If you’re familiar with my journey, you know that I’ve been running my business online now full time for nearly 10 years as a solopreneur.
Before that, I spent several years dabbling with online business, content creation and social media marketing trying to get all the pieces to fit together to create income for myself online.
I saw other people doing it online, and I knew if it was possible for them, then it was also possible for me. But I had so many ideas it was difficult for me to structure them into the right foundation for me to build momentum upon.
So, I know first hand how challenging it can be to turn your business aspirations into actionable plans, especially if you are multi passionate like I am!
Actually running my business and remaining consistent was even more of a challenge as I had to hobble together different systems and tools to organize the various areas of my business to keep visibility on all the essentials.
So, I was using my planner, project management tools, spreadsheets and notes apps to capture, generate and organize the information for my business, and it was a lot.
Until Spring 2020 when I created the ultimate business planning tool for myself and other creative business owners known as the CEO Strategy Planner! This was a set of print at home planner inserts that creative entrepreneurs and digital marketers could use to organize the key elements of their business plan and take that plan and turn it into the small daily actions to take to keep the whole vision running.
It was an instant best-seller!
But of course, nearly since it’s inception, members of my community have been asking for a digital version of the planner to use on their iPad, Tablet or Smartphone device.
I’m so happy to say that the wait is officially over!
Introducing the Digital CEO Strategy Planner: Your Blueprint to Business Brilliance
Are you a creative entrepreneur with big dreams but struggle to turn them into organized, actionable plans? Do you wish for a tool that not only understands your creative vision but also helps you bring it to life? Look no further, because the Digital CEO Strategy Planner is your ultimate solution!
Why Choose the Digital CEO Strategy Planner?
✨ Comprehensive Business Mapping: Dive deep into your business strategy with over 60 elegantly designed worksheets. From your executive summary to brand vision, annual plans, marketing, and finances, every aspect of your business finds its place in this planner.
📱 Multi-Device Accessibility: Whether you’re using an iPad, tablet, or smartphone, our planner seamlessly integrates into your digital life. With apps like Goodnote or Notability, you can sync your planner across devices, ensuring your plans are always at your fingertips.
🔗 Hyperlinked Navigation: Say goodbye to endless scrolling. Our planner’s hyperlinked pages make finding information a breeze. Effortlessly jump between sections and stay focused on what matters most—your business growth.
⏳ Timeless and Undated: No need to buy a new planner every year. The Digital CEO Strategy Planner is undated, meaning you invest in it once, and it supports your business journey indefinitely.
Embrace the power of planning. Ignite your creativity. Accelerate your business success. The Digital CEO Strategy Planner is not just a planner; it’s your partner in every step of your entrepreneurial journey.
Join the league of successful entrepreneurs who turned their dreams into reality. Let the Digital CEO Strategy Planner guide your way to business brilliance. Act now and experience the transformation!
To your prosperous future,
Founder, Strange & Charmed
P.S. If you aren’t a digital planner person, I totally understand! If you would prefer the print at home version of the CEO Strategy Planner, the link above will take you to an info page where you can purchase the paper version as well!
Plan Your Way to Success: How functional Planning Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Success rarely happens by chance. It requires careful planning, deliberate action, and a clear roadmap towards your desired outcomes. That’s where functional planning comes into play. By adopting a functional approach to your goals, you can navigate the complexities of your journey with purpose and precision. In this post, we will explore the power of functional planning and how it can help you achieve your aspirations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur aiming to grow your business, a professional striving for career advancement, or an individual pursuing personal development, the principles and strategies shared here will guide you towards success. So, buckle up and get ready to unlock the true potential of functional planning on your path to achieving greatness.
Step 1: Define Your Vision
At the heart of any successful endeavor lies a clear and compelling vision. Before embarking on your journey towards achieving your goals, it is essential to define what success looks like for you. Your vision serves as a guiding star, providing direction and purpose to your functional planning process. Take the time to envision your desired future state—what do you want to achieve? What impact do you want to make? Clearly articulate your vision, ensuring it aligns with your values and passions. This step lays the foundation for effective functional planning, as it sets the tone and direction for all subsequent actions. Remember, a well-defined vision acts as a source of motivation and inspiration, propelling you forward even when faced with challenges along the way.
