Brandmerry Blog Archives

brandmerry 9/20/18 brandmerry 9/20/18

3 Fundamentals of a Profitable and Successful Online Business

9/20/18

I was recently in Paris for a week for a mastermind experience, so today I wanted to share some of my top takeaways from the experience. I want you all to be able to use these important pieces of information as well so you can scale your business and grow your influence.

I’ve made it super easy for you to consume these powerful three steps by either reading through them below or watching the live stream below (hint: I give away way more detail in the video #justsayin).

1. Importance of Forward-Thinking

It’s time to stop planning for just the day or week ahead and start focusing on the big picture. I know that sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the small steps or wonder if they are working. Trust me they are. Those small steps lead us to the big picture and it’s all part of the process.

To make the small steps easier, you need to make sure you’re really clear on what your big picture vision for your brand and business looks like. It’s important to test the waters and tweak what isn’t working, again focusing on the big picture.

With everyone doing the same thing, how can you think ahead?

How can you try something not many people are doing just yet and go outside the norm?

These are questions you need to be thinking about on a regular basis to keep moving your business forward and no longer playing small.

2. It’s About Creating More Than a Business

When coaches, mentors, consultants, etc… all sound the same it’s SO important to be different.

What is your IT factor?

What is your audience coming to you for advice on?

How are you going to stand out?

Decide if this is your end or your beginning? For many of you I hope this is your beginning, that you’re using this business to continue to grow into something BIGGER. If so, then start making strides forward and doing things that move you towards the end result; this includes having a strong personal brand to support the evolution and growth.

It’s important to create a brand around you, so it can grow and evolve as your business does, while also creating a complete experience for your audience. Your audience is human and so are you, it’s time to start focusing on all the layers that make up your brand, rather than just what you’re selling.

3. You Need Community

You can’t do it alone and you need other women to help you fill your cup. It’s important to be part of a group program or a mastermind if it’s available to you to inspire and collaborate together on ideas. I absolutely loved my mastermind group and all of the women completely inspired me to do bigger and better things this year.

My favorite thing about having a community of like-minded women is to candidly talk about life and business and be honest. Accountability is huge. You have it from a mentor yes, but having it from a colleague is HUGE.

And to top it off, having a community to lean on and going to events is just freaking FUN!!!! I had so much fun in Paris, but one thing it made me realize was how I always wanted to do this myself. I have always wanted to bring together a group of women to do this with, so that’s what I’m doing.

If having a community, accountability, FUN and mentorship from me sounds like something you would love, I encourage you to reach out.

If you’re not ready for a high level mastermind just yet, Roadmap to Freedom will be opening soon, and you can get on the waitlist now to be notified when that happens. Learn more >>

Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/310512049504029/

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

Branding and Business Coach | Michelle Knight of Brandmerry

brandmerry 9/13/18 brandmerry 9/13/18

How to Easily Create Content that Sells for Your Brand

How to easily create content that sells for your brand

09/13/18

Creating content that leads to instant audience connection and more sales in your business can feel overwhelming, scary and hard. I get it lady. Before I implemented what I like to call “my secret weapon” for creating seamless content creation, I was also feeling completely burnt out when it came to creating content. Today I’m sharing with you 4 tips to ditching that overwhelm and creating content with ease.

1. Write when you feel inspired

I know for me, sudden bursts of inspiration come out of nowhere. When that happens, it’s so important you write it down or take a voice memo on your phone of the thoughts you are having. How many times have you had an idea, waited until you were ready to write a post and then completely forgot the amazingness that you came up with earlier? I don’t want that to happen to you, so when you feel inspired to write a post or have an idea for content, take a minute to get your thoughts out on paper or in a voice memo and then go back to what you’re doing. Then, each week have a time blocked out for creating content and go back through your notes and voice recordings so you can feel re-inspired and ready to write!

2. Create Brand Containers

I love brand containers! They have helped me tremendously when it comes to creating content for my brand. They’re basically a way to group and organize your content into the different facets of your brand.

