Five days ago I brought home the most adorable, loving and ridiculously smart little four-legged creature on the planet.
His name is Kuma and he’s a 12 week old Toy Aussie Shepherd.
“Puppies are a ton of work.”
You always hear that, but you never know exactly how much work until your knee deep in wee-pads, chew toys, treats and the overwhelming desire not to fuck up this highly impressionable little being with bad habits because you’re too busy running an online business.
(Note: Dog training books are NOT written for people who live in NYC. There’s a million dollar niche waiting for a smart infomarketer who can whip up something that’s downloadable and tailored for urban puppies that need paper training prior to being street legal.)
We’re also getting ready for the Rich, Happy & Hot Virtual Mastery Program opening up in two weeks or so. If you don’t what that is, it’s my year long coaching program that’s crazy affordable, fun and guarantees you’ll get results or I pay you your money back. Sweet, right?
Anyway, between prep for Virtual Mastery, my Mastery Gals (you ladies freaking rock), normal goofing off with Josh and my new little man Kuma, I have even less time than usual.
Rather than stressing myself out to come up with killer content for the blog, I’d rather give YOU free business/marketing/life advice right here in the form of Q & A.
Why? Because I want to help you kill it in every sense of the word.
I want you to have more happiness. More money. More freedom. More fame, adoration and pleasure.
And, I’m pretty darn good at Q&A. It’s my favorite part of the whole coaching/teaching gig.
Plus, if this goes well my puppy gets more time with his mamma. You get free business advice. We all learn something along the way.
Here’s How It Works
1. Grab your favorite beverage and dream up the juiciest, most important question you have about growing your business or moving your life ahead now.
Ask me anything you want about how to grow your business, how to market and sell more stuff, and anything that could fall into the get-your-head-out-of-your-ass-and-get-shit-done category. General happiness and productivity questions are awesome too.
2. Realize there are no stupid questions.
Whether you’re a beginner and have a “how to get started” type question or you’ve been in the game awhile and you want a fresh set of eyes on your marketing, your idea for a service, product or program or something specific about your life that you think I can help with, ask away.
EXTRA POINTS if you have your Gravatar set up when you ask your question. Just helps me put a name to the face and is way more interesting to look at than that little grey dude.
3. Write your direct and to-the-point question in the comments section below.
Remember, I’m likely chasing a puppy around house with treats flying out of my pockets trying to help him do his business on the wee-wee pad. So no novellas or crazy-ass questions that I’ll need the Rosetta Stone to decipher, okay?
Provide relevant links to your site, products or services if you have them. And whatever necessary background information I need to give a proper answer.
If this little experiment goes well, it’ll become a regular feature here. If it sucks, let’s both pretend it never happened.
(Kind of like what I do when Kuma misses the mark. Out comes Nature’s Miracle and we pretend the wee-wee off the pad never happened.)
“But Wait Marie, I’m Embarrassed To Ask My Question In the Comment Section!”
To that I say, get over it.
If you want to make it in business, and life, you’ve got to be willing to put your shit out there. I’m here to help. And in case you haven’t noticed, the people who hang around me happen to be very cool, positive minded and smart.
We’re all here to learn and grow together so toss your apprehension out the door and let’s get on with it, shall we? Leave me your question (or comment) below.
***After-I-Hit-Publish-Just-To-Be-Clear-Note: I’m SUPER happy about the responses so far! To clarify, I’m collecting questions here to answer in upcoming blogs and video blogs over the next few weeks and months. So thanks again for your qs. I’m excited to dive in.
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 112 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok, well, guess that’s makes me first
My question is this. I love helping small businesses and service professionals see how to market themselves better, and increasingly how to break out of the ‘time for money’ trap by creating info products.
However, I love this so much that I’m always offering loads of detailed advice for free – how do I draw the line between helping and giving away the farm?
Gordon Mullan´s last blog ..Michael Knight Mortgages
Hey honey – re your new baby. Congratulations! And this is going to sound weird, but I used the best trainer in the world and never met him in person. He coached me to work with my dog OVER THE PHONE. I swear. I hired another guy first who came to my house for five sessions and didn’t make even close to the impact that the remote guy did. Here’s the guy who coached me by phone: http://www.brandonfouche.com/ Call him asap and get rid of those doggie treats!
Ok, so now for my question:
I’m pretty sure I am not cut out to run a team. I’m good at it, sure. But, it is my least favorite thing to do and is currently causing me a LOT of discomfort. And I really can’t stand it. My dream? To be the talent and have other peeps fully in charge of production with me just having veto power/final edit. But, that is not my current reality (although I did get a taste of it last week when I was hired to shoot video for a website and it was awesome!). So, what is your best advice for living in the moment where I am (which is a really great place overall, but not somewhere I want to be forever) while still holding out hope that I can eventually really just be the talent like I want to be.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Big hug and kiss for your generosity.
Alexis Martin Neely´s last blog ..What Do You Do When You Are Unhappy?
Hey, I got me a gravatar, I think. Posting a reply to my post so I can see if it actually worked.
Alexis Martin Neely´s last blog ..What Do You Do When You Are Unhappy?
Marie! I’m a dog behaviorist and would like to offer you my services for free. Let me know if you ever have any issues with that new pup of yours. I hope you’re not to high up in an apartment in NYC. I would hate to see you use wee wee pads… You’re basically allowing the dog to pee in the house which becomes the dogs territory and no good things can ever come from that. I can teach you how to be a leader! I know you would be perfect at it! Get in touch with me if you’re interested…
Joey
Hey Joe! Let’s talk man and thank you. I am on the ground floor in NYC (we have a sweet private entrance). We’re getting him his final shots next week (the vet said we’re not allowed to take him outside till then – could be dangerous for my little pup until he’s got all the right vacs.) Send an email to info at marieforleo and we’ll hook up
Hi Marie
Congrats on the puppy he is so freaking cute.
