Tell Us How You Really Feel

/in , , , /by

“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.

Read more →

Is Anyone Reading What You’re Writing?

/in , , , , /by

“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.

Read more →

3 Ways to Put More “Heart” in Your Marketing

/in /by

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

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

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

/in , , , , , , , /by

“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

/in , , /by

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

/in /by

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 →

Take Heart

/in , , , , /by

The heart-shaped balloons and bedazzled boxes of candy started hitting shelves January 2nd.

I think buying chocolate a month and a half before gifting it to your sweetheart is a bit sketchy. But I do enjoy seeing hearts at every turn. They’re a daily reminder of the value of moving through the world with an open heart.

I’m often asked why I named my business Open Heart Creative. The questions range from, “So, what’s with the heart thing?” to “Oh, you mean, like, open heart surgery?” Read more →

New Year, True You

/in , , /by

It’s practically impossible to resist the urge to make that “new year, new you” vow. You know the one: To look better, feel better, be better.

The world is awash in advice for making sure 2016 is our best. Year. Ever.

We should walk more, read more, sleep more, call more. And eat less, drink less, spend less, stress less. We’re encouraged to reorganize, prioritize and – for the love of God – put that phone away.

There have been some good reminders about the importance of releasing regrets and creating space for what’s next. Read more →