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Letting Go to Move Forward

By Nailah on January 24, 2013

I hope 2013 is off to an amazing start. Things have been busy, busy over here and for good reason. I have a big announcement!

If the past year of full entrepreneurship has taught me anything, it’s that in order to really move forward and grow into your full potential, you must let go. Sometimes – oh, who am I kidding, most of the time – letting go means taking a leap into the unknown. When I quit my job in favor of being a full-time coach, I had no idea what was waiting for me in the future. But I believed in my plan and I knew in my bones that in order for me to grow into the person I knew I could be, I had to let go of that job.

So when I began to get that nagging feeling that I could be playing bigger, I listened. And what came out of that was more awesome than I could have imagined.

I’m excited to announce that as of February 1st, 2013, I will be working exclusively in my new partnership, Donna + Nailah, with my (new!) business partner, Donna Queza.

Together we will be offering business and marketing consulting for women business owners and organizations who are ready to take their businesses to new heights. We’ll also be hosting in-person events for women entrepreneurs here in Los Angeles.

What does that mean for you?
The biggest change is that Polka Dot Coaching will no longer exist. I will not be updating the Polka Dot Coaching site or Facebook page. If you’re ready to work with me (and Donna), I’ll be over at Donna + Nailah. Don’t worry, your subscription to this newsletter will be switched over and you’ll continue to receive actionable information on how to build your business from both Donna and I.

I am over the moon excited about this new direction. And I know that making this shift will allow me to serve you in ways I wasn’t able to before. If you have any questions at all about the merger, simply shoot me an email.

I’ll be reaching out to you a few more times before the end of the month to keep you posted on the transition and make sure no one gets lost in the move.

In the meantime, go ahead and check out theDonna + Nailah site and join our Facebook community.

Here’s to big exciting changes!

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Start Your Year Off Right

By Nailah on December 31, 2012

It’s the last day of 2012. I am pretty excited to wave goodbye to this past year and usher in a shiny new one.

Every January 1st, my husband and I eat dinner at my mother-in-law’s house. And without fail, we always have black eyed peas, which according to old Southern traditions will bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

Now, I don’t know if eating peas will change the outcome of the new year but there is one New Year’s tradition I will readily take part in. That’s starting the year off in the way I want to finish it.

So head out and have some fun. Take action on a goal. Start a new routine.

Set the stage for a sparkly, powerful 2013!

If you still need some help on goal setting for the new year, go ahead and click through to my full posts on conducting a Year in Review, setting Goals & Intentions and making Positive Life Changes.

Cheers!

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Thank You.

By Nailah on November 26, 2012

For me, the end of November always signals a time for reflection. First there’s Thanksgiving, which allows me the space to really express my gratitude for the amazing things in my life. And of course, Thanksgiving brings about the beginning of the Holiday season with all of its spirit and cheer. On top of all that, around this time back in 2009 I completed my coaching certification and started this blog and my business. It’s a good time of year!

image credit: balancing home

Embarking on the journey to become a coach and entrepreneur completely changed my life. It changed how I approach joy and heartache. It changed my perspective on things like success and work and money. I am forever thankful for all that I have learned and all of the people I’ve encountered during this time.

To celebrate the end of the year and express my gratitude, I’m offering 10 one hour coaching sessions to help you finish 2012 with a bang and really start your new year on the right foot. We’ll get on the phone or skype and jam for 60 full minutes on whatever you need to really move forward on your goals.

  • Feeling fuzzy on your business idea? We’ll clarify it.
  • Not making the income you know you should be making? We’ll identify the roadblocks.
  • Overwhelmed and not sure what to do next? We’ll hammer out a killer plan.

Here are the details:

  • 60 minute one-on-one session – $150
  • Sessions can be conducted over the phone or skype. (Or in person if you’re in sunny LA).
  • Sessions are booked on a first come, first serve basis and must be used by February 1st, 2013

If you’re ready to book your session, click here to visit my online scheduler.

Still on the fence? Here’s what some of the women I’ve worked with have said about our time together:

One of the breakout sessions I attended was the Side Hustle Academy: How to Create + Rock Your Side Hustle by Nailah Blades founder of Polka Dot Coaching.  Nailah tells you how to Rock the $*it of your side hustle in 5 easy peazy steps. I’m currently on step 5. I’ve gained 6 new projects with these 5 easy steps. Let me say that again. I GAINED 6 NEW PROJECTS.

- Kimberly Brown | Her Name is Kim

Just want to thank you AGAIN. Working with you has changed my life is ways I didn’t expect. I’m so grateful!

- Kenae Danley | Vino-ista

During our sessions, I learned new ways to find clients and market myself as well as different ways to approach market research. I’ve also defined my brand and clarified my niche which led to a brand new website. Going through the start-up process can be lonely and overwhelming, it’s so hard to be the person that has to make ALL the decisions and come up with ALL the ideas. You made me feel like I had a partner and gave me a great Kickstart into entrepreneurship. You are awesome and amazing.

