Blair Shackle

Coaching + Marketing + Virtual Assisting

Consciously connect with YOUR clients + community in 2018!

Who is already feeling the excitement of growth and change that a new year always brings? I know I am! 

Are you ready to grow your client list, find consistency in communicating with your target audience, and feel confident in your business? 

If you answer “yes” — I would LOVE to help you! 

So, I’m offering a very special deal for wellness and holistic business owners and practitioners… 10% off any 6-month marketing package that begins in January or early February 2018.

I have very limited spots available (1 or 2), but I will be happy to place you on my client waiting list if needed! 

I am very grateful for my wonderful clients… here’s what they have to say about working with me…

“Blair Shackle has been an amazing resource assisting me with social media posts, capturing my transformational coaching business in words and images, and clarifying the expression of my passion. Her depth of knowledge and wisdom combined with her probing questions and gentle invitations to expand the reach and format of my message has been empowering and a joy!” – Michele Rae

 

“Since I’ve been working with Blair all the things I had been intending to do for months have actually been getting done — which is important in building relationships with my clients.  Blair is open, creative, fun, supportive, efficient and communicates clearly. She makes my life easier. Need I say more? Hire her.” – Julie Jacky

Here are some ideas on how I can help 

  • Social media marketing — from basic (set up your Facebook page) to advanced (helping you maximize Instagram and video promotion) — I love it all! 
  • Graphic design
  • Creative and heart-connected consulting
  • All things newsletter — design, editing, administrative tasks, anything!
  • Blog graphics, inputting on your website, editing, and more!
  • Event promotion 
  • Facebook ads
  • Sales or product promotion
  • Intuitive and creative consulting
  • Genuinely connecting with your audience

What I hope you experience when working with me

  • More time to focus on your purposeful business and more time for self-care
  • Creative, personal, and brand-focused copy and graphics that engages your audience and helps you stand out
  • Growth in customer/client reach and sales through soulful and structured marketing
  • An energetically positive explosion  of new ideas and insights to help you feel more confident, connected, and calm in your work
  • Confidence and joy that you are working with someone who cares for you and what you are offering to the world

Now, you get to dream up all that you desire and I will create a custom marketing package with a custom price just for you and your unique business! Package pricing varies; I also offer 1 or 2 services a la carte via contract. 

I would be honored to help your business shine with spirit and structure! Let me assist you with the best marketing and digital practices for holistic businesses while you focus on your purpose and passion!

Do you need some more inspiration or questions answered about my services? Head on over to my Mindful Marketing services page. 

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Why hire me for marketing? Check out some of my FAQs. 

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Great question! I do my best to keep a small roster so I can devote thoughtful time and energy to each client. I want to be able to be fully present and enthusiastic about my work so I typically cap my marketing clientele to 4-5 per month.

If my list is full, I will add you to my waiting list.

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More about me

My passion is assisting wellness entrepreneurs, with spirit and structure, who are looking to grow a positive and prosperous online presence through social media marketing, WordPress services, newsletter creation, blog assistance, graphic design, creative consulting, and virtual assisting. I have 11 years of marketing experience in both the corporate and holistic worlds and use my highly-sensitive superpower to help holistic businesses find more connection, clarity, and creativity. 

Read more here.

 

Ready to love your social media and have time to focus on your passion? Contact me today!

Terms and conditions: New clients only. Offer only available for a 6-month package. The contract must be signed by Monday, February 5, 2018. 

Why a digital detox is oh-so-important

Bright orange, vibrant red, and shimmering yellow leaves of fall. Powerful, lapping waves of Lake Superior. Tall bluffs. Muddy hiking trails. Ample sunshine. Full hearts. 

This is the North Shore of Minnesota in autumn. Would you believe I spent three days there if you didn’t see any photographic or social media evidence? Hmm….

