Christian Women - Become Calm, Confident, and Consistent

Do you ever stand in your closet and think, or say, I have nothing to wear?  I do, all the time!  And it really isn’t about not having anything to wear because there are plenty of clothes, it’s about what is going to make me feel good and be on-brand.  Jeanne Rhim recently joined me for a conversation to share fashion styling tips for dressing with confidence for success.

About Jeanne

Jeanne Rihm is a personal clothing stylist who specializes in styling men, women, speakers, executives, and entrepreneurs. What she is most passionate about is creating a look for each of her clients that represent, who they are, and how they want to be perceived in their industry, so that they always feel confident and empowered.  Jeanne’s 25 years of industry experience is rooted in the fashion capital of NYC collaborating with major designers and retail stores.

She has also worked with Speakers Who Dare, and for TEDx Lincoln Square as their official stylist for all of their speakers.

Understanding the Body and Fashion

When working for Ralph Lauren, Jeanne realized that she had a gift that she could understand women, their body, and how to dress it and what would look amazing on their figure whether they were petite, tall, size two, or size 22. At that point, she decided to start Fashion Jeanne.

Jeanne believes that through fashion you can feel confident and show your true essence, part of creating a recognizable personal brand.  Feeling confident in how you look helps you own the space you are in, whether presenting, networking or working.   The more confident we feel and appear, the more people will trust us as an authority in our niche.

Your Fashion is Part of Your Brand

When creating a brand, it's not only what you’re selling, it's how you look. How you dress is your calling card.  Each niche and industry are different.  It's really important that you dress according to what's expected and how you want to be perceived.  When it comes to representing your brand and differentiating yourself, fashion is not only the wardrobe but the accessories and your overall look.  It can really help you connect with your audience.

Empowering Confidence

Having a sense of fashion that makes you feel confident is empowering. It’s important to find the right cuts and silhouettes for your body type.  It isn’t about your size, it’s about the choices you make when purchasing.

New Fashion Perspective Post Breast Cancer

Having breast cancer changed Jeanne’s perspective on life and her business.   She didn’t want to live with any regrets, so she decided to really focus on her business and serving people in business to help them look great and feel confident in all of their business activities.

Styling Tips

Weight doesn’t matter.  The way the clothes fit is what’s important.

There are three facts to consider about the body when selecting fashion items:

1. Shape
2. Proportion
3. Deviation

Each factor will influence the style and size of clothing you should choose.

In addition, there are closet basics.  Once you have accumulated the closet essentials or basics, you can mix and match items to create additional outfits.  Jeanne has a closet essential guide that can be downloaded from her website.

Staple Fashion Tips

The first tip is to think about layering.  You want thin, soft layers so as not to add bulk, especially on camera.

Open necklines and v-neck tops elongate the neck for a slimming look.

Camisoles or lightweight blouses with little cap sleeves are great for layering.

Hoop earrings in a size appropriate for your industry.

Blazers and stretch sweater blazers or denim jackets are great for layering.

Comfortable but structured items for more flattering fits.

Nothing clingy.

Anything bulky will add weight to your figure, especially on camera.

A flat necklace, nothing too large to take away from you.

A classic trouser pant or crop trouser pant for warmer weather.

Neutral colors.

Keep it classic, on-trend, and modern but classic so that you can wear it for a couple of years.

Colors will shift with seasons.

Blouses and tops that drape away from the body but are not boxy.

Tops should hit between your hip bone and your pubic bone.

No matter the style, your fashion will look better if you have a good bra that has been sized.

Spanx – underwear lines are not cool!

Dress on Brand and on Trend

The most important thing is to dress on brand to appeal to your ideal audience.

Keep your wardrobe up to date and have the fashion essentials to mix and match.

Learn More and Connect with Jeanne

Jeanne’s online style course.

Download Jeanne’s Style and Body Guide.

Website: www.fashionjeanne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionjeanne_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FashionJeanne

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fashionjeanne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vNTP4AHQEXendfvnY6gfg?view_as=subscriber

Style & Body Guide

Closet Essentials Guide

 

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.

To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.

Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE.

Ask Me Anything HERE.

Connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Do you ever stand in your closet and think, or say, I have nothing to wear? I do, all the time! And it really isn't about not having anything to wear because there are plenty of clothes, it's about what is going to make me feel good and be on-brand. Jeanne Rhim recently joined me for a conversation to share fashion styling tips for dressing with confidence for success. About Jeanne Jeanne Rihm is a personal clothing stylist who specializes in styling men, women, speakers, executives, and entrepreneurs. What she is most passionate about is creating a look for each of her clients that represent, who they are, and how they want to be perceived in their industry, so that they always feel confident and empowered. Jeanne's 25 years of industry experience is rooted in the fashion capital of NYC collaborating with major designers and retail stores. She has also worked with Speakers Who Dare, and for TEDx Lincoln Square as their official stylist for all of their speakers. Understanding the Body and Fashion When working for Ralph Lauren, Jeanne realized that she had a gift that she could understand women, their body, and how to dress it and what would look amazing on their figure whether they were petite, tall, size two, or size 22. At that point, she decided to start Fashion Jeanne. Jeanne believes that through fashion you can feel confident and show your true essence, part of creating a recognizable personal brand. Feeling confident in how you look helps you own the space you are in, whether presenting, networking or working. The more confident we feel and appear, the more people will trust us as an authority in our niche. Your Fashion is Part of Your Brand When creating a brand, it's not only what you're selling, it's how you look. How you dress is your calling card. Each niche and industry are different. It's really important that you dress according to what's expected and how you want to be perceived. When it comes to representing your brand and differentiating yourself, fashion is not only the wardrobe but the accessories and your overall look. It can really help you connect with your audience. Empowering Confidence Having a sense of fashion that makes you feel confident is empowering. It's important to find the right cuts and silhouettes for your body type. It isn't about your size, it's about the choices you make when purchasing. New Fashion Perspective Post Breast Cancer Having breast cancer changed Jeanne's perspective on life and her business. She didn't want to live with any regrets, so she decided to really focus on her business and serving people in business to help them look great and feel confident in all of their business activities. Styling Tips Weight doesn't matter. The way the clothes fit is what's important. There are three facts to consider about the body when selecting fashion items: Shape Proportion Deviation Each factor will influence the style and size of clothing you should choose. In addition, there are closet basics. Once you have accumulated the closet essentials or basics, you can mix and match items to create additional outfits. Jeanne has a closet essential guide that can be downloaded from her website. Staple Fashion Tips The first tip is to think about layering. You want thin, soft layers so as not to add bulk, especially on camera. Open necklines and v-neck tops elongate the neck for a slimming look. Camisoles or lightweight blouses with little cap sleeves are great for layering. Hoop earrings in a size appropriate for your industry. Blazers and stretch sweater blazers or denim jackets are great for layering. Comfortable but structured items for more flattering fits. Nothing clingy. Anything bulky will add weight to your figure, especially on camera. A flat necklace, nothing too large to take away from you. A classic trouser pant or crop trouser pant for warmer weather. Neutral colors. Keep it classic, on-trend, and modern but classic so that you can wear it for a couple of years. Colors will shift with seasons. Blouses and tops that drape away from the body but are not boxy. Tops should hit between your hip bone and your pubic bone. No matter the style, your fashion will look better if you have a good bra that has been sized. Spanx – underwear lines are not cool! Dress on Brand and on Trend The most important thing is to dress on brand to appeal to your ideal audience. Keep your wardrobe up to date and have the fashion essentials to mix and match. Learn More and Connect with Jeanne Jeanne's online style course. Download Jeanne's Style and Body Guide. Website: www.fashionjeanne.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionjeanne_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FashionJeanne LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fashionjeanne YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vNTP4AHQEXendfvnY6gfg?view_as=subscriber Style & Body Guide Closet Essentials Guide Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Are you like me? I have so many ideas (including a product or two) swirling around in my head that sometimes I even overwhelm myself.