Step 2: Set SMART Goals
With your vision in place, it’s time to turn it into actionable steps by setting SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals clearly define what you want to achieve, leaving no room for ambiguity. Measurable goals allow you to track your progress and determine when you have successfully accomplished them. Ensure that your goals are attainable and realistic, considering your available resources and capabilities. They should also be relevant to your vision, aligning with your long-term aspirations. Lastly, set a clear time frame for each goal to create a sense of urgency and accountability. Setting SMART goals provides you with a roadmap for success, allowing you to break down your vision into manageable and trackable objectives.
Step 3: Anticipate Obstacles
In the journey towards achieving your goals, obstacles are inevitable. That’s why it’s essential to proactively anticipate and prepare for them. Take the time to identify potential obstacles that may arise along the way. These can include external factors such as market changes, resource limitations, or competition, as well as internal factors like self-doubt or lack of specific skills. By acknowledging these challenges in advance, you can develop contingency plans and strategies to overcome them. Consider alternative approaches, seek support or training when needed, and cultivate a resilient mindset to navigate obstacles with confidence. Anticipating obstacles empowers you to stay proactive, adaptable, and focused on your path to success. Remember, it’s not about avoiding challenges; it’s about being prepared to overcome them and continue moving forward.
Step 4: Create an Action Plan
With your vision, SMART goals, and awareness of potential obstacles in place, it’s time to create a comprehensive action plan. An action plan outlines the specific tasks, milestones, and deadlines required to achieve your goals. Start by breaking down your goals into smaller, actionable steps. Assign responsibilities and allocate resources accordingly. Set clear timelines for each task, ensuring they are realistic and manageable. Consider the dependencies between different actions and prioritize them functionalally. Your action plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your day-to-day activities and keeping you on track towards your goals. Regularly review and update your action plan to reflect changes and progress. By having a well-defined and structured plan, you increase your chances of success and maintain a sense of purpose and direction throughout your journey.
Step 5: Allocate Resources
To effectively execute your action plan and reach your goals, it’s essential to allocate the necessary resources. Resources can include financial resources, human resources, time, technology, and any other tools or assets required for your plan’s implementation. Assess the resources you have available and determine if there are any gaps that need to be filled. Consider budgetary constraints, staffing needs, and other logistical considerations. Prioritize and allocate resources based on the criticality of tasks and their impact on goal achievement. Ensure that resources are distributed efficiently, balancing the need for productivity and effectiveness. Regularly evaluate resource allocation to optimize their utilization and make adjustments as needed. By functionalally allocating resources, you set yourself up for success, maximizing your ability to execute your action plan and achieve your desired outcomes.
Step 6: Prioritize and Focus
In the pursuit of your goals, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks and distractions. That’s why prioritization and focus play a crucial role in effective planning. Once you have a clear action plan and allocated resources, it’s time to prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Identify the key activities that will have the greatest impact on your goal attainment and focus your energy on those. Avoid spreading yourself too thin by taking on too many tasks simultaneously. Instead, adopt a laser-like focus on the most critical tasks at hand. Minimize distractions, set boundaries, and establish dedicated blocks of time to work on your top priorities. Practice discipline and resist the temptation to deviate from your plan unless absolutely necessary. By prioritizing and maintaining focus, you increase your productivity, improve your efficiency, and make significant progress towards achieving your goals.
Step 7: Monitor and Evaluate
Monitoring and evaluating your progress is a crucial step in effective planning. Regularly assess how well you’re executing your action plan and making progress towards your goals. Set milestones or checkpoints to measure your achievements along the way. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your objectives and track your results. Evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, identify areas of improvement, and celebrate milestones reached. Be open to feedback from others and be willing to adjust your approach if necessary. Use this evaluation process as an opportunity for learning and growth. By monitoring and evaluating your progress, you can identify early warning signs of potential issues and make proactive adjustments to stay on track. This step ensures that your planning remains dynamic and adaptive, increasing your chances of achieving long-term success.
Step 8: Adapt to Changes
In the ever-changing landscape of life and business, adaptation is key to successful planning. As you progress towards your goals, be prepared to navigate unexpected changes and challenges. Remain flexible and agile in your approach. Embrace a growth mindset that welcomes new information, feedback, and opportunities. Continuously assess the external environment and internal factors that may impact your plan. Adjust your strategies and action steps as needed to stay aligned with your vision. Be proactive in seeking alternative solutions and exploring different paths if circumstances demand it. Remember that adaptation doesn’t mean giving up on your goals; it means finding creative ways to overcome obstacles and stay on the path to success. By embracing change and adapting your planning when necessary, you demonstrate resilience and increase your chances of achieving your desired outcomes.
