4 Steps that Will Make Asking for Help, Easier

Asking for help isn't always easy.  It can make you feel vulnerable or inept. However, as a business owner, knowing when and how to ask for help is very important. You can’t do it all or more importantly, there may be areas you just aren’t an expert. Let’s get this out of the way real fast, it is okay to ask for help. You can and should, in fact! Realize that asking for help can sometimes be the determining factor between failure and success. If you are like many business owners, sometimes you know you need to ask for help, but go about it the wrong way. Not intentionally, of course. Here are some tips that will assist you well before hitting the SOS button:

• Understand your weaknesses – This is the most important part of the process. You need to understand the areas you are less than stellar and also areas you just don’t like working.

• Have a plan – All businesses should have a plan. In fact, most will have a few plans; a marketing plan, a business plan, etc. Have a plan in place and know where you want to go.

• Determine your needs – Now that you know your weaknesses and your plans for the future, you’ll be able to clearly recognize where you may need help at any given point in your business.

• Ask for help before you need it – It’s not uncommon for a business owner to reach out for help when they are needing to meet a deadline or in times of stress. We’ve all been there, in fact, I’ve been there a few times myself. Connecting with providers before you need them to assist you; will prove beneficial to your business and your stress levels! Less stress equals happier you. And, a happier you mean a better attitude towards business.

In summary: Understand your weaknesses, have a plan, know your needs and then get help before you need it!

Will you need help with your next digital media project or podcast? If so, let's chat. Contact me!

Is Your Networking, Working?

Being connected and connecting with people is great for business, but they are two entirely different things. Being connected means you know and associate with a specific and oftentimes large group of people. To be well-connected is a networker’s dream. Someone can be well-connected, but not necessarily always able to form a bond with their tribe. That could be problematic down the road. So while going to networking meetings is important, taking an interest in your connections, engaging them in conversation and truly caring about them will allow you to grow as a person, as well as, grow your business. Personally, networking (in the traditional sense), makes me super nervous. I don’t always ‘shine’ in group settings. I get quiet, nervous and sometimes simply act like an introverted fool. I know I am not alone. If this sounds like you – I have some tips for you! These are things I've learned over time.

1. Think small – If large networking functions scare the heck out of you, start small. Locate small networking groups or functions in your area. Or form a small group of your own. In fact, as the group organizer, you immediately remove the ‘walking into a room full of strangers’ scenario. You’ll be there first and as the organizer, people will know of you before even stepping in the door. Stand at the door to greet them. Being the organizer will give you an extra confidence boost too!

2. It’s not about you – This is the most important tip I can provide. Focus on the person you are talking to – ask them questions about their business, get to know them. This removes the self-conscious factor. If you are focusing on them, there is less time to focus on your appearance, your nerves or anything else that you may find distracting. Once you learn this trick, the nerves will start to subside.

3. Engage, build and care – Once you’ve made a few connections with people, don’t ignore them. Build and foster those relationships. That’s the determining factor between being connected and connecting with your audience. If you truly understand and care about your connections, they’ll take notice. In fact, most will return the sentiment.

Here is one example of how and why forming connections with people is important. I stopped working on my business for four years. I recently re-launched it part-time, in February. Truth be told, I felt like I was starting my business from scratch. Worried that I would have to struggle to find clients was nothing less than nerve-wracking.  However, a funny thing happened. Because I believe it is so important to foster relationships and connect with your professional friends (to me all of my associates and clients are like professional friends), it wasn’t too hard at all. I am still flabbergasted at this fact: my business is growing and right now, 100% of my business has come from referrals from past clients and friends. All of my connections are important to me on a personal level, so I’ve always remained in touch. It’s good practice, for life, in general.

If the idea of networking still makes you shake in your boots, you can start slowly and online. Visit industry forums and join the conversation. Create a podcast (wink, wink)! Seriously, podcasting and interviewing people in your industry or an industry that interests you is a GREAT way for you to hone your conversational skills.

Bottom line: when it comes right down to it, networking for business is a lot like forming a friendship. You go through the awkward, “we’ve just met” stage at the beginning, followed by learning more about each other and then eventually forming a bond. If you are struggling to find that in your networking events or not interested in forming a professional friendship with the people you meet, then it sounds like you may be meeting the wrong people. Take a step back and define your ideal client and associates, first.

Now go on and start connecting with people! If you want to connect with me, you can find me on Twitter, Facebook or check out some of my podcasts at DVPodcasts.com.

Online Video & Podcasts: Nobody else is doing it, why should I?

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I am an accountant (or hair dresser or fill in your service of choice here), how can I benefit from promoting my business using online video or podcasting? Nobody else in my industry is doing it. It just seems silly and pointless. Does that sound like you? There was one thing that speaks volumes to me in the paragraph above:

"Nobody else in my industry is doing it."

