03 11

The value of getting help

Posted Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 03:00pm | No comments

Last week we talked about getting over yourself long enough to realize the abundance of wisdom the people in your life have to offer for your business. And you started to make a list. (If you’re new here, I highly suggest you start with the first post of the series before this one.)

So, you have this list of people in your life that you could ask for help. And you think that you might be ready to welcome their contribution to your business. But you’re still not sure how it will, well….help anything.

I’m all about encouraging you to take risks, however small, because it builds your confidence in your ability to care for your business. I want you to expand your boundaries and your sense of what is possible.

When you ask for help, you’re acknowledging that you don’t have to do everything (days off, anyone?).

You’re including the people around you in your life, which eases your isolation.

You’re saying to the Universe that you welcome outside influences, increasing the possibility that you will be blessed with unexpected gifts.

You feel open instead of closed. Closed means scarcity and desperation—both qualities that your clients can feel. Open means abundance and confidence—your clients can sense that too.

Since asking for help is a sign of strength, you have to be strong and sure of yourself to ask.

Remember that list of people you wrote down from last week? Step 2 is to make another column on your paper that says, “Ways to help.” For every person on your list, come up with at least one way they could contribute to your business. For some of the people on the list, there will be more than one contribution.

Think big. Keeping your business healthy and running-as-normal also requires that you are taking time off, unplugging, and practicing self-care. In what ways can the people on your list help with ensuring your personal life is rich and rewarding?

Make sure you include skill sets that people have, but may not be using in their day jobs or current situation. So, your college friend that studied graphic design and now works in retail?–Tap into her design know-how to get a fresh perspective on your products.

You’ll be hooked once you start recognizing all the gifts people in your life have to offer you (and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this earlier).

Check back next week for the last installment in the Just Ask series, where I’ll reveal the art of asking for help.

Admin Note: If you subscribed by email or reader to Creatuitive Coaching, and want to continue to receive posts from Red Dress Studios, you must update your subscription. xo

03 10

Why Not Wednesdays :: Research Your Own Birth

Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 09:51am | No comments

Here at Red Dress Studios, we are all about taking risks (so that you can build bodacious confidence muscles!). That is why every Wednesday I ask readers, “Why not?” do something daring, creative, and unconventional.

Celebrate Motherhood print from Etsy shop Lisa Ferrante

If you’ve never asked your mom about the day you came into the world, see what she remembers.

Ask your grandmother what it was like when she had her babies.

Find baby photos of yourself.

[Special love note for adopted women: You might have already gone through this. You have a unique perspective that you'll bring to this "dare." Be gentle with yourself in unearthing your loved ones' memories.]

Promise that little baby in the photos to always honor her best self and her dreams.

Have you done research on how you came into the world? Share your discoveries in the comments.

Admin Note: If you subscribed by email or reader to Creatuitive Coaching, and want to continue to receive posts from Red Dress Studios, you must update your subscription. xo

03 08

Giveaways! Giveaways!

Posted Monday, March 08, 2010 at 03:44pm | No comments

For the Red Dress Studios *virtual* launch party this Friday, March 12th (have you RSVP’d yet?), I have some pretty sweet giveaways to offer.

From the grand prize (a signature Red Dress session) to business essentials (graphic designer and virtual assistant, anyone?) to lifestyle loves (jewelry and tea and art, oh my!), the giveaways were handpicked (and donated) with love.

The best part? When you RSVP for the virtual launch party, you’re automatically entered to win one of these items (and you can even indicate your top choices).


Grand Prize

Red Dress Session with Red Dress Studios ($250 value)

Maybe your new business has done well by you, but you’re feeling that now’s the time to soar. Or maybe you’ve got this crazy dream that won’t leave you alone, your day job is not fulfilling, and you’re thinking it’s time to switch tracks. You’ve got passion. And drive. But you don’t want to make a bunch of mistakes, and you’re not one hundred percent certain what that next step looks like. That’s when you need the Red Dress Session. You tell me your ideas, your concerns, your goals. I help you explore options, identify answers and forge your path. Together we get you up and moving on that path, lickety-split.