I spent three days ‘up north,’ as we say around these parts, without my phone or computer. And no, I’m not crazy 🙂 It was glorious.

digital-detox

I don’t have to remind you how much time you spend online. Searching, scrolling, squinting. There’s always something to discover, someone to connect with, and endless topics to educate yourself on. But on the not-so-pretty side of things, there’s always someone’s life to compare to yours that leaves you feeling empty and envious. And sometimes do you wonder why you’re still scrolling through websites and random social media profiles after four hours? I do. Like anything, there’s a light and a dark side to the Internet. 

In my case, as a marketing and digital media specialist, I spend a loooooot of time on the Google machine. Like any job, it wears you out if you don’t make breaks a priority — especially when you could be working all. the. time. And I was not making breaks (true, get-away-from-the-computer breaks) a priority and my work-life balance was suffering. 

A few weeks before my vacation to celebrate my 8th wedding anniversary (yay!), I heard some whispers that I should not bring my phone. Really? I thought. Could I do it? Would I have the sweats and shakes? I had some real doubts if I could or should do it. My ego kept pestering me to find excuses to bring my phone, but alas, I listened to the guidance of my soul. 

News flash: it was way easier and more enjoyable than I could have imagined!

We headed up to northern Minnesota and I made sure to bring a few great books to read and a coloring book to keep me occupied. It was funny because I thought I would lean on them a lot in the car, but I didn’t. I simply enjoyed the ride, scenery, and conversation with my husband. It was refreshing not to have my device in tow, because I would habitually pick it up and scroll through the randomness. 

After this experience, I want to make this a habit. Once a month, I am going to have my husband “hide” my phone and if anyone wants to get a hold of me, they can through my hubby (as we did on the trip). In fact, my detox weekend is coming up *this* weekend and I think I’ll also do it right after Thanksgiving 🙂 

Here are a few quick things I learned and ideas that may help you if you are thinking of doing a digital detox…

If you are feeling disengaged, irritable, stressed, or unhappy, try a digital detox

Yes, I really believe a break from technology can help you reconnect to and reground your emotions. It’s like a supplement, sometimes we are deficient in a nutrient and we need something to help us feel better for a short period of time. In our wild world these days, it is super easy to become deficient in genuine connection. Now this is not only with others, but with ourselves. 

By taking away something that takes us away from our true feelings and emotions, we are able to recharge our connection to soul. 

When was the last time you enjoyed something without feeling the need to share it? 

Sometimes we have to keep our happiness close to our own hearts. Hey…I totally get wanting to share and spread joy to others. I offer this advice often to my clients — BUT! — sometimes certain magic needs to be experienced with you (and a few select loved ones) intimately. 

Experience the world around you with all five senses. Live simply for a few days. Appreciate the world around you with just your eyes and heart. This will help your body and your spirit to reground itself.

Trust that life continues to be beautiful and amazing without the approval of others

This is a toughie for a lot of people. Myself included. You can feel, well, high when the likes keep piling up on your social media feeds. It’s that sense of: “Ahh…someone gets me. They see me! They like me! This feels good and I’m going to keep doing this.” This is simple psychology and why wouldn’t we want to keep sharing things when we get attention for it? But, I want you to know something…

Your life has tremendous value, credibility, and purpose even if you don’t share everything on social media. You are a wonderful person with many talents and inner beauty no matter what. I promise.

A break will make you better at your life and job

Speaking to everyone here, but especially the online entrepreneurs of the world out there — stepping away from the computer will not cause your business to implode. Pinky promise. 

Folks, I must practice what I preach to my clients. And what I preach is ease and balance. If I don’t take a break and recharge, I’m not going to be my best helping them market their business. Can you imagine someone telling a pilot or a surgeon not to take a break? Uhh…trouble ahead. I know us online entrepreneurs don’t hold people’s lives in our hands, but you catch my drift. 

Oh and that precious life of yours and those incredible people in it — they’ll thank you for being present. I don’t have to say much more.

Wrapping up — listen to that small, sweet voice within

If it is telling you to take a break, try it out. Maybe start with one day, or two. Here’s the deal…social media, websites, texting, the whole gamut is most likely here to stay in our lifetime. Let’s embrace it! Let’s enjoy it! But…let’s also know when to take a break from it! 

