Nov 5, 2018 | Business, Life
I’m guilty of zoning out when I don’t understand what’s being said.
I’m sure you’re guilty of it too.
You’ve likely sat through a class you were interested in, only to become so lost in the verbiage being used that it sounds as if the teacher was speaking another language.
I remember a conversation with my spiritual mentor, early into us meeting each other. We were talking about astrology, something I was eager to learn about, but was still a novice in. When she asked me which planet was in my 11th house in my birth chart, I was completely confused. My WHAT chart? Was that something my mom needed to get from the hospital? I have a planet in a house? Do WHAT?
I had no idea what she was talking about, so the entire conversation made me feel so lost. She was starting big on the spiritual scope, while I was still trying to grasp the overall concept. I knew that if I wanted to dive back into a conversation with her about astrology, I first needed to learn the language.
By “learning the language,” I mean the common terms and phrases that are used to discuss that subject.
Likewise, when teaching the language, you need to “dumb it down.” I don’t mean this as if the person you are talking to is dumb, but if you know more on the subject than they do, you need to teach the basics and break down the terms/phrases associated to that subject.
When studying “the language”, remember to be a student. This may mean you need to take initiative and do independent research to further advance your understanding. Research, connect, apply.
We all have a starting point in every area of life; be mindful that others may not be on your level yet.
Teach, inspire, learn, and grow. We’re all in this together!
Cheers to your growth,
Lauren
Oct 16, 2018 | Life
There’s no denying it – I have a knack for finding killer deals… especially when it comes to travel. In fact, I often have not only family & friends message, call, text, and email me asking me to help them save on flights and accommodations, but I’ve had friends of friends reach out for help too.
Who knows, maybe in my past life I was a travel agent. Or maybe I’ve combined my savviness with my love of adventure. Either way – I’m really freaking good at it. I’ve flown 1400 miles round trip for $34 (using no frequent flyer points or reward programs), I’ve stayed in beautiful homes for less than $50/night, and I’ve even stayed in hotels for FREE.
Since I’m always asked, “How do you find these deals all the time?” I thought I’d share some of my best travel booking tips that’ll save you some serious cash:
1) Be Flexible with Dates: If you’re traveling Friday to Sunday, consider going a day early and/or leaving a day late. Often times if you allow flexibility in your departure or arrival dates, you’ll find your airline tickets can decrease OVER $100. Not to mention, it’s typically more expensive to travel on weekend days.
2) Sign Up for Alerts: Email alerts from companies you frequently travel with, are the best way to stay abreast on weekly/daily deals.
3) Check Google Flights: One of my favorite way to check out numerous airlines at one time, is by using Google Flights. Simply enter your dates and destination to see which airline is offering the best deals!
4) Join a Rewards Program: Often times these are free. For hotels, I primarily book from Hotels.com. When you book 10 nights through hotels.com, you earn 1 night free. This doesn’t mean that I still don’t cross reference the pricing of the same hotel from the hotels.com website AND the hotel’s actual main website, but if there’s no price difference I choose hotels.com. There are also unique hotel rewards!
5) Check Airbnb: If you’re traveling abroad, it may be worth it to check out Airbnb. There are TONS of pros and cons to using this service, if your privy to the hotel or resort life while on vacation this may not be the best bet- but if you’re traveling with a group that needs more space, or to a place where hotel pricing is outrageous, or even just want to live like a local – Airbnb is a great tool! (PS. You can use my Airbnb referral code for your first booking to save $35 – I’ll get $35 too: LSMITh1405 )
6) Know the Cheap Airlines: I’m a fan of Southwest and have a Southwest credit card because their rewards program is awesome (click here to use my code, and you can get an additional 10k flier miles). But if a rewards program isn’t your jam, FlyFrontier.com has TONS of low prices on the regular. I’ve also flown Spirit Air which has similar pricing and offers different destinations than Frontier. Both airlines have small seats, no wifi, and offer food/beverage for a fee. It’s not glamorous, but I know what to expect. They also do not have free luggage, which leads me to #7…
7) Travel Light: When you book with Frontier or Spirit, you’re only allowed to bring 1 backpack (or purse, or similar) unless you want to pay $35 for 1 carry on or $25 for a checked bag EACH WAY. Skip the unnecessary additional costs and pack light. If you’re traveling somewhere with laundry service, take advantage of it. If not, think of different ways you can wear the same article of clothing (like jeans) with 2 different shirts, creating 2 outfits. Also remember to roll your clothes to help save space in your bad and take it easy when it comes to packing shoes, they tend to be heavy.
8) Book on a Tuesday: Studies have shown that if you book on a Tuesday, you can expect o pay 6% less on your flight vs. booking on a Friday when prices increase 3%. Now, it may depend on the route and airline (and also your travel dates), but for most part I can say that this tried/tested method is true!
9) Travel in the Off Season: If you’re hoping to score cheap tickets to Florida during the peak of Spring Break, think again. Save your money and sanity by flying in the late Summer or even Fall. This goes for all destinations – find out when the off season is and go then! BE ADVISED that you may want to purchase travelers insurance. For example: If you *are* traveling to Florida in September, remember there could be a hurricane or tropical storm that ruins your plans. Travelers Insurance is inexpensive and can really pay off!