—Raven Robinson | Veranda Lane Coaching

Just had a breakthrough – I’ve figured out my life mission statement thanks to Nailah Blades of Polka Dot Coaching. I’m so thankful to have found her!

- Timeisha Winfield | UrbanGlamGyrl.com

Ready? Head here to reserve your spot. Looking forward to helping you rock out the rest of your year!

Whether you book a session or not, thank you for being a supporter of me and Polka Dot Coaching. I am forever grateful for every kind word, tweet, Facebook message, blog comment, referral, shout-out and hello.

Thank You.

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The Choice is Yours

By Nailah on October 31, 2012

I’ve always been a fan of Halloween. Costumes, pumpkins, candy – what’s not to love? What I love most about Halloween is that it’s the one day of the year where you decide who or what you want to be. Whether that means a scary ghoul, a pop culture icon or a slutty bumblebee, the choice is yours.

What if you always made that choice?

What if you chose the life you wanted to lead each and every morning when you woke up. How would things change? What would you be?

Today – and every day – remember that you do get to make that choice. You don’t have to play the hand you’ve been dealt. You get to decide who you want to be.

The choice is yours.

 

 

Ready to clarify your business vision & launch a profitable business around your purpose? Don’t miss my new group coaching program: http://tiny.cc/SBB

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Learning to Let Go and Grow

By Nailah on October 25, 2012

Today’s guest post comes from Donna Queza, a marketing consultant who guides small businesses through the marketing process and helps them execute their online tactics. Donna shares her knowledge on what to think about – and what you should avoid – when working with a consultant.

image credit: Whispering Sweet Nothings

Hiring a consultant is similar, in many ways, to hiring an employee. And while we all love to be micromanaged, a lot of coaches, authors and experts (like Nailah) would have you believe that micromanagement is not the ideal form of leadership. I’m sure your particular brand of micromanagement is really the bee’s knees, but I’m just letting you know what the “experts” are saying.

Let’s, for a second, remember why you started paying someone else to do a job that I’m sure you could do at least a million times better:

  • You don’t have time to do said job.
  • Your time is better spent doing other jobs.
  • This particular job is not your area of expertise.
  • You want to make more money.

These are all really, really good reasons to delegate a task. Let’s face it, if you could do it all – you would. None of us want to part with our precious earnings unless we have to, so the decision to pay someone else is not one that is usually taken lightly.

But in order to make your investment pay off, it’s critical that you actually take a step back and allow your hired help to do the job. As small business owners, we can feel like we’re spending more time on a task after we’ve hired someone to take it on than if they’d just done it ourselves. That’s true, if you’re not allowing the person to do the job.

And, not only will you feel like you’re being stretched too thin, you’ll feel like you’ve wasted money on this person who is hardly helping you. Trust me – your consultant doesn’t want to feel that way either.

It can be so hard to let go, to admit you can’t do it all, to admit that just maybe someone knows more than you. It’s alright. I promise you that you’ll see more success, more money and more freedom by surrounding yourself with skilled people than you will trying to take on the world. 

Think of all the times you’ve asked others to place their faith in you (if you’re a business owner, I know you’ve done this more than a few times) and now pay it forward. You’re smart. I am sure you hired a kick-ass consultant. And, for that reason, you’ve got to trust that the job is getting done in a kick-ass way.

Always stay engaged, keep pushing and asking questions, but know when it’s time to let your experts shine because, at the end of the day, your consultant’s successes are your brand’s successes!

 

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Being an optimist is less about hoping things will work out and more about identifying opportunities and getting things accomplished. That’s exactly what Donna Queza does with the brands she supports and the start-ups she guides. With a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Internet marketing, Donna combines dynamic content and social strategy to market brands online. Donna can get you targeted and focused around your marketing time online!

Connect with Donna at Marketing-Optimist.com and on Twitter @DonnaQueza.

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Risk Taking in Business (& Life)

By Nailah on October 23, 2012

I just returned from my Annual Sister Trip. My two older sisters and I take a week off every October and jet set off to some exotic locale. The only rule of Sister Trip is that we must visit a place where none of us has ever been. This year we stayed domestic and set our sights on the Florida Keys.

Halfway through the trip, I was all set to blog about the importance of taking time out for yourself as a business owner and how refreshed I always feel upon returning but then an unexpected thing happened.

We went parasailing.

And I was scared shitless.

The thought of tethering myself to a speedboat and being lifted 600 ft over shallow waters really put a fright into me. But I decided to try and set my fears aside and I went anyway.

And you know what?

I was still scared.

I wasn’t even able to let go of the harness to experience the full free flying of it all and for a good portion of the ride I had my eyes squeezed shut and my teeth clenched. When I did open my eyes, it was a beautiful and exhilarating experience but frightening nonetheless.