Nicole DeLarzac has twenty plus years of marketing experience, primarily in the product industry.

Today she works with entrepreneurs to help them bring their ideas to reality and create a strategic plan for bringing their product to market.

About Nicole

Nicole graduated from business school and started consulting.  She quickly realized that she wanted something more creative and less analytical.

She left consulting and joined Kraft foods.  Coke-a-Cola took her away from Kraft.  She and her husband moved to Australia and while pregnant with her first child she started her own business to have flexibility with being a mom.

Her business was importing foods from South America and selling to wholesalers and brands like Kohls and Woolworths.

Upon moving back to Canada, she left her business and decided that she wanted to help other female entrepreneurs who needed help creating a business and being a mom.

What are the steps to bringing an idea to fruition? Ideation

• Iterations of the product and what problem can it solve and what makes your product different
• Come up with ideas and narrow it down based on competitive marketplace – 5 Top Ideas

Concepts

•  Written and visual expressions of the product so that people will understand exactly what the product is and the problem it solves

Testing

• Surveys
• Appeal - what appeals to your audience
• What are they likely to buy
• Could the product be improved
• Feedback
• What they like, what they don’t like. Feedback is important because you want to understand what the consumer wants and likes.

Refine the Top Concept

Results in final idea

Development

• 1st prototype
• Consumer market feedback from a target audience
• Does it meet their expectation

Business Plan

• Road map with goals – how are you going to achieve the goals and market the
• Be rooted in strategy so that you know what that business will produce revenue.

Finished Product

• Presale
• Before production
• Create a waitlist
• Know you can sell before producing large volume
• Production

Marketing Your Product

• Website
• Tease out product
• Think of where the target audience shops
  • Amazon
  • Etsy
  • Wholesalers
  • Large Market Places – i.e. Wayfair
  • Multichannel approach
  • Retail location

Driving Traffic

• Multi-channel approach
• SEO
  • Keywords and key phrases
  • What are people searching for
  • Be strategic
  • Blog posts
• Social channels
  • Engagement
• Paid
  • Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Display Ads
• Earned
  • Earn the right for people to see your product
    • PR
    • Influencers
      • Big Influencers
        • Build relationships with them
        • Send product and include the media kit
      • Micro influencers
        • A great place to start
        • Smaller number of followers but more likely to work with you and promote your product.
        • More trustworthy. People are skeptical of big influencers because they know they are getting paid for promoting.

Personal Branding

• How important is it to have a personal brand when you are a product entrepreneur?
• Very important. People want to get to know you and your process.  Show up for your audience and get them involved with your process and product.
• Develop a community around what you are doing.
• Be the face of your brand.

Lifestyle and Product Photography

• Show people using your product so that people want to use it too.
• Have great photography because people can‘t touch your product, so you want to show as much detail as possible through great images.
• Look professional.

Bonus Tips

• Be persistent
• Know your why
• Imagine yourself where you want to be – know your 5-year vision and plan

Learn more about Nicole and connect with her:

Website: https://nicoledlarzac.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledelarzac

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicoledelarzac

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemarketer/

Podcast: https://nicoledelarzac.com/podcast/

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.

To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.

Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE.

Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE.

Ask Me Anything HERE.

Connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

 

Are you like me? I have so many ideas (including a product or two) swirling around in my head that sometimes I even overwhelm myself. Nicole DeLarzac has twenty plus years of marketing experience, primarily in the product industry. Today she works with entrepreneurs to help them bring their ideas to reality and create a strategic plan for bringing their product to market. About Nicole Nicole graduated from business school and started consulting. She quickly realized that she wanted something more creative and less analytical. She left consulting and joined Kraft foods. Coke-a-Cola took her away from Kraft. She and her husband moved to Australia and while pregnant with her first child she started her own business to have flexibility with being a mom. Her business was importing foods from South America and selling to wholesalers and brands like Kohls and Woolworths. Upon moving back to Canada, she left her business and decided that she wanted to help other female entrepreneurs who needed help creating a business and being a mom. What are the steps to bringing an idea to fruition? Ideation Iterations of the product and what problem can it solve and what makes your product different Come up with ideas and narrow it down based on competitive marketplace – 5 Top Ideas Concepts Written and visual expressions of the product so that people will understand exactly what the product is and the problem it solves Testing Surveys Appeal - what appeals to your audience What are they likely to buy Could the product be improved Feedback What they like, what they don't like. Feedback is important because you want to understand what the consumer wants and likes. Refine the Top Concept Results in final idea Development 1st prototype Consumer market feedback from a target audience Does it meet their expectation Business Plan Road map with goals – how are you going to achieve the goals and market the Be rooted in strategy so that you know what that business will produce revenue. Finished Product Presale Before production Create a waitlist Know you can sell before producing large volume Production Marketing Your Product Website Tease out product Think of where the target audience shops Amazon Etsy Wholesalers Large Market Places – i.e. Wayfair Multichannel approach Retail location Driving Traffic Multi-channel approach SEO Keywords and key phrases What are people searching for Be strategic Blog posts Social channels Engagement Paid Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Display Ads Earned Earn the right for people to see your product PR Influencers Big Influencers Build relationships with them Send product and include the media kit Micro influencers A great place to start Smaller number of followers but more likely to work with you and promote your product. More trustworthy. People are skeptical of big influencers because they know they are getting paid for promoting. Personal Branding How important is it to have a personal brand when you are a product entrepreneur? Very important. People want to get to know you and your process. Show up for your audience and get them involved with your process and product. Develop a community around what you are doing. Be the face of your brand. Lifestyle and Product Photography Show people using your product so that people want to use it too. Have great photography because people can't touch your product, so you want to show as much detail as possible through great images. Look professional. Bonus Tips Be persistent Know your why Imagine yourself where you want to be – know your 5-year vision and plan Learn more about Nicole and connect with her: Website: https://nicoledlarzac.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledelarzac Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicoledelarzac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemarketer/ Podcast: https://nicoledelarzac.com/podcast/ Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