My question here goes…..I am rolling out a group program as well as involved in a telesummit this month. I am looking for people to help me market and I will give their awesome freebie as a bonus for all those that sign up. Can I ask people to be involved in both or do I have to split it and ask some for my program and others to help market the tele summit?
Feeling the shift again and feel the need to say Hold on Lady cause we going for a ride!!!!
XOXOX
Tricia
Tricia Dycka´s last blog ..The Moment Of Truth
Thanks, Marie, for the incredible opportunity. Here’s my quesiton:
I recently moved to Charleston, SC, a city I adore. I’m a prof at a local university and I have my coaching business, which gets its mojo and clients from my blog. However, I want to build my business and presence locally, but don’t want to do the Chamber of Commerce thing. I’m meeting folks through work and my kids, but not my peeps. I do belong to a Toastmasters.
How can I connect better with people locally?
Thanks,
Laura
Laura´s last blog ..Passion Fruit Writing: The Introduction
Laura,
I might be able to help you with the the “local” angle. I just recently launched my website www.Refermyhomebiz.com and it’s all about giving home business entrepreneurs a place to both share what makes them passionate about their business as a way to market their business, but there is also a SEARCH functionality involved as well that will allow you to search for other home business entrepreneurs that happen to be in your “local” area. You can search by city or state, or business category – or a combination of those.
The idea is that anything you want or need for your home, kids, business or lifestyle you can probably find a home business entrepreneur to help you out, and that way we spend our dollars with each other and we all win!! Some people will search locally, others nationally or internationally is fine.
I just kicked of the website a few weeks ago in North Texas, so most of the members are from there, but I am working hard to grow the business, so if you’d like to help us kick start South Carolina that would be awesome and as it grows, your business will benefit as one of the first one in SC.
Right now I’m offering 1/2 price memberships (regularly $98 but with promo code BETA100 they are $49 for an entire year membership!). Check it out and let me know if this was what you were looking for.
Take care, Yvonne Padgett
I’m a new business owner, and as such I’m in direct sales. My problem is that I spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out what I should do next, and then end up doing nothing because I never make a decision! How do I get my ass in gear and manage to bump myself out of this self defeating circle?! It’s basic, but it’s driving me crazy, and keeping me from making the money and feeling fulfilled. >:-(
Hi Marie!
Wow. Having a puppy in a NY apt sounds like more work than having a toddler! (At least you can put diapers on a kid
. Thank you for offering your advice. I loooove your advice because it is always 1-painfully truthful and 2- you are living it.
I’m living in LA and want to grow my massage / private yoga business. Right now I do massage at two different spas, teach yoga classes in a gym, and have a few of my own clients I see privately. My goal is to increase my private clients to the point that I no longer have to work for the spas/ health club.
I’m also working to finish up my certification as a Birth Doula, and want to attend more births. That’s been difficult to do when I’m on call for the spas and can’t arrange my own schedule. Last but definitely not least, I’d like to start putting myself out there again in the acting world.
I took a time out to get my finances in order, so my vision is to get my private practice strong enough that I can devote time and resources to acting without running myself down as I have in the past.
Hopefully that’s not TMI, just wanted to give you some background for context. My main question is what would be a good way for me to bring in clients (hopefully regulars who would see me 1 or more x’s a week), without “stealing” from the spas where I work (which could cost me my job).
Thanks Marie!
Hugs,
Ivy
Hi Marie!
~
Kuma is too cute for words – I want one
Here’s my question:
What can I do to get to a place where I’m earning more money & not always wondering why others are making bucks while I’m making tiddly winks?
Situation: I’m creating a film festival & work with 2 peeps. Now we’re fundraising & alturistically I thought we’d share the benefits however the 2 peeps want 10% of whatever they can bring in + salaries. I’ve got other activities that I do, and even though I don’t really enjoy fundraising, it burned me up so much that these 2 would get more cash than me after I’d spent 1 1/2 years putting together the festival that I’m fundraising too.
Thanks!
Hey Marie! This is funny, my husband is a dog trainer. I think you just have us a million dollar idea to create that eBook!
You should definitely hire a NYC-based dog behaviorist. It’s all about establishing leadership now and of course checking with your vet to find a safe way to start exercising your puppy 
Speaking of eBooks – I have a few of my own and haven’t had the sales I’ve hoped for. I feel like I’ve tapped my own list and now want to reach out to a broader audience. What do you think about affiliate programs?
Thanks!
Melissa Cassera´s last blog ..Dealing with Angry People
What is a way to locate inexpensive hourly office space in Anchorage, Alaska? I am an EFT Practitioner. I only require two chairs to work and I don’t need a full office or full day hours. Maybe three hours, three days a week. Thank you!!
My boys have been BEGGIN me to get a puppy since they wrote their letters to Santa in late October;0 So thanks for the reminder that I made the absolute right decision! Ahhh puppies are ALOT of work-but boy is Kuma adorable.
Ok
My question. Starting to live the expansion of my vision as it continues to grow almost quicker then I can keep up with it. Most days I feel empowered ready and alive to take it all on and then there are those other days when I wonder if I am kidding myself
Can I really write a book, launch an international group coaching program and a tv show? Really? Me? And the money as it starts to come in, everything I have always wanted, seems a bit sureal. How do I continue to step into my power and live in the reality I have created while the dream still seems so fucking unbelievable?
PS. I agree with Alexis on the doggie treats, it’s like following a toddler around with a lollypop;)
Hi Marie,
I can’t help you with the dog, I have cats and basically you show them where to go and they do it. If everything in life was that easy!!