Business Essentials

Three hours of virtual assistance with Virtual Assistance Reimagined ($105 value)

Creative, bold, visionary women know the value of self-care, and their businesses thrive when they regularly invest in their most valuable business asset: themselves. This 3-hour package of VA services from Jess Larsen will move tasks off your plate and free you up to invest in your own self-care. Package includes a complementary 20-minute call to discuss your most pressing to-dos: whether you need an extra set of hands to cover urgent administrative tasks, take care of social media, research or implement new systems to make your life easier, or just get on top of communications with your clients.

Right-Brain Business Plan ($20 value)

A visual, out-of-the-box approach for Creative Entrepreneurs. The Right-Brain Business Plan e-book guides you through the creative process of envisioning your business and crafting your unique and personal business plan. It’s like having your own creative cohort alongside you for inspiration and motivation! Takes you all the way from the vision through the action plan.

One hour of consulting with Intelligent Accounting & Tax Solutions ($150 value)

Intelligent Accounting is an accounting, tax services, and consulting firm that provides financial solutions for small businesses, non-profits and individuals. Woman-owned and client-centered, this consulting session will be an opportunity for you to ask your burning accounting and bookkeeping questions from an expert.

Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play ($15 value)

From successful entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson comes a guide for a new era of hope and change. Taking spirituality as its foundation, the book offers an entrepreneurial approach to everything from homemaking to brand building. Enjoy step-by-step projects and to-do’s as Kimberly helps the reader realize—and revel in—her unique potential to make a splash and make a difference.

Office Spa Day from The Inspired Home Office ($40 value)

A two-hour teleclass that massages away overwhelm, sheds unwanted clutter, and exfoliates the dust. The Office Spa Day is two-hour, hands-on work session that creates visible progress in your workspace. It brings you relief from overwhelm to create a work environment that nurtures you.

One hour of graphic design work with Jess Gonacha Swift ($50 value)

If you need a designer who is also an artist, who listens, who is versatile and energetic, and who wants to make your world gorgeous…Jess is your gal. (She did the Red Dress Studios logo.) Items she often designs for people are business cards, promotional postcards, brochures, posters, and logos, and she’s open to working with you in whatever design/illustration capacity you need. She is the queen of versatility, so Jess can create the look of your dreams, even if you don’t know what that dream is yet!

Lifestyle and Inspiration

Josephine Baker Lipstick earrings from The Hand of Fatima Designs ($25 value)

A gorgeous pair of earrings: red fleur de lys appliqués adorned with big vintage faux pearls and vintage brass fleur de lys atop, with a bit of gothic accent. Named after one of the owner’s muses.

Loose tea from Tea Guys ($12 value)

Enjoy a 4.5 oz package of Peace-of-Mind tea from the Tea Guys. Made with organic ingredients, the tea is a relaxing herbal blend with an orange-chamomile taste. Includes citrus, rosehips, lemongrass, mint, and hibiscus. Sure to put you at peace wherever you may be. Caffeine free.

OPI French Bordeaux nail polish ($18 value)

A rich, full-bodied red shade of polish for daring females. Wear it to stand out, make a statement, or just to revel in being feminine.

Framed print from Pixel Pusher Studio ($75 value)

A set of 3 prints from photographer Eric Jukelevics. The group of prints is called Red Food, and they are individually framed in black wood frames.

2010 Goddess Guidebook from Goddess Leonie ($10 value)

The 2010: Creating My Goddess Year workbook & planner guides you on the journey of setting your goals & intentions for your new year, and how to fulfill them. It’s handwritten & illustrated… perfect for you to print out, soak up the rainbow colors of, and make 2010 your gorgeous goddess year. A PDF that you can print, fill out and keep referencing throughout your amazing year, you’ll get 40 full color pages of questions, guidance, tools & inspiration to help you dream, plan & grow your amazing new year.