If you want to identify and create your own brand containers with me, I’m hosting a free workshop where you’ll walk away with 5 brand containers you can start using right away to build momentum, reliability and buzz around your brand and business. I’ve hosted this virtual workshop before, and it’s always so fun to see everyone excited about creating content! Sign up here >>

3. Get Organized

Organize your content into an easy to use content calendar, so you know what your focus is depending on the week, month, quarter - even year. This allows you to plan your content around course launches, promotions, features and more!

4. Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse

You don’t have to take a one and done approach to content. Content can easily be recycled, repurposed and reused. This is super helpful because you don’t always have to be reinventing the wheel when it comes to your content. Plus, those pesky algorithms make it almost a requirement to recycle your content if you want the majority of your followers to actually see it!

Recycle

I love to use SmarterQueue* to recycle my blog posts, Youtube videos, Podcasts and more so that content is always going out and my Facebook Business Page basically runs on automate!

Repurpose

Go live on your Facebook page? Turn it into a blog post. Write a blog post? Break it down into smaller social media posts. There are so many ways you can repurpose content. One content piece can be showcased in different ways across multiple platforms to benefit as many people as possible.

Reuse

Look back at posts from awhile ago and reuse the posts that performed really well. No one is going to notice if you posted that same exact thing 8 months ago - and if they do, they must really like your stuff, so they won’t care to see it again!

Don’t forget to sign up for my free workshop
How to Create Seamless Content Creation That Leads to Instant Audience Connection and More Sales >>

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

*Affiliate Link

brandmerry 8/30/18 brandmerry 8/30/18

How to Set Healthy Boundaries for a Successful Business

August 30, 2018

If you start getting into the habit of setting boundaries in your business, even if you're just starting out, it's going to make a huge difference. Today I'm sharing some small adjustments you can make in your business to set healthy boundaries.

You should be creating a business that compliments your ideal life of freedom and not one that takes away from it, but it's easy to kind of let your business take over. You have to make a conscious effort to create harmony between your business and your life.

In today's blog post I'm sharing how to set boundaries outside and inside your business. Feel free to read or scroll to the bottom to watch the complimentary video.

Setting Boundaries Outside Your Business

You have to be open to communicating with your friends and family what it is you really do. You're not just staying at home, or hanging out on Facebook all day. We have to understand that there is going to be a time to dedicate to our business and a time to dedicate to our family and friends.

We have to find that harmony - and you'll notice I don't say balance because to me balance seems like 50/50 and it may not always be 50/50. Harmony is about the ebb and flow, which is more realistic when running a business. Think about a launch - you're not always launching, but it's a time when your business needs more love.

How can you communicate with your loved ones when you're going through a launch and are a little busier within your business?

There is no exact formula or percentage between your business and your family. I don't believe in them because it's going to be constantly changing. So you just need to be aware if you are working all the time or if you're neglecting your business, and make the adjustments where needed. You have to honor the seasons of your business and your life.

Ben, my husband, knows my schedule. He knows when carts open when I'm launching, when I have downtime, and that helps our lives run smoothly. Make sure your family is aware that this is your passion and to support you during those busier times in your business.

Having those conversations is so important, because it allows you to give yourself permission to be fully present in your work and with your family.

One of the biggest things for me was creating my office space, so I can shut the door when I need to. If you need to, move your work. I love blocking time off to go work at a coffee shop if I know that I have something big to get done.

Even for things that aren't business related. If I want to take Cal, my son, to the Zoo on a nice day - I will block that out in my calendar. That is stepping into that CEO role.

Give yourself permission to love your business and also love the people around you. Understand when you need to love on your business or love on your family. And when you're with your family, remove the distractions. Stay off your phone. But also remember that no ones perfect, so don't get down on yourself if you break the boundaries every now and then.

Action Steps: Block out the time in your calendar and honor it, create an "office" space, leave your home to work, when you're with your family remove distractions.

Setting Boundaries Inside Your Business

The biggest areas you need to set boundaries for yourself are on social media, emails (clients) and tech. From my experience those are the most significant time suckers.

