27th + Luxe: Search results for business

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HELLO JULY: MONTHLY GOALS

I know, I know - I'm a day early, but I prefer to do these things on Monday. For the past 15 or 16 weeks I've been linking up with Melyssa over at The Nectar Collective for Weekly Wishes. It's proven to be effective for me. I started participating because I've been procrastinating a lot lately and it has really helped me to stay on track. But I've decided that I'm ready to share monthly goals with you and I'll also be sharing business goals as well, something I found over on Think & Grow Chick. If you're starting a business, have a business, or you're thinking about starting a business, you may want to think about giving this a try. This is something I'll be implementing on my new site as well, so I wanted to go ahead and get started!

JULY MONTHLY GOALS

// Review branding. I created my own style elements this time around (if you want to call them that!) and I need to be sure I'm okay with them. I'm sure they are just fine, but I tend to second guess myself.

// Begin creative coaching course. I'm so excited! This course starts today. I'm ready to work through the material and get this party started!

// Put newsletter content into an editorial calendar. I finally created an editorial calendar for this thing. When I launch my new site, I'll be able to create more newsletter with better quality content. By the way, if you haven't yet, sign up here.

//Outline my business processes. It all seems so easy and put together in my head. But, once I start mapping it out on paper, it really turns into a lot, so I'll be spending some time on it this month.

CHALLENGES

// Staying on track. I have goals for my new site, so staying on track while I'm working on this blog and the new site is a challenge. I've reduced the number of posts I create here on 27th + Luxe, but I don't want to neglect this space and I want to make the new space everything I want it to be. For right now, I guess it's about finding a good balance.

// Prioritizing. I've found myself jumping from task to task. I need to get better about completing something or getting to an acceptable stopping point before moving on to the next item on my list.

WHAT'S WORKING FOR ME

// Keeping a list of goals. It keeps me focused on what my initial goal was for rebranding. When you're rebranding, you will come up with all these other great ideas, but it's important to stay on track and focused on the main goal.

// Feedback. I've gotten some feedback from family and friends. I also need to get feedback from some of my blogger friends and my business coach.

PERSONAL GOALS

// Paint more. I've been able to work on little projects here and there, but I want to do more. Maybe I should set aside a few minutes everyday?

// Start sewing again. I have ideas tucked away for this too, so maybe a few minutes every weekend would work for this to make sure I touch it.

// Explore the city. I can be a homebody and I really need to get out. I'm a born and raised Houstonian, but I've never explored my city as an adult. It should be fun!

BOOK REVIEW: MY SO CALLED FREELANCE LIFE

image via Amazon

In my Amazon account I have multiple wish lists and one of them is filled with creative business books. I decided to purchase one of these books from the Kindle store and I'm so glad I did! For the past few weeks I've been reading My So Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman. This is a great guidebook for those of us who want to turn our freelance dreams into reality. Goodman offers tips, advice and everything else that we need to know to pursue a freelance career with witty anecdotes and a heavy dose of realism. What I enjoyed the most about the book is that she covers everything from creating an online portfolio, to invoicing and keeping receipts, but she also discusses the bits that we are all curious about - pounding the pavement, how to find clients, how to pay your bills and how to conquer the ever elusive work/life balance.

I also want to share with you some resources I've discovered over the past few weeks and this past weekend.

// building a creative coaching business from scratch

// the meet up guide

// know & grow your audience

// be a farmer

Do you have freelance dreams of your own? What steps are you taking to make them a reality?

DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

I'm a big proponent of doing the thing that you're most passionate about. I have a lot of awesome ideas jotted down in my notebook. Those ideas have been whittled down to the things that I am most passionate about, but they also mesh really well together. Now that grad school is officially over, I have the extra time to focus on courses that are directly related to another passion of mine: my business.