Ok, to the question:
I am a jewelry designer and I have great stuff, or so my customers say. I have been doing craft shows and fundraisers all over NY, long Island, the Hamptons, Sag Harbor too (you should come by)… They have been profitable but its a grind. I feel like a carni.. running around hauling my stuff. Besides the cost of doing business is eating most of my profits up. I know I have much more in me. I thought about creating an online product to teach people how to do what I do but I am not sure this will satisfy my creative needs or be that profitable in the long run. My husband runs an online business and wants me to help him but again the same issue. Do I give up my passion for building a potentially a much bigger business? I would love to own a store but again in this economy probably not the right time nor do I have the capital. Too risky!! Whats a girl to do. My jewelry rocks and I am great at sales and not shy to put myself out there but which way to go? I know there is much more money to be made and I am tired of all the running around. I appreciate any advice.
My advice is outsource. Get your business working for you rather than the other way around. Maybe you are amazing at making jewelry but are not so good at being on the road. Somewhere out there is someone you can trust who is waiting for you to hire them to do your sales for you. You can then maximise your time at home making great stuff. It will take some investment time and capital but really what do you have to lose other than an opportunity to see your business grow?
I learnt this lesson from a guy who found his strengths and knew how to work them by surrounding himself with people who complement his business. It’s a neat trick if you have the confidence in yourself to do it and believe in your idea, which I think you do.
Good luck and it would be interesting to know if Marie agrees
Hi Alane;
I also wanted to respond to your comment as I had an idea that might interest you, along similar lines as Nada’s reply. A couple of thoughts here actually… Why not sell your jewelry online? You could set up an online store, learn how to promote it and get into the internet marketing stuff (which is fascinating!) and then you could grow from there to include digital products AS WELL (like teaching people how to do what you do) if you wanted.
Or, if you are not interested in running an online store, you could hire someone to do it for you, or make a drop-ship arrangement with someone – they sell your stuff online, you ship it to the customer and they essentially get a commission. (And by the way, if you are interested in doing something like this, I would be interested in selling your product online!)
I’m also interested to hear Marie’s take on it as well, just wanted to throw a couple thoughts out there, as your question grabbed my attention.
–Jess
Jess Webb´s last blog ..clinging to hope
Thanks Jess,
I do have a website. I am currently working on putting more jewelry on it and starting to market it. It really is hard to do everything. I have come to the same conclusions. If you would like to chat on the side my email is alanemw@gmail.com. I am open to ideas.
Alane
LOVE it, Marie!
So, I’ve decided to start doing social media for people as a business (which I’ve been doing behind the scenes for a number of amazing people for awhile). I loved your blog post about letting things take their time, however I’d love to build my business as quickly as possible! The question: what I really rock at is strategy and getting hot leads for people through SM however a lot of people want me to start by doing set up and automation of their stuff. How do I get an audience of folks who really want to make the big bucks and would hire me for the whole kit and caboodle?
Happy puppy to you!
Hola Marie,
How to get my focus and inspiration going on my business when the man I desire to share my life with has decided to be with someoneelse. How to move on, do I throw away 4.5 yrs of things that link him to my memory?
Gracias,
Katy
Hi Katy
It’s tough when relationships end, but people grow and change and your time to move on has come. It sounds like you have some good business ideas brewing too.
If you have spent four and a half years with someone, they become part of your history and they take some credit for helping make you the person you are.
Take stock of thode four years, think of the happy times you had and think of all that you learned, and take that away with you to move on to better things for yourself. Those four years were learning years and not wasted. There is nothing to throw away other than the idea that your goal was to capture the man rather than make yourself truly happy!
I hope you understand what I mean and no doubt Marie will paint a clearer picture. Measure your own value by believing in yourelf and don’t let otherds bring you down if they don’t know or understand your true potential. I found this a very hard lesson but it paid dividends once I learned it.
Best of luck
Nada
Beautiful Katy. I can’t see you, but I can feel your beautiful heart. I know Marie will have some wise and powerful guidance for you. She may not even remember but she helped me through a very painful breakup over three years ago!
but your question speaks to me so I wanted to respond also.
First, it may not feel like it right now, but NOTHING is wasted. You have grown so much in these last four years, and learned lessons from this experience that will continue to reveal themselves to you as you move forward.
Sometimes the experience we gain from the people we must release, leads us to the person who’s truly good for us in the long run.
As far as letting go of this man, go easy on yourself. Allow yourself to feel anything and everything that comes up: pain, rage, despair, grief, nostalgia for the good times you shared….all of it. See if you can tune into the sensations that are triggored in your body from these emotions, and let go of any commentary your mind might be making, such as “I’ll never find a love that great,” “he was wrong to do that,” “I should have xyz,” etc. Most of the stuff your mind will come up with at this point is caca and will flush your energy down the toilet. Notice those thoughts, but let them go and bring yourself back into your own being.
You deserve to be with someone who chooses you. Rest in that awareness, and don’t sell yourself short for an instant. When we feel scared and weak, that’s when we have to really take a nice deep juicy breath and show up for ourselves. It is not always easy, but the alternative is no fun.
You have a business! That tells me that you have drive, you have skills, and you have the power to put it all in motion. Be good to yourself—better than you even think you deserve—-comfort yourself like you would your own sister, encourage youself like you would a little girl, and show up for your one precious life!
I’m rootin for ya.
Ivy
Hi Marie
I am reading this on the train home from a great party and I am trying out your touch it once philosophy ; )
I am a female lawyer and work in a firm that is uncharacteristically male dominated compared to other firms in my sector.
There are other women in the office but these are mainly the secretaries and support staff and there are not to many women lawyers coming up the ranks and certainly no senior female role models I can look up to.
I consider myself an up and coming star in my team but I seem to encounter endless resistance from the women in my team who I feel would rather see me fail than make the team (and them) look good.
I really don’t understand this and feel like there are masses of lost potential for us women at work to be really successful by working together and being a team rather than competing against each other and perpuating the mens’ belief in the office that us women cannot work together without being bitchy.
How do I break this cycle? Is my behaviour part of the problem? I am just one person in a big organisation – do I have any chance in making a change to empower these women and make them see their potential?
I feel like if I can solve this conundrum my potential has no bounds.
Looking forward to your advice and thanks in advance.