I’m trying to convince my virtual assistant to let me enter to win some of these prizes :) Seriously though, to get your hands on these very cool items and services, you can RSVP to the launch party today.

03 08

Administrative note

Posted Monday, March 08, 2010 at 02:40pm | No comments

I promise that I normally hate clogging up your feeds + emails with something as uninspiring as “administrative updates” but I don’t want you to miss out on content.

If you read this blog via blog reader or email message, you must sign up for the new Red Dress Studios feed if you want to continue to be able to indulge in my musings. (Translation: The Creatuitive Coaching feed will be going away at the end of this week.)

New site, new brand=new feed.

03 08

you’re invited (rsvp, s’il vous plait)

Posted Monday, March 08, 2010 at 01:31am | No comments

03 05

Get over yourself (on asking for help)

Posted Friday, March 05, 2010 at 04:46pm | 1 comment

This is part 1 in a series on asking for help. It’s all about building the confidence to ask for help with your business. Sound useful? Read on.

Chances are that as a business owner, you’ve fallen into this trap before.

I call it the “My Way or the Highway” or the “Shoot Myself in the Foot” trap.

I’m talking about believing that you are the only person that can do [insert business task here]. Or that you are the only person that can solve [insert business problem here].

I’m here to tell you that that just isn’t true.

I’m reminded of Michael Gerber’s E-Myth books. His main thesis is that if you haven’t created systems in your business that allow other people to do the work necessary—you haven’t created a business, you’ve created a job.

And I know you’re not building your business just so that you can be beholden to another job.

One of the simplest ways to build your confidence muscles is to ask for help.

“Wait,” you’re saying, “Isn’t asking for help a sign of weakness and then everyone will know that I really have no idea what the hell I’m doing?”

No. Asking for help is a sign of strength. And for god’s sakes, get over yourself.

Get over yourself long enough to open your eyes to all the beautiful wisdom you have around you (wisdom=awesome, savvy people in your life).

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to start making a list of all the people in your life that you could turn to for help.

Step 1, write down all the people in your life that you trust and care about down the left side of a sheet of paper. Write them all down. If you’re scared of asking certain people, the good news is that you don’t have to ask them today. The bad news is that you’ll still want to include them on your list.

For now, start thinking about the people on this fabulous list and what they could offer you. Think broadly. One person can offer you a glass of wine in her living room, and another can provide an introduction to that woman you’ve been dreaming of asking to be your mentor.

Check back next week for the second post of the Just Ask series, where I talk about the value for your business of getting help (and Step 2 will be magically revealed).

Admin Note: If you subscribed by email or reader to Creatuitive Coaching, and want to continue to receive posts from Red Dress Studios, you must update your subscription. xo

03 03

Why Not Wednesdays :: Host a meal

Posted Wednesday, March 03, 2010 at 09:54am | No comments

Here at Creatuitive Coaching, we are all about taking risks (so that you can build bodacious confidence muscles!). That is why every Wednesday I ask readers, “Why not?” do something daring, creative, and unconventional.

Print by Etsy shop Lucky Bluebird Art

Set a date in your calendar to host an all-local, all-women produced meal or dinner party.

Research local food producers in your area. (Local Harvest is a good place to start.)

See if you can find local farms, farm stands/farmers market vendors, co-ops, artisanal specialty shops, or organic restaurants owned by women in your community.

Arrange a local food tour with friends and check out what they offer. Ask for samples.

Plan a dinner party or potluck menu based on your finds; use delicious, local foods to support women-owned businesses.

Join me in the comments with your hosting plans…

03 02

FAQs about the Creatuitive brand changes

Posted Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at 08:07am | No comments

If you’ve spent any time around these parts, you know that I’m cookin’ up something new. Red Dress Studios: helping women entrepreneurs grow their confidence muscles will be launching soon.