Boundaries online. Some of my favorite tricks to making sure I don't get sucked in are to put myself on a timer, so I'm not spending all of my time in these areas. Another strategy is to set one or two times a day where you check your email. If someone emails after that, you can respond the next day and the same for your Facebook groups.

Boundaries with your clients and your audience. It's really important that you are clear from the get-go what your clients can expect from you and what you can expect from them. One thing I do with my clients is give them a 24-48 hour response time. If they email after I've already checked my email that day, they aren't going to get a response until tomorrow.

This actually empowers your client because it gives them room to explore their own answers and ideas. My favorite thing is when I get an email on Friday night with a bunch of questions, and yes some of the questions will require my guidance, but come Monday they have already figured out a lot of their questions and now feel confident taking action in their own business.

Boundaries with yourself. One of my mentors told me some advice that has changed my business this year and I want to pass that on to you. Stop working 15 minutes before you think you're done. We can push ourselves, but that will just lead to burnout and frustration. I could probably work 12 hours straight, but that's not good for me, that's not good for my soul, and that's not good for my family.

Action Steps: Set an alarm for when you are going on social media, block out time in your calendar for emails, stop working 15 minutes before you think you're done.

And be sure to sign up for future live videos so you don't miss a thing: brandmerry.com/live

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

brandmerry 8/16/18 brandmerry 8/16/18

How I Made 3/4 of My Income Goal in The 2nd Half of 2017

08/16/18

Last year, I had a goal to make $100,000 in my business. That number felt good to me, and the reason I'm sharing this with you today is because I made 3/4ths of that in the second half of 2017. Which means that it's to too late for you if you feel behind in your own goal for the year right now. My biggest months last year were September and October which were both right around $14k and December which was closer to $18k. So it's not to late for you to reach your goals, you just have to take some steps in order to get there.

Believed in My Goal

I believed so much in my goal. I was so grounded and rooted in hitting $100k - in hitting 6 figures. Be super clear and specific on your goal. I felt that number in my soul. I was invested and excited in that number.

I visualized every step of the way, every month, every time I hit a goal. I was super clear on my visualization process. I was really inspired by this number. It was about how that would make me feel. I also had to do the inner work. I really started to bust through my old beliefs around money, and I also had to release my inner perfectionist.

I was always checking in on where I was at in my goals and where I might need to pick up slack.

Planned for a Big Launch

I had planned for a big launch. Launches are a great way to bring in a big influx of money when you are trying to reach a big goal. I had been planning mine for 9 months and growing my list since January!

I did the prep work and knew this was a big part of the end of the year for reaching my goal, so I took time to prep for it and get those pieces in place.

I really focused on building relationships and nurturing my audience. I started going live regularly. I started doing more workshops and webinars. Building trust with your community is massive. I really credit the relationship building I did to the success of this launch.

I truly went all in on this launch! There was no holding back. Everyone knew I was launching. I put money in a mentor and Facebook Ads and the return on investment was huge.

Focused on New Eyes and Ears on My Brand

I focused on growing my list daily and taking sales action, but also community action.

I used FB ads, Instagram and organic reach through groups to grow my list through webinars, workshops, live videos, freebies, challenges, etc (everything I do has some sort of opt in ;))

I created a welcome sequence so people really got to know me through my free offer, so when I rolled out a new offer, they were ready to invest.

Strategically Stacked My Offers

I always had and still have a next step for my clients so they feel supported. If someone finishes a program, I have a next step for them. I planned out my launches and cart opens to lead clients from one into the other

With this in mind I heavily introduced my intensives as a welcome to coaching and focused on filling that from August - December, this led to my 1:1 clients at a higher ticket price. So you can bring people in at a lower cost level and then funnel them to the higher ticket prices.

Separated From The How, BUT Took Action

I had my big goal in mind and things I was working towards daily, but I wasn’t obsessed with one thing working over the other.

I focused my time and energy on taking action and if something didn’t work I found something that did.

I was constantly showing up, taking action and investing back into my business to get it to work. Always take action. Don't just wait for the best idea to fall into your lap. It will come, but always take action.