Nada
Hi Nada,
Your question is sooo juicy to me. It makes me want to launch into an entire philosophical, historical, anthropological and gender studied debate on why I think it is so with women. I won’t
I am going to talk off the top of my head so take what you like and leave the rest.
I believe that YES you can make a difference in their lives and change the culture in the organization in your spare time
. The effort will come from restraining your ego as you suffer continual attacks. 
Try this. Take the next week or month and implement an experiment. Each time you have an encounter with a woman in your office focus intensely on finding something beautiful about her (look right through her scowl). Can be physical – little mole above her collar bone (that reminds you of your sister) or a personality trait – her FIERCE DETERMINATION (to continue to this attitude toward you).
We are women and for so long the expectation placed upon us collectively as a gender has been that we must be beautiful. Making them “look good” (your words) is exactly what needs to happen. Find and exalt their BEAUTY inside and out. They deserve it and you are in a position to do it.
Like it or not it sounds like you are in an alpha role and it is in your best interest to inventory all of the assets of those working around and with you. Slowly and consistently bring these authentic assets into the work environment and use them to the advantage of the whole organization. Bring the assets of these women to the attention of everyone by utilizing them.
In beauty and for the mutual empowerment of women,
shannon
SHANNON IRIS´s last blog ..Success stories
Hi Marie,
Your book is awesome and it made me think about mindfulness in a whole new way. Thank you for your generous offer of advice today. I’m an educational researcher and a doctoral student who loves envisioning and testing new ideas with others for courses, programs, parties, products, and services…You will see on my website that I have a hip-hop and beats yoga class I created, a Relaxation Day at a battered women’s shelter, a research project about having friends and family teach their strengths and skills to each other at “kitchen-table style” classes and more.
My question is this: I constantly find myself in entrepreneurial atmospheres but I do not like or have the marketing, management or business skills to take these ideas from the incubator to the real world. I want to stay in the incubator but don’t know how to market and tailor what I do or partner with the right folks to make this skill into a functional career.
Thanks so much for any thoughts!
Best regards,
Amy
Thank you for offering this to us for free, I really appreciate it. My question is if you are just starting a business, I’m an energy therapist, working with two modalities that most people are not familiar with, where do I start? I have business cards, but can’t decide between a blog or a website (I guess there’s not much difference), and I’m going to order a sign for the back window of my car, and that’s about it.
Oops, I hit the submit button before I finished. I appreciate any words of advice and look forward to your help.
Thanks,
Ginny
I love your puppy he’s so adorable. Awwww……
So here’s my question/dilema:
I want to get my business started but the problem is I don’t know where to start. I love marketing, I want to become a coach, I want to write a book but I have very little money and a fair credit rating. Where and how do I start ? How do I find my inner voice and change my inner game so that I can attract clients like crazy ?
Hugs,
Justyna
Hi Marie, this “juiciest” question will be about moving my life ahead. I’m in the “new to starting my own business” category.
I have some ideas for various business endeavors, but at this point they are still just that ~ ideas. I’ve spent a lot of time, even years, arriving at this set of ideas alone. I believe that each one in itself is good & worthy, & I’m facing down a year that’s wide open with potential. I have a flexible work schedule, & few other demands on my time. What’s the best strategy for feeling out which of my several ideas to focus on?
Thanks Marie – you’re great!
I look forward to your generous response.
Hi Marie–
Aren’t you bold, taking on another little man– with such captivating baby blues!
As you know, having just successfully completed my Healing Journey last year, I’m hosting my Inaugural Wellbeing Weekend, THE RENEWAL EXPERIENCE, in conjunction with a top resort, Old Edwards Inn and Spa, in Highlands, NC, April 9-11, 2010. It’s exciting to have such a high caliber group co-generating marketing & PR with me!
Of course I realize it’s my efforts that will get people to commit and register. Here’s the question– how to get more of their high-end clientele (whom they’re blasting with 2-3 E-flyers about the event) to register for the series of “get-acquainted teleseminars” I’m hosting before the event so they’ll feel comfortable coming to The Renewal Experience?
XO, Patrice Dickey
(one of your biggest fans from Atlanta!)
A good portion of my keynote business is my “From the Dog” series – Leadership From the Dog, Management From the Dog, Teamwork From the Dog, Financial Lessons from the Dog – you get the idea. Dogs understand leadership, how to work togther, and they totally know who the boss and is not.
So I LOVE your new Man!
My question is:
Even though the From the Dog aspect makes the sessions sound fun (and they are!), my business focus is very serious and very effective. I am afraid that the canine aspect makes it sound furrier and fluffier than the solid content it is. But I don’t want to abandon my “hook” that differentiates me from other consultants.
And yes, I have brought my dogs (one at a time) to keynote speeches (when requested.)
You are awesome!!
Warmly, Mary Kelly
Author “Leadership Lessons From the Dog”
What is the best and most economical way to attract customers? I want to start my interior design business up again after a recent lay-off and need to be able to support myself. I live in Orange County, CA.
Thank you!
Hi Marie!
Congrats on the new addition of your family! Kuma is soooooo adorable! I so want a puppy but it’s taking some time to convince my husband to agree. LoL
Thank you for letting us have the opportunity to ask you business questions! I just started a fashion blog for women (around the world) in their 20’s and 30’s. I’m showing them how to dress for their shape, for less and look super chic. How can I generate income from this venture?
So far, I was thinking about Skype video chat as a way to connect with my clients…and also adding an instant messaging feature to my blog to allow prospective clients to IM me with questions on clothing, etc.
As a fashion stylist, I want to be different and do more than just take my client’s to a retail store and pick out outfits. I want to eduate them on their assests and train their eye to purchase fashionable and flattering clothes.
