Quiet Messenger: Redefining leadership & messaging for introverts & sensitive souls

In your messaging it’s one thing to take a stand for something. But a lot of times, how we show up doesn’t actually match the stand we took. Sometimes we don’t realize it. And sometimes we aren’t quite sure how to put it into practice because we don’t have role models for how that would look. My guests on today’s Unforgettable ep are actively being those role models, not just for having strong values, but for implementing those values in their business. Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery, co-founders of the online education software Namastream (like a Teachable for the wellness industry) and co-hosts of the Soulful MBA podcast, are two seriously smart women - a Yale-educated lawyer with a grad degree in Environmental Science and a former owner of a million-dollar brick-and-mortar business & clinic. In this episode we explore how they put their values into practice while nurturing their loyal following -- including why they turned down venture capitalist money for their tech startup, the real reason they don’t offer free trials, and their new ‘Digital Artisanship’ manifesto.      Listen in.  Listen in and you’ll learn: What virtual biz owners can learn about building an ultra-enthusiastic, loyal community from craft breweries, jewelry designers, pastry shops, and leather workers How they find the words to use in their marketing that resonate with their customers (and their copywriting process that I nerded out on) Why they see their business and platform as promoting an underlying feminist message How to leverage the power of automated marketing without dehumanizing the sales process The way their unique voices create a balance between human scale and big picture thinking in their copy, their podcast, and running their business Deeper support from me: I privately coach & message for select clients to realign, define, & refine your messaging to reach your next level of impact. Book a Clarity Call to explore the possibility of working together. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode Namastream Website Soulful MBA Podcast Instagram Business Facebook page (Namastream) Podcast Facebook page (Soulful MBA) Jennifer Barcelos // LinkedIn Sandy Connery // LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest The Digital Artisan: A Manifesto for Crafting a New World Warmth, Adria

When I delivered my TEDx talk four years ago, I learned that to use your voice to make an impact you MUST have a clear message. And I understood on a soul level what it meant to have a mission and a voice that inspires and moves people. But after that, in my quest to connect, I started saying things that I knew my people wanted to hear. It was an unconscious, unintentional, quiet shift. And gradually I lost touch with the fire behind my words. I made money and grew my business. But I was disconnected from my self-expression. So the cost became too high: absolute burn out and a long recovery. That’s when I realized that pushing, performing or trying to “figure out” what people wanted from me was a LOT of work. (More on that in a future episode.) Now my intention is still on connecting with my people, but I share what’s true and in alignment for me. My voice and message feel clear, and I’m lit up by what I say in my marketing. Listen in and you’ll learn: Why you need both connection & self-expression to market authentically online My tips for beginning to integrate both into your messaging How to use this to attract your people when everyone’s saying the same thing Deeper support from me: I privately coach & message for select clients to realign, define, & refine your messaging to reach your next level of impact. Book a Clarity Call to explore the possibility of working together. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode Unforgettable #114 You Don’t Need to Change Your Niche, You Need to Deepen It #94 The Key To Showing Up As Your Authentic Self Online #111 Why Niching Down Helps You Show Up Authentically Warmth, Adria

