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Customer Profile: My-Cherie Haley of Shimmer & Bliss

April 9, 2012 in Blog, Case Studies with 0 Comments

My-Cherie Haley

A room lights up when My-Cherie Haley walks in. She just carries that aura of confidence, sincerity, and class. She is full of life, laughter, and passion that is most attractive to those around her.

My-Cherie owns Shimmer & Bliss, a company that makes hand-dyed air-silk scarves.  Now, these are not just any scarves. Their bold colors, light weight, and crinkled effect make them stand out in any crowd. They are extremely versatile, and can also be easily worn as a head-wrap, top, or sarong. My-Cherie has been making these scarves and selling them online and local boutiques for a few years.

She approached us recently as she was really wanting to grow her business and knew she needed a change – a stronger web presence, perhaps. As we got to know her business, we found that while she had several web software pieces in place, they were not cohesive and lacked an overall strategy to drive new leads.

Our inbound marketing package was just the right fit. We had to overhaul her site first to highlight content and make it easy for visitors to interact with her products, brand, and articles. We integrated all of her systems in order that her fans can stay connected via email, social media, and blog comments. We continue to publish weekly content that connects with her audience and builds her brand. Because of her new systems, she is driving increased traffic to her site every day.

We recently asked My-Cherie about this journey for her:

* What has it been like working with us?

Actually it’s been exciting and productive. I feel like my website has come to life. It was stagnant before you took over, and now I get compliments on my site almost everyday. Make me feel good ;-)

* What has been most valuable?

Most valuable has been my blog content. I love stories and writing, but don’t have a lot of time to do that. I really like the way you encourage and inspire me to write. I actually enjoy it when I have the time and when I don’t I can just tell you my ideas, and you can make it happen. Love that! Also, I’ve been doing better at time management thanks to you. You guys have really helped me to maximize my time to help meet deadlines. I’m a procrastinator, so I need that extra push to complete the task.

* How does content marketing affect your business?

Wow, I’m getting so much more traffic to my website now that I have blog content. I had no idea that it would be that significant, but it has actually made a huge difference in my web presence.

* Anything else to add?

Thank you for helping me bring my vision to life. It’s been AMAZING working with you and your team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. It’s only up from here, baby!

And that is too true for My-Cherie.  She has an authentic belief in herself and her product as well as the perseverance to push through challenges. She has the ingredients for a successful product and company, as they are ultimately an extension of who she is. It’s a treat working with her each week and a blast to be part of this journey.

Take a look at her site and product and consider supporting her by purchasing a Shimmer & Bliss scarf.  She actually is having a spring promotion right now – Buy 1, Get 1 Half-Off. Perfect gifts for mothers, friends, or just a fun splurge for yourself.

 

 

 

The New Economy for Women

March 13, 2012 in Blog, Content Marketing with 0 Comments

I had the privilege of speaking to a group of homeschool teachers last month about the affects and opportunities of living and working in this new economy.  The “new economy” being that of uncertainty, innovative technology, and a digital socially connected world.

As women, we have the opportunity to step into it boldly as supportive wives and educated moms, but also as talented and passionate individuals.

Supportive Wives

If we have the privilege and luxury not to be the primary “breadwinner” in our family, the least we can do is be the best cheerleader and teammate we can be. Our husbands face the daily challenges of translating their skills into revenue in an economy that is continually reassessing value. We can show our appreciation and care by keeping our head in the game to understand not only their industry and global economy in general, but their own specific strengths.

Study him – what energizes him most; how does he make a difference most? Be prepared to engage in diaglogue around career decisions or moves. The more educated you are about his personal uniqueness as well as his overall industry, the greater opportunity for trust and collaboration.

Educated Moms

We can learn almost anything we’d like to!  From digital books to how-to videos, most information is immediately accessible, and usually very affordable. Our children are so lucky to have a wealth of knowledge available from just a quick Google search. We can guide our children towards literature and activities that allow them to hone their unique skills and pursue their own interests.

For one of my boys, that’s included natural history books on everything animal, art lessons, guitar lessons, and horse-care/riding lessons. For my other son, it’s meant keeping up with the newest literature and technology, biographies of influential people throughout history, chess club, and Lemonade Day. We are seeking to give them a broad range of opportunities and skills in order to make their own way and make a difference in this world.