Thank you x a million for your advice!! <3
Amanda
Amanda´s last blog ..The Pencil Skirt
Hi Amanda,
“As a fashion stylist, I want to be different and do more than just take my client’s to a retail store and pick out outfits. I want to eduate them on their assests” there is so much power in that statement. AND there is incredible power in styling that reaches deep down below the surface. “Our self image, strongly held, essentially determines what we become” Maxwell Maltz
If you can elicit from your client the qualities she wants in her life and educate her on how to manifest those qualities in her personal style she will be empowered AND she will be creating a positive visual affirmation for herself and others to see BECAUSE her image will be connected to her core values.
I accomplish this by doing an image analysis, getting her history and then asking her to give me two adjectives that describe the essence of what she wants to embody in her LIFE: Examples: Sexy & Professional or Romantic & Strong. I have found that it is important to get 2 words. Then when we set out to choose hair style, clothes etc. we make sure everything is within the parameters of our 2 design principles.
Image becomes less about creating an image of perfection and more about fashioning a living breathing testimonial to the inner radiant beauty of the client. As a matter of fact, I break a fair number of rules about face, body shape etc. because I have found that when outer style is aligned with inner beauty the results transcend all attempts to mimic perfection.
By the way, I am currently skyping with clients and I LOVE IT! It works wonders for weekly coaching sessions.
in beauty,
shannon
SHANNON IRIS´s last blog ..Success stories
Wow! Shannon, thank you for sharing such profound ideas. I see how two adjectives make all the difference in the world in terms of establishing a solid objective and direction, meeting your client’s needs and measuring your success. Again, thank you for opening up another world for me!
<3 Amanda
Amanda Roquemore´s last blog ..The Pencil Skirt
Hey Marie,
LOVE that dog! Joe is right – you don’t need the doggie treats and as long as you are the leader all will be good – based on what I know of you (ie direct, take no shit) you’ll be fine. Training him to go outside will be a piece of cake once he is allowed to venture out! I’m also very happy to help, having had up to 15 pups at a time, and low stress ways of working with animals where everything is smooth and easy – kids too!
I see you have plenty of great questions so I’ll save mine for next time.
xx
Ginny
PS – one question – how do I get my gravatar?
go to www.gravatar.com/
You will see a button half way down the page that says “Get your gravatar today”. Hit that and you are on your way!
SHANNON IRIS´s last blog ..Success stories
Hi Marie,
No questions but I was intrigued with the breed of your new baby. I am Australian and have never heard of that breed (and I grew up on a farm where we used Kelpies for sheep work). SO I looked it up on Wikipedia and found this:
“The Australian Shepherd’s history is vague, as is the reason for its misleading name. It is believed by some the breed has Basque origins in Spain and was used there by shepherds[8]. What is known is that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries.[9]”
V.funny. Anyway, enjoy your new baby. He is very cute.
Sam xx
Hi Marie,
Ok my question is probably like everyone else, where do I start…The thing is I love fashion & would love to open a retail shop. I came to New York in September/October & noticed the vast variety of retail shops & I thought Sydney was huge anyway there was a particular shop called Urban outfitters which i thought suited Sydney alot so i did a little research when i got back to Sydney & noticed no where in Australia we have an Urban outfitters here, i only searched the website & contact details but that is as far as i went, now i don’t know where to go from here?
I would love to hear your inspirational thoughts on this!
Warm Regards
Justine
Hi Justine
UO started in London on high street ken and now it’s gone global. Yeap that was someone’s dream once upona time, now a big business.
Have you decided if:
A) you want an UO in Sydney so you can shop there
B) you want to open up your own branch of the UO franchise
Or
C) you want to start your oen business inspired by the UO model
I only ask because B and C probably sound the same, but they’re not. If you go for option B you will earn money for UO, not for yourself, as you will have to pay them a fee for using their brand. However it could be good experience and a way to learn the industry. C of course takes gusto but means you eill be your own boss and all the stresses that come with that!
Look forward to hearing more about your venture!
Nada
Hi Nada,
Thanks for your thoughts on this, much appreciated.
I was thinking more along the lines of B) opening a branch of Urban outfitters franchise as we don’t have any here & it would be a big thing being the 1st to bring it here & knowing the style of clothes are suited here.
I have had this desire to open up a retail store for quite some time & now that i have broken up with my partner even though my heart is still broken i feel its time for me to look out for myself & continue with my dreams.
So it where to from here & where to begin with it all is the dilemma.
Justine
-xx-
Hi Marie! Love your little guy, reminds me of my dog Enzo when he was a puppy, so much fun
Anyway, my question is:
I am a holistic health counselor but I have a full time job doing something completely unrelated (and mind numbing might I add!). I want to leave my crappy 9 to 5 job and do health counseling full time but basically don’t know where to begin. I feel like I waste a lot of valuable time doing things that keep me planted exactly where I have been since July when I graduated. I have no clients or potential clients, my newsletters are read by my list but no one is interested in signing up with me. What’s a great starting point for me? I want to fill my schedule with health counseling clients by Dec. 2010!!!
I am about to enter into what might become a rather challenging situation. The first of May after my wedding (we were just engaged on 1/19) I will be moving to Denver where I will be working for my previous “boss” . . .long but really great story there. My question is I will now be working with a woman who is in her mid thirties who has a real bull dog personality and I am so not a Bull Dog type person yet I have a great passion for the work we do. How can I help us work together?. We have had the same job title even though I have 10 – 15 years of experience with her only due to the structure of the company. In reality I am senior in the office next to the partner/fiancé. To top it off she has been working with/for my fiancé for the past 16 years. Over the past 4 years we have worked together fine, most of the time, with me in the Scottsdale office and she in the Denver office. Now that is all about to change. How do I deal with her bull dog personality when she has this attitude of get it done fast – get it out the door – so no one can review her work and what is going out is not good!? How do I exert leadership while recognizing that TEAM is most important in our small office of planners and landscape architects? Help!
Hey Marie! Thanks so much for doing this! You’re a legend!
