Aligned Action Podcast

From meaningful actions to misalignments, my latest report dives deep. Discover why readers find my book transformative for business, celebrate a milestone in my human design podcast journey with me, and learn how I stayed on track in March. I invite you to reflect on your own month that was, with alignment questions you can ask yourself to find clarity.

You've got a front row seat into what felt aligned for me in February, what didn't feel aligned (aka my biggest nos and mistakes) and the most meaningful actions I took.  Doing these recaps for you is helpful because it makes me pay attention to what’s going on for me, and I want you to feel that way as well. By listening to these, I hope to inspire you with a model for your own self-reflection that you can bring into the next month - March 2024. Links mentioned: my new book - Beyond Brand Voice: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Brand-Voice-Copywriting-Entrepreneurs/dp/1738063003 Retiring soon... Facet Bundle: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet-bundle Anna Nichols' Human Design Happy Hour: https://www.instagram.com/iamannanichols/ Mariah Magazine's Intentional Networking: https://www.instagram.com/mariahmagazineco/

In the latest segment of my popular series of Alignment Reports, I share the wins, losses, and meaningful actions from January 2024 within my own business. I take you on a journey through my recent foray into self-publishing. From wrestling with cover designs to figuring out spine formatting, every step taught me something new. From the launch of my brand-new podcast: the Human Design Profiles and Entrepreneurship Podcast, hopping on the Talking Freelance podcast as a guest and joining Lindsay Dollinger's Summit, lots happened in January. Of course, no journey is without its hiccups. Cue the barcode saga – a little misstep in the self-publishing process that taught me some invaluable lessons. As January draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the wins, the challenges, and everything in between. It’s so worth it to be reflective and build your self-awareness as you build your business.

In this catchup Alignment Report episode, I share everything that’s felt aligned and not aligned in the last three months - plus my most meaningful actions. Mentioned on the show: Podcast Guest Collab Community https://www.thepodcastcollaborative.com/ Femunify (Skill Exchange Community) https://www.femunify.com/ AI Hackathan Summit by Funstans https://chantelle.krtra.com/t/icL1ApQCs9lF Descript https://www.descript.com/ Akiflow https://akiflow.com/ Custom Human Design Affirmation Cards https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1414574523/custom-human-design-affirmation-deck

Delve into some intriguing questions exploring the world of platforms... we'll discuss how to ask your audience where they hang out without feeling creepy, and why it's essential to provide context when gathering market insights. You'll also hear about TikTok and whether it's still worth investing your time, how to maximize efficiency on platforms, and the importance of being intentional with your marketing efforts. We'll talk about the dilemma of being on Facebook when you dislike the platform, and how to decide if it's necessary for your business. Plus, I'll guide you through the process of creating impactful conversion content that resonates with your audience. And if you're worried about reach and impact without overcomplicating things or wasting time, we'll discuss some strategies to stay authentic while growing your audience. In the end, remember that there are no strict rules in content marketing, and it's okay to experiment and find what works best for you. Let's explore these questions together and discover how you can approach platform marketing with a mindset of intention and purpose. Learn more with Facet: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

Let's dive into the power of affirmations to help you tackle the beliefs surrounding platforms and create a more positive and confident mindset. As a solopreneur, finding the right platforms and navigating them strategically can be overwhelming. By working with affirmations, you can open up long-held beliefs and blocks, allowing for a more flowy and aligned approach. I share 50 affirmations created specifically for you, 13 of which are highlighted in the latest issue of Facet. These affirmations aim to empower you, boost your confidence, and help you leverage aligned platforms to amplify your message. They encourage you to embrace a mindset of abundance, intention, and strategic platform choices that align with your goals and values as a solopreneur. Shift your perspective and create a positive and focused approach to platform marketing - join me in this episode as we explore the transformative impact of affirmations on your platform marketing mindset.

Want to meet Liz, the entrepreneur who inspired the creation of the latest issue of Facet? As a premier personal assistant, Liz expressed her struggles with finding clients on various marketing platforms and the desire for a guide to simplify the process of choosing where to market herself. Her insights became the foundation for "The Practical Platform Choices" issue, which focuses on helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions about platforms based on alignment, ideal clients, efficiency, and platform features. Facet, a quarterly print publication, is designed for solo entrepreneurs in their early to middle stages of business. It offers valuable resources, low-key learning, and a break from screen time. Each issue draws inspiration from real conversations and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, translating them into practical information and advice. Whether you're a coach, psychologist, artist, or any other type of entrepreneur, Facet provides clarity and support to make your entrepreneurial journey smoother and more successful. Visit clearquartzcreative.co/facet to explore the various options available and enjoy this new way of learning about entrepreneurship. Mentioned in this episode: Liz @letlizhandleit Annie Ruggles  Facet - https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