About Chelsea

As a Certified Gut Health coach specializing in Health Optimization through Gut Health and the Abundance Mindset, Chelsea believes that with a healed gut, healing your mind and soul is inevitable.

Chelsea Haines helps women finally heal their gut so they can live their happiest and most abundant lives. She believes that:

• If we want things to be different, we have to do different things.
• The body can and does heal itself if given the chance.
• We have everything that we need, we must simply let go of that which is no longer serving us.
• Our Intuition is wise, and we CAN and MUST trust our gut!
• Life does not have to be either/or, and it can be all and more!

Life is Similar to Digestion

First and foremost, realize we are talking poop!

The journey of self-development and everything that unlearning, releasing, and letting go, is very similar to digestion.  That is exactly what our bodies do when we have a bowel movement.   We release the toxins that don’t serve our bodies.

Digestion is when we chew our food and swallow down and simulate what we need, then get rid of what we don’t need.  If we are digesting our life experiences and learning from them, digesting the juiciness of the experiences, then we are letting go of the things that are keeping us small, causing limiting beliefs and holding us back, and keeping us stuck.

Trauma and Gut Health

Chelsea’s childhood led her to have a mindset of scarcity and that money wasn’t meant for her, that it was meant for others.   She was on a compare and despair spiral for many years of her life.

Likewise, Chelsea felt she had to prove her worth.  The stress of having to prove herself resulted in an autoimmune disease which in turn led to anxiety.  The more the anxiety rose, the more health problems and stress she felt.

Finally getting fed up with the vicious cycle and not satisfied with putting a Bandaid on a bruise, Chelsea decided to seek help outside of the dermatologist.

At that time, she decided to invest in a health coach.  She knew she no longer wanted to invest in sickness and pay money for healthcare that wasn’t working, so she decided to pay for health and try to heal from the inside out.   After doing cleanses and removing inflammatory foods from her diet and changing her mindset, she was on the road to healing.

Mindset and Gut Health

As a health coach, Chelsea never looks at gut health as either-or.   The mindset piece of it is so very important.

The mindset piece, the understanding that if we live in a grasping, elimination, and sacrificial mindset, then we are living in scarcity.  The diet mentality of having to work out more and eliminating things from your diet and life that give you pleasure is miserable and not sustainable.

The pivotal of shifting into an abundance mindset is to look in the mirror and say, “man, I’m living in a place of scarcity and I think I’m willing to change that.”  That is the hardest piece of healing.

The gut health piece is much easier than the mindset piece.

Trust Your Gut, Trust Your Intuition

Chelsea’s health coaching business is based on trusting her intuition, trusting that which is greater than her, God, and the Holy Spirit.  She views herself as a vessel to whatever ears are there to hear her messages.

Her physical healing was directly in correlation to her emotional and spiritual healing and they fed each other. It was a systematic shift from fear and scarcity mindset to trust and abundance mindset all while going on the physical journey of releasing the things that were no longer working for her, eliminating the toxins of her life, absorbing the life lessons, and no longer being victimized by the things that were seemingly hard and feeling like she is a victor from there.

Through hardships, she learned things that without them, she wouldn’t have learned.

Small Manageable Lifestyle Shifts Start with Recognition of Mind Body Spirit.

That which is greater than us.  The life force that is within us that makes us want to beat a drum or dance.  This starts with the physical body, the breath.  It is the most tangible thing.  The thing you can taste, see, feel, and hear.  This is where we get measurable results.

If you are struggling, implement help.  A local doctor, a health coach.  Start with figuring out the physical problem and what you need for your body.

A State of Rest and Digest for Gut Health

The secondary deeper layer is following your gut and making decisions that aren’t emotionally based.

Trauma is very broad spectrum, but it sends us into a survival state.  The process of being able to come back to a place of trust and make conscience decisions to make daily habit changes begins with dropping back down to a state of rest and digest.

Rest and Digest

This is the baseline that we are meant to be operating from, not fight or flight.  It is important to slow down.   It’s not about doing more, it’s about being different.   It’s about implementing these slow, small changes that will get us back to rest and digest.

Small habit changes for Gut Health

1. Shift into rest and digest
2. Breath deeply to digest your food more appropriately
   1. 5 – 5 -7 Rule
   2. Breath in for 5 seconds, pause for 5 seconds, and exhale for 7 seconds
3. Be comfortable with our emotions…shift from guilt and shame to hope and joy and reason and desire
4. Ask yourself who are you being while you are eating.
   1. Is stress dictating how you feel?
   2. Are you using food to cope with life?
   3. Deep breathing can help you enter a place of calm.
5. Chew your food to applesauce consistency
   1. Spend time eating mindfully
   2. Chew about 32 chews to get your food to applesauce consistency

Relearning Pleasure and Desire by Following Intuition

Intuition is the remembering of what we already know to be true.

As women, we’ve learned that desire is going to lead us down a bad road.

There are so many levels of desire and pleasure, but as women, we need to relearn what we’ve outsourced.  Pleasure and desire are good things.   We don’t need to live in the confines of the boxes that society has put us in.