10) Skip the Seat Selection: Roll your dice, save the extra $12-$34 fee, and just hope the travel gods are on your side when you check in! While the window seat and aisle are everyone’s favorite, sometimes you have to suck it up and sit in the middle. If you do happen to get a middle seat and you just “can’t deal”, ask the agent if the flight is full. If not, see if you can get a seat change. If it happens to be full, you can ask the flight attendant once on the flight to let you know if someone is a no show with an aisle/window seat.
So there ya have it. My not-so-secret budget friendly travel tips that I use to book destination trips both nationally and internationally! What are some of your favorite money saving travel tips?
To infinity and beyond!
Lauren
Oct 14, 2018 | Business
When you’re beginning your first business and dipping your toes into the entrepreneurial journey, jumping to the money making part and figuring everything else out along the way, is usually what happens. In your mind, sales is key and money is a big motivator.
Some could argue that not having the proper branding, an amazing website, a social media presence, or even virtually no money to start up will prevent you from making money. But I say, that’s a load of crap.
Hear me out.
I’ve witnessed businesses with NO online presence and terrible branding make 6 and 7 figures yearly. They hustle, they sell/provide, and they make bank.
Now, will a better branded company with a high converting website, and large social following increase your overall company value, recognition, and sales? Yes. Could lacking one of those aspects be one of the reasons your business isn’t thriving? Absolutely. But still, marketing and sales aren’t the only core parts of your business, nor the step that is typically overlooked.
When I began Socially Tangled, I had the logo, the branding, contracts, the website, the social media presence, and even the clients.
The first time business wasn’t working in my favor, it was strictly a pricing thing. I wasn’t pricing my services high enough, therefor was royally screwing up my income. This, was an easy fix. With new packages and a new clients, I was making more money than before and was feeling damn good about my business.
As business started taking off at a rapid pace, it didn’t take me long to realize my business structurally wasn’t prepared for the growth.
And that’s when the REAL “oh shit” moment came in.
I realized no one can do my job (nor could I delegate tasks properly) without my systems written out. I lacked training material, an operation/procedure manual, and best practice guides. There was no documented system or process for my business; so when I hired 5 new teammates I essentially set them (and my business) up for failure.
The new team members weren’t fulfilling the duties I had anticipated or expected plus there was just a lot of miscommunication; this was no ones fault other than my own. This ultimately took me from a 7 person payroll back down to a 2 person payroll.
When a business needs 7 people, but the burden is placed on 2, ultimate burnout is sure to occur…and it did. This caused me to not be able to take on any new business (slow growth) and I became overwhelmed to the point where I actually began hating the hustle.
And to think, this was all due to lack of systems and procedures.
Core Business Systems
There are 5 core business systems to that keep your business running, growing, and thriving. Procedures, training guides, and systematic ways for the behind-the-scenes business, are known as the Management System and is the keystone of all systems. Without this in place, other remaining 4 core systems such as Marketing, Sales, Fulfillment and Accounting, will crumble.
Build systems, processes, and procedures then delegate it out. Essentially, you want to get your business to a place where you’re solely in charge of the tactics and strategies that take your business to the next level!
Don’t get stuck in the continuous cycle of doing bitch work.
Been there, done that.
It’s for the birds.
Need help setting up systems and strategies in your business?
Schedule a consultation with me! I’ll help get you on the right track.
Committed to your growth,
Lauren
Oct 8, 2018 | Business, Life
Being an entrepreneur is hard work. Working from home requires self motivation.
Working from home with a baby on your lap? Now that takes business and life to a whole new level.
For the past 8 years, I have successfully run two businesses with not one, but two kids at home.
Many view working from home as a luxury. Sitting at home in your pajamas all day, never missing a moment with the kids, the flexibility of scheduling…sounds like the best job ever, right?!
It is, for most.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with mass amounts of struggles.
Have you ever been on a video conference call, and have a toddler walk in carrying their poopy diaper for all to see? I have.
What about times where you have literally gone WEEKS without seeing anyone other than your kids and/or partner? Yep, plenty of those.
And of course there’s days,when you’re massively uninspired, because your environment never seems to change
In all of the many years of juggling this work-from-home mompreneur life, I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way to keep things as smooth sailing as possible. If you’re a work-from-home parent who feels like the Captain of the Struggle Bus right now, these tips are for you:
- Routine, Routine, Routine. I’m the first to admit, my whole day feels off when my morning routine is off (also sometimes a massive a-hole when it’s thrown off). There’s truly only 2 things I do for myself, each and every single morning. After I wake up, I make coffee, I sit down with my journal, and I write positive affirmations, blessings, and/or thoughts of gratitude. Then, I’m ready to go into “Mom Mode” and run in 20 different directions, before finally being able to sit down and work. Find something that brings you balance in the morning, it’ll set the tone for your day.
