Kate McKibbin is the self-professed very-tall, super nerdy founder of the blog, Secret Bloggers’ Business, and creator of several successful online blog courses and workshops.
Cutting her teeth in the magazine industry in 2007 (when online shopping was just starting to take off), Kate created one of Australia’s largest independent lifestyle blogs (Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily), and grew to a team of five with more than 500,000 visitors a month and several awards to show for her efforts.
Even though her much-loved blog was doing well, Kate still felt called to do more and help more people. In 2014, she created her second business, Secret Bloggers’ Business, to share everything she’d learned about how to create, grow and run a successful blogging business. She did so well that in 2015 she was awarded the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award for her contributions to women in technology. Today, Kate has made it her mission to help bloggers and creatives around the world turn their passions into something that’s profitable, too.
So perhaps you’re looking to get into blogging, but don’t know if you have what takes. Here’s a few things to keep in mind. While a lot of work goes on behind the scenes of a blog, you’re not going to get very far if you haven’t found your passion.
Keep in mind that while blogs used to only be about the person who wrote it (what they ate, what they watched etc.), today’s bloggers must understand that it’s not about THEM! People will follow you based on your point of view, your knowledge and expertise. But don’t worry!
“You don’t have to be the biggest expert in the world. You just have to be a few steps down the track from where your audience is at and help them.”
Also, content, content, content. Are you constantly creating and sharing your findings online? If you can find a group of people who you know you would love to help – and you have the content, experiences and skills to back it up, go for it. You can’t go wrong if you’re going into it from a place of service. So, where do you start? Kate suggests the following steps:
If you do start a blog, be sure to have an extreme amount of PATIENCE. Allow 6-12 months to see any type of reward. For Kate, one of her biggest benefits was to have the freedom to do work that she loved. Give it your all, but also be cautiously optimistic.
“Set yourself up so you feel safe enough to take a scary leap.”
When you’re starting out, be super responsive to your audience and be CONSISTENT in your content. This doesn’t mean you have to put out things daily. It can be once a week or month. Just figure out what’s realistic for you and do that. Keep in mind that nothing in life, especially a blog, has guarantees. And you can be certain that others are doing something similar to you. But here’s the thing…all audiences and bloggers are different in SO many ways.
“Don’t compare yourself to others in your space. Find what works for you, but still provides great value to your audience. Focus on you and what’s right for your audience.”
There will be bumps along the road, but stick to it and don’t give up!
“If you’ve got something to say, if you’ve got something to give, and you’ve got a burning fire that says you have to do it, and you feel that pull. There’s no way you’re going to let yourself fail.”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Earn Your Happy Quickie – ep. 135 – How to Figure Out What’s Next
“There comes a time to stop looking back and trying to figure out why. At some point, we need to shift our attention to what’s next.” – Unknown
Are your thoughts or fears paralyzing you before you’ve even reached a goal? Are you asking yourself questions, such as: Why am I unclear? Why don’t I know what I want to do? Why can’t I move forward? Yikes. I get anxious just thinking about it.
Today, I want to talk about removing those types of disempowering questions from your brain and replacing them instead with “what’s next?” Sure, I get it. Those questions come from a place of uncertainty and fear and they’re hard to stop. But know that most entrepreneurs (including myself) are willing to explore their curiosity even if that nagging voice in their heads tells them they’re crazy or that it doesn’t fit in with “where they’re at.” They don’t let themselves get STUCK. If they feel called to try something new, they do it regardless of the risk.
“The people who are the happiest are the ones who are most willing to explore all the little soul hits.”
Take the Earn Your Happy podcast as an example. It wasn’t something that I had on my to-do list. At the end of the day,
“I wanted to have epic conversations with people and I wanted an excuse to do it,”
And well, you know the ending to that story because here we are. You don’t have to have a plan to move forward. You just have to,
“Be willing to put yourself out there and fail.”
By avoiding any possibility of failure, you risk missing the message you were supposed to hear and possibly something you were called to do.
