It's about that time of year again. No, I'm not referring to the holidays, even though they're quickly approaching. I'm referring to that time of year when I need to take a step back, take some time for myself and do a little reflecting. In the almost 8 years that I've been doing this 'online thing' this feeling hasn't ever hit me until after Christmas. That time between Christmas and the New Year when rest feels like a reward (as opposed to a necessity). The excitement of the New Year starts kicking in and you feel like anything is possible (again, I think I really was Pollyanna in a previous life). For some reason though it's hit me much earlier this year. I found myself really overwhelmed, which then lead to frustration, tears and a little bit of a collapse. Fortunately I know I don't stay in that place for very long, even though it feels some what debilitating when you're in it. I'm on the tail end of that now so it's much easier to share this with you (I'm not much of a sharer when I'm in that space). I've gotten much better about making decisions when I'm in that space... as in, I don't make decisions when I'm there. I'm grateful to have my therapist in my life still to turn to when that overwhelm kicks in as well as great friends and family. So before I get into my little 'collapse' and much needed time for reflection, I'm going to start this episode with some gratitude. First, a VERY Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the U.S. I hope you get some quality time with family and loved ones. Even though I adore Christmas, the lack of pressure on Thanksgiving is sooooo appreciated! I want to give a shout out to some of my recent reviewers (listen to the episode) and promise to be better at these acknowledgements in the future. Truly, it means the world to me to hear from you that you like the show and appreciate what I do. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this on the show before, but public speaking (more specifically, motivational speaking) is always something I wanted to do. I was a speech major in college for a little while (long story) and have always loved getting in front of people sharing from the heart. I truly believe podcasting has given me the ideal platform to do this from (and stay tuned because I AM launching another show, #justshowup). I'm so grateful to all of you who continue to read my content, listen to the podcast and attend my webinars. It feels a little hokey to say this but my audience really drives me to create more of what I love doing, so Thank You. Without writing out lengthy, mushy sentences, I'm going to bullet point the things I'm grateful for: My kids My family My dogs My friends My business The quality of my life Baths WordPress Books My mastermind & mentors My clients Noise canceling headphones The Noizio app Laughter Podcasting Green juice Coffee Travel My therapist / mentor My home The rain... that is supposedly coming to California this winter (I'm setting the intention that it does) Seems kind of basic, huh? I am SO all about simplifying my life... seeing that in writing actually makes me really, really happy. Which is part of what has help me move through whatever it is I've been going through the last couple of weeks. Retiring the Hustle I literally put that under my Skype name. I'm SO over the push, the fight, the intensity of "getting shit done". It's not how I move through my life. I've done that and I have to tell you it doesn't work for me anymore. I used to be SO 'type A'. I took pride in being busy and have a ton on my plate. Need something done? I'll do it! I never, ever stopped. When I look back to certain periods in my life after my husband passed away I wonder how on earth I did what I did! In many ways I know that who I was then is exactly how I got through the darkest period in my life. I think if I weren't busy I would have wanted to just check out for a while (and there were times w...

I have Gideon Shalwick on the podcast today! Get a pen and paper because all this information that Gideon Shalwick provides is going to blow your mind! Tons of knowledge bombs in this one! Gideon's entrepreneurial journey started about 9-10 years ago. He had a great job but something wasn't feeling quite right. For several reasons, he decided to quit his job and work for himself. Gideon and his wife moved to Australia on a whim to 'start over'. They thought it would be easier to do something new in a new place, and it worked! It helped them focus on their relationship and their business. The first thing Gideon did was he wrote an ebook and it sold extremely well in 77 countries. But once the excitement of his book died down he realized that his site traffic was gone, his sales were gone and his money was gone. He knew he needed to research and learn how to drive traffic. After interviewing several experts, his started to figure it out. After each success, he just kept learning and building from there. [tweet_box]"I wanted to drop out of the system of limitations inside my head and break free" - Gideon Shalwick[/tweet_box] Questions I Asked Gideon: I know your business today is primarily around video marketing and advertising. Can you share with the listeners your story and how you got here today? What was the ebook that you wrote about? What made you decide to move into video advertising? What is the biggest mistake you see people make with video? Whats the best way to get started with video advertising? How hard is it to get into a subscription model? [tweet_box]"Instead of designing technology, I prefer to play with it" - Gideon Shalwick[/tweet_box] What You're Going to Learn: The reasons behind Gideon deciding to start over What his first successful case study was based on What his background is in technology What is Veeroll and how it works Some guidelines that will help you be successful with video [tweet_box]"I realized there was such a massive audience to reach with video but the trouble was with MAKING these damn little videos" - Gideon Shalwick[/tweet_box] Where to Connect with Gideon Website | Facebook | Twitter Check our this amazing tool: Other Episodes You Might Enjoy Scaling Your WordPress Business My Interview with Kai Davis When it All Comes Together and You Still Have Doubts Passion Into Profits, My Interview with Tony Teegarden [wprs-box]