Okay, so heres my situation. I just turned 23 and for the past four years I have been searching for what I want to do. The thing is, I already knew what I wanted to do, from the age of 15- 19, I was doing extremely well as a professional athlete and gaining popularity and respect from all promoters. I had travelled Europe, Japan, Canada, and America before getting freaked out by all the expectations and allowed myself sink into depression, and a body image crisis. I felt that the only way I was going to make it was if I looked a certain way…I dieted and lost all energy and passion for anything and shut myself off from the world and cancelled shows and hid from all my friends. I just couldnt face them. Over the past few years I have been battling to over come any issues relating to that, and thankfully, everything is coming back, (with help from you I might add) my energy, health, positivity…however I now regret more then anything what I have done, and feel like I have unfinished business in my sport that I need to complete or chance. The only thing is, I know I have let people down and Im sure they think Im nuts or a flake (which, I guess I was!). My question is, how can I move forward from here? And have I ruined my chances???
Thanks so much !!
Hi Marie,
Great idea!
There are two aspects to my business, they are related in the big picture but when I meet new people I find it confusing how to approach this. I am a soul artist (which is about my personal expression) and I am the founder of Soul Art studio (which is about other people’s expression, I teach people how to connect with their spirit through art).
My question:
When there are multiple aspects to my business, how can I clearly explain what I do?
I know that you also have many aspects to your business (including coaching, and fitness/ dancing) so I would love to know how you go about explaining what you do, when there are multiple aspects to what you do.
Thanks!
with joy
Laura
Marie,
I want in on this offer. My question is this. Will you give me a rain check on this offer for a time when:
1. I have distilled my perfect question and
2. You don’t have 34 mini novellas to read?
In Beauty,
Shannon Iris
I am so embarrassed! I hit send before I read the last print…
***After-I-Hit-Publish-Just-To-Be-Clear-Note: I’m SUPER happy about the responses so far! To clarify, I’m collecting questions here to answer in upcoming blogs and video blogs over the next few weeks and months.
taking foot out of mouth.
I thought you were going to try and answer all questions right now and I couldn’t imagine you reading all those questions and still having steam when you got to mine.
oh well
it rarely pays to be a smart ass.
SHANNON IRIS´s last blog ..Success stories
Hi Marie
Thanks for the Q&A, brilliant idea. I am waiting oh so patiently for virtual RHH, looking forward to it.
My questions relates to my blog. It started very basically and now I think it’s purpose has changed and it’s name does not really suit it anymore. I wondered about having a more generic name that relates to business and learning or do I simply create the blog under my own name? My product website does not really suit some of my blog posts either. Maybe I just actually need to do more work on my purpose and what I want to achieve? Did I just answer my own question? Hmmm not sure, your input would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Your soon to be new RHH participant
Alycia
Alycia Edgar´s last blog ..Networking for your dinner
I’m with you on waiting oh so patiently for Virtual RHH!!!!
(I think she said just a couple more weeks?????) 
Jess Webb´s last blog ..clinging to hope
Congrats on your pup – I can’t wait to meet him! I’m gestating a new brand right now and I don’t know what it is yet though I have tons of great ideas that are still in crystallization mode. My question is, is it ok to start a blog if I have no idea yet what I’m talking about and what my brand identity is and what my platform or point is? I sort of feel like just starting would be a good idea, but then I’m afraid of flailing about in public. What do you think?
Hi Marie,
Your new furry friend is more cute than should be legal. Seriously, people will be stopping you guys on the street.
Okay, here’s the question most won’t admit to… I got canned once and while it actually saved my mother’s life (I’m not kidding!), and while I bounced back to have the best year of gigs ever (I’m a freelance writer), and while I learned so much about knowing when to hold ‘em and knowing when to fold ‘em, there’s still this nagging part of me that, 2 years later, still feels bitter and bruised and wanting to prove myself right.
The thing is I KNOW it’s just my ego and that it was a huge favor getting released from a job where I was miserable, but it still from time to time smarts probably because I’d already been waging battle with my inner fraud police.
How would you suggest I mine this experience so that I really release all that negative limiting belief stuff, so I can own it even more, and send that big bad witch packing?
With much gratitude and lots of treats for you and Kuma,
Angela
Angela,
I couldn’t resist responding, because I just faced a wicked situation myself and was asking the very same questions. HOW DO I LET GO OF THIS AND MOVE ON! Like you, I knew it was for my own good… and yet it burned.
My step dad is a Buddhist and after I told him my whole wretched story he sent me this:
“The Buddhist Shakespear…
“To mourn a mischief that is past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on”
I thought holy crap. I don’t need more of that in my life. It worked to break me free. I hope it breaks something lose for you.
in beautitude,
shannon
SHANNON IRIS´s last blog ..Success stories
Hey Marie!
how are you? congrats on the new puppy!It’s funny to have known you for quite some time and to see what you are doing now:) It is awesome and I’m so happy for you!!…. and now I want some help from you!!!!:)
I am still trying to do the “music thing”. I am treating it like it is my own business, which I guess it is, (or rather a personal brand), and I find myself just getting so stressed out and then not enjoying it, and then getting stressed out about not enjoying it! I have a website that is just ok(which I spend time worrying about-how important is it, how much do I have to spend, should I learn wordpress by msyelf?) I play out once in a while but I’d really love to have a band (the guys that I play with are in other bands and are not so reliable), I write music, I am recording a full length album (hopefully-i’m meeting with the producer this week), I have to market my stuff, and I just feel like I have to do everything and I have no idea what to focus on and/or how to not feel stressed. I’ve looked at tons of blogs and entrepreneurial websites with tips on how to do this and that and I just feel overwhelmed. I don’t feel comfortable with twitter although I do it, and I have fans on facebook but now I don’t really know what to do with them! do I give free music, make videos, tell stories?
Of course, I’d love to make a living out of my music but I know competition is high. somedays I feel like I can totally do it, and other days I feel less sure. I work in a bar which I would love to stop doing but it’s good money and flexible hours and so I keep doing it. I tell myself that it’s for the music-to afford the recording and the new guitar that i need etc. etc. which is all true, but I’d love to be able to stop because I don’t want to work in a bar forever. It feels like a vicious cycle.