They should be able to type fast, solve problems, make decisions, and engage others authentically. In addition, they should consume content intelligently, formulate their own opinions and convictions, and articulate them clearly with others. As educated moms, we can lead the way and model these habits for them.

Talented Women

They can watch us confidently step into new opportunities - learning a new skill, teaching or coaching others, selling a product, charging others for our services, writing books or blogs, speaking to groups.  All because we can. We have many so resources available to us because of the internet, particularly access to others around the world.

I loved asking the women I spoke to, “What do you love?”  What do you love to do, to read, to learn? One woman loved making cake balls for others, another admitted starting about 10 different websites in the last year with a variety of new ideas.

Every woman has some wonderful talent(s) or skill(s) that they were designed with to share with the world. Sometimes fear (of failure, the unknown, being overwhelmed or tired) might hold us back from living into them.

But the neat thing is that when involve ourselves in new or growing pursuits, some natural by-products occur – confidence, creativity, new connections and friendships, revenue and future opportunities to make a difference.

We live in a most special day and age. The idea of a “working mom” is morphing. Today, it can look like a mom in her athletic clothes coming back from a run, taking her kids on a hike, reading aloud to them The Wheel on the School, publishing a blog post in the afternoon, having an online meeting at 4, and taking orders at 10 PM over her internet site. Our hours our certainly different than the 9-5 traditional workday – we work when our kids are sleeping or in school or playing with others. But the work can get done, and our families and others, including ourselves can gain much reward from it all.

What does this “New Economy” look like for you as a woman? How can you better live into these roles as a result of this special day and age?

 


When People Buy You

March 7, 2012 in Blog, Branding with 0 Comments

Our family has started a new evening tradition this week. We have been watching multiple episodes of Shark Tank on Hulu, gathered around our large screen computer with blankets and snacks, ready to hit pause at any moment to talk about what we see and hear.  It has been one of the most educational activities we have done this year!

One trend we notice is that most of the time (but not always), the “sharks” jump on board to make an offer when they are attracted to the owner, even though the product might just be “a slit in a towel.” They see something in them – passion, conviction, authenticity, vision. I think it’s that “something special,” that “spark of life” that makes us either sit back with a smile to watch with amazement or move forward to the edge of our seats and say, “sign me up” or “tell me more.”

As I keep meeting more and more women pursuing great things, I notice that they all have that “something special.” Their products, their services are really just an extension of who they are. Their customers come, sign up, or buy so that they can be connected to them in some way. My-Cherie, a recent customer, and owner of Shimmer & Bliss Hand-Dyed Scarves is one of those women that just immediately energizes a room with her life and joy. She said recently, “When people like you, they just want to buy something from you. Anything. Just because they like you.”

And not only that, but they want to know you. They like reading your story – past, present, and future. They’ve bought in, they support you, and they just want to stay connected. Make it easy for them. Update your blogsite regularly with stories that give readers a peek into your world – personal and professional. The stories will bring to life more of your product or service and the persona behind the vision.

Share your mission often, in a real way, why you do what you do.

Share those “blooper” moments that can be laughed about in hind-sight.

Share the day-to-day details that may be mundane to you but that help a reader feel like they are right there working alongside you.

Share your victories so that others can celebrate with you.

And share your heart, the people, experiences, and words that inspire you, as they will likely inspire your readers as well.

What is it about YOU that makes your product or service so compelling?

 

Juggling Priorities in Business

February 28, 2012 in Content Marketing, Strengths with 0 Comments

In the past, you probably were able to just “show up” to work.  While there still may have been “prep-work,” you didn’t have to worry about all sales, payroll, rent, or marketing.  You could do your job and let someone else handle the rest.

Now that you are pursuing your own “gigs,” your own business, it might be overwhelming to consider managing all of the necessary components.

Main Components of Business

I have found that the overwhelmed feeling often comes from a lack of clarity.  If you were to break down the major components of really operating your own business, you might be able to wrap your mind around priorities and daily/weekly tasks. Here are a few of the main aspects of most businesses:

  • Product Management – Creation and Delivery, for some this is intangible – a service, an event
  • Vision and Leadership – Purpose, mission, direction
  • Sales – Networking, prospecting, closing sales
  • Marketing – Building relevant “tribes” of followers through a system of regular, valuable, branded content
  • Customer Management – Organizing prospects and customers in a database, managing timely communications
  • IT – Everything from website coding to integrating email system with mobile device
  • Finances – Tracking income, expenses, profit margins, etc.