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with the team from Peepso: the founder, Merav, Eric the project designer, and Matt the lead developer. I'm going to be completely transparent and tell you I was SUPER thrilled to talk to Merav not only because she's awesome (as is Peepso), but because it was great to talk to a woman who has founded a software company and is doing it well ( of course Eric & Matt are awesome too :-). Next time I'll have to interview them in person, since they're in Indonesia!) Merav, Eric, and Matt worked together on Jomsocial over the years so the transition to working together on Peepso.  Merav had been involved with Joomla since around the time it started. Right after Merav discovered Joomla, she bought the domain name iJoomla.com where she has been creating extensions for Joomla ever since. Eric originally got a BA in English in college, then worked his way up in IT. He then started working for Jompsocial where he became project manager. Matt used to be a freelance developer for years, then he got involved with Joomla during the first few months it came out. He then met the owner of Jumpsocial and began working there, where he met Merav. When Merav saw how well Eric and Matt worked together she knew that the three of them would make a great team on Peepso. Peepso allows people who use word press to have their social media inside their own site. So instead of sending people to your Facebook to connect with you there, they can connect with you on your website. Questions I Asked:  What is Peepso? What made Merav decide to launch Peepso? Why did Merav choose to use the "free-mium" pricing model instead of a full fledged suite? What challenges did Merav face when creating her business? What has been the response in the WordPress community? What advice would Merav, Matt and Eric give to someone who wants to have their premium developed?   Things You'll Learn: Why it's important to keep people on your site to connect with you instead of sending them to other sites. How Merav overcame working with a community who expects most products to be free. The many features of Peepso. How different companies have been able to use Peepso. The value of community sites opposed to Facebook groups. [tweet_box] "It's great because it's not free" - Merav Knafo[/tweet_box]   Where to Connect with Merav Website | Facebook | Twitter Other Episodes You Might Enjoy Interview with Shane Melaugh of Thrive Themes Interview with Matt Medeiros - Creator of the Conductor Plugin Beaver Builder- My Interview with the team at Beaver Builder