In the meantime, I want to answer some of your questions about the changes that will be happening and what this means for you…

Questions of Relevance

Will you only be focusing on entrepreneurs? What if I don’t really think of myself as an entrepreneur?

What I’ve come to realize is that I really love working with women business owners. They are my right people, the types of peeps I want to be working with, and where I can have the most impact. With Red Dress Studios, I am focusing on helping current and aspiring women entrepreneurs. Translation: Even if you don’t have your own business yet, you might want one in the future (and I’ll be your gal to help you get it off the ground). Many of my clients still have their full-time gigs and/or draw from multiple sources of income.

What if I think that someday I might like to start my own business, but I’m not there yet?

You’re in the right place. I’m on a mission to help feminists define how they make their living (outside the 9-5 world). If you’re not there yet, Red Dress Studios will give you the confidence that entrepreneurship is possible (whenever you decide to make the leap). P.s. The Fitting Room is a really cool spot for you to try on some ideas in the interim.

Will you work with women who are starting their business on the side but can’t leave a full-time job?

Absolutely. In fact, I encourage the majority of my clients to build their business on the side of a steady paycheck. It’s possible. When you’re passionate about something, you’ll work on it whenever you get the chance. It takes time, perseverance, and energy to generate the profits you want to be able to quit your full-time gig. It might be awhile. That’s ok—I’ll be here for you during that process.

Why does supporting business owners matter so much to you anyway? What’s special about entrepreneurship?

I care about women starting businesses because this is the legacy I want to leave. I believe that feminism and business are not mutually exclusive. Starting a business can be an act of defiance, activism, and one of the most socially and economically empowering things a woman can do.

Adapting to Changes

Where is Creatuitive Coaching going?

The Creatuitive brand is retiring, so to speak. This website will be forwarded to the Red Dress site, and all previous products and services (podcast, Right Livelihood e-book, etc.) will be re-branded. Certainly, the values of authenticity and creativity are going to remain with the Red Dress Studios brand.

How is your website going to change? What about the content?

It’s going to be a clean, modern design engineered by the amazing Sarah Bray of S. Joy Studios. My blog content will be front and center, and I’ll be offering lots more free resources for peeps. The content will include resources on helping women business owners get up and running, sprinkled with lifestyle inspiration.

Will you still be doing the regular podcast? What about the Why Not Wednesdays and Creatuitive Living series?

The Creatuitive Living podcast will be re-branded as Red Dress Conversations. Why Not Wednesdays will remain as a weekly series, and I’ll be incorporating thoughts on lifestyle from the previous Creatuitive Living series.

Will you still…

Offer stuff about finding my authentic voice? Supporting creative intuition?

Yes! Authenticity and intuition are super important to being a successful business owner. These values will be incorporated into the Red Dress content.

Offer workshops, seminars, and events that I can attend in person?

The majority of my workshops will be moved online, in the form of e-courses. However, I will offer the option to bring me to your living room (customized workshops for your group).

Help me get in touch with my creative self?

In the context of how it can improve your business and support yourself as a business owner, yes.

Focus on playing and enjoying life or is it all going to be about work and business?

Oh, I will always want to chat about play and creativity and pleasure. I will help remind you to indulge in these things as a business owner, and remain in touch with the reason you started your business in the first place (for many of us, that was to create a new lifestyle for ourselves).

Practical Worries

Will your rates change?

Yes. I determine my rates from a mix of the market rate and how I value my impact for clients.

Is it going to become more difficult to hire you? It looks like your services are much more scaled down than they used to be. Can we still find a way to work together?

My services are simplified. (Simple is a good thing.) While I may have a waiting list at times, we’ll always find a way to work together. And while you’re waiting for your Red Dress Session or Bluestocking Sessions to begin, you have the benefit of my blog archives, The Fitting Room, and other free resources.

Is your contact info changing?

Yes, you can now reach me at ana (at) reddressstudios (dot) com or 512-827-7733.