Step 9: Seek Support and Accountability
Seeking support and accountability is a crucial step in effective planning. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others who can provide guidance, expertise, and encouragement. Share your goals and action plan with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues who can hold you accountable and provide valuable insights. Engage in collaborative relationships where you can learn from others and leverage their expertise to enhance your planning process. Surround yourself with a supportive network that believes in your goals and encourages your progress. Consider joining mastermind groups, seeking professional coaching, or participating in relevant communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals. By seeking support and accountability, you create a positive environment that fosters growth, motivation, and success.
Step 10: Stay Motivated and Celebrate Milestones
As you work diligently towards your goals, it’s important to maintain high levels of motivation and celebrate milestones along the way. The journey towards success can be long and challenging, so it’s crucial to stay motivated throughout. Keep reminding yourself of the reasons why you set these goals in the first place, and visualize the future outcomes you’re striving for. Find inspiration from role models or success stories that resonate with you. Break down your goals into smaller milestones, and celebrate each achievement to keep your motivation levels high. Recognize and acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Treat yourself for reaching significant milestones, whether it’s a small reward or taking a moment to reflect and appreciate your hard work. By staying motivated and celebrating milestones, you maintain a positive mindset, reinforce your dedication, and fuel your drive to continue pushing forward towards your ultimate success.
In conclusion, functional planning is the compass that guides you towards success. By carefully crafting a roadmap, setting clear goals, anticipating obstacles, and making necessary adjustments along the way, you can stay focused, efficient, and resilient in the face of challenges. Embrace the power of functional planning as a tool to align your efforts, maximize your resources, and propel yourself towards your goals. Remember that functional planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires adaptability and a growth mindset. So, start planning your way to success today and witness the transformative impact it can have on your journey. With functional planning as your ally, you have the power to turn your dreams into reality and accomplish extraordinary feats. Good luck, and may your functional planning efforts pave the way for a future filled with success, fulfillment, and personal growth.
Unlock Your Full Potential with the Charmed Life Master Mind!
Join a community of like-minded women on a journey of personal development, planning, and productivity to create and live your best life. Enroll today and gain instant access to a treasure trove of resources and benefits.
As a member of the Charmed Life Master Mind, you’ll enjoy:
📚 On-Demand Library: Dive into a library filled with dozens of on-demand classes, workbooks, planner inserts, guided meditations, printable journals, and more. Access the tools you need to grow and thrive at your own pace.
🌟 Live Master Classes: Attend monthly live master classes where we explore new topics, dive deep into personal growth strategies, and provide you with practical insights and techniques to accelerate your progress.
❓ Office Hours Q+A: Get your burning questions answered during our live Office Hours session. Receive personalized guidance and advice to overcome challenges and achieve breakthroughs.
📆 CEO Power Hour: Join us for our monthly CEO Power Hour where we plan for the month ahead, set goals, and discuss business-related topics. Gain valuable insights and strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
💬 Private Slack Community: Connect with like-minded women in our private Slack community. Experience daily prompts for productivity, planning, and inspiration, and engage in supportive accountability to keep you motivated and on track.
🌟 Your Best Life Awaits: Don’t miss out on this opportunity to surround yourself with a community that empowers and uplifts. Take control of your personal development, planning, and productivity, and create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Enroll today and unlock your full potential with the Charmed Life Master Mind. Join our vibrant community and embrace the transformative power of personal growth and intentional living.
Click the link below and secure your spot now. Your journey to a charmed life starts here!
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: For the Mom with a Business or Sidehustle!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the special mom in your life. But if that mom is also a boss lady who runs a business or is building her side hustle, finding the right gift can be a little more challenging. So, I asked my master mind sister’s for help! Many of them are mom’s who either run their own business full or part time, so they know exactly what to get mom to make her and her dreams feel loved and supported. With their suggestions in hand I’ve created a gift guide inspired by the real Boss Mom’s of the Charmed Life Master Mind, to help you find the perfect present to help mom grow her business and take her side hustle to the next level. From practical tools to inspirational needs, these gifts will not only show her how much you care but will also support her entrepreneurial spirit. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the perfect Mother’s Day gifts for the boss mom in your life.