So, what’s next? My advice… Ask more empowering questions (ditch those that don’t serve you anything more than a side of anxiety) and explore the resources around you. Run toward the failure and thank it for what it’s teaching you.
And one more Earn Your Happy Tip for the road…the more you can fail the better.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Future
Resistance
Fear
Failure
Curiosity
Entrepreneurs
Podcast
Resources:
Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
Have you ever felt off? You know, just struggling with nothing in particular, but never knowing what’s wrong with you?
Can you see my hand raised high above my head?! We’ve all been there!
My conversation with Jessica Ortner totally made sense of this feeling by framing it in a different way. When we feel nervous or anxious, most times it’s not just in our heads – we experience it in our whole body. When you have a stressful thought, she emphasizes the importance of talking through these feelings (you don’t have to be Suzy Sunshine all the time) and acknowledging them through tapping. After all, when your body feels more relaxed, you’re able to take control again.
So what is this tapping thing anyway? Not to be confused with tap dancing, tapping is a technique that uses your fingertips to tap the body’s acupressure points and literally “tap into” your body’s own energy and healing power. Say what?
Jessica also questioned the effectiveness of this practice. Years ago, while suffering from what was a seemingly endless cold, her brother introduced her to tapping. Where did he learn about it? The Internet. Oh boy. How much truth could there be to this? But here’s the thing – it was no joke and it actually helped her. A bit further down the road, it also helped her realize that her issues with her body weight were more deeply rooted. It wasn’t just physical. It wasn’t about a number. It was emotional.
“We have to release that stress and create a better relationship with ourselves.”
So what better way to understand this process than by experiencing it firsthand. I was selfishly glad for the timing of this podcast so I could use it for my own personal benefit (in addition to yours). ;-) During this podcast, Jessica took me through a complete tapping sequence so we could work through my anxiety and fear around my upcoming public speaking engagement (TEDTalk). I would love for you to do the sequence and insert the issue that is currently challenging you. Jessica calls it “borrowing benefits,” because you can still make a connection just by the human experience. (Love that!) Here Are the Steps/Points:
During the tapping process, Jessica stresses that the words aren’t super important, it’s the act of speaking your feelings aloud. You’re not going to do anything “wrong.”
“It’s not about the perfect word, it’s about staying with the emotion.”
Let me tell you, the tapping sequence took my anxiety and fear level from an 8 to a 2 or 3! Amazing, right? If you’re going through something, I encourage you to try it and see if it helps. It’s definitely worth a try to change your energy from nervousness to excitement.
“When it comes to how our body reacts there’s not that much difference between anxiety and excitement.”
I am so grateful that she helped me shift my fear into that space of excitement. And I love that tapping can apply to ANY area of your life – not just public speaking. Having gone through the experience above, how could tapping benefit you?
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JESSICA ORTNER is the NY Times bestselling author of “The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss and Body Confidence” and producer of The Tapping Solution, the breakthrough documentary film on EFT tapping.. She has led more than 5,000 women through her revolutionary Weight Loss and Body Confidence online program, and she is also the host of The Tapping World Summit, an annual online event that has attracted more than 1,000,000 attendees from around the world.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Confession time. Not that long ago, there was a lot of negativity in my life. For some of you this may be hard to believe, but it’s true. I had a ton of toxic friends/relationships in my life and looking back now, I can’t believe I put up with that negativity as long as I did. Some of it was because I failed to set boundaries. Another part was that I tended to take on other people’s “stuff” and carry it as my own. I soon learned, however, that
“You can only control what you can control – and that is YOU.”
I knew that for the sake of my own happiness, I needed to grab the reins and take charge. Here are the five things that help set me on the path to positivity:
1. Know what you can control.
2. Ask yourself, “What is the most beneficial reaction I can have for myself (while still being compassionate).
3. Be compassionate.
4. {Not for the weak.} Call the negative person out.
