It is time to take action!

Where to you struggle with getting it done? Or acting as if in you business?

Seth Godin called me out on that limiting belief! He said that no one says they have talkers block, they just say they have writers block. Anyone can talk out what they want to become their published book. Heck, that is how I wrote this blog post!

Recently, a great friend and publisher of Our Little Books approached me again (yes again, I backed out once before) with a great opportunity. My chance to become a published author is in my lap again! And I got scared.

Honestly I didn’t fully understand where this was coming from. What am I so afraid of? Why is it that when this huge opportunity presents itself I panic? I have a 40 page undergraduate thesis that is published! So what the heck is my problem!

This weekend I had an epiphany as to why. In graduate school I took an adult development course. This class was ran by two professors widely known in the Puget Sound Region as women you wanted to learn from. I was so excited about being in their class. One of our assignments was to create a ritual or write a fairytale that described how we became the adult we are today.

Excited, I wrote a fairytale about how I became who I am and what allowed me to heal to become who I am. One of these professors actually ripped apart the paper. She said that I didn’t know myself and I failed the assignment. The other teacher disagreed, but guess what I held onto?

The rejection.

Now I have to get over that fear of rejection so I can write my book. It’s not so easy when people say just write it. Some of you may relate to this form of rejection and if you’re not willing to deal with it, how will you ever get to a place where you create what you’re meant to create?

So I am working to overcome this fear. The fairytale I wrote in 1994 was on a typewriter. In 2010, I had it typed so it could be shared, but still held it away. Part of me realized that sharing is how I heal. Putting this on my blog will help me heal. Sharing my fairy tale will help even more, even in it’s raw unedited form. It’s not about having people tell me it’s good. It’s about being ok with putting myself out there further even again.

I have to let it go, and know it doesn’t matter what others think, as the story will touch who it is meant to touch.

Zena stuck. The sword came as the true symbol of my brand years later.

I was at a conference where MaryAnn Halpin and was taking pictures for her Fearless Women book. At that conference there was a video with all these women getting pictures with her sword, a Scottish Claymore. I thought it would be great to have my picture taken and then it dawned on me why I should take my picture with that sword.

The sword is the symbol of my life, and it has represented so much for what I have done in my career. But to honor and respect the sword I chose to study the many powerful things that the sword symbolizes:

1- the manifestation of purity in the physical form. Coming from a violent abusive place, this manifestation has been a powerful journey. My husband has been the biggest part of it, giving me my Katana as a result.

My Katana

2-being grounded and having clarity of thought. Honestly, when I do not meditate, I loose this. I see my sword as a tool for deep thought and contemplation.

3-a way of protecting with strength to conquer those things holding you back. Therefore the iron of the sword is the true warrior within you. It represents so much of finding your true voice.

4-in many cultures it’s meaning is to cut through confusion and ignorance surrounding you.

5-honor and to possess one and is considered a symbol of transition, which life is in constant transition. It is the extension of true warrior spirit in many cultures.

6-The sword and it sheath are actually seen as the balance between the masculine and feminine. Masculine represents an active driving force for life and the feminine protective supportive element of life.

It’s amazing how much it has represented for myself and what I do with my clients over the years for the inner warrior and discovering your real edge.  Each picture I have taken demonstrates one of these meanings when you look at them.

Are you building BrandConnection ™? Does your brand energetically resonate with your fans, referrals sources, partners and press opportunities online? Over the years working with countless women  to transfer their Brand online, I observe so many where there is a disconnect with their BrandConnection ™. So many people shift their energy when they get online to do their marketing. They become what I shared as the “Marketing Robot” at the BP Event! (Yes I did the robot from the 80’s on stage!). See a bit here:

Don’t become what you are not! Being the best YOU you can be is what creates BrandConnection ™. Don’t forget it, don’t leave it behind. I have recently developed a series of over 40 questions that help me to assess the power of your voice, the five core areas you might disconnect,  and how to channel them to your BrandConnection™. They will be a part of my book!

Brandconnection ™ is about who you are. It’s your values, your belief systems, the way you view the world, it’s your energy. It’s how you think and feel. I often meet clients who say, “I want to be able to sell my business. I want to be able to have an exit strategy and if I put my energy into the business. It won’t be sell-able.” that is so far from the truth! Every SELL-ABLE, VIABLE, THRIVING business has this.  Your energy will make your business come alive, your energy will make your business grow, your energy will make your business have values that another company would want to buy. And it will create customer connection.