It's so important to trust that you're receiving straightforward advice and insights from coaches and experts. As a small business owner myself, I understand the need for guidance that draws from lived experiences and expertise. While I value individual learning styles and coaching approaches, I personally prefer direct and authentic communication. As a coach, I believe in sharing my opinions and advice to empower business owners. In this episode, I explore the concept of platform bias and the influence it has on marketing strategists. Unlike platform influencers who advocate for a specific platform, my goal is to promote intentionality and self-awareness. I emphasize the importance of choosing platforms aligned with your values and clients, without any vested interests. By being impartial, I aim to help you make informed decisions and set meaningful goals in your business journey. Join me in this episode as we navigate the world of platforms, empowering you to be discerning and intentional in your choices. Want to go deeper? Get the current issue of Facet: clearquartzcreative.co/facet

You're concerned about screen time and its impact on your well-being as an entrepreneur who is spending so much time online marketing your business. As a small business owner, finding a balance between online marketing and reducing screen time can be challenging.  In this episode, I share three effective strategies: using an app like One Sec to curb impulsive app usage, setting time-based goals instead of task-based goals, and utilizing voice-to-text features or transcription apps to reduce typing and save screen time. Within the pages of Facet, I share six more effective strategies to help you achieve balance between marketing and screens. Join me to discover practical ways to maintain a healthy screen time and small business owner balance. https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

Explore the concept of repurposing content into a thriving online presence!  Discover the Repurposed Marketing Matrix, a powerful tool featured in the latest issue of Facet - Practical Platform Choices. Through this comprehensive feature, you'll learn how to repurpose your content across various platforms, from Instagram to LinkedIn, Facebook to TikTok, and more. The matrix guides you with specific ideas and techniques, ensuring that your content resonates effectively in each unique environment. By repurposing content, you expand your reach, engage different audiences, reinforce core messages, and increase consistency across platforms. It also offers advantages in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) and allows you to cater to different learning preferences and styles.  To embark on this journey of repurposing and simplify your content marketing strategy, grab a copy of Facet's latest issue or subscribe to access ongoing support and personal insights.  https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

Welcome to an episode brought to you by the "What's Your Entrepreneurial Pattern?" quiz! Discover the mindset blocks associated with each of the patterns and how they relate to your confidence in marketing yourself on the right platform for you and your ideal clients. I delve into the eight patterns identified in the quiz and chat about their implications for making aligned choices in platform selection. From the Outer Doubts pattern, which feeds on comparison and fear of judgment, to the Inner Beginner pattern, where hesitancy to listen to your inner voice holds you back, each pattern offers unique insights into your mindset. I offer practical exercises and guidance from Facet, a print-only publication designed to support service-based entrepreneurs like you. With Facet, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to navigate platform choices with confidence and intentionality. Subscribe to Facet today and let's navigate this path together, empowering you to market your services effectively and authentically. https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

Imagine if your next month on social media and search platforms could be your most successful one yet, leading to consistent clients, business growth, and the fulfillment of your passion projects. In this thought-provoking episode, I delve into the indicators that reveal whether your time spent on platforms is being wasted or utilized effectively. Join me as we explore the challenges and provide actionable solutions to help you align your efforts with tangible results. We'll discuss five key indicators that signal wasted time on social media and search platforms: an inactive audience, a lack of results, an inconsistent presence, a lack of strategy or direction, and time overwhelm. Together, we'll uncover the root causes and discuss how to shift behaviors and habits to overcome these challenges. To further support you on your journey, grab your copy of Facet, a print-only publication designed to empower small business owners like you with practical strategies for success. The current issue, "Practical Platform Choices," explores nine different platforms, offering valuable insights and helping you identify the platforms that align with your business goals. By focusing on a few key platforms and leveraging their strengths, you can eliminate wasted time and achieve meaningful outcomes. Take action today by subscribing to Facet: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

The pressure of handling everything alone in your small business can be overwhelming. Let's address the challenges you face around marketing platforms and finally answer the question of how many you truly need. Rather than telling you what to do, I believe in empowering you to discover the answers for yourself. Whether you're stuck in choosing platforms, lacking confidence in your current ones, or contemplating a change, this episode's got you covered. Listen to explore the two platform types—social media and search—and gain insights on building a community, engaging with your audience, and creating long-form content. The goal is to help you make informed decisions that align with your ideal client and personal preferences. Simplify your marketing journey, foster connections, and find the platforms that resonate with you! If you're ready to take the next step and gain certainty in your choices, I invite you to order Facet, our quarterly print issue designed to assist entrepreneurs like you.  https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

The next best thing to having a copy of this issue of Facet in your hands... If you want to follow along with this first-of-its-kind episode walkthrough for the Practical Platform Choices issue, order your copy right here: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet Inside, I help you choose the two platforms that will work best for you and your ideal clients so you can create transformations through your services!