I don't know of any entrepreneurs in my family -the only person I can think of is my cousin, she's started her own photography business. If there are any others, they are in the same boat as me - just getting started, honing their craft and figuring out how to authentically stand out in the crowd. I do know that my dad would speak about having his own business when I was a little girl and so I believe he planted that seed in me. And now in hindsight, MAYBE that's how I ended up studying business - so that I can have an understanding of the administrative aspects of working for myself. This is something that I'm going to do (speaking + typing this into existence!). I've finally got a plan together that just feels right. Do you know what I mean? A plan where every other idea that you think of just fits in so seamlessly?

I want to share two things that I've been working on. The first I've been working to piece together for some time. It's the rebrand I mentioned earlier this week. It's coming. I have enjoyed my time blogging at 27th + Luxe, but I don't feel like I can take that name with me. I'm going to take my time as I continue to strengthen my voice and my vision, so you won't see any changes in the immediate future. Just know I'm planning away behind the scenes and it's awesome!

The second thing is that I am starting a course on June 30th called "Build Your Creative Coaching Business From Scratch" from byRegina. I'm excited about this because while I've started implementing many of the points that will be covered within the modules, the coursework is extremely detailed. I'm looking forward to refining my plans and seeing my business in a new light. I'm really looking forward to receiving feedback from someone who really understands what I'm working to accomplish.

I usually keep these types of things to myself - I don't like sharing until all my ducks are in a row. But I thought I'd try something different this time and keep you in the loop throughout this process. I won't overload you - you'll see tidbits in the newsletter (by the way have you signed up?) and I'll share bits + pieces with you here on the blog as well. The most important takeaway from this post is that when you want something, you go after it. And having other people that you can bounce ideas off of is so crucial, especially when you're new to this freelance/entrepreneur world. You also need to be willing to take a risk on yourself. Haters gonna hate and you have to be able to push through that to reach your bliss. [Click to Tweet]

Are you in the budding stages of your freelance/entrepreneurial career? I'd love to chat!

And one last thing friend! I'd like to know how this blog has rocked your world these past few months. It's a very short survey I promise! The data will help me with my rebrand plans so your feedback is so appreciated!

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION

Being introduced to search engine optimization in grad school and then using it in real life are two very different things! Hopefully this post sheds some light on the subject and helps you in your blogging + business efforts.

Search Engine Optimization or "SEO" is the process of getting traffic from free or organic listings on search engines. Web pages and other content like videos or local listings are shown and ranked based on what a particular search engine identifies as most relevant to users. Major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing have these results. When used as an internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work, what people search for and more. Optimizing a website may involve website editing including content, HTML and related coding. However, SEO may not be appropriate for every website. As a marketing tactic, SEO may deliver adequate ROI, but it is important to keep in mind that because SEO is organic, there is no guarantee of continued referrals.

Moz provides a free SEO beginners guide that gives some great tips for implementing SEO. The best tip for SEO success in my opinion, is to create high quality content. Content Marketing, which was discussed in this post is a great way to get high rankings for your website. This presentation also provides some insight on SEO implementation. And finally, here is an infographic from seoinfographic.org.

via seoinfographic.org

Another great source for learning SEO is through lynda.com. They have video + exercises so that you can practice what you've learned. A key thing to remember as you get started is to title your content by the keywords people are using to search, include your post title within the first paragraph of your content, and link your images as well to make sure they are indexed as well. With practice, you'll get the hang of it in no time. Good luck!

// THE WEEKEND //

image via hola para siempre

Oh THANK YOU! Even with a shorter work week, I thought today would never get here! The cons of being in the cubicle all day while your head is in the clouds I guess! This week was filled with awesomeness on the creative front. I was inspired by so many things and I've started to work on doing more of what I love. I'm finding my way remember?

Let's get all up into that awesomeness shall we!

// By Regina + Vale Design offer up some great tips for launching your freelance biz.

// Looking for tips on finding your signature style? Betty Red can show you how!

// Just do you. Follow your own unique path.

// Ah, I love it when in-person programs are offered online so everyone can partake in the awesomeness! Blogcademy now has a home school program!