When you find your voice, and dynamically connect it to what you do, everything changes.  See, social media is a dynamic energetic space. Watch connection happen when you do!

First, Halloween is about dressing up and being whoever you want to be. Think about it! One day every year we allow our children to dress up and be whoever they want to be: scary, feisty, happy, pretty princesses, fairies, villains, superheroes, even freaks!  (ok, on occasion, you get my point!) They get to decide who they want to be. They get to BE whatever they want, and we happily accept who they choose. It is perfectly ok.

Second, Halloween is about asking for what you want. And guess what you actually get it!  You ask for a trick or treat and guess what every single time you ask, you get a trick or a treat.

Imagine if we grew up believing that about life. That we can first we get to be who we want to be and it will be accepted by others that that’s who we are. It will be appreciated in the differences and the diversity. And second that we can ask for what we deserve.

Imagine if in your business you were truly who you want to be. You did not question how or think that you had to dress up and be someone. Imagine if you had no fear about who you are. And imagine if you could ask for what you wanted and get direct honest up front answers. You might not like the “trick or treat” answers (just like you did not always like the candy)! But wouldn’t the world be a better place?

I recently heard several of my over 40 girlfriends say they have embraced these two things, finally in their lives. But I think they are a minority. Have you embraced it? Has it led to greater happiness and success?

 

Ann Evanston, MA, is the WarriorPreneur and has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.

Polarity: Key to Brand Development

I recently heard a woman whose estimated net worth is 90 million (no, that is not Oprah) say that polarity is critical for success. She said: “the opposite of love is indifference. When you have people who love you and hate you, you have polarity and you have a brand”.

I have been known to say that wanting to be “liked” can be dangerous. That if people don’t disagree with you, you might be vanilla. I think this applies. See, she is RIGHT. But her net worth is only 90 million….if you disagree.

Let’s look at some examples:

Pepsi

Coke

Lady Gaga

Simon Cowell

Gordon Ramsey

Southwest

Each of these brands has success and polarity. I find many leaders and entrepreneurs have difficulty with this when they start out. Especially the first time someone disagrees with them. It’s great they disagree!  I once watched Tim Ferriss speak to this and he told the crowd you either ignore what people are saying (he chooses not to watch) or you get a tough skin.

Have you created polarity? Or do you struggle with people not liking you? Are you playing it safe?

Oh, yes, who was that woman, net worth 90 million? Tyra Banks.

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.

Are you an expert?

My husband recently sent me a blog post entitled the “five lies about social media marketing” and we had a great conversation about being an expert.  Many of you know that I struggled for years with being called a “social media guru/expert/diva”.  As I said that to my husband, he said: “That’s what I always say to you when you say I am an IT Finance Expert. There is always more that I can learn.”

He’s right, that is true! My response was: “I think what makes us an expert, is not that we know all the technology (there are just too many out there and upgrades and changes are too fast), but that we have a system, a process, that helps our clients organize, become more effective, and measure results.

I have accepted that I am an expert. I am dedicated to my craft, my profession and my study. I constantly seek to learn, grow and improve in my field. I role model to others what they can do and achieve…THAT is what an EXPERT does.

To consider yourself an expert and not just someone who “likes doing it” and “can do it” ask yourself:

• *do I read industry specific, research based information in the field?
• *do I engage with other experts in my field?
• *do I have a clear system or process I utilize to help my customers?
• *do I learn continuously in my field?
• *do I practice what I “teach” or “advise others” to do?
• *do I continuously look to improve what I offer?
• *do I find myself thinking “ahead of the trends” in my field?
• *do I have a long term plan versus just thinking about what’s “hot right now”?
• *do I find I more often know the answer the client is asking before they finish?
• *do I know how to find answers quickly that I don’t immediately have the answer?

If you answered yes to these questions then you are most likely an expert. I find many people, like I first did, have difficulty owning “expert”. Here is the thing: No expert knows it all.

What is your expertise?

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge”and make more online in less time with integrity.

Coffee for some Ritual, For others Routine

Daily ritual. On many levels (I hope) we already have them. The ritual of cleansing, of praying, of cooking, of reading. Most rituals started when we were young. They were rituals our parents taught us and we do them, even now without any thought. They are so engrained that we “just do them”.