In this episode, we're diving into the question that every service provider and online business owner asks themselves: Where are my ideal clients hanging out? Today, we're going to help you figure out the answer to this elusive question. By identifying the platforms where people are already searching for your services, you can strategically focus your marketing efforts where your ideal clients are most likely to see them. Using examples of a forest bathing guide and an art therapist, I demonstrate how to determine the platforms your ideal clients are using. We'll discuss popular platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, while considering the demographics and preferences of your target audience.  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of guessing which platforms your ideal clients are on, don't worry! I've got you covered with the new issue of Facet: Practical Platform Choices. Inside, you'll find detailed profiles of various platforms, including the demographics they attract and the overall vibe of each platform. This resource will save you time and provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about where to focus your marketing efforts. So, join me in this episode as we unravel the mystery of where your ideal clients hang out. Get ready to gain clarity, make intentional decisions, and attract the right people to grow your business. And remember, when it comes to choosing platforms, it's not about guesswork or stress—it's about alignment and informed decision-making. Facet: https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

In this episode, we explore the importance of alignment in choosing the right search and social media platforms. By spending time on platforms that resonate with you, you can enjoy marketing rather than feeling resentful or stressed. We'll discuss how finding clients hinges on marketing in the right place, and we'll delve into platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, blogging, and podcasting. Learn how to make strategic choices based on self-knowledge and preferences, incorporating positive psychology principles and aligning with your strengths. Discover how to use tools like human design horoscopes and astrological signs to make more informed decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to help you find joy in marketing, reach your desired audience, and build a successful business by aligning yourself with the right platforms. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and effective marketing strategies in this episode of Aligned Action. Take the next step and upgrade your business with the Practical Platform Choices Issue of Facet: clearquartzcreative.co/facet

In this episode, you're a witness of my journey of self-reflection and gratitude in business. Join me as I explore what was aligned for myself and Clear Quartz Creative in June including what felt aligned, what wasn't aligned, and my most meaningful actions. An authentic look at my real solopreneur-led business - and all the emotions and thoughts that entails. I invite you to listen and learn from my experiences, and complete an alignment report of your own for this past month.  Links mentioned in this episode: Juliet Obodo Business Bundle - https://www.fwrdinstitute.com/ Behind the Launch, Brenna McGowan - https://behindthelaunch.co/ Facet's Practical Platform Choices Issue - https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

Join me on my introspective journey, where I share my raw and incomplete thoughts on feeling grateful enough and discovering the bigger picture of my work. From reflecting on the privilege of flexible self-employment to contemplating the meaning of life through a fictional book I just finished reading, we navigate the depths of purpose and the transformative power of gratitude.  Discover how aligning your inner world with your business can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and gratitude in this thought-provoking episode. Connect with your innermost thoughts so you can grow your business with Facet: clearquartzcreative.co/facet

In this special mini-episode of The Aligned Action Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of measuring and tracking what matters most to us. Join me to explore how measuring creates meaning and how it can help us direct the flow of energy in our lives and businesses. Discover the surprising ways tracking my reading habits changed everything for me, from prioritizing books over TV to attending more book club meetings and even writing Facet.  What do you already measure to create meaning, and what new areas of your life could benefit from tracking? Share your insights with us by sending an email to hello@clearquartzcreative.co or reaching out on Insta @clearquartzcreative. Let's embrace the power of measurement together and unlock new levels of fulfillment in our businesses. Get started with Facet - https://www.clearquartzcreative.co/facet

In this episode, it's time to dive into the 8 patterns and explore how they relate to your brand voice. As an entrepreneur, you experience different patterns at different times, so it's important to understand which entrepreneurial pattern is influencing your brand voice: Failure Fixation, Focused to a Fault, Outer Doubts, Inner Spinner, Half-Habit, Get Out of Your Comfort-Zoned, Spontaneous Strategy, and Inner Beginner. Learn about each pattern's characteristics and how it specifically impacts your learning and personal growth around the brand voice facet. Get valuable tools and exercises to overcome these patterns and work through mindset blocks, allowing you to confidently develop your unique brand voice.  So, grab your quiz result at clearquartzcreative.co/quiz and get ready to uncover the patterns influencing your brand voice in this insightful episode. Next, get your print issue so you can follow along at home: clearquartzcreative.co/facet