Gift Mom the Ultimate Planning and Productivity Tool for Her Business: The iPad
When I asked the Boss Mom’s inside the Charmed Life Master Mind what they wanted to be gifted for Mother’s Day, many of them were in agreement- they wanted digital planning tools! It’s definitely a bit of an investment, but mom absolutely deserves a tool that will support her business on multiple levels and she will put the iPad to good use. If you aren’t sure which model to purchase, I think a good overall business option would be the iPad Air with an Apple Pencil so she can get the most from the device. And don’t forget a case so she can tuck her iPad into her bag to work and plan on the go!
Gift the Mom Boss in Your Life some Peace and Quiet
Another gift idea that came up a few times from the mom’s inside the Charmed Life Master Mind were noise cancelling headphones. Especially if mom works at home, she could really use a pair of headphones to help her disconnect from the chaos around her so she can get focused on her work and creative ideas. The ladies also love the idea of a set of soft sided headphones for sleep, so mom can turn on her favorite guided meditation or sleep ambience at bed time and get a full night’s rest.
The final category of gift ideas that came from the mom’s inside the Charmed Life Master Mind were gifts related to helping mom create a comfortable and functional office to work in. So, if the mom in your life doesn’t have her own dedicated space to work, consider how you can support her passion and carve out that space for her.
I hope you found this Mother’s Day gift guide helpful in finding the perfect present for the boss mom in your life. Whether she’s running her own business or building her side hustle, these gifts will surely help her stay productive and inspired. From the versatile iPad to the ergonomic office chair, these items are not only practical but also stylish, making her workspace a place where she can feel comfortable and confident. So go ahead, surprise her with one of these thoughtful gifts, and show her how much you appreciate all the hard work she puts into her endeavors. Happy Mother’s Day to all the boss moms out there!
As you may already know, I consider myself to be something of a part time astrologer and full time mystic in addition to running my own business. I love digging into astrological placements to find patterns that can help give me a deeper understanding of myself and others.
One of the topics I’ve been very deep intro researching lately has been astrology and business. There are absolutely placements in your birth chart that can indicate entrepreneurial interest and skills, and although there are specific zodiac signs that are often associated with entrepreneurship, the truth is every sign has the ability to start their own business.
Each zodiac sign has their own motivations for starting a business, and the placement of specific signs in your chart can give you clues as to what your skills would be as a business owner.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into the 12 Zodiac Signs to Understand Why Each Sign Starts a Business and the areas they naturally excel at.
The 12 Zodiac Signs in Business
Aries:So they can be the center of attention, number one and no one can hold them back. They can be great innovators who are quick to bring ideas to market.
Taurus:For the stability of work and reward. The more they work, the more they receive keeps them motivated to build the business and life they desire.
Gemini:For the creativity and communication that comes from entrepreneurship. They excel at brand storytelling and sales as natural marketers.
Cancer:To be able to work from home and establish that nurturing safe space for themselves and their family. They love the work from home vibe and may run businesses that really lean into that lifestyle.
Leo:They love the idea of being an entrepreneur and how it makes them look and feel. Marketing themselves as an influencer is role of the lifetime for them.
Virgo: To get complete control over their schedule, routines and work. They are great planners and system builders.
Libra: For balance in their personal and work life and to cultivate the ultimate boss aesthetic for themselves. They can be meticulous with product details and design.
Scorpio: For the power and control. They want to be their own boss and they aren’t afraid to show up and do the work, which may include assuming a leadership position over others.
Sagittarius: For the expansion, skill development, travel, breadth and depth of knowledge. They desire to be seen as a thought leader and can create amazing content.
Capricorn: For the entrepreneurial status and the comfort that comes from the money and position of being a business owner. They are great with managing assets.
Aquarius: For the impact they are able to make on the world through their brand and work. Their business is also their greatest philanthropy.
Pisces: To be able to live and work through the complete expression of their souls purpose. They love holding the vision of the business they are manifesting.
How to use this information to Discover Your Unique Astrological Business Acumen
Reviewing this list, you may have naturally paused to take note of the zodiac sign that is associated with your Sun placement. When we normally discuss our zodiac signs with others, we often refer to our Sun sign which has to do with the placement of the Sun on the day we were born. I was born on March 13th, so I am a Pisces Sun. However, you have more than just one zodiac sign- in fact, based on your precise time and location of birth, you have many more zodiac signs and astrological placements that are incredibly unique to you.