I cannot seem to get enough content about content! (say that 10 times fast) It's as if I turned on a light switch in my head and I realized there's SO much more that I ever imagined. Bear with me here because I'm going to get more specific and promise I won't be talking in circles (and I'll do my best not to repeat what I've discussed in my recent posts about overhauling my site and content as the foundation of your business. I may however repeat a few points because they bear repeating). Back in my Overhauling the WordPress Chick post (Part 1) I mentioned the book Content Machine by Dan Norris (which by the way is absolutely fantastic). I've been working my way through the book and accompanying resources while I craft my new content strategy for my site. Even if ALL you do initially is start looking at content from a different perspective, then the book is worth every penny. The goal of course is to implement what you read and learn (I know, novel idea, right?), but for me it took a little percolating to really "get it". Trust me, I'm all about doing the work but I've also learned that I set myself back a few steps whenever I try to force something. It just doesn't work, I waste time and end up really frustrated. It's not like content is new, right? And it's not like I haven't been creating content since I launched this site. I have. Where I missed the mark though was that I never created a content strategy. I know, part of me thinks "should I be saying this out loud?"... but I kinda sorta had a content strategy. It was just that I only had a few pieces to it. Now I'm creating the entire map, GPS and all. My 'kinda sorta' strategy was to check keywords, comments and feedback from my audience and create content from that. I also created content around what I was loving at the time and why. Then I'd make tutorials or share it in a way that was easier for the everday user to understand (no boring code snippets here! :-) ). Then I realized what the problem was. I never sat down and started with the end in mind. Not the end of my business, but what was the ultimate goal of my site. What was I trying to DO with my business? What did I want to create? Who do I want to serve? All of that is changing now... and I couldn't be more excited. I can't quite reveal what this all means, but I'm crystal clear on one thing... my content strategy is at the core of everything I'm doing moving forward. Here's the beauty of creating a solid content strategy.... you can measure it's effectiveness and tailor it so it meets your objective. When I decided to fully step into this I started working with my 'secret weapon' (you'll hear more about him this month, I promise) before I created any new content or spent anytime deciding if I wanted to re-do my theme (which I've since decided I want to update my theme... originally I wasn't goiing to. It wont' be a totally new look, just a little different style) we got on a skype call and started with the end in mind. What do I want to do with my site (products and services) and who am I serving? How we approached this: After our initial skype call he went and did some analytics digging and keyword research (the stuff I hate but know is ridiculously invaluable). From there we started a notebook in Evernote and started digging in. You can see in the screenshot below some of the notes and areas we're focusing on: And we're just getting started (kind of fun, huh?). Now let's talk a bit about Metrics It's no secret that I'm not a fan of doing this myself, but I know it needs to be done. I like knowing the numbers, I just don't want to have to go in and collect them and analyze them. Hence my 'secret weapon'. In order to grow your business and proivde value to your audience you have to track and measure what's working, what's not working and what they want more of. I've had Google analytics and webmaster tools set up (although something...

I think at this point this is something we can all agree on. Although I do think there are people who see podcasting as the 'latest bandwagon' (we're just going to go on my hunch on this because I can't quite fathom the idea of trying to find facts to support this opinion. I know that there are people out there who take that opinion whenever a new platform rolls out... they take a stance as to why they're not getting all hot and bothered with the latest 'thing'... think Periscope or Blab). Of course podcasting is hardly new. The more people that start podcasting the more it feels like people are jumping into it (although isn't that point when something becomes mainstream? The weird thing is that people don't really do that with mainstream media, have you noticed? No one complains because other TV Networks outside of the big ones are launching their own series. Something to ponder...) Back to Podcasting I know that saying podcasting is content isn't revolutionary, but it seems like it often gets overlooked. I adore podcasting because I can take it with me anywhere (I was a listener of podcasts long before I started my own). I often joke that I've become a very anti-social shopper because I tend to have headphones in listening to podcasts when I'm out and about running errands... actually it makes me a much calmer shopper (for what it's worth). Here are a few things to keep in mind with Podcasting: Because we have SO much content available to us we automatically filter out what works for us and what doesn't. I know for myself that there have been bloggers or people I've subscribed to that at one time I ADORED what they did and what they said. Now? It doesn't quite feel the same. It doesn't hold the same draw as it did a few years back in my business. Which is a good thing if we're all growing, right? Ideally your business evolves and grows as you do so your ideal client or target audience is going to be different. Which is why content is SO crucial when your goal is to create a real business and are in this for the long haul. One of the things I hear most often from people when they're considering creating and launching a podcast is that they don't have the time. I won't go into some long drawn-out preachy paragraph about how we all have the same '24 hours' a day. You know all that already. What I will tell you is that it's a form of content that can get you a much faster return on your investment of time and energy. Your podcast listeners are YOUR people. [Tweet "Your podcast listeners are YOUR people."] They're not cold leads and they're not occasional readers. They DIG you. They appreciate you. The CHOOSE you. If you've been thinking about podcasting, start looking at it from a content creation and connection perspective. AND... really think about whether or not it's something you want to truly #showup for. If your heart isn't into it (and into it for the long term), then find a form of content that you can stick with and is feels right for you. I've said this over and over again, and yes, it bears repeating. I believe every niche can be served from a podcast, but I don't think everyone should podcast.