5. Understand that the person (or your situation) may not change.
Does practicing all five of these things guarantee zero negativity in your life? Not by a long shot – there’s always going to be some amount of negativity in your life. It’s on the street, it’s on the Internet and sometimes, there are people in our lives that we can’t completely cut ties with. If it’s important to you and your happiness, you must start to focus your free time in a more positive place.
“If you want to change, you will. If you don’t, you won’t.”
Go to the places that will bring you joy. Spend time with the people who “get” you. And DO the things that help lift you up. Some days will be more difficult than others, but it’s up to you to keep your head and heart in a positive place.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
Sarah Pendrick is the Founder and Creator of the non-profit movement GirlTalk, and her mission is to empower women of all ages while serving as a resource for young women. Sarah is a self-love advocate, life coach, writer, empowerment speaker and philanthropist. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master's in family therapy, developed, GirlTalk, an empowerment program for young women. She travels all over the United States to speak to the women of our next generation and provide them with support, education and empowerment.
Through GirlTalk, Sarah not only features and connects powerful women with a purpose, she also celebrates them through her events and programs by giving them a platform and a space to thrive and use their voice. Growing up, viewing herself solely based on what others thought of her, Sarah always knew she had the ability to be extraordinary, but the opinions of others quickly shot her down.
“I lived this constricted life between doing what I knew I wanted to do inside, and also going to my parents and friends for their opinions.”
Having experienced bullying throughout her middle school years, she felt things that she never wanted other young women to feel, which led her toward getting her master’s degree in psychology, putting in positive work as a volunteer and helping at non-profit organizations and events.
“I always felt fulfilled when serving others and at the same time it also helped me with what I was going through. But the attachment I grew for my clients and their issues, would come home with me at the end of the day, which led me to believe I wasn't meant to be a psychologist.”
Fast forwarding and continuing on to find her true authentic-self, Sarah ended up putting in the personal work to learn about her own self love and to then be proud enough to preach it to others as well. And this eventually became GirlTalk.
Being fearless in the pursuit of asking, Sarah’s confidence skyrocketed allowing her to reach tons of amazing women to help and speak at her incredible events. It’s amazing what the universe will do for you – you just have to ASK. Do you have plans and dreams of your own to serve those around you? Jump right in! #womenempoweringwomen
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“It’s all about stepping in, saying yes and all of the things that come along with saying yes.”
Today I’m sharing with you where I’m at with both life and business ventures because chances are you’re going through (or have gone through) similar circumstances. This quickie is a short and direct way to help you bust through your fears, no matter how big or small yours may be at the moment.
“Sometimes you have to up level yourself and become a completely different version of yourself to accomplish your goals.”
Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten (and given) is to have full-time faith in your higher power – whatever that looks like for you.
“I never step into anything without saying a prayer. It’s about asking and knowing you are supported.”
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
As an entrepreneur, best-selling author, mother, and activist, Kate Northrup supports ambitious, motivated and successful women to light up the world without burning themselves out in the process. Committed to empowering women entrepreneurs to create their most successful businesses while navigating motherhood, Kate is the founder and CEO of Origin Collective, a monthly membership site where women all over the world gather to achieve more while doing less. Her first book, Money: A Love Story, has been published in 5 languages. Kate’s work has been featured by The Today Show, Yahoo! Finance, Women’s Health, Glamour, and The Huffington Post and she’s spoken to audiences of thousands with Hay House, Wanderlust, USANA Health Sciences, and more. Kate lives with her husband and business partner, Mike, and their daughter Penelope in Maine. Find out more and receive your free copy of Have More By Doing Less: 3 Simple Steps To Create Space For What Matters Most at katenorthrup.com Growing up on the coast of Maine, Kate always possessed the ways of a natural entrepreneur.
“My very first business was at the age of 7 with my sister. We would sell jewelry and bouquets of fresh wildflowers.”
Fast forward some years and at the age of 18, Kate was making more income than the average teenager. After graduating from Brown University in 2001, her income for such a young age was enough to prevent her from going into the “after-college-crisis” of looking for a full-time job. But that quickly changed after she moved to NYC and rapidly got herself into more than $20K worth of debt.