A few years ago, I used to do a lot of case studies on my podcast where we peeled back the curtain and shared what it really looks like to create shifts in your connection with your people, your confidence, and your messaging. I would get feedback on how powerful it was to hear from someone fresh from going through it. That’s why today I’m sharing conversations with two smart, caring women coaches on how, over the course of a couple months working together, they got deeper clarity and connection with their people and translated it into clear messaging. Listen in. Deeper support from me: Enrollment for Get Clear, Get Clients - my signature group program - closes March 21st! Limited spots.For women coaches ready to realign their message, niche down to connect with their people, and share content that lights them up. I privately coach & message for select clients. This is for you if you’ve got your biz in place - website, social media, clients - and your messaging needs to evolve to reach your next level of impact. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Michelle and I talk about: My first guest Michelle is a life coach helping ambitious women to reconnect with who they are and what they want and has a background as an interior designer. How she knew in her heart what she wanted to say but couldn’t pull it to the surface Her struggle to find the common thread in the ideas swirling around in her head Why despite doing market research she stayed confused and behind the scenes How she came out of hiding and got on her soapbox Pitching herself for her first speaking engagement and running her first challenge How she connects her content back to her overall message Leslie and I talk about: My second guest Leslie co-owns a health & wellness coaching company with her sister and has a background as a personal trainer. Why even though she told herself she was targeted she wasn’t saying anything specific enough to grab anyone’s attention (she used to do everything for everyone because she feared losing anyone) How honing her niche to new moms meant she suddenly knew what to say in her marketing to relate more than ever before The shift that led to procrastinating less and no longer feeling like she was wasting time (helpful for working around her little one’s naptime) Her shift from clinical language to words that connect with her people How a major realization about her people turned into a passionate core message and tapping into deeper emotions The connection between clarity and the confidence to start a podcast and reach out to influencers she was following The difference between feeling comfortable performing as a violinist versus the nerves she felt when taking a stand online Going from long-time people pleaser to less apologetic when taking that stand Warmth, Adria

If you've ever shamed yourself for wanting to change the work you do, felt like you didn't know how to re-align your business or messaging so that it feels energizing again, or grasped to your success because you just couldn't bare building your email list again... Episode 115 is for you. The tables are turned, and I’m being interviewed by my biz bestie Jess Tomlinson along with our other bestie (and former business partner) Melissa Harman. We’ve seen each other’s businesses evolve a TON in the past five years we’ve been coworking, masterminding, or cheersing happy hour glasses of wine. We’re taking you on the inside of what it really looks and feels like to embrace evolving messages and businesses from the perspective of three very different coaches. Today’s episode was originally recorded on Jess’ Radiantpreneur Rising video show, but it was right on target for what’s on my heart and mind so I had to share it with you.     Listen in.    Listen in and you’ll learn: How Melissa is leaning into visibility on video and her advice for how to do this, even though it isn’t something she enjoys How I’m leaning into adding lightness and play to my messaging while still being vulnerable and standing on my soapbox What we’ve all learned about creating content that is easy for our audiences to engage with Our process for continuing to check-in about evolving our businesses and making the decision whether to stick with a focus or move on How each of us have evolved through very different paths, but have similar experiences such as letting go of needing to push to make things work, tossing out thousands of people on an email list for a fresh start, and needing to rebuild everything The ah-ha moments of recognizing our strengths that led us all from starting out in forms of the self care niche to becoming business coaches One of the smartest decisions you can make to allow for your own evolution How to move through the fears of change such as worry that your people won’t come with you, what will others think, shame of being a failure Weaving in things you’re passionate about, and have helped people with in the past, so that it is relevant in your work now (and highlights your dimension as a person!) Deeper support from me: Join my free 5-day Niche Clarity Challenge to go deeper in clarity on your people for messaging that connects and calls in clients you LOVE. Starts March 11, 2019. Get Clear, Get Clients, my signature group program I run twice a year, enrolls in March! Limited spots.For women coaches ready to realign their message, niche down to connect with their people, and share content that lights them up. I privately coach & message for select clients. This is for you if you’ve evolved and now your messaging also needs to evolve to reach your next level of impact. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode The video version of this episode ;) Jess’ Radiantpreneur Rising Show Jess’ freebie: The 4 Phases to Becoming the Truest Embodiment of You as a Radiant Feminine Entrepreneur Melissa’s freebie: Instant Income Blueprint Jess’ website Melissa’s website Jess’ Radiate & Rise FB group Melissa’s High-Vibe Course Creators FB group Warmth, Adria

