A Tip from Jackie: Talk to Yourself!

You need to be able to explain your value to your worst critic–YOU. This is especially important when you’re raising your prices. I know that most solos are nervous about quoting a price and asking for money. We do not negotiate prices in this country like they do at the markets in many nations. We Read More …

Do You Have What it Takes to Be Your Own Boss? By Guest Blogger Megan Ritter

A note from Jackie: I’m delighted to feature this guest post from LA-based writer and SEO professional Megan Ritter. Check out her fabulous infographic here! Shot Caller If you’re reading this article, you might be one of those people who is working for someone else, working at their appointed hours and meeting their deadlines. Have you Read More …

A Tip from Jackie: Be the Expert–How to Make Your Name Synonymous with Your Topic

Part of being successful as a solo means that you develop your reputation as a “go-to” expert in your deep and narrow niche. Why? Because when your expertise is recognized, two things happen: First, people will wait for you—they want to work with YOU. And second, people will pay you marginally more money for your Read More …

A Tip from Jackie: The Zing Factor–How to Talk About Your Work

Solopreneurship is one of the fastest growing forms of business. It is so easy to enter a solo enterprise. You are bringing the capital for the business with your skill set and your knowledge. I call it monetizing your expertise. You can sell what you know or what you know how to do. People are Read More …

A Note from Jackie: Do Your Homework!

Well, it finally feels like autumn here in Portland, Oregon: pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu at Starbucks, the leaves are turning red and gold…and the rain is pouring down. But I have to admit that I love this season, rain and all. I get that old “back-to-school” feeling. I think back to Read More …

“Golden Puppy: STOP” by guest blogger Fay Putnam

One of the three principles of the Alexander Technique is inhibition, that is, to STOP! Simple, right? We recognize something is not working and we stop. Slam-Dunk-Done!! I was watching our 22-month-old puppy, Tobey. Mostly, he does not know what stopping or inhibiting means, in any way. He is all forward to go! In one Read More …

“Diversify Your Risk and Income with a Portfolio Career” by guest blogger Laura Schlafly

This article originally appeared on the Mac’s List Blog of July 3, 2013. More people are patching together a livelihood from a variety of sources. Job security no longer comes from an employer, but from your marketable and transferrable skills. They’re creating their own portfolio career, which, according to Penelope Trunk, is: “Not the same Read More …

“7 Ways Blogging Can Improve Your Business” by guest blogger Tony Evans

According to recent business courses, if you want your business to be successful, you need to work on building a steady and stable presence online. Not only will this allow you to engage with customers, but it can also make your life much easier, in terms of PR and market research. Need a bit of Read More …

Shaped by the Power of “NO”

A note from Jackie… It is so easy to get distracted from working towards our goal. There are so many possibilities out there–so many choices, so many distractions. How in the world can we stay focused and on track? Case Study One of my Better, Smarter, Richer clients told a great story a few weeks Read More …

Five Things I Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Business by guest blogger Luna Jaffe

1. You have to love wearing many hats! You will be doing that thing you love – painting, writing, photography, coaching—but you will also be the business manager, accountant, marketer and salesperson. Each of these skills requires time to develop, which typically costs money. One of the biggest mistakes I see is not recognizing the Read More …