Come back to intuitive knowing, which will help improve gut health and emotional stability.

Healing

If your physical body has been damaged, then you need to embark on a healing journey.  You cannot heal in the environment that got you sick.   So being willing to make a change and is critical.  The body can and will heal if given the chance.

The Root of Growth and Development

1. Humility
2. Self-awareness
3. Self-accountability

Habit change and Accountability

Attach to your why.  Think about the bigger purpose and reason you are making this change.   Part of healing is reestablishing your habits.  If we don’t make the effort to take action, there will be no change.  Responsibility must be taken to realize that bad things happened, but they didn’t happen to you, they happened for you.

Your desires are leading you to your purpose.  Invest in them, invest in yourself.  Make the commitment to gut health and emotional health, joy, and abundance.

Learn more about Chelsea and connect with her:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thethechelseahaines

Podcast: Let’s Start Health

Website: www.chelseahainescoaching.com

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.

To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.

Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE.

Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE.

Ask Me Anything HERE.

Connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

About Chelsea As a Certified Gut Health coach specializing in Health Optimization through Gut Health and the Abundance Mindset, Chelsea believes that with a healed gut, healing your mind and soul is inevitable. Chelsea Haines helps women finally heal their gut so they can live their happiest and most abundant lives. She believes that: If we want things to be different, we have to do different things. The body can and does heal itself if given the chance. We have everything that we need, we must simply let go of that which is no longer serving us. Our Intuition is wise, and we CAN and MUST trust our gut! Life does not have to be either/or, and it can be all and more! Life is Similar to Digestion First and foremost, realize we are talking poop! The journey of self-development and everything that unlearning, releasing, and letting go, is very similar to digestion. That is exactly what our bodies do when we have a bowel movement. We release the toxins that don't serve our bodies. Digestion is when we chew our food and swallow down and simulate what we need, then get rid of what we don't need. If we are digesting our life experiences and learning from them, digesting the juiciness of the experiences, then we are letting go of the things that are keeping us small, causing limiting beliefs and holding us back, and keeping us stuck. Trauma and Gut Health Chelsea's childhood led her to have a mindset of scarcity and that money wasn't meant for her, that it was meant for others. She was on a compare and despair spiral for many years of her life. Likewise, Chelsea felt she had to prove her worth. The stress of having to prove herself resulted in an autoimmune disease which in turn led to anxiety. The more the anxiety rose, the more health problems and stress she felt. Finally getting fed up with the vicious cycle and not satisfied with putting a Bandaid on a bruise, Chelsea decided to seek help outside of the dermatologist. At that time, she decided to invest in a health coach. She knew she no longer wanted to invest in sickness and pay money for healthcare that wasn't working, so she decided to pay for health and try to heal from the inside out. After doing cleanses and removing inflammatory foods from her diet and changing her mindset, she was on the road to healing. Mindset and Gut Health As a health coach, Chelsea never looks at gut health as either-or. The mindset piece of it is so very important. The mindset piece, the understanding that if we live in a grasping, elimination, and sacrificial mindset, then we are living in scarcity. The diet mentality of having to work out more and eliminating things from your diet and life that give you pleasure is miserable and not sustainable. The pivotal of shifting into an abundance mindset is to look in the mirror and say, "man, I'm living in a place of scarcity and I think I'm willing to change that." That is the hardest piece of healing. The gut health piece is much easier than the mindset piece. Trust Your Gut, Trust Your Intuition Chelsea's health coaching business is based on trusting her intuition, trusting that which is greater than her, God, and the Holy Spirit. She views herself as a vessel to whatever ears are there to hear her messages. Her physical healing was directly in correlation to her emotional and spiritual healing and they fed each other. It was a systematic shift from fear and scarcity mindset to trust and abundance mindset all while going on the physical journey of releasing the things that were no longer working for her, eliminating the toxins of her life, absorbing the life lessons, and no longer being victimized by the things that were seemingly hard and feeling like she is a victor from there. Through hardships, she learned things that without them, she wouldn't have learned. Small Manageable Lifestyle Shifts Start with Recognition of Mind Body Spirit. That which is greater than us. The life force that is within us that makes us want to beat a drum or dance. This starts with the physical body, the breath. It is the most tangible thing. The thing you can taste, see, feel, and hear. This is where we get measurable results. If you are struggling, implement help. A local doctor, a health coach. Start with figuring out the physical problem and what you need for your body. A State of Rest and Digest for Gut Health The secondary deeper layer is following your gut and making decisions that aren't emotionally based. Trauma is very broad spectrum, but it sends us into a survival state. The process of being able to come back to a place of trust and make conscience decisions to make daily habit changes begins with dropping back down to a state of rest and digest. Rest and Digest This is the baseline that we are meant to be operating from, not fight or flight. It is important to slow down. It's not about doing more, it's about being different. It's about implementing these slow, small changes that will get us back to rest and digest. Small habit changes for Gut Health Shift into rest and digest Breath deeply to digest your food more appropriately 5 – 5 -7 Rule Breath in for 5 seconds, pause for 5 seconds, and exhale for 7 seconds Be comfortable with our emotions…shift from guilt and shame to hope and joy and reason and desire Ask yourself who are you being while you are eating. Is stress dictating how you feel? Are you using food to cope with life? Deep breathing can help you enter a place of calm. Chew your food to applesauce consistency Spend time eating mindfully Chew about 32 chews to get your food to applesauce consistency Relearning Pleasure and Desire by Following Intuition Intuition is the remembering of what we already know to be true. As women, we've learned that desire is going to lead us down a bad road. There are so many levels of desire and pleasure, but as women, we need to relearn what we've outsourced. Pleasure and desire are good things. We don't need to live in the confines of the boxes that society has put us in. Come back to intuitive knowing, which will help improve gut health and emotional stability. Healing If your physical body has been damaged, then you need to embark on a healing journey. You cannot heal in the environment that got you sick. So being willing to make a change and is critical. The body can and will heal if given the chance. The Root of Growth and Development Humility Self-awareness Self-accountability Habit change and Accountability Attach to your why. Think about the bigger purpose and reason you are making this change. Part of healing is reestablishing your habits. If we don't make the effort to take action, there will be no change. Responsibility must be taken to realize that bad things happened, but they didn't happen to you, they happened for you. Your desires are leading you to your purpose. Invest in them, invest in yourself. Make the commitment to gut health and emotional health, joy, and abundance. Learn more about Chelsea and connect with her: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thethechelseahaines Podcast: Let's Start Health Website: www.chelseahainescoaching.com Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

I am often asked about niching down and so I thought I’d address the most frequently asked questions that I receive.