Big hugs friends! 

 

 

 

WordPress client spotlight: The Linda Project

Hey everyone!

It’s FALL! What!? I love fall. I hope you get to enjoy the crunchy leaves, crisp air, and warm hearts and sweaters. I digress!

Today I want to share with you a very special client that I had the pleasure of working with, The Linda Project.

screen-shot-2016-09-25-at-3-57-12-pmThe Linda Project is a virtual retreat for a woman’s mind, body, and spirit. It’s a place you can visit to find inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to walk through this crazy thing we call life. The Linda Project’s mission is to help women lead a healthy, happy, and balanced life amidst all of the chaos.

The Linda Project will also share real-life experiences about some of life’s hardest moments that women face such as: infertility, postpartum mood disorders, and a baby in the NICU just to name a few. You will also be able to find resources that will help you navigate some of these life challenges, if you find yourself in that place. It won’t all be serious though. The site will also share fun ways to help encourage, inspire, and motivate you.

As many of you may know, this subject is very near and dear to my heart. I am so happy to continue supporting women who want to stay healthy through motherhood or who may have gone through a postpartum mood disorder like myself.

Please give it a look-see. I really love it.

TheLindaProject.com 

Site built on WordPress with Genesis Framework

Child theme: Dazzling by Restored316 Designs

Get to know my WordPress, marketing, and VA offerings! I would love to help you!

How to sell with sincerity: 6 tips for wellness entrepreneurs

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Sales. For most wellness entrepreneurs, just the word sends a shiver down down your spine. I know it did for me, for a long time. But…I’m mostly over it 😉

Sales doesn’t have to be pushy, or slimy, or annoying. Really! Selling can be creative, inspiring, and brand-building.

Let’s talk about 6 simple strategies to help you sell with sincerity, spirit, and serenity. 

Be proud of yourself *and* your business

Repeat after me, “YOU ARE WORTHY!” There is enough success, money, and enjoyment to go around and you, my dear wellness entrepreneur…deserve it! So many of us feel unworthy about who we are and the greatness that we offer this magical world. Start here. Don’t be afraid to shine your light, toot your horn, and shout from the mountaintop that you want to help others. There’s nothing wrong with loving yourself. I know that’s what you want your clients to believe, so lead by example! Go forth in LOVE!

Set sales intentions

Take a moment to create a file, or note, or email to yourself. Write down what you want to make per month and per year, and how many clients or services it would take to make that goal. Writing sets dreams into motion. Get really clear about what you want to earn and how you are going to earn it. This way, you clear any energetic or logistical blocks right away.

Don’t worry about being pushy

When you fear that you’ll be perceived in a certain way, that’s where you’ll stop. And most people don’t even ask for the sale. They stop before even asking…believing that clients will just appear. Sometimes that happens, but most often you need to ask to work with others.

Follow up!

Piggybacking on the last tip, how often do you follow up? Keep asking. Do it gently. Pretend you’re sitting down with him or her for a warm cup of tea. Speak from the heart. If there’s a firm “No,” ask why and then move on. Envision your clients saying “Yes!”to you with open arms and an open heart. It will come. Trust that you know when to be respectful and when you can keep asking with kindness.

Set aside time each week to network

Virtually, via the phone, in person, whatever…you have to network! There are people out there that will lift you up and help you grow your business. Ask them how they perceive your services, how they make it work. It’s made a huge difference for me! Here are my two favorite local networking groups for wellness entrepreneurs: The Holistic Chamber of Minnesota and The Inspired Women Collective.

Make mindful marketing a priority

If people don’t know about you and your services, how will you sell your services? You won’t! Online marketing is a powerful tool that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon! Create some videos, an e-course, a podcast, some yummy graphics with awesome quotes, update your website and social media pages, the ideas are endless! My biggest tip though is to have your marketing be 80% helpful, share-able content and 20% be selling your services.

If you need help,  you can always contact me for marketing and heart-based virtual assisting!