My husband was raised Catholic. Altar boy, even slated to become a priest! I remember saying one Christmas, “Honey let’s go to mass”. He picked the local Catholic Church down the street. Watching him, after all these years, fall into the rituals of the church was fascinating! Even more fascinating, watching the entire room do these rituals. Then I realized, most were “just doing them”. Without thought. I don’t think there were many there saying “and peace be with you” that really thought about that statement as they said it.

Ritual.  Or is it just routine? I think people enjoy doing things without thought. Routine is just that.

When I started my own personal journey of the 30 day writing challenge I realized that I was creating a ritual. In the beginning it definitely took conscious effort just to write every day. Now, many more than 30 days into it, I am “ritualized” if you will. BUT here is the thing about this challenge. You can’t do it and NOT think. Writing requires that a piece of YOU be actively, consciously involved. (yes, I know, your subconscious, blah, blah, blah)- not the point because even that requires some level of activity. Remember my activity versus movement blog post?

I think the Catholic Church wants its congregation to be actively involved in the ritual. That though requires daily effort, and the willingness  to stay in conscious thought. To be actively engaged in ritual, you must participate daily. Hmmmmm…..interesting thought. Some days your praying might not be as powerful as other days, but you actively, and with thought, knelt down to pray. Some days your writing may not be off the chart fabulous but you actively and with thought wrote.

Ritual. Or Routine. Are there places in your life you need to awaken conscious effort?

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2001, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008, Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.

Do you really know your voice?

I recently had the honor to meet a woman that took on the 30 day writing challenge in person. We have been “facebook friends”, not super close, but this challenge created a connection. When she signed up for the challenge I went to her profile, realized she was local and said “let’s meet”. I think the universe tells me things, and I always listen.  Beautiful, smart and savvy, we shared our businesses with each other. She asked great questions. We talked a TON about the 30 Day Writing Challenge and what it has meant for each of us. As we spoke I realized that the reason I do what I do, the reason for my book, is even more important.

You cannot see your audience, your market, the people you lead differently than you see yourself. It’s your true voice that will attract them to you.

Since I created the Social Networking Coaching Club in 2008 I have told clients that doing that coaching online (versus a conversation on a call, or in person) is important because they have to learn to communicate in writing. Now I realize the depth of this importance. I realize how hard it is for many to shift their voice to the written word even when they feel they know it vocally. I realize that so many lose who they are as they write their blog posts or facebook marketing tips. I realize that knowing who you are isn’t JUST telling your story, or what happened to you today. It’s about energetically connecting.

And if you don’t learn how to write from that space your online marketing falls flat.

The hardest part is that you often don’t see it in you, but others do. Face it, I bet there are things online that you read and you think to yourself: “Interesting. But so dead.” Other things you read and think: “Interesting. And I’m inspired.” The latter is because the person truly knows who they are and writes in that voice.

I was already planning a major strategy upgrade for The Social Networking Coaching Club this fall; now it’s getting a deeper upgrade. See, SNCC isn’t just about “how to tweet”; it’s about finding your unique and compelling voice.

I am honored to have the hour with this amazing woman that joined the 30 day challenge. And for the gift she and the universe provided me. I know I am supposed to teach this to my clients. I always have. It’s just grown in depth over the years and continues to do so.

Will you join me in the next 30 day challenge? It starts Thursday Sept 1st!

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2001, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008, Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.

Are you accountable?

Accountability is interesting. Originally I wrote about discipline and the commitment we make to ourselves. So many commented on how important the accountability to others is for them. I personally find accountability to self enough, so the comments were insightful to me. Most people want to feel accountable to something other than themselves, but do not want to be held accountable.

What does being in an accountability group or having an accountability partner mean to you?

For me  it means someone who holds me accountable to a commitment I made. Simple enough. If I am asked to hold you accountable, that means that I am not there to rally behind when you fail. To sympathize with you when you did not make your commitment. I’m not there to support the excuse you have or the lie you tell yourself as to why you did not keep your commitment.

I am there to question why. To push you to get back on track. To challenge the excuses you might be telling yourself. I will be the accountability you will HATE at times.The accountability that calls you on your excuses and lies, and challenges you to get real with yourself. I will be the accountability that pisses you off, makes you mad, maybe even cry at times.

I will be accountability that you deserve. Because you are worth the commitment you made to yourself. To who you are. To the success you want to have.

Ann Evanston, MA, is the WarriorPreneur and has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.