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Should You Niche Down? Maybe. But I’m Not, and Here’s Why
Every time I scroll through Instagram or listen to a podcast, someone is shouting about the power of picking a niche. “If you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one.” “Confused people don’t buy.” And my personal favorite: “The riches are in the niches.” Cool. Noted. Pinned to a digital vision board somewhere in the back of my brain with other bad business advice where I will never see it again. But here’s the thing: I’ve never really fit into a niche. And I don’t want to. I’ve tried. I’ve done the niching-down thing. I’ve built hyper-focused brands. I’ve tailored messaging to one specific audience. I’ve mapped out ideal…
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5 Spring Reset Ideas That Don’t Involve a Cleanse or a Rebrand
I’m not doing a “new me” this spring. I don’t have the energy for some full-blown reinvention. And truthfully? I kind of like the old me. She’s really been through it, but still has a few endearing quirks. For example, she has this thing for reality TV, goes to bed weirdly early, and keeps a list of oddly specific notes in her reminder app. (Current favorite: “Organize the pantry, toss the mystery tea bags, and stop pretending the decorative lentils are part of a meal plan.”) Instead, what I am doing is a soft reset. Not a cleanse (been there, done that!). Not a challenge (have enough of those, thank…
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3 Easy SMART Goal Hacks to Make Goals Actually Stick
I’ve set hundreds of SMART goals in my life. I’ve even set a bunch of DUMB goals, dozens of backward goals, a handful of FAST goals, and even a few BHAGs. Heck, I’ve even written dozens of articles (and an ebook!) all about goal setting. So, I guess you can say I’ve done a lot of research into what makes a goal one that is actually achievable. But don’t worry, this isn’t yet another how-to guide for setting goals. This is a realistic look at why some goals stick, and others don’t… even if they follow all the “right” rules. Really Quick Review: What’s a SMART Goal? I know. I…
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What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
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Digital Networking Strategies for Building Genuine, Authentic Connections
When I first started out in my career, networking meant attending conferences, shaking hands, and exchanging business cards. And while that still happens today, the landscape of networking has evolved dramatically. Now, we have LinkedIn, virtual meetups, webinars, and social media platforms to foster professional connections. And while it might seem easier to network digitally, making meaningful connections online requires a deliberate and strategic approach. So, how do you create meaningful relationships in the digital world? These digital networking strategies can help you build authentic connections that matter. Be Genuine and Intentional One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever received about networking was this: “Quality over quantity.”…
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10 Ways to Master the Art of Self-Promotion Without Feeling Icky
As someone who isn’t exactly the poster child for loving self-promotion (thank you, introverted nature!), I’ve learned that it’s crucial whether you’re building a business or climbing the career ladder. The trick is getting your skills and achievements out without sounding like you’re bragging. Here’s how I’ve managed to do it—without the ick factor. 1. Use Content Marketing My favorite self-promotion method, hands down, is blogging and sharing tips on social media, focusing on problems I know people are itching to solve. This has been a game-changer for building trust. Plus, when you help someone through your content, they see your value without you waving it in their face. 2.…
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Overcoming Setbacks Without Losing Your Mind (Or Yourself)
Setbacks come in all shapes. Mine showed up as a layoff. It was abrupt, messy, and completely uninvited. It knocked the wind out of me. But like a lot of people who’ve faced sudden change, I didn’t stay down. I’m still standing, still figuring it out, and still showing up. This is what overcoming setbacks has looked like for me so far… not a triumphant comeback story, but a real, in-progress one. Vulnerability Is Weird, but Also Kind of Magic When you’re navigating setbacks, vulnerability tends to show up whether you want it to or not. I didn’t plan to announce my layoff publicly. But I did. Because pretending everything…