The first question is:  Why do I need a niche?

Here’s the nitty-gritty about niching down.   When you don’t have a niche, you aren’t able to focus and create content that reaches the people you are meant to serve.

A Photographer as an Example of Niching Down

Jane loves to work with families and capture memories that will last a lifetime.  Nothing makes her happier than capturing those precious moments, smiles, and hugs, and twirls of children while their parents stand by and take in the joy of the moment.  Looking at the proofs after the shoot Jane’s heart skips a beat when she sees the expression of the mom’s face as she watched her children candidly connect with each other.   Her sales sessions are graceful and produce additional revenue because she is able to sell the memories she’s captured and create artwork for her client’s homes and offices.

When Niching Down is Avoided, People Get Confused

But, Jane sees other photographers working all year and doing headshot sessions and wants to tap into that additional source of revenue.  She figures it’s an easy way to make extra money, especially in the months when family portraits are slower.

After making this decision Jane starts marketing herself as a headshot photographer.  She gets a few clients but isn’t relaxed and doesn’t feel good after the sessions.   Her confidence isn't the same when working with professionals as it is when capturing families and children.   The lack of confidence is causing her to not trust herself and this lack of trust in herself is coming through during sessions, and her clients don’t feel comfortable or trust her.  As a result, the clients are flat in the headshot images and don’t look relaxed or approachable.   The clients aren’t happy and neither is Jane.  She continues down this path and is now being questioned by her family portrait clients about whether or not she is still doing family portraits.

The number of likes she’s getting on social media are much lower when she posts headshots compared to her family portrait work.

What is happening?

Jane’s messaging has become confusing.  She is no longer reaching her ideal audience.  Trying to be everything to everyone, and it isn’t working.   Business is slowing because people are confused about what she does and who she serves through her photography.  Niching down is important for creating clear and consistent messaging to avoid confusion.

The bottom line, as you can see in this example, is that you need a niche to have focus and define who your ideal audience is.   Niching down is important for having clarity around your brand messaging, for having confidence and trust in the work you do and fulfilling yourself as a business owner and meeting the needs and wants of your clients.

The second question is: What if I’m multi-passionate?

Not a problem.   You can be multi-passionate, but you still need to identify your ideal audience.  You can’t serve everyone effectively.   Meaning, you can’t do everything for everyone and be efficient.  When you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one. Niching down becomes critical for identifying your ideal audience so that  you can create content that resonates with them.

What I suggest to my clients who are multi-passionate is that they become the brand and have umbrellas underneath the main brand.

Message Clarity is Key and Why Niching Down is Important

You can create messaging effectively if you have definitive roles.  Let’s take Jane as an example.

If Jane is multi-passionate about being a family and children’s portrait photographer, and a headshot photographer, she needs to have clear messaging on her website.   She needs to have proof that she is an expert and authority in both types of photography.   Jane, nor anyone else, can flip flop from one thing to another depending on the time of year and whether or not she is booked with clients.

The question becomes, how can she effectively have multiple passions successfully?

First of all her business name should not be some cute little name indicating that she is a family and children’s photographer.    Doing so would not attract professionals needing a headshot.   Likewise, if she had headshot in the name of her business, she wouldn’t attract family portrait clients.

What she can do is use her name, or a less specific name for her business and the services page on her website should specify the opportunities people have to work with her.    She should also have portfolios for each type of client.  Portfolios and testimonials for both types of clients are what will prove that she is an expert in both types of photography.

Niching down doesn't mean you have to give up on your passions.   You can successfully incorporate them into your business successfully as long as your messaging and communication plan is clear, cohesive and consistent.

What Not to Do

What she shouldn’t do is what I used in the example above.   You can’t be a family portrait photographer part of the year and a headshot photographer the other part of the year, unless of course, this is your business model and you have effectively established your messaging around that business model.

Do you see how if she is works with one type of client part of the year and the other type of client another part of the year it looks like she is just trying to keep her pocket-book full of money.

What To Do

Whereas if her website and messaging all state she serves both audiences she can easily reach both audiences and prove she is a master at both types of photography.

Something to remember is an analogy that my friend and previous guest on the show, Pia Silva, made during her interview.   If you want more details, go back and listen to episode 26.   But for now, think of an hourglass.   You have the wide-open space at the top where all of your ideas and passions are.    Then the hourglass becomes narrow.  This is where you niche down.  Once you niche down, you can identify your ideal audience, focus on finding out where they are so that you can be present on those platforms too, and create brand messaging that is going to resonate with them.

Now that you have fine-tuned your brand messaging and your business is functioning at a level that you can manage, you can think about opening back up.  Just as the hourglass widens at the bottom, your product offerings can expand.  The key is to be sure that they align with the original niche so that you can maintain the clarity and confidence in your messaging.

The third question is:  How do I Decide on My Niche?

This is where my brand equation comes into play.   To identify your niche, you can make a list of your values, visions, and passions.

Values

Values come first because if your core values are not at the foundation of your brand, you will not be able to have clarity, confidence or serve your audience.

Visions

Your visions are how you see yourself.  How you see yourself interacting with clients.   What you see yourself doing.  Who you see yourself working with and serving?

Passions

Next are your passions. What lights you up?  Think about what it is that you do that makes you feel the most fulfilled, happy, joyful, or accomplished?    Is it a hobby, speaking, or teaching?   We all have something that we do that just lights our heart and soul on fire.

Now that you have made your three lists, where is there cross over?  Are there any synergies, marriages or things that align?

An Example

Sarah’s core values include compassion, empathy, faith, and service.    She sees herself working with children and she sees herself speaking and guiding.   Sarah is passionate about sharing her knowledge and has a love of learning.   For years, Sarah has been writing as a hobby and putting together snippets of stories and compiling Bible verses that have influenced how she sees the world and how she lives her life and wants her kids to live their lives.

Now that Sarah has her list, she can think about where they align.

There seems to be a thread with faith, serving, a love of learning, and writing and speaking.   What could Sarah do to create a business around her values, visions, and passions?