Today I have Parviz Parvizi, one of the founders of Clammr on the show. After meeting in law school, Parviz and his co-founder David were both admitted 'slow readers' so they were always big audio users.  After completing college they both got blue chip jobs to pay down some of their school debt - one  in consulting and the other in banking.  Parviz and David always knew they wanted to work together so they were always throwing around ideas, and many of these ideas were shared via audio.  During this process, they both became frustrated with how clunky it was to share that 'golden nugget' in an audio file with each other.  From that challenge came the idea and creation of this amazing tool called Clammr! And you know what -  it's totally FREE! Questions I Asked Parviz: What is Clammr? Tell us the thought process behind redirecting the audio snippet to a link and what is the value in it? If you were launching new podcast today, how would you use Clammr to drive traffic? What is the value in using this amazing tool on Social Media? [tweet_box]"We thought of Clammr as a lead generator for audio." - Parviz Parvizi[/tweet_box] What You're Going to Learn: Some new opportunities for podcasters Interesting ways people have used Clammr What's on the horizon - what's coming next Parviz' experience and advice with launching a software company [tweet_box]"With Clammr, your audience can become marketers and promoters of your podcast." - Parviz Parvizi[/tweet_box] Using the Clammr Button with Simple Podcast Press   Where to Connect with Parviz Website | Facebook | Twitter | Private FB Group Register for Webinar Other Episodes You Might Enjoy Simple Podcast Press Plugin- Interview with Hani Mourra Visual Content Builder – My Interview with Shane Melaugh of Thrive Themes Interview with Ray Ortega of The Podcaster’s Studio

So excited to have Christine Sheehy on the podcast today! Christine and I met about two years ago through a Mastermind course and we really connected.  She started her career as a lawyer, but always found herself drawn to the writing aspect of law.  After having her daughter, she got into working with corporate clients with their communication needs and helping them focus on creating impact in their businesses.  She soon realized what she really loved was connecting with the individuals within these businesses.  Christine then moved into copywriting coaching - helping her clients identify their unique skills and communicate their ideas and value on their websites.  Questions I Asked Christine: Was there a struggle when she decided to leave her legal work? What are some common mistakes clients make when it comes to writing? What work do your clients have to do when working with you? How does someone begin to share their 'business' story? What is one thing she wishes people would do when it comes to writing for their business? What are some different ways someone can work with her? Things You'll Learn: Why it’s important to not only be professional, but to also be yourself. You don’t need to be 'bigger' than who you are to have credibility. The importance of being clear about exactly what you do. Why you just need to show up and do the work. How to be confident in what you're doing and understand how to differentiate yourself from other people in the same field.    [tweet_box]“If you are the face of your brand, BE the face of your brand.” - Christine Sheehy[/tweet_box]     WEBINAR REPLAY   Where to Connect with Christine Christine's Website Write to the Heart of Your Business on Facebook Christine on Twitter Other Episodes You Might Enjoy Interview with Julie Harris Interview with Marianne Manthey

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Brennan Dunn. Back in 2008 he started freelancing full time after he gathered a large client base. He realized he was losing a lot of opportunities by staying small so he decided to grow his business. Brennan learned how to sell, market, and how to price what he was doing and then he was able to build a team. He opened an office and hired 11 full time payroll employees. He eventually exited that company he created but he still consults and does similar work. His main focus is to help freelance consultants grow their businesses without going through all the the troubles he dealt with. The biggest thing was that he didn’t just become better at what he did overnight, he really figured out how to do what he wanted and how to do it well which made a night and day difference when it came to how much money he made. He now provides software and products to freelancers and consultants with the luxury of doing it all from his home! (Gotta love it!) Questions I asked Brennan: What was it like to have employees and be responsible for people’s livelihoods?  How did Brennan go about becoming a full time freelancer? What are some common obstacles people have when they jump into freelancing? How does Brennan help his clients realize their worth? Why don’t people market their own business? What makes people more likely to refer you to others? Things You’re Going to Learn:  What Brennan’s biggest business shifting event was. How Brennan was able to shift from selling himself as a commodity to selling a solution and how it helped his business.  Why it’s so important to understand your client’s business model and what relationship their website has with their business.  Why you should sell yourself as a positive addition to your client’s business rather than an expense.  How Brennan was able to provide value to people without them being a client. [tweet_box]“The code, the business, and the design are all means to an end...”[/tweet_box] Where to Connect with Brennan  Website | Facebook | Twitter Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Doubleyourfreelancing.com freepricingcourse.com planscope.io Other Episodes You Might Enjoy: WordPress Business - My Interview with Troy Dean Interview with Carrie Dils - Genesis in the house! My Year in Review - A Look Back at 2014

