For busy moms who want to start an online business that gives you more time to enjoy your life.
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Career Change

I was a career woman who dreamed of how easy working-mom-life would be. I loved my career - traveling the world, working on cool training projects for the military, speaking at conferences, and building innovative learning communities.

Then I had my first baby girl, and everything changed. Don't you just love a good reality check?  

My career wasn't a priority anymore. But a year earlier, we bought a townhouse outside of DC at the height of the housing bubble. When Gracie was born, the house wasn't worth a fraction of what we paid for it. A career change or quitting my job and stay home with her wasn't an option.  

I tried everything to feel good about being a working mom. My mom was a single working mom - I knew could do it! 

I didn't mind working. What I hated was only getting to see my (soon to be 3) little girls for an hour or two a day. It tore my heart out every time I showed up at daycare and heard "guess what Clara did today." 😭 

I just wanted more time with my girls.

It took me 4 years to figure out how to pivot... and I tried everything to create a better work/life balance. 

(Pivot #1) I tried going to work at 6 am to avoid rush hour. I stopped traveling for work. In 2012, I finally got the courage to ask to work from home. But, more flexibility meant giving up interesting projects and feeling disconnected from the team. I considered a career change or pivot for a long time. 

(Pivot #2) But, I decided to start my own training company in 2015. My girls were 7, 5, and 2. 

Unfortunately, I choose the worst income stream for the life I wanted. By only offering services (custom training), I created myself another demanding job, not a business that supported my priorities.

For 5 years, I missed out on a lot - traveling all the time, and working until 3 am most nights of the week. I couldn't figure out how to make good money without working so hard. My company did well, but I was miserable and completely burnt out within 2 years.

When COVID shut the world down, we had 3 little girls in elementary school who were frustrated about virtual learning, sad that they couldn't see their friends, and terrified that it would never end. 

I finally said, "I'm done."

(Pivot #3) I finished our projects and focused on our girls for the 17 months they were home. I've never been as happy as I was during that time. I finally got to be the mom I always wanted to be. 

(Pivot #4) When schools reopened last year, I decided to start over again. Using everything I'd learned over the past 15 years about business, marketing, training, and how to integrate life and business as a working mom. That's how I got here. 

If you're trying to figure out how to pivot, I wrote this post for you this week. 

And, if you're feeling defeated after a disappointing career change or worried about trying yet another thing to create the flexibility you dream of, I'm proof that it's worth it to keep trying.

You can do this! 

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You're almost ready to build your business foundation. It's time to start thinking about a swipe file!

Swipe File

A swipe file is a collection of writing and visuals that you saw online or in person that caught your attention, made you think, or inspired you to do what the creator wanted you to do. If you liked it or if it worked - swipe it. 

"Swipe it" just means "Save it"

Swipe with Integrity

In business and in life - do all things with integrity, honesty, good intentions, and for the good of others.

You're not copying anyone else's work after you save it. You're not going to put it back out into the world just as you swiped it. Instead:

1. Analyze it to see if there's a formula you can use (figure out what made you act - what worked - and implement the formula in a way that makes sense for your business)
2. Let it inspire you to create something of your own that's high quality and makes people want to hear more from you. 

How to Use a Swipe File

When you see something you like, add it to your swipe file. You can either...

• Copy and paste the words or phrases
• Copy and paste the URL, or
• Take a screenshot of it 

Add anything you want to see again when you're ready to create your own website, email list, social media posts.

Swipe: headlines, hooks, email subject lines, emails that resonated with you, ads, graphics, blog posts, videos, etc.

Your Swipe File Template

I created this Notion Swipe File for you, so you have one organized place to save everything that inspires you or makes you take action.

Notion is a free productivity tool. It's my favorite online tool. I'll share more of my Notion pages with you soon.  

Duplicate the Page to Use Your Swipe File

When you click on the link above to open the Notion page, click on the 3 dots in the top right corner and select "Duplicate." Then you'll be able to edit it and it'll be your own swipe file (no one else can see it). 

You may need to create a Notion account. Totally worth it.  

Video: How to Use Your Swipe File

I created this video to show you how to use the Notion page as a place to collect and organize your Swipe File. 

When you're ready, here's how I can help:

1. Start an Online Business 5-Day Challenge is the first step. This is where you'll choose your niche and ideal customer, and then get to know them. 
2. From Plan to Profit is my online learning and doing experience where you'll use the information you collected during the challenge to create your brand and customer journey, build an online audience, and create and automate your first online income stream. 
3. Accelerator (coming soon) I know it's hard to start a business, even with guidance. My Accelerator will help you get started faster with accountability and hands-on help - that's right, this is where I take some things off your plate.

Always in your corner,

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