Do I have to re-sign up for your newsletter or are you going to transfer it over? What about your RSS feed in my Google Reader?

You do not have to re-sign up for my newsletter—I will send out a message to all Creatuitive Coaching newsletter subscribers that explain the changes (and offer the option to opt out if the new brand isn’t for you).

Your RSS feed will change. I will send out a reminder to change your feeds (whether you have the email subscription or you read the blog in a blog reader) when the time comes to make the switch.

So there you have it. New gig. New energy. Can’t wait for y’all to be a part of it.

Do you have other questions? Ask away in the comments…

03 01

Creatuitive Living #18 | Treating Your Art Like a Job

Posted Monday, March 01, 2010 at 08:31am | No comments

Welcome to the 18th edition of the Creatuitive Living podcast.

Direct download (mp3) :: Treating Your Art Like a Job

You may subscribe to the podcast RSS feed via ITunes or another podcatcher - You’ll automatically get the latest podcast as soon as it becomes available. Red Dress Conversations is published bi-weekly on Mondays.

~~~

This week’s podcast is an interview with Nadia Ackerman. Nadia is a singer, songwriter and artist. Born in Melbourne, Australia to African parents, Nadia is the 3rd child of four. From a very early age her desire to be heard was apparent. Nadia began singing at the age of three in her crib. She would wake up her parents at 4am singing “ Don’t Cry For me Argentina” and The Mull of Kintyre with perfect pitch and a lisp.

Nadia was also extremely artistic. When it came time to graduate from high school, Nadia thought she had to make a decision. She chose music and left
the art behind. After the loss of her father when she was 17, her tenacity,
talent and drive took her from Australia to Asia, Canada to New York City…where she now resides.

Out of the blue in mid-June 2006, Nadia began hearing songs in her head. Lyrics, Melodies, Harmony and Phrasing. The songs arrived in a complete form and more often than not she was writing two songs a day.. Having never written a song in her life she was a little perplexed as to what to do with it. Today Nadia has written over 250 compositions and she’s back into drawing…

Which leads us to her new books. Nadia has composed a body of work that coincides with her artistic ability. She has put together a series of gift books called Sung Stories. The story is her lyrics, the drawings represent the music,  and there is a CD in the back so that you can experience the music along with it. Nadia is currently working with her literary agent to release the books this year.

March 2010 will also see the release of Nadia’s debut record of original material, The Circus Is Back In Town (listen to a clip below).

[audio http://reddressstudios.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/02-the-circus-is-back-in-town-the-record.mp3]

~~~

Red Dress Challenge: How can you treat your art like a job this week? What time and energy can you find to dedicate to your craft? What resource can you employ to take your art to the next level?

02 26

Gather Your Assets

Posted Friday, February 26, 2010 at 08:41am | 2 comments

Illustration from Etsy shop Doc Martin Studio

When you contemplate starting your own business, you may feel like you’re starting all over again. (Isn’t that is a confidence killer.)

You’re not. You carry your previous life with you when you start any new business.

Yes, even you, Ms. Lawyer turned Jewelry Maker. And you, Ms. Waitress turned Social Media Guru.

Remember to “count” all your invaluable work experience and life assets to date. These assets can be a powerful confidence booster and motivator.

To gather your past life assets into your entrepreneur arsenal, start to capture on paper…

  • the industry knowledge you’ve absorbed
  • your business planning experience
  • your self-discipline
  • your managerial/functional skills
  • your unique working style that you’ve developed
  • the contacts and networks you’ve carefully fostered
  • your brilliant insights on different work styles

If you’re like any of my clients, this is a pretty juicy list of assets!

To boost your confidence in your ability to care for your successful business, spend some time with each of these areas. Think about how best to use them to grow your business. Think about how you want to honor your previous work life. Think about what you want to let go of from your old gig, and what you want to grow into with your new business.

Juicy. Confident. Proprietress-extraordinaire.

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