Who Are You Talking To?

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“For better or worse, a writer is working all the time.” Robert Bruce

I would argue that this premise isn’t 100% true – at least among the writers I hang out with. But for the sake of argument, let’s pretend it is.

If writers are writing all the time, it would be safe to assume that they steer clear of the common pitfalls ordinary folks experience when they put pen to paper {so to speak.}

Again – I beg to differ. Read more →

Everything Interesting is 90% Boring

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In an interview with Krista Tippett for The On Being Project, author Elizabeth Gilbert said, “Everything that’s interesting is 90% boring.”

She was talking about how “creative” jobs may seem glamorous, but the work is actually tedious. Lately I’ve been feeling that way about blog writing.

I love what I do for a living and have no shortage of ideas to write about. But sometimes the process of turning even the most exciting idea into marketing content can be a total buzzkill.

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Eyeball Talking

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Last week I watched an episode of Pluto Living in which the star {Pluto} says, “Eyeball talking is the way to go when wearing your mask.”

Pluto is a “talking” Schnauzer from Canada who has become somewhat of a celebrity since her videos debuted on Facebook in March. She dispenses helpful advice on coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. And she’s very, very funny. {You can find her on Facebook or Instagram. Read more →

Tell Us How You Really Feel

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“It’s bold to own your voice.” – Jamie Ridler

“But I can’t say that, can I?”

Of all the questions clients ask, this one’s my favorite. Why? Because it means they know what they want to say about themselves and their businesses. They just need help getting the message out there.

Opening our hearts to the world often feels risky.

It takes courage to be who we are. To say what we think and feel without worrying that we’re going too far. Revealing too much. Shining a light on our weaknesses.

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Is Anyone Reading What You’re Writing?

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“Easy reading is damn hard writing.” – Anonymous

I wrote this before the COVID-19 s**t storm hit, and have struggled with whether to revise or toss it. Who needs more crap to sift through when we’re focused on staying afloat?

But one of the ways I cope with anxiety is by being productive. So I’m posting it – not just to have something to do, but because it’s {sort of} relevant.

Now more than ever, the content we write has to be readable.

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3 Ways to Put More “Heart” in Your Marketing

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As women entrepreneurs and business owners, we can sometimes get in our own way. We’re afraid to say too much. Get too real. Or we think there’s some magic book of marketing rules that dictates what we can say and how we can say it.

But here’s the thing: In today’s noisy marketing space, having an honest and heartfelt voice – and using it consistently – is imperative if you want to differentiate your business from everyone else’s. And truly engage with your audience. Read more →

Take 5

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I’m not embarrassed to admit it – I’m just plain exhausted.

The end of 2019 seemed like a mad race to the finish. And the thought of setting goals, the pressure to plan something befitting the dawn of a new decade – even choosing my word for the year (a process I normally relish) – feels a bit daunting.

If all the overly-enthusiastic social posts and “get in gear for 2020” emails make you want to pull the covers over your head, here’s a thought: Let’s just take five.  Read more →

Give the Gift of Authenticity

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“At its heart, a compelling brand story is a kind of gift that gives your audience a way to connect with you as one person to another.” Ann Handley

Just in time for the holiday shopping blitz, the WSJ reported at least a third of the online reviews for major retailers are phony.

In my neighborhood, inflatables sprouted on front lawns like weeds. Faux reindeer mixed with twirling snow globes and outsized Woodys or Charlie Browns. Read more →

Finding Your Tribe

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At a networking event last week, a woman I’d just met asked if anything has surprised me on the journey from where I started my business to where I am today. Without hesitation, I replied, “The fact that my idea actually worked!”

During the year I spent dreaming about Open Heart Creative, there was one thing I knew for sure: I wanted to work with women-led businesses.

I got plenty of pushback. “Why target just women?” “Aren’t you limiting yourself?” Read more →

Blog Love

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Writing blog posts is something clients pay me to do. And I absolutely love doing it. The downside? Completely neglecting my own blog.

So – I promised my business coach in July that I’d re-start my blog in September. It seemed like a reasonable amount of time to come up with an idea worthy of the moment.

Silly me. The “moment” arrives. I sit in front of the computer, open a blank Word doc, and – nothin’.

After taking a deep breath, I start scrolling through photos on my phone. I have a habit of snapping pics of signs with words or phrases that strike my fancy. Maybe inspiration lurks in someone else’s words? Read more →