So, the first thing I recommend you do to use this information properly, is to get a copy of your birth chart, also known as a natal chart. If you know the date, time, and location of your birth, you can create your birth chart for free online by clicking here.
Once you have your birth chart, there are three specific placements I recommend you check to understand your natural entrepreneurial gifts and motivations. Reviewing all three placements will help you get a more complete picture of your unique situation.
1: Check your Mercury sign as Mercury is the planet that corresponds to commerce and business
Your Mercury sign may give you excellent insight into your business strengths and particularly the energy you need when creating branding and marketing materials for your business.
2: Check your midheaven or 10th house cusp, this is your place in the world and what you bring to it
Your 10th house is really going to tap into your reputation and natural ability as a business owner as this placement is known for reflecting how you are meant to be viewed by the world.
3: Check the sign for your Moon
In astrology the Moon represents your passions and can give you insight into your motivations for creating your own business.
Start Your Money Making Business!
Hey Small Business Owner!
Everyday hundreds of great, creative, and innovative new online businesses are formed around the world, and then close their doors after a matter of weeks or months due to a lack of clear purpose or profit.
That does NOT have to be your business story!
After 8 years running an online business myself and working with hundreds of women in my community to get their business visions off the ground, I know first hand what it takes to lay the right foundation for a business that reflects your passions and fills your bank account.
Let me guide you through some simple activities that will help clarify your business vision and work you through early stage market research so you can move forward with confidence knowing that you have laid the foundation for a Money Making Business!
Click This Image to Get Your Free Copy of the Money Making Business Booklet!
I hope you enjoyed this mini Astrology lesson and that the insight you glean from digging into your own astrological and zodiac placements helps give you an additional boost of motivation and clarity to get your business started!
Let me know if you’d like more content like this and I’d be glad to chat more with you about Astrology!
I have to admit, this month was something of a struggle for me. Being at home on lock down since my birthday in March, it’s been a mental battle staying productive and positive for so long in such unusual circumstances. So, if you have also been struggling, my heart goes out to you as well and just know you are not alone. So many people are struggling right now in so many different ways, but just know that your feelings and experience are valid and worth taking the time to acknowledge and understand.
Despite the mental anguish May brought to me, I have to admit, creating content for you was certainly a welcome outlet and reprieve from my own mind. This month I created 12 pieces of content for you that I hope you were able to enjoy and learn from, but if you missed something, don’t worry, I have catalogued it all for you here in this post for your quick reference.
As always, I do hope this post is useful to you, and I do find that for those who like to share my content, this is always a great post to share with friends, family and co-workers because it gives a nice overview of a months worth of content on various topics with easy links to everything new! So, don’t hesitate sharing this post above all because it really is a nice bit of reference for all the content and information I publish in a month.
I hope this roundup helps you locate any content of mine you may have missed this month. I’d love to hear which content was your favorite from the month and what you’d like to see more of from me in the future. Please leave me a comment below and share your thoughts!
I had a pretty productive month all things considered, and I shared 16 awesome pieces of content, mostly business related, that you should really check out. So take a look at the titles below, what did you already see, what did you miss, and what you did you absolutely love?
I create this monthly recap of content to ensure that each and every one of you within my community do not miss out on the strategy, insight and advice I have to share because you never know when a blog post or a video is going to give you that one little element that will help you make tremendous connections with your ideas. That happens to me a lot actually, so I just want to make sure you don’t miss out on any topics that would be of value to you.
Also, just a thought- if you enjoy any of this content or want to help spread the word about my content because its been helpful or valuable to you in your life or business, than I highly recommend sharing any of my posts, of course, but sharing these recaps is a great way to let your friends, family or coworkers see a sampling of my content at one time! It’s like a smorgasbord of content to choose from and sharing is caring!
I hope this roundup helps you locate any content of mine you may have missed this month. I’d love to hear which content was your favorite from the month and what you’d like to see more of from me in the future. Please leave me a comment below and share your thoughts!
36 Business or Sidehustle Ideas You Can Start from Home Today!
Now more than ever, the concept of working for oneself and starting an online business is extremely appealing. With the advent of the “gig” economy, where the popularity of on demand services have shown just how easy it is to make money through an app on your phone, I believe we are about to see a revolution in the way people work. Over the next decade I firmly believe there will be less people commuting to work for the typical 9 to 5, and more people performing remote services at home and on their own schedules. The days of the structured path of college degree, corporate job security and retirement at 65 are ending and making way for a more flexible, work from home, entrepreneurial economy. So, if you have been thinking about starting your own business, but want to explore some ideas and options before getting started, here are 36 business or side hustle ideas you can start from home today!