// Chasing Happy is now Hello Neverland! Kenzie is just awesome - I'm loving watching her blog grow! And guess what? She's now offering blog + brand audits!

// With so much to do + so little time, it's important to remember to work smarter, not harder.

// Why investing in your business means investing in yourself.

It's very evident where my mind was this week huh?

Have you signed up for the newsletter? It's filled with encouragement + inspiration. I'm also sharing some of my projects there!

sign up here >>>>>>>>>

FINDING MY WAY

image via Little Monster Baby

In high school, I studied journalism, was on the yearbook staff, I took creative writing + photography. I excelled in History and English, I loved drawing colorful notes on notebook paper for my friends. You know the ones - Crayola markers using the hand lettering techniques that only a high schooler could. I took my time on these notes. Every letter had to be drawn out, shaped and colored in just right. Then the letter had to be folded just perfect before they could be passed to a friend or slipped into a locker. I loved my journalism class + being a part of the yearbook staff. I loved going to different events to capture the perfect image + write up the perfect story to match that image. And oh my gosh I was in love with creative writing! I'm sure my notebook is somewhere around here-if I can find it, I MAY share something for some giggles. And I loved photography. I actually learned about composition, shooting in manual, and developing film. Then I went to college and somehow ended up studying business and lost it all.

How in the world did this happen?? That's the question that I'm asking myself today because although I have learned so much since graduating and being employed full-time, being able to look back and reflect on the things I enjoyed before being slapped with reality, I realize something just isn't adding up. And it's interesting that I've been working toward to figuring out what I really want to do since 2011 (when I started thinking about grad school), that everything is coming back around full circle. I'm blogging, I've picked up a camera again, I signed up for that calligraphy course that I still need to take + I'm painting. I've also started journaling + I'm thinking about a creative writing course once grad school is over in a few weeks + life settles down.

Crazy how that happens - how things come full circle, especially when you're meant to be doing something different. My sister started off as a bio major, switched to accounting, worked for a few years, and now she's back in school pursuing her first + true passion, to become a doctor. I'm still working out the kinks, but I'm finding my way. It seems that sometimes to find your way, you must go back to the beginning. So that's what I'm going to do!

What is something that you loved/love to do that maybe slipped away or you don't have as much time to devote to it as you'd like? How can you find your way back to it?

WEEKLY WISHES 13

LAST WEEK'S WISHES

// Go back to personal training + Pure Barre. Oh my gosh! Pray for me that I don't die tonight. I haven't been since before the wedding and my trainer is not going to go easy on me. Oh and pure barre how I've missed you! Please be gentle to all my muscles as I stand on my highest tippy toes, tuck and pulse.

// Get back on track with blogging. This means scheduling my posts and engaging. I still wish I was on vacation. I think the other thing is that I am overflowing with ideas and I am trying to focus on one thing at a time. It may be time to revisit my content plan to help me get back on track.

// Start skillshare course. So, I'm thinking I'm going to go with a Photoshop course first. I added a lot to my wish list, but Photoshop really needs to be tackled. Thankfully I have three weeks left so I can really start digging into the other subjects I'm interested in learning.

// Tie down business ideas. I guess it's okay to be flexible when it comes to this because I'm still figuring it all out, but it really feels (only to me-everyone I ask thinks I make sense so...) like I'm a tad bit all over the place? Any other business owners feel like this?

// Thank you cards. Guys. There are still gifts at my mother's house. And gifts at my house. I have a four day weekend this week so I really need to start working on this before time gets the best of me.

I did make it to personal training this past week and I survived!! I'm excited to get back on track with my fitness routine! As far as blogging is concerned, I've written out some ideas + I'm working on getting things organized. I did get a chance to start that Skillshare course! Awesome sauce! I'm still working on streamlining my business ideas and now I believe I'm on the right track! The thank you cards...well...I've sectioned out the gifts so that Aaron + I can start this week since he is off. Four hands are better than two right?

THIS WEEK'S WISHES

// Go back to personal training + Pure Barre. Adding Pure Barre this week + I'm sure I will be in pain! But, it will be worth it, I'll feel good by the time the weekend gets here!