Marketing with mindfulness

There are so many mediums to think about these days when you’re marketing your small business. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube, Periscope, LinkedIn, Google+, blogging…the list is endless.

Mindful marketing

How do you keep pace with all of them? Or do you? How do you promote your business without it overcoming your life? How do you showcase your stuff without sacrificing integrity and your true purpose? Well, I hope I can help. And I’ll start with this…and *warning*  it’s pretty shocking.

Don’t use every social media platform.

REALLY. Unless you’re super, duper drawn to it, and have unlimited time, I think you should choose two or three that you genuinely ENJOY!

How do you find those special two or three? Here’s some help…

Market with genuine joy.

Joy is contagious yet false joy is easy to spot. What makes your heart sing? Is it photos? Try Instagram and Pinterest! Is it writing? Use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and Twitter. Is it video? Use Periscope, Snapchat, and Facebook. Stay true to you. Again…it is so easy to get caught up in “whatever everybody else is doing.” But that’s not you. You’re a trailblazer, so go your own way, darlin’.

Seize the moment, but also know when to schedule the moment.

There are some serious time savers to marketing if you seek them. I won’t bury you with options, as I tend to stick with an old faithful…Hootsuite. If you’re not familiar, it’s a social media management dashboard that allows you to schedule your posts across several main platforms.

Speaking of that, know that discipline is not a dirty word. It frees our minds to focus on other important things, like, you know, quality of life 🙂 I suggest creating a weekly or monthly schedule to best capture your precious time as well as the time of your audience. What do you think about most on Mondays? How can you brand your Wednesday Wisdom posts? Or whatever! Think about consistency, but also…

It’s important to let yourself live in the moment as well. That’s what humans do best. When you feel magically compelled to share something…DO! Just because your schedule says it’s “Marketing Monday” doesn’t mean you can’t share your joy about an awesome new all organic restaurant you had lunch at. It’s important to show that you’re human too. Be human. People like humans!

Speaking of which…

Share your heart if you dare.

This is hard for a lot of people. They don’t want to put their heart on the line. I get it. And if you don’t want to, don’t. And if you don’t want to share personal pictures, don’t.

BUT!

The best responses I’ve seen are the posts, photos, and videos that let the audience see your vulnerability. When we are brave enough to share our hearts, the world shifts for the better. We change someone (and ourself) for the best. You never know who you are going to inspire, and please know, you always will. Sharing your heart offers trust and creates a genuine relationship.

Interact + care about your audience with boundaries.

I used to have a big problem with this. I would incessantly refresh and check to see if my posts across platforms were being interacted with. It took up a lot of my time that I could have been spending elsewhere. And you know what, it was driving me nuts, I mean no one needs to be spending hours a day on social media. Really, folks, you don’t.

Set out a certain amount of time per day to check interactions. I’d say be flexible with about an hour of your time. During this time, respond to your audience. Ask questions. Care for them as you hope they will care for what you are saying. The golden rule of social?! Hehe…who knows!

Also! Interact with individuals and brands who are in your wheelhouse. Tell them why you like their product or post. Ask them questions. Be curious. Find your tribe. This is a great way to expand your reach and show that it’s not all about you.

Be proud of your product.

Most audiences need direct communication to convert into clientele. Give them clear evidence that you know what you’re doing, you’re doing good in the world, and it’s not just about the bottom line. Have confidence in who you are first and what you do second. So many small businesses, especially the holistically centered ones (I work with these clients most often), are sheepish about tooting their own horn. Please be proud of who you are. Tell them why you do what you do, how to find you, why your work is important, and whatever else comes to mind for you.

Keep tooting my friends!

So, that’s a start. Marketing is necessary, especially for small, holistically-minded businesses, but make it enjoyable for you. What’s your favorite way of communicating? Follow that path! Set up reasonable boundaries, but know when to improvise. Find your tribe and love them hard. You can do it! Of course, if you need some help, I’m only a click away.

Did I miss something or do you have anything you would add to this list? Please share in the comments!