I guess my question is, how do you know what is important in your goals? what to focus on and how to NOT get stressed, because lately it has been immobilizing me. I feel that I have so much potential and even if I don’t manage to make a living from my music, I don’t see myself in any kind of office or anything like that. I do want to make an impact on others around me and feel like I can, but I can also be so hard on myself when I don’t feel like I’m doing anything. I know this is all over the place but it feels good just to write it down.
I guess any advice or strategies or whatever you got, would be awesome!I don’t want to be stressed about anything! Thanks and looking forward to hearing what you have to say!:)
much love,
Dana
I am a life coach who focuses on the niche of women/moms who are considering or have recently moved out of the city to live in the suburbs. I help these women get to know themselves prior to the move and while settling in so the transition doesn’t hit them like a ton of bricks and they wake up one day wondering how they turned into their mom, why they resent the hell out of their hubbies and obsessed with their children’t every thought. So i want to take my coaching business in a more fun direction where I create a school for suburban happyness in which i and experts i find teach things that are relevant for this life stage. I also want to have a rich and plentiful blog where i shine a light on things that are going on in the burbs from mean moms to cheating spouses to great new kitchen must have gadgets. the problem … I have 3 kids, a house, a hubby all of which i love and want to spend lots of time with and feel overwelmed with all my big dreams. I don’t know how to think big and structure myself and afford the support i need to run the site and create the content … HELP! Busy Busy Happy in the Burbs …
I’ve been an artist all my life- I’m a full time artist-photographer-workshop instructor.
My question :
I’m an experienced artist and business owner, why do I find it so difficult to ’sell myself and my art ?’ I promote a lot, mostly my workshops and I do ok, but, not many paintings walk out of my studio, like I would hope.
Galleries are not doing so well now – Should I look for an art rep ? Know anyone who does that ?
Thanks for any input…
Hey Marie!
I’m a indie singer-songwriter-pianist a la Regina Spektor meets Norah Jones, with Tori, Bjork, and Tom Waits at the same party spicing it up!
My big question: How can I play phenomenal, highly lucrative shows to packed theaters now?
Sites:
http://www.ReverbNation.com/AlyseBlack
http://www.MySpace.com/AlyseBlack
http://www.AlyseBlack.com
(and many, many more)
Would LOVE input!
Tons of love and appreciation,
Alyse
Okey Doke.
For the past 2 years I have lived the transformational lifestyle. Big ups M.
Things are rocking and I now there are tons of sweet ass events on the horizon. Looking forward to the next level and know its gonna show up.
My Q be this: Whats your 411 when the dreaded plateau bangs on the door, breaks through and says “Here’s Johnny!”.
Holla!
JR
Marie!
One of the quickest ways to happiness is having a dog! They instantly put you in a state of joy which is why i would not be able to live without my dog ZEKE! Yes, they are the closest thing to heaven here on earth! Enjoy!
As a Personal Trainer for 16yrs ( getting a little burned out) im realizing one of the biggest challenges people face in trying to lose weight is food planning! I would like to start my own buisness and provide a service where you shop/chop/stalk their fridge and set them up to succeed! Imagine your fridge stocked with water bottles, all your veggies chopped, salad in a spinner ready to go! (call me crazy)
I know i would love to have someone do this for me! How would you appeal to the market and what would you call this service?
Would love to hear your opinion!
Many Thanks,
Marty Curtis
Marty, you have NO IDEA how many times I have wished there was someone who could do this for me! LOL! I am a crazy-busy professional (veterinarian) with an active life and, honestly, there are just not enough hours in the day to shop and chop like I know I am supposed to do, just like you said!
Any chance you are anywhere near Delaware? LOL I’m betting no…
friends,
Tanis!
Dear Marie,
This is such a lovely idea. I appreciate that you are setting this Q & A up. =)
I have multiple projects that I’m working on including a documentary. Here is my first question and biggest concern. I wrote a book The Lipstick Nomad Living Your Designer Life and I have been pushing it through the publishing process for quite some time now. There were many delays on their part. Well, this week I found a Writer’s Beware Blog with the name of the publishing company and literary agency, book marketing websites, etc. that I used. I’m very concerned. I will copy it here:
There’s a fuller report on Writer Beware’s blog.
Writers’ Literary Agency (WLA — formerly The Literary Agency Group) / Global Book Agency / Strategic Book Publishing / Eloquent Books / AEG Publishing Group / Strategic Book Group
As a result of a public consumer-related investigation, the Florida Attorney General has filed suit for fraud against Robert Fletcher, Writers’ Literary Agency, and the associated businesses. More at Writer Beware’s blog.
This is going on the Documentary and the next T.V. Interview, etc. that I receive. They need to be exposed. Other writers should be warned so they don’t get deceived and fall into the same trap that I did. I really can’t believe how sophisticated some scams are. I may or may not need a lawyer/legal advice. (Am I being hasty? Should I give them the benefit of the doubt???) – Do I REALLY need to start over and find a new publisher?????
I stopped reading because I couldn’t stop crying. When I’m totally prepared to handle it , I will continue my research.
Second issue:
I don’t know if promoting the Book Fair will bring lots of money. I just hope that if I do my best, my efforts will be rewarded. But I can’t remember the last time my efforts were fully rewarded…
Thank you for your response.
Live Your Designer Life,
Jenne- Lauren
The Lipstick Nomad
Hi Jenne – I too have written a book and have been researching publishers. Getting something published can take years, so I think patience is key, and always believing in your work. It’s probably a good thing that you found out this information now, rather than later down the road. If you decide to start over and find another publisher (which I probably would if I was in your shoes) it might be worth it, because I think it is important that you work with a company/person that you can trust, as they will be a very important part of building your career as a writer and it will be a relationship that will last for years. Best of luck in your endeavors!