// Get back on track with blogging. This week I want to focus on engaging. I was able to do this a little bit last week, but I really want to focus on reading and commenting on blogs this week. I've missed it to be honest.

// Start skillshare course. Continue working on Photoshop course.

// Thank you cards. Aaron is off this week, so ideally we'll be able to get quite a bit of this done. I really want to have all the thank you's sent out by no later than mid June.

// Start working on the household budget. This is my job because I'm good at it. Aaron will pay the bills and I'll keep track of the spreadsheet. This is the first time we'll be doing this together so it will be interesting!

// Come up with a date idea. So Aaron has told me that I can pick whatever I want and we will do it this weekend. Yay!! Do you have any suggestions?

Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!

5 TIPS FOR PERSONAL BRANDING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Personal branding has become increasingly popular and all the more important in today’s job market. It is ideal to cultivate a personal brand that is unique and refreshing. Social media will continue to play an important role in personal lives and within business, so it is only fitting that you create a personal brand that will present learning, networking and business opportunities for you. Personal branding is creating a specific look, feel or message that is associated with your name.

Through social media, it is entirely possible for anyone to create their own unique personal brand. When deciding to build your brand, you must first identify your goals – this will help you create a strategy to meet those goals through the use of social media. Here are some key steps to being successful in building your personal brand through social media.

LAST WEEK'S WISHES

//Recover. You know how you need a vacation after your vacation? I am so tired it's not even funny! And I want to get all these thank you cards out of the way as soon as possible. So this week I will be trying to rest and get everything back in order.

//Work on business website. I really want everything under one space. I'm not ready to make that change yet - going to one site - so everything will remain as is for now. I'm still trying to figure out what that would mean for the brand I'm working on building and if I'll need to change direction a bit. But I do need to work on my copy and fine tune some things. So my goal is to start working on that this week.

//Finish these last four weeks of grad school strong. It's almost over!! That's all I have to say about that! Once I finish I can start focusing on some other courses I have my eye on like Blog Life, Brandgasm, and Photoshop. I've been trying to start the classes on my list for the year for a while but, school comes first. So glad I'm almost done so I can pursue my other interests!

This last week was a pretty laid back one. I didn't really get to relax because I was visiting with one aunt before she left and then the other came by too so I was basically wrapped up in family time. Not to mention my daddy turns the big 5-0 today! We celebrated with him on Wednesday and again on Sunday. I had three assignments due, some interviews..."recover" was a bust!! I did get a chance to brainstorm about my business website and make a few changes. I brainstormed some more yesterday and targeted some additional things I'd like to learn and implement. Still a work in progress though. YES!!!! THREE MORE WEEKS!!! I've decided that for now I'm going to let lynda.com go and take some classes on skillshare - it's cheaper and seems like a fun online learning environment. With lynda, there's just too much of a "freshman american government 101 with 200 students" feel to it.

THIS WEEK'S WISHES

LUXE LINK LOVE

Cheers to the weekend!! I'm so glad it's Saturday, aren't you? Today will be my "rest" day because tomorrow we're celebrating my dad's 50th birthday, so I'll have some work to do early in the day. I can't believe it - and he still looks exactly the way he looked when I was a little girl. Both of my parents have good genes...gives me something to look forward to!

I couldn't let the weekend come + go without sharing some of the awesomeness I discovered during the week!

// have you ever heard of The Freelance To Freedom Project? I just discovered this the other day, don't ask me how I found it, but I'm hooked!

// are you an introvert + you dream of owning or already own your own business? Then visit The Marketing Movement to learn the "art of thriving quietly".

// if you enjoyed Emily's guest post and were intrigued by the travel journal, then you'll love reading this oldie but goodie about creating a travel scrapbook.

// I often struggle with being an introvert as I'm sure plenty introverts do. This is an interesting article about being an introvert in an extroverted industry.

// this post makes me want to head back to Austin this summer - so much to explore there!