- Make Use of Drive Time If I’m the passenger in the car, I use our travel time, albeit 10 minutes or 9 hours, to work. It’s a great and easy way to do light tasks such social media management, emails, updating to-do lists, or even finally getting around to that e-Guide I’ve been meaning to read all week. Utilize time in the car, even if that means the 5 minutes you’re sitting in line waiting to pick up your kiddo from school or practice!
- Wake up Early Or go to bed late. I used to go to bed late, but as my kids get older (who am I kidding, as I get older), I’ve found late nights are harder and I’m completely drained by 9pm. The rare exception is when I’m in a creative flow, I could work all night! Wake up an hour or 2 before your kids to brainstorm, task prep for the day, or to even have a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee before chaos ensues.
- Find Help When my kids were younger, their dad worked nights, so I really was able to utilize days with help. As things have changed, I found myself in a predicament of needing more help. If your budget allows it, hire an in-home part-time nanny or babysitter; part or full-time daycare is an option, too! Not in your budget or realm of comfortability?
- Priority & Action Lists I’m a big list person; a lot goes on in my head and organization for me, comes with writing everything down. I prioritize my tasks into what absolutely has to get in kid free time (podcast recording, meetings that require silence, brainstorming, etc) – then I make it a priority to schedule that time. I use “Action Lists” instead of “To Do” lists, because they are actions I must take in order to succeed. Little changing in words, can change how your prioritize tasks.
- Have a Prep Day I utilize Sunday’s to prep all my content for the week and write down my priority list. If I’m feeling particularly on top of my game, I’ll meal prep for the week too. Makes it easier to know whats for lunch and dinner, when the work is cut out of it.
- Give Yourself the Day Off A day off on Wednesday? Sure. Why not! You have flexibility in your job, use it. And most importantly, when you take a day off, drop the guilt. Mental health is as important as physical health, a trip to the park or even 1 hour at the nail salon, can do a lot to revitalize you.
So there you have it, 7 ways to make the work-from-home parent / life balance a little easier.
Do you have a tip you’d like to share with others that I may have missed? I’d love for you to share it in the comments below!
To Your Growth,
Lauren
Sep 19, 2018 | Business, Life
I’ve always been intrigued by the minds of entrepreneurs. It takes a lot of guts, perseverance, skill, and a shit ton of failure (lessons) to be an entrepreneur. I’ve often wondered what makes other entrepreneurs tick? What’s their biggest driving force or their internal inspiration? What makes them different from “everyone else?”
Let’s face it, those questions are way too deep for a blog post.
But this next question, ooooohhhh this question, it reveals a different type of depth. It’s the root of the phrase, “shoulda, coulda, woulda” for some. For others, this question brings out a sense of hope and optimism, that they maybe once lacked.
I tapped into my network and asked over 60 people from 3 different continents, 5 different countries, and 29 different states to answer this one question:
If you could give your younger self ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
And with all transparency, honesty, and for some- no filter… they answered.
Here are my top 10 favorite answers:
Step into your power and recognize your own personal strength, beauty, and self-worth. Do this and nothing can stop you. -Sophie Jaffe, The Philosophie
Don’t let other peoples perceptions, ideas, suggestions, or comments, effect what you truly want to do with your life… Remember – “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” -Nate Buchan, World Nate
Don’t doubt yourself -Norma Jean Belenky, Norma Jean Loves
It’s okay that you don’t know where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. Everything will change, whether you like it or not. You most likely will lose some or even most of your “friends” and keep a few. Life is what you make it. – Nicole Allard, Cobat Virtual
Your wildest ideas, could change the world. Do not fear failure, only fear inaction. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” Some people will understand your vision immediately, and others will never understand. You must show them. Above all, show yourself. You WILL fail, and you must accept that- but never accept failure for anything less than learning. -Jesse Alton, Alton Tech
Think big because anything is possible! The only restrictions in life are the ones I put on myself. –Kristen Nolan, Metabolism & Fitness Coach
Focus on what is truly important in life. No one lays on their deathbed and wishes they had worked more. Give your employer 100%, but don’t sacrifice the rest of your life for it. Love hose who will love you back. -Paul Critchley, New England Lean Consulting
Get the hell out of your own way otherwise you’ll spend entirely too much time making excuses for why you can’t do things instead of finding a way to make it happen. Stephanie Patterson, SR Photo Studio
Seek INTEGRITY with anything you do. By integrity, I’m referring to improving your behavior patterns when no one else is watching. All political, economical and religious influences aside, the only justification you need for your current actions is whether the outcome will be one step forward or two steps backward from your personal and/or professional goals. This will allow you to remain humble and objective, devote 100 percent of your undivided attention towards work/life priorities, and view obstacles as opportunities when they arise. Eric Burratty, Eric Burratty Fitness
And if I ever had to give myself one piece of advice it would be “Don’t lead with your head or your heart, trust the gut. Your intuition won’t misguide you.”
What would you tell your younger self? Share them with me in the comments below!
Need more positivity in your life? Check out my book, “Mind Love: Bite-Sized Thought Nuggets to Fuel Your Life” for inspiration!
To Your Success,
Lauren