Coaching If you are looking to get a business up and running quickly and you have an area of expertise that you could use to support others on a similar journey, becoming a coach might be a great option for you. Coaching is an area that has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years online, and you don’t necessarily need any sort of accreditation to get started, you just need a clear niche and a reliable process for working with clients to help them get clear on their goals and support their growth. Here are some common coaching business’ you might consider starting.
Life Coach
Health Coach
Nutrition Coach
Business Coach
Self Care Coach
Success Coach
Consulting As with coaching, consulting is another business or side hustle idea that you can begin with quickly if you have specialized knowledge in a specific field. The key difference here with consulting however, is that you need to have the knowledge and experience to get results for your clients. Where coaches are there for guidance and support, consultants need strategic knowledge and the confidence to make recommendations that will lead their clients to their desired outcomes. Here are some common consulting business’ you might consider starting.
Design Consultant
Business Consultant
Management Consultant
Financial Consultant
Style Consultant
Family Life Consultant
Writing As much as we live in a visually driven society, everywhere you look you will find the written word, and if you have strong written communication skills, you could use them to create a business. Don’t underestimate the amount of small business owners out there who desperately need help with various writing tasks in their businesses, and if you want to use your skills for your own benefit, there are plenty of ways to use your writing skills to earn an income through product or content creation. Here are a few business ideas you might consider if you are interested in writing.
Assisting As I eluded to already, there is a tremendous market online for small business support services, and just because writing might not be your strong suit doesn’t mean you don’t have other skills or qualities that would be valuable in creating your own business around assisting other businesses. Here are a few b2b (business-to-business) style ideas that are always in high demand.
Virtual Assistant
Bookkeeper
Project Manager
Marketing Coordinator
Video Editing
Content Planning
Creating Are you a natural born creator? If you love taking an artistic idea from vision to fruition you might want to consider starting a business around your craft. As with writing, creating is a skill that you can use as the basis for your own business or to provide a service to others. Here are a few creative business ideas you might want to consider starting.
Crafts
Artwork
Music
Graphic Design
Build Websites
Photography
Teaching Some people, myself included, are just natural born teachers. They can take a subject and break it down in a way that makes it manageable for others to understand and learn. And depending on the areas you have a skill in teaching, you can create any number of information based tools to help share you skills with others. Here are a few teaching based business ideas that you can use to create products or content that you can sell online.
Video Lectures
ECourse
YouTube video series
Virtual Master Class
Tutoring
Podcast
So, those are 36 business or side hustle ideas you can start from home today. I hope this list gave you some inspiration for a business you could begin for yourself utilizing your natural talents and interests. I’d love to hear which appeal to you and which you might want me to provide more information on in the future!
We’ve now come to the end of March and I have to say- despite all the setbacks happening in the world right now, I’m feeling so positive and expansive as we move into April. Remember a few weeks ago when I told you about how my new intention was to create more content on my platforms? I am so proud of how much I have been creating and the flow I have found myself in again. Honestly, I haven’t felt this good about my creation process and this hopeful about where I am headed with my business in several years. I am seriously in the midsts of reviving my stagnant business as per the plan I had laid out at the start of March.
I could not be happier about how this month has progressed, and so I want this to be a reminder for any of you out there who may be feeling down about the issues on the world stage, or maybe before all this you were questioning you purpose or direction. It’s okay to have those feelings and I think you should sit with them for a while and express them. You can’t get them out of your system unless you express them. But, once you have, you need to pull yourself out of your own funk. You need to start taking some action. You need to set intentions, you need to work on a simple routine to manage your energy, and you need to start planning and executing on objectives. I have never seen the power of intention, planning and execution work so well in my life as it has the last month. I’ll definitely been looking for new ways to share this process with you into next month as well, but for now- let’s take a look at all the wonderful content I created for you in March-in case you missed it- so you can catch up!
I hope this roundup helps you locate any content of mine you may have missed this month. I’d love to hear which content was your favorite from the month and what you’d like to see more of from me in the future. Please leave me a comment below and share your thoughts!
