Brandmerry Blog Archives

brandmerry 8/30/18 brandmerry 8/30/18

How to Set Healthy Boundaries for a Successful Business

August 30, 2018

If you start getting into the habit of setting boundaries in your business, even if you're just starting out, it's going to make a huge difference. Today I'm sharing some small adjustments you can make in your business to set healthy boundaries.

You should be creating a business that compliments your ideal life of freedom and not one that takes away from it, but it's easy to kind of let your business take over. You have to make a conscious effort to create harmony between your business and your life.

In today's blog post I'm sharing how to set boundaries outside and inside your business. Feel free to read or scroll to the bottom to watch the complimentary video.

Setting Boundaries Outside Your Business

You have to be open to communicating with your friends and family what it is you really do. You're not just staying at home, or hanging out on Facebook all day. We have to understand that there is going to be a time to dedicate to our business and a time to dedicate to our family and friends.

We have to find that harmony - and you'll notice I don't say balance because to me balance seems like 50/50 and it may not always be 50/50. Harmony is about the ebb and flow, which is more realistic when running a business. Think about a launch - you're not always launching, but it's a time when your business needs more love.

How can you communicate with your loved ones when you're going through a launch and are a little busier within your business?

There is no exact formula or percentage between your business and your family. I don't believe in them because it's going to be constantly changing. So you just need to be aware if you are working all the time or if you're neglecting your business, and make the adjustments where needed. You have to honor the seasons of your business and your life.

Ben, my husband, knows my schedule. He knows when carts open when I'm launching, when I have downtime, and that helps our lives run smoothly. Make sure your family is aware that this is your passion and to support you during those busier times in your business.

Having those conversations is so important, because it allows you to give yourself permission to be fully present in your work and with your family.

One of the biggest things for me was creating my office space, so I can shut the door when I need to. If you need to, move your work. I love blocking time off to go work at a coffee shop if I know that I have something big to get done.

Even for things that aren't business related. If I want to take Cal, my son, to the Zoo on a nice day - I will block that out in my calendar. That is stepping into that CEO role.

Give yourself permission to love your business and also love the people around you. Understand when you need to love on your business or love on your family. And when you're with your family, remove the distractions. Stay off your phone. But also remember that no ones perfect, so don't get down on yourself if you break the boundaries every now and then.

Action Steps: Block out the time in your calendar and honor it, create an "office" space, leave your home to work, when you're with your family remove distractions.

Setting Boundaries Inside Your Business

The biggest areas you need to set boundaries for yourself are on social media, emails (clients) and tech. From my experience those are the most significant time suckers.

Boundaries online. Some of my favorite tricks to making sure I don't get sucked in are to put myself on a timer, so I'm not spending all of my time in these areas. Another strategy is to set one or two times a day where you check your email. If someone emails after that, you can respond the next day and the same for your Facebook groups.

Boundaries with your clients and your audience. It's really important that you are clear from the get-go what your clients can expect from you and what you can expect from them. One thing I do with my clients is give them a 24-48 hour response time. If they email after I've already checked my email that day, they aren't going to get a response until tomorrow.

This actually empowers your client because it gives them room to explore their own answers and ideas. My favorite thing is when I get an email on Friday night with a bunch of questions, and yes some of the questions will require my guidance, but come Monday they have already figured out a lot of their questions and now feel confident taking action in their own business.

Boundaries with yourself. One of my mentors told me some advice that has changed my business this year and I want to pass that on to you. Stop working 15 minutes before you think you're done. We can push ourselves, but that will just lead to burnout and frustration. I could probably work 12 hours straight, but that's not good for me, that's not good for my soul, and that's not good for my family.

Action Steps: Set an alarm for when you are going on social media, block out time in your calendar for emails, stop working 15 minutes before you think you're done.

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/2196704633944875/

And be sure to sign up for future live videos so you don't miss a thing: brandmerry.com/live

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

Branding and Business Coach | Michelle Knight of Brandmerry

brandmerry 8/26/18 brandmerry 8/26/18

The Free To Be Podcast With Michelle Knight

THE FREE TO BE PODCAST WITH MICHELLE KNIGHT

SUBSCRIBE NOW

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 ↠

brandmerry 8/23/18 brandmerry 8/23/18

5 Tips to Improve Your Productivity Throughout the Day

August 23, 2018

Whether you're working from home, juggling a 9 to 5 or both, it can be really hard to get things done. It's all about productivity lady and in this week's blog post I'm sharing my top 5 tips to increase your productivity throughout the day. These ti…

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.

brandmerry 8/16/18 brandmerry 8/16/18

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.

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

brandmerry 8/9/18 brandmerry 8/9/18

Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read

Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read

BY MICHELLE KNIGHT

Today, I'm sharing the top 7 books that have impacted my life and business. I highly suggest every female entrepreneur take the time to read these books to advance her mindset and business.

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.

*Find it here >>

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.

*Find it here >>

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 ;))

*Find it here >>

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.

*Find it here >>

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.

*Find it here >>

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.

*Find it here >>

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.

*Find it here >>