// now that grad school is almost over, it's time to get back to this sewing business. I've been wanting to try my hand at sewing my own skirt. Do you sew - got any tips?

// since the wedding has come + gone, I'm so excited to start dreaming (with more detail!) about our next home. This living room is so cute + gives me all sorts of inspiration!

And to start your weekend off right, a giveaway!! I'm sponsoring The Nectar Collective and we are giving away $230 in prizes to Etsy and Amazon. Enter the giveaway below and best of luck!

Esther & Jacob | 27th + luxe | The Wellness Doer | Safaris and Sunsets

Food, Booze, & Baggage | Quaintrelle | A Home Away From Home

| Found Love, Now What? |

Foreign Geek | Beauty In Your Eyes | Dreams, etc. | The Nectar Collective

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CHANGING YOUR FOCUS + WHY THAT IS OK!

Have you ever changed directions? How do you feel when you do? Does it make you feel relieved or like a quitter? Or do you feel confused? I feel a bit of all those things and decided it was time to make some adjustments to my plans for the year.

At the beginning of the year I made some goals and while I've done pretty well with working to accomplish them, I've missed the mark on a few things like classes I wanted to take and new skills I wanted to learn. A lot of that has to do with my being overwhelmed with grad school, looking for a new job, wedding planning and working full-time. Now that it's basically June (can you believe it?!), I decided that it would be good to evaluate the goals I created at the beginning of the year.

As I'm nearing the end of my degree program and as I continue my job search, I am constantly thinking about the plans I have for the blog and for studio27L. As things continue to evolve and change in my life, so do my goals for this space and my business. That can get really frustrating! I'm still working out the kinks where branding is concerned and I'm constantly considering whether or not what I choose will remain relevant down the road.

I'm all about simplification remember? So I thought why not try to make my life a little easier and simplify my goals for the rest of the year:

BLOG

+ continue to post consistently

+ create quality content

+ engage with the community

BUSINESS

+ work on website

+ secure more clients

+ HUSTLE

CONTINUING EDUCATION

+ blog life

+ brandgasm

+ photoshop

So much simpler right? How are you coming along with your goals? Or if you chose to focus on a word for the year, how is that going? It may be time to take a look at the progress you've made towards your goals/living out your word of the year. Are your goals and your vision still the same? If so, GREAT!! And, if not, it is totally okay to reassess and change directions. Change is good.

I'M BACK!!!

Hello! I'm back...wish I was still on the island, but I'm back! First, I'd like to send a HUGE heartfelt thanks to all the ladies who guest blogged for me last week. In case you missed it, you can check out their posts here. They shared some pretty awesome information to get you ready for vacation season! Also, check out their blogs and follow them on social media.

LAST WEEK'S WISHES

//Take care of last minute wedding to do list. Oh are there last minute to-do's! It's not as bad as it seems though. I've dropped everything off at the planners house that I needed to take to her. Now it's the little things for the day like get nails done, get bridesmaids gifts packaged, etc.

//Put last minute items into suitcase for honeymoon. I packed this past Saturday because I went to the mall to purchase my clothes for the honeymoon. I like to go through my things when I get home to see if I still feel the same way I felt at the store when I decided to purchase it. While I was doing that, I decided to pack. This week I'll just need to add lotion, body wash, etc.

//Enjoy these last few days of being engaged. This has been a challenge because I'm sad about my cousin's death. I was so excited to see him and now I can't. I know he's at peace and I'll be seeing him later and he was so happy and excited for me. So, these next few days I need to be excited too and not sad.

//Get married. Wow...all the planning and preparation has come to an end. I'm getting married on Sunday.

The last week of pre-wedding festivities was pretty laid back! I got everything done, everything packed for the honeymoon, and I got married ya'll! BEST. WEEK. EVER.

THIS WEEK'S WISHES

That's it for this week. Pretty simple. Just trying to ease back into real life and already thinking about my next trip in August.