It’s officially tax season. While the average person might find filing taxes a bit stressful, those of us running businesses can easily become overwhelmed with the task that often requires a lot of organization and paperwork. If you are a super organized business owner (lucky you- this isn’t necessarily me) you may have been keeping excellent records all year that will make tax season a breeze. But if you are not, and you are like me and you end up doing a bulk of your tax paperwork prep right before you get to filing, then I have some practical tips for helping you stay cool, calm and collected during the process. These tips aren’t related to tax code knowledge itself. For that, you will want to consult a professional or the IRS or tax bureau in your locality. Instead, I am going to focus on practical organization tips that have helped me overcome the overwhelm that tax season can bring and help you make the process easier for yourself in the future as well. From my personal experience, most of the stress of the tax process isn’t necessarily related to the work itself, it’s related to what we believe is a complicated process that carries dire consequences if executed on incorrectly. This is not accurate, so let me share some personal insight and tips with you.
My 5 Best Tax Tips for entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Get Started ASAP: In the U.S. we have a window of several months in which to file our taxes for the previous year and it can be so temping to put off working on your taxes until the deadline approaches. However, unless you have a significant reason for deferring the task (or know you need an extension) aim to get the work done sooner, rather than later. This isn’t just a practical tip, but its a psychological hack to help you feel more confident. Delaying the inevitable only increases stress, and stress leads to pressure that could cause you to delay too long or make mistakes once the time comes to execute. By started earlier in the season, it will give you more time and confidence to relax and take your time to get the job done right.
Document the process: No, I don’t mean take photos of you doing tax prep to share for Instagram, although I guess you could do that. I mean as you go through the process of working on your taxes keep notes on what you are doing, why, the questions that arise, the documents you refer to and the solutions you find. This can help you in a few ways. First, you will have a written record and system for your tax prep next year which will make it much easier for you in the future. Second, in the off chance you end up being audited, at least you have a record of your process to understand what you did and why- so you can verify your work or find the errors and correct them.
Familiarize yourself with last years tax return: If you have filed taxes for your business in the past, I recommend reviewing your tax documents from the previous year (or even years) to help familiarize yourself with the process. I happen to use turbo tax software myself to file, and it actually keeps my previous years records in line as I am entering the data for my current year. This helps me when I get to a line I might not remember, to understand what I did before so I can remain consistent.
Use separate accounts for your business: This tip may not help you when you are filing your taxes this year, but if you aren’t yet using separate accounts for your business, you will want to start doing this asap. I know it seems like such a little thing, especially if you are a solopreneur like me, but having separate checking, savings and credit accounts for business use will actually make it much easier for you to prepare your taxes because you don’t need to search through personal accounts for business expenses. When everything for your business is kept on it’s own, even if you weren’t particularly organized throughout the year, you have everything in one place that is easier to organize when the time comes.
Don’t stress, seriously: I remember my first time filing taxes for my business. Stressing and pouring over numbers on spreadsheets to ensure I didn’t make even a single tiny mistake, for fear that I would go to jail for tax evasion if my filing wasn’t perfect. Then, after it was all done and I saw how how simple the process was, I began to relax. Over time, and through talking to different business owners and tax professionals, I’ve learned that the process of tax preparation doesn’t require a degree for a reason. Taxes might seem intimidating, but truthfully, the process isn’t difficult to understand (this could be different in other countries/situations). The government just wants you to pay them, so doing your taxes might seem scary, but it’s actually pretty easy. If you wanted people to give you money, wouldn’t you make the process as easy as you could? As long as you follow directions and don’t lie, nothing bad can happen to you. Honest mistakes happen, and I’ve definitely made them, but if you find a major error you can submit an adjusted tax return to correct it. And if you do something major that doesn’t make sense to the government, that’s what audits are for, to check your work. I can say this having been audited as well, that as long as you know what you did and had what you believed to be a solid reason why you did it, you’ll be fine. In fact, the one time I was audited, they ended up giving me back more money which I totally didn’t understand, but thanks for being honest on your end too, government!
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So those are my 5 best tax tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners. I do hope these tips help you to remain calm and relaxed during the somewhat uncomfortable process of tax preparation. Remember, although paying taxes isn’t the most exciting thing, if you are doing so on behalf of your own business or entrepreneurial endeavors, it means that you are living your dream and producing something of value to society. So, all negative connotations of paying taxes aside, I consider it a privilege and responsibility I have that is par for the course of living the life I choose to live.