Ever had "One of those days?" Yea, me too. That's what fueled today's episode. I hit a wall of overwhelm which has made me really step back and take a hard look at where I'm at and WHY I'm feeling so frustrated. It's time. Something has to give. I'm really tired of the message "JUST DO THE WORK!" This clearly strikes a nerve in me, so hear my heart when I tell you that I KNOW this triggers something in me. I'm really tired of the message that the ONLY way to get ahead in your business is to aggressively do the work. Yelling and screaming or going at everything with aggression doesn't work for me. It's time. It's time to ONLY do things that work for me. If I can't take in someone else's message (in this case, "DO THE EFFING WORK!") then it's my responsibility to NOT read those messages. Unfollow those people or hide those posts. That's MY responsibility. I know this is a super short post (the written version), but I really want you to listen to this episode. It's a bit of a tangent but I needed to get this off my chest. Thanks for listening! xo Kim

Today I have Maritza Parra from MaritzaParra.com on the show. Martiza has been crazy about horses her entire life. Growing up, she spent all her free time with her horse and other horses from the local barn. Once she got to high school, she needed a way to pay for her riding gear, toys for her horse, and lessons with dressage instructors so she got a job at a laundry mat. It wasn't long before she realized she hated it and just couldn't do it anymore. That's when she choreographed her own Dancing Stallion Horse Show with her brother and some of her friends. She choreographed the dances, planned the costumes, and found gigs for them. Not only was Maritza doing what she loved, she was also getting paid for it! Eventually people in the show started settling down and focusing on growing their families, but such wasn't the case for Maritza and her husband. Her doctor recommended stopping riding so she could have a better chance of conceiving so her business quickly came to a halt. A few years later, Maritza found herself in a divorce... ending up with no business, no husband, and no baby. Panic set in. She had to go back and get a job. Then she realized that she still had a website she had created about horses many years before, which still had a decent sized list. Maritza wrote weekly emails to her list, building her relationship with them. One day, she thought, "hey, what if I could offer a product to my list?" She sent them a survey, they told her what they wanted, and she delivered! That moment shifted her perspective because she found something that gave her the maximum leverage (high results and profits with little effort). She then took this skill and began teaching other people how to maximize their list's effectiveness. Today we touch on why having a list is so important. More often than not, trying to build one's list is looked at as a negative thing. It shouldn't be... Questions I Asked Maritza: Can you share a little bit about your journey before getting here? Is there a higher conversion when a customer receives a physical note rather than just an insert? Why is having a list so important? Why does trying to build a list have such a negative connotation?  Why are people so hesitant to building a list? What’s the one thing Martiza thinks people should know about building a list? What You're Going to Learn: How Maritza built her list at a young age.  How Maritza was able to sell $29,000 of product to her list by going back to her business.  Why everyone should have a list.  The benefits of building your list the right way.   Common mistakes made with lead magnets. How Maritza figured out what her list wants. Different ways to drive people to sign up for your list [tweet_box]"List building… it’s a relationship that’s made even better when you use technology to give value and make offers."[/tweet_box] Where to Connect with Maritza Website | Facebook | Twitter  Other Episodes You Might Enjoy Passion into Profits, My Interview with Tony Teegarden Don't Be a Buttso and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone Racing Ferrari's, Zappos and Game On!