If... You’ve got a niche and still your messaging is falling flat You get crickets when you market You’re not excited to talk about your message anymore You probably don’t need to change your niche. You need to deepen it. When this happens, often biz owners think the problem is that they haven’t found the exact right niche yet. So they niche switch again and again, searching repeatedly for the RIGHT one that will make money and that will call in lots of people. If ^that’s^ resonating, then episode #114 of Unforgettable is for you. Now, I’m not opposed to people switching niches — IF it’s because you’re stepping more into alignment. But if you keep niche-switching without first getting in place the principles I share in this episode, it won’t matter how many times you switch, you won’t find what you’re looking for.   Listen in and you’ll learn: How to go deeper with the niche you’re already in My own story of realigning my niche The solution if you’ve been feeling robotic and disconnected in your marketing Deeper support from me: Join my free 5-day Niche Clarity Challenge to go deeper in clarity on your people for messaging that connects and calls in clients you LOVE. Starts March 11, 2019. Get Clear, Get Clients, my signature group program I run twice a year, enrolls in March! Limited spots.For women coaches ready to realign their message, niche down to connect with their people, and share content that lights them up. I privately coach & message for select clients. This is for you if you’ve evolved and now your messaging also needs to evolve to reach your next level of impact. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode UF #111 - Niche Down to Show Up Authentic Warmth, Adria

Have you ever been explaining your work and watched eyes glaze over? Or maybe you were talking to someone you knew was your ideal client and she didn’t see it. Simple duh fact: if someone doesn’t understand what you do, they’re not going to pay for it. Well, if they don’t understand the HIGH value in it, they won’t pay well for it. They may pay for one session, but they aren’t going to buy your high end package. In episode 113 of Unforgettable, I give you the key to potential clients both understanding what you do and paying you well for it.    Listen in.  Listen in and you’ll learn: Reasons what you’re saying may not be getting across My 3 C’s to positioning your work as high value How to show why YOU make this service even more powerful Deeper support from me: Get Clear, Get Clients, my signature group program I run twice a year, enrolls in March! Limited spots. Get on the waitlist if you’re a woman coach ready to build the messaging foundation that lets you attract clients instead of constantly chasing them. Join my free 5-day Niche Clarity Challenge to get a deeper level of clarity on your people so you know what to say to call in clients you LOVE. Starts March 11, 2019. I privately coach & message for select clients, by application only. This is for you if you’re ready to attract aligned clients by being more of yourself, saying things that truly matter, and addressing your people’s struggles in a way that doesn’t feel cookie cutter but instead feels true and resonant to you. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode #70 Feel Guilty Charging Money for Your Work? #106 How to Be More Consistent In Your Marketing Warmth, Adria

Have you ever worried that you weren’t being clear because how you talk about your work shifts depending on the person? ...Have you ever wished there was something to take the pressure off getting clients results? ...Have you ever felt like building your business based on the lifestyle that business gurus say is important just isn’t working for you? If so, episode 112 with Lori Kennedy is for you. She turned her seven-year full-time holistic nutrition practice into a multi-million dollar online company - while showing up as a role model for building business on your own terms and talking openly not only about the light and dark moments in her personal life but also about how she despises showers and wants to outsource all her household chores. Plus since she’s known for helping wellness biz owners create signature programs, we talk about turning what you’re known for into something you can scale in your business -- and all the little things you need clarity on and confidence around in order to do that.   Listen in.    Listen in and you’ll learn: How she flip-flops every single day how she introduces herself depending on who’s asking... and does it even matter? What she would do in establishing a personal brand if she was starting out again from scratch Why if you build your business based on what someone else says it should look like you could be building a prison How we can turn our message and what we’re known for into a signature program and what one thing you need to pinpoint to build your signature program around Why the only wrong way to grow a business is to not put yourself out there (because you’re afraid of doing it wrong) Deeper support from me: Get Clear, Get Clients, my signature group program I run twice a year, enrolls in March! Limited spots. Get on the waitlist if you’re a woman coach ready to build the marketing & messaging foundation that lets you attract clients instead of constantly chasing them. Join my free 5-day Niche Clarity Challenge to get a deeper level of clarity on your people so you know what to say to call in clients you LOVE. Starts March 11, 2019. I privately coach & message for select clients. This is for you if you’re ready to commit to 3-6 months attracting aligned clients by being more of yourself, saying things that truly matter, and addressing your people’s struggles in a way that doesn’t feel cookie cutter but instead feels true and resonant to you. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode The Wellness Business Summit (WBS) Lori’s Signature Program Guide The Wellness Business Hub Lori’s Instagram Warmth, Adria