Lia Ceccherini´s last blog ..Texas Cedarwood Handmade Soap, all natural and organic
Hey Marie!
I live in São Paulo/Brazil and I´m publicity. I work in the major retail company of Brazil but I´d like to have some extra money. How can I found something to do in my free time to get this??
(Sorry for some mistake in english)
Taty
Marie,
YOU ARE SO OFF THE HOOK AWESOME! Thank you for being an inspiration to me.
Okay, here’s the deal: I am VP of Sales for a CA winery. May sound glamorous to some and in many ways it is such a wonderful job (the owner of my winery is a superb human being who is so good to me and I feel incredibly blessed to work for and with him) however I travel over six months of the year (OVER IT–it is hard on my physically and I am sick to my stomach about the environmental degradation I contribute to. Also I simply don’t want to be away from my husband and step kids. Also, trying to have a child of my own and all this stress is not helpful)…and 2) Selling wine simply does not float my boat anymore. I love wine but it simply doesn’t ignite my soul to sell it.
I am a victim of my success…I am very good at my job and have become indispensable to my boss. There is currently no end in sight to the travel (in fact he thinks I should be doing more) and there is no where to go in the company (there are only eight employees as it is and any move would mean dramatically less pay and since I’m not happy working in wine why would I do that?)…
Here’s my question-sorry it took me so long to get here-WHAT DO I DO???!!! LOL, okay, I want to make a major shift but I am so exhausted from travel and work in general that I am feeling majorly depleted. I am away so much that I feel as though I don’t know where to begin when I’m home. I live in San Francisco and have no community there and maybe that needs to be my starting point–how do I get involved in my community? What are different organizations I should look into in order to network and learn about opportunities? Or maybe you have another suggestion entirely. I’m actually feeling quite lost and overwhelmed, hence the vagueness of this question.
Thanks for listening! I can’t wait to hear about your virtual program you’re putting together!
Love and abundance,
Elijah
Hi Marie! I am a new subscriber to your blog, and first of all, I just wanted to thank you for your awesome workout videos. I’m addicted to the Wedding Workout, which is by far one of the absolute best workout videos I’ve ever tried! I love the extras at the end, and your great attitude.
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! My German Shepherd is now a year old, and training her and watching her grow has been such an amazing experience! Puppies are like your children- and you can learn so much from them!
I appreciate the opportunity to ask a question.
I make all natural and organic soaps and bath and beauty products that I’m currently selling on Etsy. While I like to stay connected, I’m not exactly keen on the idea of starting a Facebook account, or Twitter. I’m more of a hands-on person, and can’t wait to get out to the farmer’s markets once they start in the spring. In the meantime though, do you have any tips on spreading the word of my website? Is online “social-networking” really the only way to go? I really believe in the quality of my products, and do everything as “green” as possible. I also donate 10% of all my profit to charity.
You can check out what I have to offer at:
www.etsy.com/shop/StellaDeer
I’m in the process of adding products, as I want to have a well-rounded shop, and wondered if you had any suggestions.
Thank you sooo much!
xoxo
Lia
Gee Marie : ] Cute doggie : ]
If you’re not too busy, can you help me sell my CD?
Hi Marie,
I’m a recently graduated vet and I thought your idea about a book on how to train the urban dog was great! I gotta say though, I have never read a single book on how to train a dog: I have only ever followed courses on the subject. If you can send me your more specific comments on how your book is not appropriate to your situation and your ideas on how it would be, I could start a little project from there!
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!
Maryse
I am in network marketing and have several people who are interested in signing up and say they will, and yet they never quite get to that point. This has happened several times for me. My question is, how can I really close my leads? How can I attract people who will actually take action?
Rose Goddess´s last blog ..“To Thine Own Self Be True” ~ The Power of Journaling
Hi Marie,
Cutie dog! Congrats!
My current situation is that I work as an Academic Coach at a school 40+ hours per week, drive 17 hours per week commuting, have 6 coaching clients as a leadership coach… which leads me little to no time to work on all of the fabulous projects, workshops, writings, etc. that I know are in my future. I am taking small steps every day to build my business… yet need a prioritized plan.
How do you break it down step by step? Who/ how do I delegate and enroll partnership in doing the items you cannot do?
I would love to enroll in RHH, yet have a job that I cannot take off during the school year, and am concerned about being successful in the time windows I have and being able to create the income to pay for it… Good news is I do have all summer… Want to do a summer intensive?
Don’t know how to do an Avatar here. My picture is on my bio on my website.
Leslie
Leslie´s last blog ..Happy New Year!
Hi Marie,
I’ve been trying to “make it on-line” for about a year and a half now. I’m a former “sub-prime” mortgage broker and helping people with bad credit was my specialty, so when I stopped doing loans, I wrote a e-book on Credit Repair and Education. (www.RepairCreditTrauma.com). I put together the sales page myself and I’ve made about 9 sales so far which is exciting, but no where near what I want to accomplish in income. I need help learning how to track where my sales are coming from, advice on how to make the sales page better, what I can do for cheap or free that doesn’t take tons of time to get more traffic and how I can monotize my blog better (www.CreditTrauma.com) to get more sales.
Once I can accomplish this and pay my bills with the income it provides, I really want to get out there and do something to teach high school kids about finances and credit so they can start out on the right foot. I’m really passionate about getting this up and running, but I have to “float my own boat” before I can begin that.
Right now I’m helping my residential appraiser husband with data input, and it SUCKS! There is no light at the end of the tunnel in that business and it’s pretty much a 24/7 job. I WANT OUT!!!! On a better note, at least we have the opportunity to make income while working from home, so I’m really not complaining….very grateful as a matter of fact, but it’s certainly not what I want to do for the rest of my life….or even for the rest of this year for that matter!
Anything you can suggest to help would be awesome!
Thanks so much for offering this Q&A Marie. That is really, really nice of you and will bring you good karma!
Taylor