And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!

brandmerry 8/9/18 brandmerry 8/9/18

Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read

Top 7 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read

BY MICHELLE KNIGHT

Today, I'm sharing the top 7 books that have impacted my life and business. I highly suggest every female entrepreneur take the time to read these books to advance her mindset and business.

In honor of #NationalBookLoversDay I'm sharing my top seven books that are must-reads for female entrepreneurs.

I've got to be honest, I was never much of a reader unless you count the occasional hopeless-romantic Nicholas Sparks book I read on vacation. However, all of that changed when I became an entrepreneur. I became obsessed with learning as much as I could around mindset, running a business and moving through my biggest block - perfectionism.

When I say these books completely changed my life, it's an understatement. Through these books I've been able to:

↠ Revamp my mindset around money and my ability to make it.
↠ Own my own story and start to move through my blocks around perfectionism.
↠ Embrace my vulnerability and use it as a strength when running my business.

Please note this blog contains affiliate links to these products, so if you choose to buy, I will receive a small compensation. I only refer products I absolutely love!

My Top Book Recommendations For Female Entrepreneurs

1. you are a badass at making money

I highly suggest you listen to the audio of this book because Jen Sincero is seriously hilarious with her delivery. This was one of the first books I was introduced to and would listen on my 9 to 5 commute.

This book gave me the a** kicking I was looking for to start making significant changes in my life. Jen has such a witty way of holding a mirror up to your current life and situation and gives you the tools and shifts to start feeling, thinking and acting differently.

*Find it here >>

2. daring greatly

What can I say about Brene Brown - I mean I seriously love this woman. She's changed my life with the resources and insight she provides through her work. For my entire life, I've struggled with perfectionism, but it wasn't until I started diving into her books that I realized how this had been holding me back for years.

This is only one of Brene's books you will find in this list, but Daring Greatly supported me in truly embracing my vulnerability and empowered me to start sharing my story with the world.

*Find it here >>

3. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch

I remember flying through this book in January 2017. I was going through an unexpected money situation in my business (i.e., taxes were due and I didn't know what I was doing just yet) and needed some mental support and clarity around moving through my fear of not having enough $$$.

Right off the bat, Denise Duffield-Thomas mentioned she was a Virgo, I was hooked. I loved her approach to manifesting and the actionable steps she taught. I implemented all of them right away and continue to do the work from this book monthly. In fact, anytime I'm feeling a money block I re-read this book (which has been more times than I can count ;))

*Find it here >>

4. You Are a Badass At Making Money

Another one of my favorites around making money is from Jen Sincero; I told you I love this ladies style. What I absolutely loved about Jen's book was how she addressed the stories around money; the ones we've learned from our parents, friends and society in general.

This was one of the first times I really started to question the idea of money and my ability to make it in my business. If you're struggling with old thought patterns around money, this is a must read.

*Find it here >>

5. The universe has your back

The description of this book says it all, "Transform Fear to Faith" and this book does just that. Talk about an emotional book to really address the way fear was running my life. As someone who lived most of her life constantly afraid of what could happen, this book was a gift.

My favorite part of this book are the actionable steps and questions Gabby Bernstein gives you so you can actually do the work. This definitely isn't a book you'll want to just fly through; seriously do the work and you will be truly changed.

*Find it here >>

6. How Rich People Think

I'm not going to lie when skimming this book, in the beginning, I was reluctant to read it. However, when I finally got over my need to be thoroughly entertained, I dove in and was blown away by the work of Steve Siebold.

It gives you an insider look at how rich people truly think and shows the thoughts, habits and philosophies of the wealthy. It's another top book that introduced me to the idea that making money has more to do with mindset then I initially thought.

*Find it here >>

7. The Gifts of Imperfection

I have to close out this list with another one of my favorite's from Brene Brown, seriously check out ALL her books! In this book, Brene introduces the idea of Wholehearted living and addresses the shame, authenticity and worthiness that comes from struggling with perfectionism.

If you are a recovering or current perfectionist and you read one book, let it be this one. Through Brene's work I was able to start fully stepping into my worthiness and authenticity and as a result my business and the trust I was building within my community expanded.

*Find it here >>