I was scared. I did it anyway.  I didn’t die.

Owning a business is much like this. There’s always a leap to take, a new challenge to face, a frightening risk to take. It will be scary at times but if you close your eyes, clench your teeth and take the plunge, things almost always work out in the end.

Now I know I can go parasailing. Just as I now know I could quit my job and not go bankrupt. Or that I could get in front of an audience and speak without throwing up. And that I can put together an event that people show up to and enjoy.

Taking risks flexes your muscle so you can continue taking bigger, bolder risks.

It will be scary. Do it anyway.

How have you flexed your risk muscle lately? Do share in the comments so I don’t feel so lonely sharing my scared shitless story.

 

 

**Super Special shout-out to the Key Largo Hilton and Captain Darrell & Jordan of Caribbean Water Sports who showed us an incredible time out on the water.

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Rock Star Squad: Christy LeMire

By Nailah on October 4, 2012

The Rock Star Squad features ambitious, women entrepreneurs and the stories behind the businesses they love. Christy LeMire is the board certified Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Coach behind Waterside Wellness. Enjoy her story below!

Welcome Christy! Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi! I’m Christy LeMire, a board certified Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Coach. My goal is to help others improve their health naturally, prevent illness, and look and feel their best. I currently live in Manhattan Beach, CA with my husband and enjoy yoga, photography, traveling, cooking and eating fresh local food. I’m always looking for ways to make life more delicious!

How did you make your Big Leap into entrepreneurship?

It started with the sudden epiphany that I finally knew “what I wanted to do.” For most of my 20s I felt the urge to embark on a more fulfilling career path. I considered so many options, researched jobs, schools, etc. for countless hours and did a lot of thinking and soul searching about what my strengths are and what I enjoy. I had decided I should go with something in counseling. When I discovered the profession of a Holistic Health Coach, I was immediately sold and knew it was the perfect match for me given my love for healthy food, nature, and exercise. Within two weeks, I started a school program that worked with my busy schedule. It seemed to all happen so fast, but it was a long time coming. And I’ve never looked back. I started my business Waterside Wellness as soon as I had my certificate in hand and hit the ground running.

How do you balance your full-time job with growing your business?

I am still working another job in entertainment. It is definitely a challenge managing two very different worlds. In order to stay moving forward and motivated, I make sure to do at least one thing for my business every day. I have big dreams and goals but try to keep realistic expectations of myself within my time constraints. My clients are my #1 priority, so as long as I remain confident that I can guide and support them to the best of my ability, I feel I am successful. Marketing and networking are what fall by the wayside at times. I plan to keep my other job for as long as I feel necessary financially. As much as my heart wants to make the “Big Leap” tomorrow, I’m not quite ready for the stress and pressure my business would take on in the form of full financial responsibility. I know I will be able to grow my business much faster when I am able to give it 100% of my time and energy and I am confident that day will come when the time is right. For now my business is my passion.

I’m a believer in doing things that scare you. What was the last thing you did that really pushed you out of your comfort zone?

I recently hosted an educational yoga & wellness workshop. I was nervous, but it went great! I received positive feedback, made contacts and signed up new clients. As Susan Jeffers said, I’m trying to “feel the fear and do it anyway.”

What false belief did you have to get rid of in order to really move forward in your business?

That I didn’t know enough and that I wouldn’t be taken seriously. I also had to quiet the nagging fear – what if I cannot help someone or deliver on what I promise?

 What’s the hardest part about following your dream? What was the easiest?

The hardest thing has been effectively managing my time. Juggling my day job, my business and continued education all while trying to “walk my talk” by living a healthy balanced life. Spending time with family and friends, cooking, exercising, taking vacation time and getting enough sleep are all very important to me and I believe that self care is key to personal success. I try not to work on Sundays, so the rest of the week is very busy! Thankfully through choosing energizing natural foods and taking care of myself, I’ve been able to maintain my energy.

The easiest part of following my dream has been actually doing the work I set out to do…coaching. Although my clients continue to challenge me and push me to be my best, it doesn’t seem like work because I love what I do and care so much about helping others

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you on your journey?

That in some ways, life is a long time so let’s not rush through it. I put so much pressure on myself to build a successful business immediately and be living my dream exactly how I imagined it before I start a family, that I was causing myself a lot of stress and risking burnout. I realize now that I want to be growing my business and myself for many years to come so I’m cutting myself some slack and trying to remember that wherever I am now is just fine and to celebrate all the small accomplishments along the way. I keep driving forward at a pace that is strong but also allows me to enjoy other parts of my life.

What’s worth doing even if you fail?

Anything that feels right. I believe in following your heart and your gut instincts. I also pay attention to synchronicity. Sometimes the universe seems to align and present opportunities that reward you or challenge you. I say consider the risks but give things a try. If nothing else, you will at least have learned a valuable lesson. Amazing things happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

Brag time! What are three things you are ah-mazing at?