In case this wasn’t clear from the start of the article, I just want to say that although I am an entrepreneur/small business owner, I am not a tax professional, and I am not affiliated with any tax bureau’s or services, so this is purely anecdotal information meant to ease your mind. If you have questions about tax preparation or tax laws, definitely seek the advice of a professional or the government. I hope you found this article enlightening and I would love to hear your feedback in the comments.
Happy April Planner Friends! Well- I am officially back from my Entrepreneurial Spring Break and now that it’s over all I want to do is fill my planner with new ideas and inspiration to carry me through the summer. While I was on spring break, I did some decluttering around my home, sent a bunch of clothes to goodwill, and gave away some of my unused accessories to family members. I really wanted to do what I could to make room and pass on what I could from my life, primarily to show gratitude for many wonderful blessings that have come into my life recently, but also to keep myself in balance. Balance for me is one part streamlining of what I already have, and another part planning for what’s to come. So, in that spirit, the time has come to Spring Clean my planner as well! While I am going through this process, I thought that I would share some ideas to help you spring clean your planner as well! So, this topic is going to be a 10-part series during the month of April, BUT you can come back to this series or use these ideas year round to help you reset your planner when you need it. I hope you enjoy the series and that you will come back to my site often this month to see it unfold! Feel free to share and posts you particularly enjoy as well- that would be lovely!
Part 1: Clean or Replace Your Binder
Depending on the age and wear of your planner, one of the quickest ways to spring clean it is to literally give it a good scrub or replace it altogether. Many of us in the planner community see our planners as an accessory, not just a productivity tool, so keeping our binders in good condition or swapping them out for the season is reasonable. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
How to Safely Clean Your Planner
Correctly identify the fabric of your planner: Depending on the type of fabric or material used for the interior and exterior of your planner, you will use different cleaning products. Make sure to identify each material by checking and labels or paperwork that came with your planner, or by contacting the retailer directly. If you aren’t 100% sure of the material, I wouldn’t risk damaging it by using a product made for a specific material, however, a mixture of warm water and mild soap are a safe bet if you just can’t find the information. For any product you use, make sure to spot check the formula in a small, hidden area of your binder to ensure it does not do any damage or cause the color to run or fade.
I also make sure to have a stock of Q-Tips and Lint Free Clothes handy when cleaning my binders!
Find the trouble spots: Before you begin cleaning your binder, I recommend assessing the damage and determining if there are any trouble spots. Cleaning up your binder is one thing, but dealing with specific stains is another. Don’t proceed with cleaning your binder until you have given it a once over and checked or any trouble spots like pen marks, stains or areas of rust/oxidation on any metal pieces. You will want to address these issues first with spot treatments specifically tailored to your binder material and the trouble spot. There are many different stain specific products available to help you spot treat your binder, like these.
Empty your planner: This may seem obvious to some, but remember to empty out your planner before you begin cleaning it. Check through and pockets and zippered areas and ensure everything is removed so you can get down to work!
Use a light touch: Whenever I’m cleaning any of my accessories, even my planners, I like to use a light touch so I don’t damage the item. You can always go back over areas with heavy build up if you are too gentle on a first pass, but if you are too rough you can do irreversible damage. Just be smart, work gently in small sections and don’t rush!
Let it dry: Once you’re done cleaning your binder, make sure to give it time to dry. Leather and faux leather binders tend to dry in a few hours, but if you have a cloth planner that required more product to clean, let it dry overnight before returning paper to it just in case! We wouldn’t want to ruin our inserts now would we?
If you’d like to watch my cleaning process, check out my 2017 Planner Setup Video where I give my leather binder a thorough clean at the start!
Replacing Your Binder
Of course, if you don’t simply want to clean your planner and want to replace it altogether- that’s a legitimate option. If you’re looking for something new, think about whether you want to swap your style or your entire system! It’s easy enough to swap one 6 ring planner for another in a coordinating size, but its a little more involved if you want to change from a ring bound to a travelers notebook style, for example. To get some great inspiration for your next planner purchase, check out my Planner Resource Guide Post on Picking a Planner! It covers some great basics for what’s available planner-wise to get you thinking about your needs.
I’d love to hear about your experience with cleaning your planner or picking out a new one for the season! Feel free to share your favorite products or planners down in the comments and be sure to share this post if you found it helpful!