“I had this idea that if I acted as if I already had the income that I wanted, that somehow I magically just would. I guess I missed the part that I actually had to do something about it.”
After indulging in some self-help/self-love books (listed below), Kate came to the realization that changing her mindset around her financial situation could potentially and positively get her out of this pickle.
“Perhaps if I approached my financial life with the perspective of taking care of myself in a loving way instead of a place of hard-core discipline, guilt and shame that maybe I could make some lasting changes.”
From that moment forward, she added “taking care of finances” to the list of other things that equal “taking care of thyself.”
“Keeping up with my bookkeeping was just as important as keeping up with my pedicures.”
It’s hard to pinpoint the one thing that hit home the most when talking to someone as creative and incredible as Kate, but her advice about growing no matter what stage of life or business you’re in now is something we can all learn from.
“Look at your life and your business as more of a cycle than a line. It’s like the moon that’s forever rotating or the seasons…There will always be spring after the winter.”
Finding work that you are passionate about and love is huge! It’s important to continually and consciously surround yourself with the people who see the most and the best in you. Where you spend your time the most will eventually become part of your outcome. Kate’s life and business wisdom is like the perfect package that I get to gift you all today!
“You become a clearer channel of what needs to come through you when you take care of your vessel.”
Make a life, not just a living at katenorthrup.com Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
“We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging diversity.” – Barbara De’Angelis
I feel that the tribe I have created and continue to grow is truly my life’s mission and work. Just know that without the rain, there would never be a rainbow. You are never alone, and although there are numerous differences between each of us, there is an equal amount of similarities.
“Beautiful opportunities can also bring serious amounts of fear.” But, just remember that everything you want is on the other side of fear.
At the end of the day, all that really matters is that you are running toward your bliss.
“It’s not finding your bliss, it’s following your bliss.” – Joseph Campbell
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
This is from an episode of the For The Love Of Money podcast that I was on and I really wanted to share it with you guys! For those of you who may not my past or how it all began for her, I have the honor of sharing it with you today. Having a “money mindset” may not come naturally to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ever create it.
“My success hasn't always been like this and I know it’s something I will continue to work on for the rest of my life because I know that once you hit one level, there is a whole other level out there that you need to strive for.” -Lori Harder
Growing up, Lori was raised in a very conservative household. At a young age she was told, “Money is the root of all evil and you only need to make enough to survive. Anything more than that is evil and greedy.” With the constant battle in her head between money isn't good vs. how does the world go ‘round without it, can you see how that would create a whirlwind for a young child just trying to “make it?” Having two very different views on the subject when we first met, Lori’s money mindset began to shift after we started to spend more time with each other.
“It was refreshing to see that you and your family thought of money as just a thing that created awesome experiences. It was something you looked forward to and were proud of yourself for earning.”
Even though Lori still had the belief that money equaled greed, she still wanted to create a better life for herself – so she made it her mission to incorporate both beliefs. Why not make money, sufficient enough to live well and financially stress free, while still giving back and be of great service to others? DING DING (light bulb goes off)!
“Money doesn’t make you greedy, I believe that it just highlights more of who you already are. It will just amplify how you were already showing up in the world.”
Moving out to the West Coast, for us, put success and wealth in a whole other category. The entrepreneur mindset and the “shameless” money personalities out here, makes the opportunities endless. There is no cap or ceiling. If you have the passion and the heart to create something and make money off it then the world is your stage! (WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD!)
I know from experience that Lori is NOT the only person to come from a family who has fearful thoughts around money. Whether you think you don’t deserve to have a lot of it, or that it’s evil, or you end up spending it faster than you truly earn it, whatever it may be, my wife and I are here today to break through some of those tough beliefs and to “give you permission” if you will, to take control of your own life and finances. Hard work should always be recognized and rewarded. You will forever be blessed if you think big and share your gifts.
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com