Listening, staying calm while there is chaos around me, and cooking breakfast. I make some mean eggs and banana pancakes! :)

Final thoughts?

It sounds cliché, but really never settle and or give up on your dreams. They may not play out exactly how you imagined and likely won’t come easy, but you will be a happier person if you are always working towards goals that excite you, whether they are career, relationship or health goals. “Life is a journey, not a destination.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Christy LeMire is a board certified Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Coach and owner of Waterside Wellness who believes in the natural healing powers of water, food, exercise, love, friendship and nature. She is dedicated to supporting and educating individuals and families to make simple lasting nutrition and lifestyle changes in order maintain a healthy weight, body confidence, mood and energy. Get fresh ideas and connect with Christy at her site Waterside Wellness! You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Get It Done – Q4 Planning

By Nailah on October 2, 2012

We’re swinging into the last quarter of 2012. You have 3 glorious months left to finish 2012 up strong. You all know I’m all about strategic planning. If you need a refresher on conducting a quarterly review be sure to check out this post and this post and this post.

Plans are not meant to be a static document, they are a living, breathing organism. They change. By October what often happens is that you’ve lost focus on your overall goal.  Maybe you started the year determined to grow your graphic design business. You decided to tighten your niche to focus only on helping women coaches. But somewhere along the way you lost that laser focus and now all of a sudden you’re back to working with anyone & everyone and your scattered marketing reflects that. Don’t worry about the detour you took. The most important thing to re-focus on your end goals – your big picture goals. Start with your end goals in mind and then make sure that your every day actions are leading you down the correct path.

Need a little help getting organized? Download my free PDF to help you Get It Done:

Simple Goal Setting Worksheet

I’m currently finalizing my client schedule for October and November. I’d love to chat with you about how we can move your business forward. Contact me today!

 

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How To Stop Being Too Busy

By Nailah on September 18, 2012

I’m Too Busy!

I often hear some variation of this complaint from my clients: there is so much to do and not enough time. I am overwhelmed. I can’t finish everything I have on my plate. How do I get organized so that I can accomplish everything?

Now I can talk about prioritizing and my organization system and Big Rocks and all that good stuff. But quite honestly, the first step to getting organized and getting stuff done is to let go.

If you take an honest look at your day’s activities, you’ll see that there are some activities that you’ve picked up along the way that are no longer serving you. Maybe you had a problem saying ‘no’ or maybe it’s something that seemed exciting when you first took it on. Either way, if it is not serving your bottom line – it needs to go. Look at your mission, what are you trying to get done with your business? What is your purpose? Does this activity align with your purpose and move you forward. If not, then it is time to place it on the back burner.

Being ambitious is a gift and a curse. On the one hand you get things done. On the other, you are always looking for the next big thing – something more to do. Once you purge your life of all of the extra activities that are clouding your mind, it will make it much easier to focus on the most important things in your life and business.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take an honest look at what isn’t serving you and give it the boot. Get laser focused on the activities that will move you forward and let the rest fall to the wayside.

What isn’t serving you any longer? What can you let go of today?

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Consistently Give Your Clients What They Need

By Nailah on September 11, 2012

One of the most important yet most misunderstood aspects about creating a profitable business is really understanding your target audience. In order to have a thriving business, you have to keep your clients clamoring for what you’ve got. You have to speak in their language, address their concerns and offer a solution to what is most on their minds.

I found an excellent example of this in the most unlikely of places: my nephew’s preschool. My nephew is three years old and naturally my sister wants him enrolled in the best school. One indicator that she had found the right place was the newsletter that the preschool sends out each day. The newsletter goes out in the afternoon, every day – without fail – complete with a write-up of the activities and pictures (!!) The teachers write it all up and email it out to parents while the kids are napping.

“Today we reviewed the concept of estimation. We put a random number of little vehicles in a jar and passed it around the circle. Everyone got a chance to hold the jar and make their best estimate as to the number of vehicles in the jar. We have seen some improvements in our abilities to make good estimates, but we will keep practicing!”

As a mother, my sister is able to get a sense of what her son is doing each day. She can continue to reinforce what he has learned when they get home. And most importantly, she knows he is in a safe and happy environment.

I’m willing to bet that their newsletter has an insanely high open rate. Because the recipients care immensely about the info that is being sent out.

This preschool understands its customers. They understand that parents feel anxious about leaving their children with complete strangers. They get that parents want to feel involved in their children’s day. They realize that a happy and assuaged parent is a parent that will continue to invest in their services.

Let’s think about your business.

  • What are you doing to best address your customer’s concerns?
  • How can you better speak in their language?
  • What can you do to keep them coming back for more?

Would love to hear some of your ideas down below.

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