Ideally, each of these aspects receive necessary attention each week. If you were honest, though, there are only a couple of these that you might truly enjoy doing and actually do well. Therefore, you might find yourself gravitating to those while neglecting the others.

How can you compensate for the other areas?

  • Schedule – Schedule weekly/monthly reminders to do things out of your normal comfort zone like writing, stepping back to gain big picture perspective, updating your Quickbooks, attending networking meetings, touching base with customers, refining your product, etc.
  • Outsource – For those areas where there is a clear lack of expertise or motivation, consider outsourcing them to others who shine in those roles.  Hire out your marketing campaigns. Bring on sales people who can work on commission only. Have a “go-to” IT person you can pay hourly so you don’t have to endure frustration with something that an expert could handle in 2 minutes. Hire a virtual assistant to help manage your financial records, CRM systems, or scheduling of events. You get the picture.

Free yourself up to focus on the areas that allow you to really grow your business.

 

 

 

Amy Kirk and Novellas Farm

February 21, 2012 in Branding, Case Studies with 1 Comment

I remember seeing Amy Kirk’s name and farm classes come across in email announcements.  I watched her evolve over months from an idea for a farm class to a full-fledged business, website and all in Novellas Farm and Schoolhouse.  Without ever meeting her, I was so proud of her from afar.

I had the opportunity of even attending two of her Farm Mornings with my children. We had been studying bees and learning about milking cows in our readings for school, and I wanted to supplement it with a hands-on experience. Participating in the whole process from start to finish grew a greater appreciation for something like ice cream or honey. We all had a blast and learned so much.

Amy was wonderful with all the children – interesting, insightful, and patient.  I knew she had something special growing.

So, when she contacted me asking for help with her website and blog, I felt privileged – and very excited about the prospect of sharing this opportunity with more children around the area.

Amy needed a place to grow.  Her basic website platform didn’t allow for new and regular content that allowed her to connect with her customers, as well as to attract new leads. She signed up for the Branding Package, and we set her up with branded email, calendar, social media, blog and website systems. As much of the technology was new to her, we spent time online and in person explaining the ins and outs so that she would feel comfortable to work them on her own. I loved watching her push forward through typical frustrations in learning new things. She gained much confidence from it.

She now has a place to share her experiences and insights with readers in a way that will easily build trust with prospective customers. She is growing an asset – valuable content – which can be searched and found. Within just a week of being launched, she had a woman contact her saying that she had decided to search online for a farming school in Austin for her children to visit and was thrilled to have come across Novellas Farm!

Working Together

Amy shares about her experience working with us:

At first, I was hesitant because I felt like I could do this myself, but this was obviously not true. I wanted a blog and website that were connected, but had no idea how to create it.  I probably would not have done it if I had not met you.

I saved so much time by hiring you. You helped me “get in the real world of today” and actually took the time to teach me.  I have so many ideas and now in my mind I can visualize how it can happen. You have given me so much more confidence, I can actually see what this business can be. You may not realize how much you have helped me.

You really are helping women like me who have ideas but just lack the skills we need in today’s world. Alright I will say it, as an older woman (ouch) I needed someone to help, but I didn’t even realize it. I really, really feel that this can be as big or small as I would like it to become. You and Don are helping people to realize their dreams.

Thanks, Amy. We look forward to watching your dreams come true.  Keep growing.

 

“I See You”

February 16, 2012 in Branding, Content Marketing, Strengths with 5 Comments

One of the gifts I feel like I can give people, particularly women, is sight.  As women, we are often our harshest critics, and we take for granted our uniqueness and talent. We assume that everyone can do what we do or learn what we know. We don’t see that our habits, skills, experience or knowledge might actually be extremely valuable to someone else who doesn’t have our same “goods.”

Do You See What I See?

I like telling women what I see in them.  What makes them special.  What they are doing well.  I can put into concrete language what others just experience when around them. It’s really not superficial flattery. I consider it an honest assessment, which is sometimes so obvious that it is invisible to the owner.