She could write children’s books, she could write devotionals for children, she could become a teacher, she could start a YouTube channel or monthly membership program for children or start a tutoring business for children.

The opportunities really are endless if your values are at the core of the business you start.

The fourth question is: How do I know that My Niche is the Right Fit for me?

This is probably the easiest question to answer.    You’ll know your niche is right for you when you have absolute clarity and confidence in what you are doing.   That you trust yourself as the expert that you are.  When you feel fulfilled at the end of the workday you will know you are on the right track.   And, you won’t mind doing the work to get you to the point of success.   You will see every part of the journey as a steppingstone toward your end goal.

The 5th question is: How do I determine if my Niche can be profitable?

Any hobby or passion can be turned into a business.   Will it be easy to make money initially?  Not necessarily, but if you are hesitating to start a business because you are afraid you won’t make money here are some things you can do to help you decide if your business will be profitable.

1. Poll your friends and family and ask if they would purchase your product or service.
2. Use your Google search bar and see if there are other businesses in your niche. Follow those businesses on social media and see how they are doing.
3. Calculate your overhead, the number of hours you will have to work to create a product, or perform the service you are going to offer, and think about how many items or service hours will you have to sell to come out even. Your time is the most precious thing you have.  You do not want to work for free so be sure to put a value on your time.  And, keep in mind, that you God-given gift that is meant to serve a certain population.    There may be others doing what you do, but none of them will be doing it the unique way you do.
4. If your business model doesn’t seem profitable, revisit it, and see how you could make changes to allow for a higher profit margin.
5. Or, if it does seem profitable, start your brand creation by being the face of your brand and telling your story. Once you have crafted your story, you can begin marketing by communicating your story and attracting clients.

Questions About Niching Down

If you have any questions about niching down or finding absolute clarity and confidence around your brand, don’t hesitate to reach out!   You can book a strategy session with me by visiting my website.

You can also join my private Facebook Group, The Brand Marketing Insider.  The group is a great place to poll members, share tips, ask questions, and learn more about brand marketing strategies.  I’d love to see you there!

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.

To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.

Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE.

Ask Me Anything HERE.

Join the Brand Marketing Insider Private Facebook Group HERE.

Connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

I am often asked about niching down and so I thought I'd address the most frequently asked questions that I receive. The first question is: Why do I need a niche? Here's the nitty-gritty about niching down. When you don't have a niche, you aren't able to focus and create content that reaches the people you are meant to serve. A Photographer as an Example of Niching Down Jane loves to work with families and capture memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing makes her happier than capturing those precious moments, smiles, and hugs, and twirls of children while their parents stand by and take in the joy of the moment. Looking at the proofs after the shoot Jane's heart skips a beat when she sees the expression of the mom's face as she watched her children candidly connect with each other. Her sales sessions are graceful and produce additional revenue because she is able to sell the memories she's captured and create artwork for her client's homes and offices. When Niching Down is Avoided, People Get Confused But, Jane sees other photographers working all year and doing headshot sessions and wants to tap into that additional source of revenue. She figures it's an easy way to make extra money, especially in the months when family portraits are slower. After making this decision Jane starts marketing herself as a headshot photographer. She gets a few clients but isn't relaxed and doesn't feel good after the sessions. Her confidence isn't the same when working with professionals as it is when capturing families and children. The lack of confidence is causing her to not trust herself and this lack of trust in herself is coming through during sessions, and her clients don't feel comfortable or trust her. As a result, the clients are flat in the headshot images and don't look relaxed or approachable. The clients aren't happy and neither is Jane. She continues down this path and is now being questioned by her family portrait clients about whether or not she is still doing family portraits. The number of likes she's getting on social media are much lower when she posts headshots compared to her family portrait work. What is happening? Jane's messaging has become confusing. She is no longer reaching her ideal audience. Trying to be everything to everyone, and it isn't working. Business is slowing because people are confused about what she does and who she serves through her photography. Niching down is important for creating clear and consistent messaging to avoid confusion. The bottom line, as you can see in this example, is that you need a niche to have focus and define who your ideal audience is. Niching down is important for having clarity around your brand messaging, for having confidence and trust in the work you do and fulfilling yourself as a business owner and meeting the needs and wants of your clients. The second question is: What if I'm multi-passionate? Not a problem. You can be multi-passionate, but you still need to identify your ideal audience. You can't serve everyone effectively. Meaning, you can't do everything for everyone and be efficient. When you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one. Niching down becomes critical for identifying your ideal audience so that you can create content that resonates with them. What I suggest to my clients who are multi-passionate is that they become the brand and have umbrellas underneath the main brand. Message Clarity is Key and Why Niching Down is Important You can create messaging effectively if you have definitive roles. Let's take Jane as an example. If Jane is multi-passionate about being a family and children's portrait photographer, and a headshot photographer, she needs to have clear messaging on her website. She needs to have proof that she is an expert and authority in both types of photography. Jane, nor anyone else, can flip flop from one thing to another depending on the time of year and whether or not she is booked with clients. The question becomes, how can she effectively have multiple passions successfully? First of all her business name should not be some cute little name indicating that she is a family and children's photographer. Doing so would not attract professionals needing a headshot. Likewise, if she had headshot in the name of her business, she wouldn't attract family portrait clients. What she can do is use her name, or a less specific name for her business and the services page on her website should specify the opportunities people have to work with her. She should also have portfolios for each type of client. Portfolios and testimonials for both types of clients are what will prove that she is an expert in both types of photography. Niching down doesn't mean you have to give up on your passions. You can successfully incorporate them into your business successfully as long as your messaging and communication plan is clear, cohesive and consistent. What Not to Do What she shouldn't do is what I used in the example above. You can't be a family portrait photographer part of the year and a headshot photographer the other part of the year, unless of course, this is your business model and you have effectively established your messaging around that business model. Do you see how if she is works with one type of client part of the year and the other type of client another part of the year it looks like she is just trying to keep her pocket-book full of money. What To Do Whereas if her website and messaging all state she serves both audiences she can easily reach both audiences and prove she is a master at both types of photography. Something to remember is an analogy that my friend and previous guest on the show, Pia Silva, made during her interview. If you want more details, go back and listen to episode 26. But for now, think of an hourglass. You have the wide-open space at the top where all of your ideas and passions are. Then the hourglass becomes narrow. This is where you niche down. Once you niche down, you can identify your ideal audience, focus on finding out where they are so that you can be present on those platforms too, and create brand messaging that is going to resonate with them. Now that you have fine-tuned your brand messaging and your business is functioning at a level that you can manage, you can think about opening back up. Just as the hourglass widens at the bottom, your product offerings can expand. The key is to be sure that they align with the original niche so that you can maintain the clarity and confidence in your messaging. The third question is: How do I Decide on My Niche? This is where my brand equation comes into play. To identify your niche, you can make a list of your values, visions, and passions. Values Values come first because if your core values are not at the foundation of your brand, you will not be able to have clarity, confidence or serve your audience. Visions Your visions are how you see yourself. How you see yourself interacting with clients. What you see yourself doing. Who you see yourself working with and serving? Passions Next are your passions. What lights you up? Think about what it is that you do that makes you feel the most fulfilled, happy, joyful, or accomplished? Is it a hobby, speaking, or teaching? We all have something that we do that just lights our heart and soul on fire. Now that you have made your three lists, where is there cross over? Are there any synergies, marriages or things that align? An Example Sarah's core values include compassion, empathy, faith, and service. She sees herself working with children and she sees herself speaking and guiding. Sarah is passionate about sharing her knowledge and has a love of learning. For years, Sarah has been writing as a hobby and putting together snippets of stories and compiling Bible verses that have influenced how she sees the world and how she lives her life and wants her kids to live their lives. Now that Sarah has her list, she can think about where they align. There seems to be a thread with faith, serving, a love of learning, and writing and speaking. What could Sarah do to create a business around her values, visions, and passions? She could write children's books, she could write devotionals for children, she could become a teacher, she could start a YouTube channel or monthly membership program for children or start a tutoring business for children. The opportunities really are endless if your values are at the core of the business you start. The fourth question is: How do I know that My Niche is the Right Fit for me? This is probably the easiest question to answer. You'll know your niche is right for you when you have absolute clarity and confidence in what you are doing. That you trust yourself as the expert that you are. When you feel fulfilled at the end of the workday you will know you are on the right track. And, you won't mind doing the work to get you to the point of success. You will see every part of the journey as a steppingstone toward your end goal. The 5th question is: How do I determine if my Niche can be profitable? Any hobby or passion can be turned into a business. Will it be easy to make money initially? Not necessarily, but if you are hesitating to start a business because you are afraid you won't make money here are some things you can do to help you decide if your business will be profitable. Poll your friends and family and ask if they would purchase your product or service. Use your Google search bar and see if there are other businesses in your niche. Follow those businesses on social media and see how they are doing. Calculate your overhead, the number of hours you will have to work to create a product, or perform the service you are going to offer, and think about how many items or service hours will you have to sell to come out even. Your time is the most precious thing you have. You do not want to work for free so be sure to put a value on your time. And, keep in mind, that you God-given gift that is meant to serve a certain population. There may be others doing what you do, but none of them will be doing it the unique way you do. If your business model doesn't seem profitable, revisit it, and see how you could make changes to allow for a higher profit margin. Or, if it does seem profitable, start your brand creation by being the face of your brand and telling your story. Once you have crafted your story, you can begin marketing by communicating your story and attracting clients. Questions About Niching Down If you have any questions about niching down or finding absolute clarity and confidence around your brand, don't hesitate to reach out! You can book a strategy session with me by visiting my website. You can also join my private Facebook Group, The Brand Marketing Insider. The group is a great place to poll members, share tips, ask questions, and learn more about brand marketing strategies. I'd love to see you there! Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Join the Brand Marketing Insider Private Facebook Group HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Time Flies When You're In the Nest

