December 2019

Sue Ko / 2019

Is it possible that no amount of planning, reading, journaling, reflecting, online programs, free webinars (aka extra long promos) or big chats with your bestie will make you feel 100% ready to do “the thing”? Maybe it‘s not even about being ready. Maybe it’s about taking a leap of faith and BELIEVING you have the smarts to figure it out along the way? Almost every biggish pretty important thing in my life, I didn't feel ready or “qualified” for. Examples of a few of my real life non-readiness: my driving test (other drivers...

I expressed my interest in a design project yesterday without knowing too much of the details. Almost immediately afterwards, I felt a sense of dread and regret that I'd put myself forward. The fear. The anxiety. I thought to myself, please pleeeease, DON'T PICK ME!! Why do I do this to myself!? The dread and anxiety was my intuition telling me it wasn't right. A misalignment between my heart and my head. My gut feeling. My *inner stink* as my youngest used to call it...

Stay with me if you want an introverted newbie’s coping strategies for talking on camera on Instagram stories! For the past month, I’ve been making myself do a video story once a week. Though I've often questioned if it’d REALLY help people "know, like and trust" me? What if it makes them DISlike me instead? Is anyone even interested in what I'm saying? Doubts and discomfort aside, I decided to prove to myself I can do it. So, here are 5 newbie coping tips for talking on camera in Instagram Stories: 1. Do lots...

Who doesn't like a good declutter to kick off a new month? I'm talking about a kon mari of the digital variety. Digital decluttering helps me focus better. Warning: Do not use this as a procrastination technique! The trick is to start with a few easy things to build momentum. Here's a checklist to get you started on a speed digital declutter: Delete phone apps you no longer use and move all the ones you hardly ever use into a separate folder to free up screen space. Clear your computer desktop so that...

One of the things I get asked often by business owners is how they can make their Instagram feed more visually cohesive. Whilst a "pretty" feed can be beneficial (and fun!), I believe ensuring the content you share is genuine and helpful, is equally, if not more important. I always recommend getting really clear on your brand strategy FIRST so you have a strong foundation and clarity for what your business is about. I'm talking about your brand's purpose/why, your brand values, how you want to make your customer's feel, and...

Have you ever wondered why you have your best ideas in the shower? Apparently when you're showering, you're in Theta state, which is also associated with daydreaming and deep meditation. So, when you're in the shower, you have the perfect conditions for stimulating creative thinking. 3 reasons why your best ideas come in the shower: 1. You're relaxed. You feel safe, comfortable and if you're lucky, you're kids aren't in there with you, so your mind is relaxed and free to wander, and zone out. 2. Your dopamine is flowing. When you're relaxed and feeling chilled, your...

I asked my husband how he’d describe what I value most, to someone who'd never met me. He paused. It was a long pause. Luckily we are way past the awkward silences stage. He said holding onto special moments is really important to me, and I do whatever I can to capture those memories. I showed him the notes from when I brainstormed what's important to me. Some of my WHY's. Gosh, he knows me well. I wrote: "Sentimental. I don't want to forget all the magical moments. I want to hold onto them...

As an entrepreneur, developing a strong personal brand is so important. If you think about all your marketing efforts as the way you communicate with your audience, then your brand personality is your VIBE during those interactions. Much like when you meet someone, and you click straightaway. It's hard to pin point exactly why you click, but you know you like their vibe and energy. When you know your brand personality, these characteristics will shine through in your Instagram captions, blog content, newsletters, visual imagery, packaging, and the way you respond to...

Your Instagram bio is such a great opportunity to tell your potential clients and customers how you can serve them, and to connect with them. If you are thinking about giving your bio a makeover, here's 4 simple things to keep in mind: 1. Include your name When was the last time you introduced yourself by your business name only? Probably never, right? If it’s just you in your business, include your name in your bio! I like to address people by names which can be tricky when they don't include their name...

Weekends are even better when there is time to rest. And I don't necessarily mean having a sleep in, or a siesta. Although I'm not opposed to either of those! "Rest" can be about giving ourselves breathing space. The chance to take it slow and easy...