One of my friends recently made me smile when she said, “I was just going about my business, and you turned on the light and said, ‘I see you.’” I had the privilege of sparking a dream in her heart that continues to grow. I look forward to seeing where it leads, as her own uniqueness can benefit hundreds of women in wonderful ways.

Joy in the Journey

I also understand that we are all somewhere along a journey. None of us have arrived, but some women didn’t even know there was a journey to be had or that they qualified to even take one. I love being the one that sees something special in a woman – something hidden to many, often behind messes, chaos, and rough edges. But that, in a sense offers them a ticket to take a step along that journey.

Why do I share all this? Because I am finally starting to “see” myself. This really is what working with “Sonya Dalrymple” is about. I gain great joy from helping women start along their “dream” journey, as well as helping women with existing businesses really grow their network, influence, and revenue.

That’s what someone special “saw” in me several years ago. I’m grateful.

What do you think others “see” in you? Are there special women in your own life what could benefit from knowing what you “see” in them?

 

 

Are You Rich?

February 1, 2012 in Content Marketing, Relationships with 4 Comments

“How rich?” you might ask.  ;)

Well, according to Tim Sanders, in his book Today, We are Rich, anyone in any financial position can be “rich” when they choose to step into a position of giving.

In the first chapter of his book, Sanders shares an inspiring story about how his Grandma, Billye was able to help a man in need, even though she didn’t even have much herself.  She explains to Tim, “Because we were able to share, we’re worth something. There’s bank account rich, and there’s rich in spirit.  The second kind is achieved when you make a difference. It’s the forever kind of rich that no one can take away from you but you.”

That “rich feeling” somehow creates an inward confidence that encourages us to seek out more opportunities to give. And a positive cycle of giving and even receiving often gains momentum.

But sometimes, as Tim Sanders shares, crisis or change might bring this cycle to a screeching halt.  And instead of continuing to look outward and give, we become self-consumed. We forget habits of kindness and generosity because we are just in our own worlds, trying to protect the “little” we have.  We start feeding our minds and engaging in habits that are more fear-based and destructive, than uplifting and inspiring.

I believe as women, it’s very important to do whatever we can to be as “rich” as we can be – according to Billeye’s definition. And that really can happen when we protect our minds and habits from any negative, fearful, and self-focused patterns.

How to Be Rich

What are some things in our lives and businesses that we can do to become “rich”? Some of the things below are inspired from Tim in his book:

  • Feed your mind positive content – Biographies, inspirational, faith-based content, motivational talks, and optimistic, energetic friends/colleagues are great sources for ideas and encouragement.
  • Share what you have to give – Go out on a limb and give away something of value, without charging or expecting anything in return.  It could be a sample, a piece of insightful advice, or a cup of tea and a listening ear.  All could mean the world to the receiver at just the right moment.
  • Practice gratitude – It seems like I keep hearing this principle everywhere.  From my favorite book last year, 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp to a yoga class I attended last night, this habit – and ultimately a heart-condition – is life-changing.  When we are truly grateful, we are less focused on our needs and issues and freed up to really give to others.  Show appreciation in both words and gestures. Write a “thank-you card” for a job well done.  Send a motivational book or a surprise gift to someone who shared an idea that impacted your life. Over time, this habit becomes a very “rich” way of life.

Do you feel rich today? What is one thing – big or small – that you can do for someone right now?

Branding – What Are You About?

January 11, 2012 in Blog, Branding with 0 Comments

The concept of “branding” is immense – well-researched, written about, and consulted upon.

But in its simplest form, I believe it is answered and reflected in “What are you all about?” Especially for individual entrepreneurs or small companies, these questions are important to define.

Branding Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What do you like to do?
  • What do you do well?
  • What do you like to talk or write about?
  • What knowledge do you seek after? (aka – What do you read?)
  • Where do you like to go? (from coffee shops to countries)
  • Who do you “follow”?
  • What do you stand for?
  • What problems can you solve/What questions do people ask you?

If you take time to answer these questions for yourself, you will gain insight into what people see in you or what you are sought out for. When you hone in on a general “personality” that incorporates the most important answers to you to the questions above, it becomes easier to communicate your brand to others.