Whether you are already an empty nester, or you are a young mom, the time with our children flies by.  We have a narrow window of opportunity before it’s time to give them their wings and say “fly, be free”.

There are so many mixed emotions with the send-off process.  We’re proud, excited, nervous, maybe even anxious, part sad and part happy.

But what do we do when they’re all gone?

Even if we have a full-time job there will be new vacancy’s in our schedule.  If we’ve been a stay at home parent, now we really have an open calendar.

So, what’s next?

Well, Jodi Silverman is here to guide us on the next phase of empty nesting and teach us how to dare on!

Jodi says it’s creating little new normals.

Jodi spent 20 plus years in sales. When her children were young, she left corporate and started her own printing business.   She was still in sales but working for herself.  Once her children started high school, Jodi realized that she started to have much more time on her hands.  The additional time shed light on the fact that she really wasn’t fulfilled in her business.

Jodi left her company and joined a network marketing company.  This led her on a journey of discovering things about herself that she hadn’t realized.  She was introduced to coaching during this time.   Jodi was saying yes to things she never knew she could do.   She found strengths she didn’t know she had and embraced them.

Upon this realization, Jodi decided she wanted to help other women entering the empty nest phase discover themselves.

Vulnerability

We as women have to support each other.   If we are in a place of influence, we should share the limiting beliefs and fears that we experience to help others do the same.  Our journeys can positively influence others to push through and accept the fact that fear is always going to be part of you, but it isn’t going to keep her stuck.   We can’t fear judgement.

Our gifts and voices will resonate with certain people.   When we reach one person, it’s a mic drop moment.

If we can touch even one life, we have done our job.  We aren’t meant to help everyone.  When we talk to everyone, we talk to no one.

When our children leave us, it is sad, but it isn’t just a loss, it is an opportunity.   It’s an opportunity to expand and grow ourselves.

An Adjustment

It is such an adjustment when our children leave us.   When they leave, our purpose changes dramatically.   And there is a phase of reconnection with our partners.

The Phases

The empty nest doesn’t start when the kids leave the house.  There are phases, just like menopause.   Pre-empty nest, empty nest and post empty nest.

The empty nest phase actually starts when the kids are in high school and driving themselves.

Reconnection is important and it can happen.  But we do need to invest in the reconnection.

Ways to Reconnect as an Empty Nester

• Do a day swamp – each partner plans a day based on the things they enjoy doing.
• Reflect on what you did before you had kids.
• Get vulnerable and tell your partner what you want to do and that you want to spend more time together.
• Compromise – relationships are give and take

Discovery

• Accept a new adventure.
• Step out of your comfort zone.
• Dare to do something new.

