In today’s video post, I walk you through a step-by-step process for how to find 20 hours a week to work on your business, even if you have a 9 to 5, full-time job. Whether you’re growing a side hustle, writing a book or getting your nonprofit up and running, this strategy can help you get things done on a consistent basis.
As a coach, I feel like I’ve heard it all when it comes to helping people reach their business goals. I hear so many of the same excuses over and over again that I can almost finish someone’s sentence when they start down the path of self-sabotage. Given the hundreds of women I’ve worked with through my classes, courses, coaching programs and live training events, I thought it might be time for a little tough love to nudge you back into your power as a talented entrepreneur.
Here are some reasons why you might not be making the money you want in your business right now. Deep down, if you know any of these reasons are holding you back, don’t get mad, just commit to shifting your mindset and taking action.
A few weeks ago, I gave a series of free webinars to help you earn more money in your business this year. Those webinars were actually my most popular and most well-attended in the history of Happy Black Woman! Stay tuned, because I’m planning to offer some more detailed premium classes for those who want to go deeper with me over the next few months.
In the meantime, I’ve put together a summary of the 10 different streams of income you can create based on your passion, skills, expertise and experience. These are all areas that I’ve actually made money in over the last six years. I hope you find them helpful as you brainstorm profitable ideas for your business!
I was so hyped this morning walking to my office listening to Kirk Franklin’s uplifting song, “Declaration (This Is It!).” If you’ve never heard it, it’s all about letting go of your excuses so that you can make progress on your goals. It’s about stepping out on faith and taking action. It’s about believing in yourself and the dreams you have for your life.
The song made me think about the declaration I made for my business in 2014. This year, I’ve committed to “build and grow” my business so that I can help 1,000 women create their ideal lives. I know I’m here on this earth to make a difference and my products and services are what allow me to do that on a larger scale. So “build and grow” is the declaration I’m making for my life and business in 2014. That’s the stand I’m taking and there’s nothing that can stop me from fulfilling my vision to use my gifts in service to empowering women all over the world.
The first thing I do with each of my long-term coaching clients is to talk about the larger vision they have for their life, business and career. We explore the “big picture” for their life and work in a private coaching session. And as the year comes to an end, I wanted to share part of this powerful process with you as a gift to assist you in planning for success in your business.
Here are a few key questions to ask yourself as you create your own passion-based business plan for the coming year.
In today’s video post, I share the #1 productivity tool that keeps me moving forward on my goals every single day. I’m working with a few business coaching clients right now on time management and productivity and of course, we have our action plans and accountability forms. But one of the most effective tools I use and recommend is so simple…I almost can’t believe how well it works! And no, it’s not some fancy software or nifty technology. And no, it won’t even cost you very much money.
In the video, I share a simple technique help you get things done on a daily basis, especially when it comes to your business:
“Good things come to those who hustle.” – Anais Nin
One thing I’ve learned since I first started my side hustle back in 2008 is that money doesn’t just fall into your lap! Every month, it can feel like an uphill battle to bring in new contracts, make new sales and book new clients. Unfortunately, many business owners do the bare minimum to market their products and services and end up reaping minimal results. But the truth is, you can’t treat your business like a hobby if you want it to support you and your family in any meaningful way.
To start making more money in your business, you have to get serious and be willing to put yourself out there on a consistent basis. You have to constantly be marketing yourself and what you have to offer (yep, even if you hate marketing). There’s no way around this unless you want to be broke forever. If you want your business to be successful, you’re gonna have to HUSTLE.
Here are a few ideas to help you generate more income this month. Once you commit to taking inspired action, it’s just a matter of time before you start seeing results come flowing to you!
A few years ago, I was at an event in DC and there was a photographer there taking pictures of the speakers and the attendees. As the event was ending, several of the attendees approached the photographer to inquire about her services for their own events. What a fantastic opportunity for a freelancer, right? She said sheepishly, “I don’t have any business cards on me.” Still wanting to get to know her, the people who had gathered around her further inquired about her day job. The photographer then proceeded to tell the small crowd all about her current position, her jerk of a boss and how much her life basically sucked. Not surprisingly, it wasn’t long before everyone walked away, muttering, “my, my look at the time…”
I tell you this story because it’s a prime example of missing a golden networking opportunity. The photographer at the event had a captive audience that wanted to hear more about her services, practically slapping her smack dab in the face. And not only did she not have business cards, but she gave the attendees a negative vibe when she started talking about her crappy job. I get a lot of questions from women in our HBW community about networking and the best advice I can give is to BE PREPARED. In today’s post, I share some simple tips for what you can do to capitalize on your own golden networking opportunity. Because sometimes, you only get one chance!
A few years ago, I was facilitating a training and one of the participants asked me, “So, Rosetta, what’s next for you?” I had no answer because at the time, I was wondering the same thing myself! I love the term “infinite possibility” but when you have several different paths you can take, it can be difficult to pick one and move forward. Here I was, trying to help this group of leaders figure out how to get to the next stage of their careers, and I wasn’t able to articulate where mine is going.
“I don’t know,” is what I said at the time. Soon after though, I went through a process to figure out what, exactly, I wanted to do next. Here are some ideas you might use in your own stage of discernment about where you want your career to go.
Last week, I received this question via email from Jasmine, a new HBW reader:
“I see you quit your job and just took the leap – but how?”
I love being able to answer questions like this because I know it sounds both inspiring and confusing when I share that I quit my job almost 4 years ago to work for myself full-time. Some people read my story and assume that one random day, I just jumped up from my cubicle, shouted “I quit!” and never looked back. But the truth is, I spent years laying the groundwork before I left my job. I loved my nonprofit career and didn’t leave my organization in a huff. I did a bit of planning and hustling that allowed me to make the successful transition from employee to being self-employed. For starters, I began building my personal brand in my industry in 2007, launched a consulting business on the side in 2008, and had already secured two major clients by the time I handed in my resignation letter.
From all the emails and messages I receive, not to mention my work with private coaching clients, I know that many women want to make the move from 9 to 5 to full-time business. What might that journey look like for you? Here are four specific steps you can take right now to make the leap in a strategic, effective way.
Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.