When building a platform and web presence for yourself or your business, if you are intentional about sharing these aspects about yourself, you will authentically attract those who resonate with you or have a need that clearly resonates with what you naturally have to offer.

For those who are seeking to grow an existing brand:

  • Make sure your website and social media avenues highlight your brand in tangible ways – photos, videos, links, endorsed books and products, comments on others’ sites, and especially in your own stories and advice.  It takes work to build a comprehensive picture.  It takes many cycles to hone in on something cohesive.
  • Be intentional about connecting with people  - both who you can learn from and those who see the world like you do. So, when someone connects with you, you are able to easily “introduce” them to others they might like/need as well. You will gain credibility from new visitors when they are able to easily see who and what you “endorse.”

 

 

Critical Thinking

January 3, 2012 in Content Marketing, Miscellaneous with 0 Comments

My son and I had the privilege of visiting a class at the University of Texas this semester.  The professor, Dr. Kevin Foster invited us to attend his class on Intro to African American Studies.  (or did I invite myself, and he graciously received us?! :)

The focus of the class was on Critical Thinking.  It was the perfect intro and foundation for a class whose intent was to explore the history and learn more about a specific cultural group.  Whether someone is a part of that group, or an “outsider” looking in, there is much value in being able to authentically engage information with courage and integrity – critical thinking.

I walked away with many personal applications that can help us all in strengthening our critical thinking skills. These skills help us in our daily decision making and problem solving.

1.  Stay reflective - A person who is of the “highest order of critical thought” is always reflecting, always processing and analyzing what they read, hear, and experience.  They welcome new information and insights, confident that they can fairly assess and engage it because of their critical thinking skills.  I think I am naturally a reflective-type person, but sometimes I can get “lazy” in my thinking.  As a writer and editor, it’s most important to reflect critically on what I read.  Are the sources referenced credible?  What bias is influencing the presentation of data?  What implications does this have personally and practically for people?

2.  Ask the deeper/broader questions – When I get stuck in a rut in my thinking or opinions, it’s valuable to step back and try to seek out the deeper purposes, effects or implications of the issue. Sometimes, we get too fixated on a “minor” issue instead of gaining perspective of more important things.

3.  Be on guard of sophistry – You’ll have to ask my son what this means if you don’t know.  ;)   But for those of us who get swayed by data and information, we have to be careful to research the source of the data point to see if there was any other information intentionally left out of the case or argument.

4. Seek out and encourage critical thinking communities – One of my favorite questions to ask people is “What are you reading?” I gain much wisdom vicariously just from that one question.  Most readers are thinkers and tend to attract each other.  But sometimes it takes intentionality to seek out those conversations and relationships, especially within a busy family/work life.  Hosting book clubs or monthly gatherings of critical thinkers or creative business colleagues would offer valuable perspective and insight. I appreciate having such a diverse group of friends with varied political and religious viewpoints and business experience.

How do you seek to sharpen your own critical thinking skills?  How does this help you in business and life?

 

Creativity

December 29, 2011 in Blog, eBook Publishing, Miscellaneous with 2 Comments

Each day confronts us with opportunities to be creative. When we choose to step into them, a habit of creativity, imagination, and problem solving is strengthened.

For our children, there are too many things that can distract them from the simple focus and attention of creative play. I came across the best list of toys for children and thought of the creative opportunities each one affords.

If given enough time to tinker and experiment, perhaps one day they can create something like this or this.

Nonetheless, we can all agree that creativity is of great value.  We pay high dollar for creative expressions of all different artforms – music, media, painting, etc. – because they strike a cord, almost divine. Many careers are solely dependent on creative problem solving. We all need creative ideas to address both every day and critical issues.

Over time, though, if not exercised, we can all become lazy in exercising our creative muscles.  We opt for the status quo and settle for the mundane.

I’m excited for a new book series we are editing and publishing titled “Guided Creativity for the Busy Thinker” which addresses this issue.  It is a short, but potentially life-changing book that helps equip us with fun exercises to get our creative juices flowing again. It gives us eyes to begin seeing the patterns and opportunities always around us in our normal, everyday routines. Bon Crowder has a unique way of joining math and creativity – perfect for us parents who are continually trying to maximize efforts and skill acquisition for our children.  We’ll keep you posted when the book is published.  It will be available digitally and in print.

 

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