A Series of Questions for Finding Your Second Phase as an Empty Nester

• What do you value?
• What makes your heart sing?
• When in your life, outside of motherhood, that made you excited and fulfilled?

Sometimes you just sit with the questions and then step out and do something new.

By daring, you are stepping out to do something new, or something that you haven’t done in a while, but something that fulfills you.

Daring doesn’t mean jumping out of an airplane.  It could be as simple as riding a bike or learning to play Canasta.   Daring could be spending a day giving random compliments to strangers.   It could be doing something for other people, anything that is moving out of your head and into your heart space.

Your next phase doesn’t have to be a paid position.  It could be a volunteer position.

Use the skills you’ve developed and perfected over the years.   Organization, event planning, budgeting, and so much more.

Discover your values, visions and passions.

Don’t assume you have to work when the kids leave.  You can find meaningful volunteer opportunities instead if you are blessed and don’t need additional income.

Find Your Community

Don’t listen to the shoulds.

Ask yourself “if money is not an issue, what would you love to do”?

You can find a passion, a hobby, a job or a volunteer position.   But focus on what is going to make you happy, give you joy and purpose.

Permission to Create a Second Phase

As an empty nester, give yourself permission to create a new normal.

• Start having date nights.
• Go for a walk and then have a late dinner.
• Break away from the traditional clock.
• Shake things up a bit.   Eat dinner and what TV.

The vacant time is a gift.   You haven’t been able to do whatever you wanted until now.

Find new hobbies as an Empty Nester.

• Golf
• Tennis
• Book Club
• Photography
• This is your time!  It is limitless!

The Kids' Point of View

Our kids are watching us.   They are paying attention to how we are handling life and what we are doing.   Kids will learn that it is OK for us to have our time too.

Our job as parents is to show them how to live instead of just taking care of them to live.

Learn more about Jodi and Connect with Her:

Website: www.jodisilverman.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodisilverman/

In the Nest with Jodi: https://www.youtube.com/inthenestwithjodisilverman

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. 

To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. 

Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE.

Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE.

Ask Me Anything HERE.

Connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

Time Flies When You're In the Nest Whether you are already an empty nester, or you are a young mom, the time with our children flies by. We have a narrow window of opportunity before it's time to give them their wings and say "fly, be free". There are so many mixed emotions with the send-off process. We're proud, excited, nervous, maybe even anxious, part sad and part happy. But what do we do when they're all gone? Even if we have a full-time job there will be new vacancy's in our schedule. If we've been a stay at home parent, now we really have an open calendar. So, what's next? Well, Jodi Silverman is here to guide us on the next phase of empty nesting and teach us how to dare on! Jodi says it's creating little new normals. Jodi spent 20 plus years in sales. When her children were young, she left corporate and started her own printing business. She was still in sales but working for herself. Once her children started high school, Jodi realized that she started to have much more time on her hands. The additional time shed light on the fact that she really wasn't fulfilled in her business. Jodi left her company and joined a network marketing company. This led her on a journey of discovering things about herself that she hadn't realized. She was introduced to coaching during this time. Jodi was saying yes to things she never knew she could do. She found strengths she didn't know she had and embraced them. Upon this realization, Jodi decided she wanted to help other women entering the empty nest phase discover themselves. Vulnerability We as women have to support each other. If we are in a place of influence, we should share the limiting beliefs and fears that we experience to help others do the same. Our journeys can positively influence others to push through and accept the fact that fear is always going to be part of you, but it isn't going to keep her stuck. We can't fear judgement. Our gifts and voices will resonate with certain people. When we reach one person, it's a mic drop moment. If we can touch even one life, we have done our job. We aren't meant to help everyone. When we talk to everyone, we talk to no one. When our children leave us, it is sad, but it isn't just a loss, it is an opportunity. It's an opportunity to expand and grow ourselves. An Adjustment It is such an adjustment when our children leave us. When they leave, our purpose changes dramatically. And there is a phase of reconnection with our partners. The Phases The empty nest doesn't start when the kids leave the house. There are phases, just like menopause. Pre-empty nest, empty nest and post empty nest. The empty nest phase actually starts when the kids are in high school and driving themselves. Reconnection is important and it can happen. But we do need to invest in the reconnection. Ways to Reconnect as an Empty Nester Do a day swamp – each partner plans a day based on the things they enjoy doing. Reflect on what you did before you had kids. Get vulnerable and tell your partner what you want to do and that you want to spend more time together. Compromise – relationships are give and take Discovery Accept a new adventure. Step out of your comfort zone. Dare to do something new. A Series of Questions for Finding Your Second Phase as an Empty Nester What do you value? What makes your heart sing? When in your life, outside of motherhood, that made you excited and fulfilled? Sometimes you just sit with the questions and then step out and do something new. By daring, you are stepping out to do something new, or something that you haven't done in a while, but something that fulfills you. Daring doesn't mean jumping out of an airplane. It could be as simple as riding a bike or learning to play Canasta. Daring could be spending a day giving random compliments to strangers. It could be doing something for other people, anything that is moving out of your head and into your heart space. Your next phase doesn't have to be a paid position. It could be a volunteer position. Use the skills you've developed and perfected over the years. Organization, event planning, budgeting, and so much more. Discover your values, visions and passions. Don't assume you have to work when the kids leave. You can find meaningful volunteer opportunities instead if you are blessed and don't need additional income. Find Your Community Don't listen to the shoulds. Ask yourself "if money is not an issue, what would you love to do"? You can find a passion, a hobby, a job or a volunteer position. But focus on what is going to make you happy, give you joy and purpose. Permission to Create a Second Phase As an empty nester, give yourself permission to create a new normal. Start having date nights. Go for a walk and then have a late dinner. Break away from the traditional clock. Shake things up a bit. Eat dinner and what TV. The vacant time is a gift. You haven't been able to do whatever you wanted until now. Find new hobbies as an Empty Nester. Golf Tennis Book Club Photography This is your time! It is limitless! The Kids' Point of View Our kids are watching us. They are paying attention to how we are handling life and what we are doing. Kids will learn that it is OK for us to have our time too. Our job as parents is to show them how to live instead of just taking care of them to live. Learn more about Jodi and Connect with Her: Website: www.jodisilverman.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodisilverman/ In the Nest with Jodi: https://www.youtube.com/inthenestwithjodisilverman Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Join the Brand Marketing Insider Facebook Group HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest