Brandmerry Blog Archives
The Free To Be Podcast With Michelle Knight
THE FREE TO BE PODCAST WITH MICHELLE KNIGHT
I’m so excited to bring you Free To Be a brand new podcast by Michelle Knight founder of Brandmerry.com and the membership community Free To Be U - hey that’s me!
The Free To Be podcast was created to empower more women to own their story and write their own ending. I truly believe that we are Free To Be anyone, anywhere at anytime and can do so with true authenticity.
The Free To Be podcast will be your go-to podcast for inspiration, real-life authentic stories and tips for running your own business that gives you the time, financial and location freedom you crave.
You’ll hear from women and the occasional man about their own journey into a life of freedom, their struggles, biggest triumphs and what they’ve credited to their biggest successes.
You’ll learn from me about what it’s really like to run a business with a toddler, should be fun, and how I find harmony in my own life. You’ll gain incredible knowledge, tools and strategies for communicating your own story and brand with the world.
If you have a desire for more freedom in your life and don’t believe in sacrifice to get it you lady and I’m excited to introduce you to the ultimate podcast for your deepest desires. Get ready for some laughs, some swearing and a ton of insightful humans empowering you to write your own ending.
Free To Be by Michelle Knight will be available September 4 on Apple podcast, Spotify, I Heart Radio and Stitcher. Subscribe and listen now for free.
CONNECT WITH ME
Web: brandmerry.com
Instagram: @brandmerrycoaching
Facebook: @brandmerrycoaching
Biz Group: Authentic Brand Builders
LOVE THE FREE TO BE PODCAST?
I kinda secretly hoped you'd say yes! I love you right back lady and I'm so honored you tune in every week for massive inspiration. I've got a favor to ask. Would you be so kind as to leave a review of the podcast on iTunes (if you haven't already)? It means so much to me to read your reviews + it allows more people to get their hands on the amazing interviews and content. Let's spread the love, shall we? REVIEW ON ITUNES ↠
5 Tips to Improve Your Productivity Throughout the Day
5 Tips to Improve Your Productivity Throughout the Day
August 23, 2018
Oh working from home life, heck every-day life, it can get a little complicated from time to time. We’ve got things to do, people to see and the list keeps getting longer.
Hey girl, there is some light at the end of the tunnel and trust me it comes from doing more efficiently, rather than throwing in the towel. I know, I know throwing your hands up in the air might seem like the best option, but it’s not going to get you anywhere now is it?
If you find yourself seriously struggling with productivity throughout the day, whether that’s in your online business, at your 9 to 5 or both (I see you, girl, because I was you just 2 years ago), I’ve got 5 tips to kick that productivity into overload so you can get more sh*t done.
I’m super passionate about maximizing my time so I can stay focused and productive, yes even with a toddler. My intention is that these 5 tips will allow you to move closer and closer to your life of freedom without the overwhelm.
Top 5 TIPS to Improve Your Productivity
1) Take the time in the morning
Seriously, just do this step. I fought it for so long because I wasn’t a “morning person” but you don’t have to be a morning person to give yourself some love and attention in the morning. This can be 10 minutes or 2 hours (what I aim for these days). Read my recent post about The Morning Routine of a 6-Figure Business Owner for some ideas.
I highly recommend focusing on some sort of meditation or writing, a little movement and a nourishing smoothie or juice. Give your body, mind and spirit the love it deserves and it will support you throughout the entire day, yes even if your toddler throws a curveball in your original plans.
2) Focus on the Big 3
This is something I’ve been doing since I became an entrepreneur, women in my community will remember most of my first live streams were about this very topic. Your list is going to be long, there’s no denying that, but what you need to do is start focusing on what is going to have the biggest impact - enter the BIG 3.
Every single day take time to identify your big 3 for the day and put your energy and attention on those first. That way if something happens and your plans change you’ve accomplished the 3 most important pieces. For all my female entrepreneurs one of these pieces should be a daily sales action; meaning you’re reaching out to someone, posting or following up about your offer.
3) Time blocking for the win
Are you currently blocking out time in your schedule for important things? I see this happening a lot where women say they don’t have enough time in the day to do x,y and z. What if you made it a non-negotiable? Seriously hear me out here. What if every single week on Tuesday night you had time blocked out in your calendar for your business? What if every single Wednesday you blocked out time for yoga?
Treat it as a top priority and whatever comes up you’ll know that time is not available because it isn’t. I actually color block all important appointments, bulk writing sessions and more, like my morning routine, so nothing gets scheduled and takes my energy away from what I need to do.
4) Prepare for the next day
Rather than waking up in the morning wondering what is on the agenda, just to find out you have something every 15 freaking minutes, how would it feel to know before your head hit the bed?
P.S. It feels freaking amazing. Every night before bed set aside just 5 minutes to look at your planner, calendar, post-it notes of ideas and wrap your head around what’s on the schedule, what needs to be done and what can wait. Being in control of your to-do list is half of the battle, seriously, so do yourself a favor and do a little planning. The most productive people don’t fly by the seat of their pants!
5) Organize in Trello
I’m a lover of all things **Trello (see what I tried to do there?) Trello had allowed me to organize my content, workflows and weekly schedule. It makes planning and executing super easy. If you’re not currently using a system for organizing your day to day I HIGHLY recommend. You can get a free Trello account and dive right in.
Other amazing options include Asana and Monday or simply utilizing your Google Calendar or physical planner. I don’t care what platform, seriously I don’t, I just want you to have something that allows you to have a birds-eye view of your life and biz while prioritizing what matters most.
I'd love to know in the comments which tip resonates with you most and what you're most excited about implementing!
*Affiliate link to Trello because I love it and highly recommend. If you choose to use it for your organization, I will receive a little bonus from them.
How I Made 3/4 of My Income Goal in The 2nd Half of 2017
How I Made 3/4 of My Income Goal in The 2nd Half of 2017
08/16/18
Last year, I had a goal to make $100,000 in my business. That number felt good to me, and the reason I'm sharing this with you today is because I made 3/4ths of that in the second half of 2017. Which means that it's to too late for you if you feel behind in your own goal for the year right now. My biggest months last year were September and October which were both right around $14k and December which was closer to $18k. So it's not to late for you to reach your goals, you just have to take some steps in order to get there.
Believed in My Goal
I believed so much in my goal. I was so grounded and rooted in hitting $100k - in hitting 6 figures. Be super clear and specific on your goal. I felt that number in my soul. I was invested and excited in that number.
I visualized every step of the way, every month, every time I hit a goal. I was super clear on my visualization process. I was really inspired by this number. It was about how that would make me feel. I also had to do the inner work. I really started to bust through my old beliefs around money, and I also had to release my inner perfectionist.
I was always checking in on where I was at in my goals and where I might need to pick up slack.
Planned for a Big Launch
I had planned for a big launch. Launches are a great way to bring in a big influx of money when you are trying to reach a big goal. I had been planning mine for 9 months and growing my list since January!
I did the prep work and knew this was a big part of the end of the year for reaching my goal, so I took time to prep for it and get those pieces in place.
I really focused on building relationships and nurturing my audience. I started going live regularly. I started doing more workshops and webinars. Building trust with your community is massive. I really credit the relationship building I did to the success of this launch.
I truly went all in on this launch! There was no holding back. Everyone knew I was launching. I put money in a mentor and Facebook Ads and the return on investment was huge.
Focused on New Eyes and Ears on My Brand
I focused on growing my list daily and taking sales action, but also community action.
I used FB ads, Instagram and organic reach through groups to grow my list through webinars, workshops, live videos, freebies, challenges, etc (everything I do has some sort of opt in ;))
I created a welcome sequence so people really got to know me through my free offer, so when I rolled out a new offer, they were ready to invest.
Strategically Stacked My Offers
I always had and still have a next step for my clients so they feel supported. If someone finishes a program, I have a next step for them. I planned out my launches and cart opens to lead clients from one into the other
With this in mind I heavily introduced my intensives as a welcome to coaching and focused on filling that from August - December, this led to my 1:1 clients at a higher ticket price. So you can bring people in at a lower cost level and then funnel them to the higher ticket prices.
Separated From The How, BUT Took Action
I had my big goal in mind and things I was working towards daily, but I wasn’t obsessed with one thing working over the other.
I focused my time and energy on taking action and if something didn’t work I found something that did.
I was constantly showing up, taking action and investing back into my business to get it to work. Always take action. Don't just wait for the best idea to fall into your lap. It will come, but always take action.
Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/300033270574356/
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!
Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read
Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read
BY MICHELLE KNIGHT
In honor of #NationalBookLoversDay I'm sharing my top seven books that are must-reads for female entrepreneurs.
I've got to be honest, I was never much of a reader unless you count the occasional hopeless-romantic Nicholas Sparks book I read on vacation. However, all of that changed when I became an entrepreneur. I became obsessed with learning as much as I could around mindset, running a business and moving through my biggest block - perfectionism.
When I say these books completely changed my life, it's an understatement. Through these books I've been able to:
↠ Revamp my mindset around money and my ability to make it.
↠ Own my own story and start to move through my blocks around perfectionism.
↠ Embrace my vulnerability and use it as a strength when running my business.
Please note this blog contains affiliate links to these products, so if you choose to buy, I will receive a small compensation. I only refer products I absolutely love!
My Top Book Recommendations For Female Entrepreneurs
1. you are a badass at making money
I highly suggest you listen to the audio of this book because Jen Sincero is seriously hilarious with her delivery. This was one of the first books I was introduced to and would listen on my 9 to 5 commute.
This book gave me the a** kicking I was looking for to start making significant changes in my life. Jen has such a witty way of holding a mirror up to your current life and situation and gives you the tools and shifts to start feeling, thinking and acting differently.
2. daring greatly
What can I say about Brene Brown - I mean I seriously love this woman. She's changed my life with the resources and insight she provides through her work. For my entire life, I've struggled with perfectionism, but it wasn't until I started diving into her books that I realized how this had been holding me back for years.
This is only one of Brene's books you will find in this list, but Daring Greatly supported me in truly embracing my vulnerability and empowered me to start sharing my story with the world.
3. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch
I remember flying through this book in January 2017. I was going through an unexpected money situation in my business (i.e., taxes were due and I didn't know what I was doing just yet) and needed some mental support and clarity around moving through my fear of not having enough $$$.
Right off the bat, Denise Duffield-Thomas mentioned she was a Virgo, I was hooked. I loved her approach to manifesting and the actionable steps she taught. I implemented all of them right away and continue to do the work from this book monthly. In fact, anytime I'm feeling a money block I re-read this book (which has been more times than I can count ;))
4. You Are a Badass At Making Money
Another one of my favorites around making money is from Jen Sincero; I told you I love this ladies style. What I absolutely loved about Jen's book was how she addressed the stories around money; the ones we've learned from our parents, friends and society in general.
This was one of the first times I really started to question the idea of money and my ability to make it in my business. If you're struggling with old thought patterns around money, this is a must read.
5. The universe has your back
The description of this book says it all, "Transform Fear to Faith" and this book does just that. Talk about an emotional book to really address the way fear was running my life. As someone who lived most of her life constantly afraid of what could happen, this book was a gift.
My favorite part of this book are the actionable steps and questions Gabby Bernstein gives you so you can actually do the work. This definitely isn't a book you'll want to just fly through; seriously do the work and you will be truly changed.
6. How Rich People Think
I'm not going to lie when skimming this book, in the beginning, I was reluctant to read it. However, when I finally got over my need to be thoroughly entertained, I dove in and was blown away by the work of Steve Siebold.
It gives you an insider look at how rich people truly think and shows the thoughts, habits and philosophies of the wealthy. It's another top book that introduced me to the idea that making money has more to do with mindset then I initially thought.
7. The Gifts of Imperfection
I have to close out this list with another one of my favorite's from Brene Brown, seriously check out ALL her books! In this book, Brene introduces the idea of Wholehearted living and addresses the shame, authenticity and worthiness that comes from struggling with perfectionism.
If you are a recovering or current perfectionist and you read one book, let it be this one. Through Brene's work I was able to start fully stepping into my worthiness and authenticity and as a result my business and the trust I was building within my community expanded.
P.S. If you’re a female entrepreneur, I’ve got a free gift just for you! I’m sharing how to Build a Better Brand in this free class. Sign up here.
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Meet Michelle
Hey there, I'm Michelle Knight and I an online branding and marketing consultant for female entrepreneurs.
I believe in the power of storytelling and using that superpower to brand and market yourself online...oh and to set yourself free.
I'm obsessed with living a life of freedom, so much so, that my family and I now travel full-time while running my business from the road.
This blog serves as a home base for all things branding, marketing, content creation and more.
How To Use Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Branding
How To Use Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Branding
When I started this entrepreneur journey I didn't even know what masculine and feminine energy was, and maybe you're in that same boat. So today I'm sharing how you can use it not only in your business but your brand as well.
What is masculine and feminine energy?
Masculine energy is rooted in action taking, goal setting. They're big doers, competitive, direct and problem solvers. A lot of entrepreneurs lead with their masculine energy.
Feminine energy is rooted in intuition, community, feelings, collaboration and creativity. What is really important when understanding masculine and feminine energy is you need both of these things to create a strong business. So you have to first identify where you are, what you lead with and what you need more of.
I lead with my masculine side in both business and life. There became a point in my business where I recognized that, so I found a mentor that would help me tap into my feminine side. And it's really changed my business completely.
Which do you feel like you lead more with?
How Masculine and Feminine Energy Plays a Role in Running Your Own Business
We lead with one over the other, but the other one is still there. So what we need to do is bring the other one out more.
If you're more masculine, how can you add more flow and creativity to your business. Something that I started to do to bring out my feminine energy was dancing and yoga to bring out that flow. Also, mindset work brings out that feminine energy as well. Allow your feelings to come through and surrender or detach yourself from the how. Also, vulnerability and playfulness are so, so important in feminine energy which is something that played a role in my personal life once I had my son.
If you are more feminine, then you need to be really clear on your goals, time block, scheduling so you can balance that creativity with action taking. Where can you add in more structure and strategy?
How it plays a role in your branding and content creation to attract your audience
I don't see people talk about this too much, but it comes up all the time. And if you can think about your audience, what they need and what pulls them in, it's really really powerful in branding. The person on the other end has these energies too, they are human, they have layers as well. So if you ever feel like your brand it attracting two different people, it's actually the two different energies which is good.
If you can see which energy your audience leads with, tap into that and add in the energy they desire in your branding, you'll attract those people. Talk to people not only where they're at, but where they want to be. Create that experience and content that speaks to all pieces of your ideal client.
Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/1772342736135388/
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!