When you say “niching down” a lot of my clients get itchy. They worry that if they narrow in they’ll lose their sense of freedom. Which is why the conversation I have on ep #111 of Unforgettable is so critical for our industry. Because, sadly, I see a lot of conversations around niching that talk about putting you in a category and add fire to that fear. Niching has been on my mind a LOT as I put the behind-the-scenes pieces in place for my upcoming Niche Clarity Challenge. That’s why I’m on a mission to shift our collective definition of “niching down” to the act of focusing on the people you want to call in so deeply that you KNOW them. You know what they’re going through and how to speak to that. And that KNOWING frees you up to just be real and talk to them. (Because, hello, then you know who you’re talking to.) When you define it that way... Niching down frees you up to show up as more of yourself. Instead of feeling constrictive, it allows you more depth with your people. It stops you from unconsciously censoring by filtering what you want to say based on whether it applies to all. The end result: You start talking about things that matter - both to you and to your people. You to call in the RIGHT people for you, not just anyone with a face and a checkbook. Which leads to more fulfillment and less drain in your business. Listen in.    Deeper support from me: 1-1 Coaching + Messaging is for coaches looking to get clear on what you really do, communicate it, and weave it into marketing that lights you up. In between sessions, I’ll personally shape & hone your marketing copy. 2 spots left. Join us in my free 5-day Niche Clarity Challenge to get clarity on your people so you can start calling them in. Starts March 11, 2019. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Links From the Episode Get Clear, Get Clients - next round April 2019 #109 Standing in Your Power with Clients #110 Shifting Your Energy for Clients When You’re in a Funk #105 What Personal Things to Share In Your Marketing #94 The Key to Showing Up as Your Authentic Self Online #107 Model How You Want Your People to Show Up with Becky Mollenkamp Warmth, Adria

If you want to grow your coaching business… you’re going to be working with clients. On scheduled calls. And you can’t predict ahead of time how you’ll feel on those days. What I’ve learned to do over time to show up as the powerful coach I am, do my work, and support my people, is shift my energy. Which is why I want to talk about the art of the pivot. Even if I’ve had a shitty day or am coming from a challenging client call (like we talked about last week), I trust myself to shift my energy for client sessions. In this episode we talk all about continuing to show up for your people so you can keep spreading your message. Listen in. Deeper support from me: 1-1 Coaching + Messaging is for coaches looking to get clear on what you really do, communicate it, and weave it into marketing that lights you up. In between sessions, I’ll personally shape & hone your marketing copy. 2 spots left. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. My Energy-Shifting Go-Tos Playlist - (“This is Me” - from the Greatest Showman, “Rise” - Katie Perry, “Girl on Fire” - Alicia Keys, “Brave” - Sara Bareilles, “Rise Up” - Andra Day) Expansive body language Dance it out Take a bath Journal (e.g. why you’re amazing and times this has worked before) Links From the Episode #102 - Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship #84 - How to Know if It’s Time to Pivot Warmth, Adria

Finding your message to call in your people is more than simply saying the “right” words or choosing a “good” niche. You need to step into yourself in order to step into your message. And, if you’re anything like me, it seems like every week there’s a new challenge to being in your power. Your own clients are often that challenge. How do you stand in your power when you get triggered by clients so you can show up real, get bold, and stop pretending? That’s the question I answer in this episode. With lots of real-world examples. Because this hasn’t come easy for me. And when you can stay in your power with clients, you feel more confident unapologetically sharing more of yourself online. Deeper support from me: I have 1 spot open in January for 1-1 Coaching + Messaging. I’ll help you get clear on what you really do, communicate it, and weave it into marketing that lights you up. In between sessions, I’ll personally shape & hone your copy. Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and deeper stories around this conversation. Warmth, Adria