// THE WEEKEND //

Photo by Mary Costa Photography, DIY Projects and Styling by Studio DIY for Balloon Time

So thankful for Friday! This has felt like the longest week and it's likely that the next three weeks will feel that way as well as I count down to the wedding + our honeymoon!

I wanted to leave you with some links for the weekend. If you're planning on at least a few hours to yourself like me, you'll love these!

// Vacation time is upon us. The Well had a great post about how to prepare your blog for your vacation.

// Found this post about Facebook business pages...interesting.

// I discovered Sissy + Marley via Made By Girl. This is so my style and what I picture for my future kiddos.

// Have you heard of Brand Market? They recently held the workshop in ATL. See the recap here and here. I'm really hoping to attend someday.

// I shared some basic but essential blog design tips this week. Check it out, there's also a free + quite handy worksheet!

// How cute are these easter eggs? She's ALWAYS got awesome stuff on her blog. I'v got so many of her projects on my "to try" list.

// Need to track your site stats? Here's a great post on how to do it without becoming obsessed.

// Need some tips on creating a routine? This post offers some great ones.

// If you're a business owner, you'll appreciate this post on cultivating great client relationships.

Have an awesome weekend, do something for you + remember to love yourself!

PROCRASTINATION - 5 TOOLS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK

Before I get started with today's post, I'd like to direct your attention over to my sidebar. Are you looking? Great! You may or may not have noticed that I've created a reader survey and I'd love for you to take it. It's not very long I promise!

I've shared with you about my recent struggles with procrastination, especially during this last term of grad school. Did I tell you it all worked out-I finished with two A's!!! Anyway, I've been observing myself and I've realized that I'm procrastinating because I have other things I'd much rather be doing (work on my blog, work on my goals to have my own business, sleep, etc.). I thought it would be a good idea to share some tools to stay focused and organized, especially when your mind is going 100 miles per minute, focusing on everything else but the task at hand.

// Mind Mapping: A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from the center, and less important categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks or other items related to a central key word or idea.

**update: There is mind mapping software available if you want to create one digitally. You could also use other programs like PowerPoint, Photoshop, or good ole pen and paper.**

// Evernote: Evernote makes it easy to remember things big and small from your everyday life using your computer, phone, tablet and the web. Evernote also has other products like Evernote Remember, Skitch, Evernote Peek and Penultimate.

// Wunderlist: Wunderlist is the easiest way to manage and share your to-do lists. Whether you’re planning an overseas adventure, sharing a shopping list with a loved one or running your very own business, Wunderlist allows you to collaborate anywhere with anyone. Wunderlist syncs across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows and the Web to keep you on top of to-dos from just about any device.

// Planner: I am currently using a Lilly Pulitzer planner to keep track of my life. I got it because it was pretty, but I am planning on switching over to the Whitney English Day Designer or the Emily Ley Simplified Life Planner next year.

// Notebook: This is where it all goes down! This is where I write my ideas, goals, plans, blog posts, sketches. It's really a messy notebook that would only make sense to me. I'm using the greenroom notebooks that you can find at Target. I like moleskins, but I don't like their price. A notebook is a notebook at the end of the day.

I have used everything on this list, but right now I'm mostly using Wunderlist, a planner and a notebook. I use Wunderlist because it keeps my to do list organized by what's going on in my life like, school, the blog and the wedding. My notebook is where I jot down ideas and a to do list as well, but it can get pretty sloppy. The planner was being used to keep track of my to do's, but Wunderlist and the notebook have taken over. I like the day designer and plan on purchasing one in the future because it will give me some worksheets that are centered around my business and brand. I've been making my own thus far and that's been working, but sometimes I like to simply "do" without thinking about the how.

What tools do you use to stay on track and avoid procrastination street?

Tanay blogs over at This Girl & the World a lifestyle blog focused on...well life! Some of my favorite posts are about her hair journey, scheduling posts in advance "because sh*t happens"(that's certainly the truth for me this week!), and I just love a good inspiration board filled with clothes!