EXACTLY!  If few people in your industry are using online media for promotion, you have an opportunity to establish yourself as the go to person or expert in your niche. Online video and podcasting are both great ways to extend your marketing reach globally, without spending loads of money on newspaper, radio or other traditional advertising. That's not to say you shouldn't use traditional marketing methods, but my advice is that you don't ignore your online market or reach. If you pay attention to your online market, you could potentially catapult your business to the next level.

According to statista.com, in 2013, the number of digital video viewers in the United States amounted to 195.6 million and, it was also found that 33% of US adults listened to audience as of 2015.  Chances are, that at least a percentage of those viewers or listeners make up are your ideal clients. Creating video or podcasts these days, is super simple. If you have a smartphone, a computer, a microphone and some editing software (or someone that you can partner with to make your final productions shine), you can promote your business online!

The next time your PR rep or marketing professional says to you, "Let's add a podcast to our marketing plan," don't immediately dismiss it. Remember, if you don't try, you'll never know. And, as a advocate for podcasting to help promote business, the most important thing to remember is that online media allows your market to get to know, like and trust you. When you are able to do that, your bottom line will greatly improve!

Need help with your online marketing support? I've got you covered! I'd love to speak with you to see how I can help.

Podcasting for a Cause

I talk a lot about podcasting for your business on my site and my blog. But, you can also create a podcast on a variety of other non-business topics.  The single most important thing to remember when it comes to creating your next podcast is this: create one that is on a topic that you are most passionate about. Given that point, podcasting about a cause you believe in or support is a fantastic way to jump into the world of podcasting! Let me put this into perspective. Imagine you are someone that supports a local animal rescue, going as far as volunteering in your spare time to help care for the animals and fund raise for the group. You love the animals, enjoy working with the other volunteers and have an overwhelming sense of happiness helping out. Now, let’s take this one step further; you want to do more. You want everyone to know about this wonderful group, the animals that need adopting and encourage others to adopt from a shelter or rescue.  Well, a podcast is a perfect outlet! With a podcast you can: share your knowledge about the rescue with a specific audience, list it in several podcast directories (including iTunes and Stitcher) , share on social media streams for even more exposure and reach people across the nation AND in your own backyard.

Right about now, you may be thinking, “Yeah, okay, Darlene … this all sounds great, but what on earth do I even talk about? Won’t animal rescue chat get old, fast?” First, if you are passionate about your chosen topic, talking about it will never get old. Second, there is something simple you can do now in order to fill your ‘idea bucket’ . It’s good old-fashioned brainstorming!  When it comes to podcasting, I like to break brainstorming up into two step process.

STEP 1:  Brainstorm and come up with the overall topic for your podcast.   Think of the overall topic for your podcast as the outside of your idea bucket. You should be able to tell someone you’ve never met, in one sentence, what your overall podcast is about.  Take for example my podcast, Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide. I tell people it is the podcast that encourages new entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in a funk to stop dreaming and start doing. It gives them just enough to get an idea of what the show is about.  It also keeps me on track when creating future episodes.  The same will hold true for you. Remember, the overall topic is the outside of your bucket.

STEP 2: Once you’ve decided on an overall topic for your show, start brainstorming topic ideas for each individual episode. The episode ideas are what goes into your bucket. Fill that bucket up, okay?!  Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas: - Your first episode can be an introduction to your rescue group, yourself and what to expect in future episodes. -  Your second episode will be an interview with a volunteer. - And your third, well,  interview a pet owner that has adopted a rescue.

By the fourth you can start to branch out and interview other rescue groups. Then continue to extend these ideas further –training tips for a newly adopted rescue dog, rehabilitation, current issues with euthanasia laws for rescues, etc.

As you can see, a little brainstorming in the beginning can go a long way. Always keep the reason for your podcast in mind and your overall topic in check. They will be your guide!

If you have questions or need help, I am here. I love helping people get started with podcasting for their business or their cause. Contact me at any time for help!

eNewsletters: Keep It Simple!

Email marketing. Propagation and sharing, promotion and support, optimization and megaphone. Flat vector illustration

Producing a monthly eNewsletter is a great way to stay connected to your current and prospective clients. Of course, as a business owner, creating your newsletter content may seem daunting and tedious. It doesn't have to be! Follow these time-saving tips to help keep yourself on track and in control of your content.

• Re-purpose/Reuse Content - Reusing existing content or re-purposing it for use in your eNewsletter is a great way to cut down on new material you need to write. If you have a blog post that you know was super popular, let's say in 2012, re-purpose it. Use it as an article in your next newsletter! Remember, just because that post is old news to you; for new subscribers or those that have just found you, it is new information to them.

• Keep It Simple - You have a lot to share with your audience. Awesome! But, you don't have to give your subscribers the whole cart full of apples at once. Save a few of them apples for next month! Here's a quick example, let's say you have three articles for use in this month's newsletter, but they all seem to have the same concept or topic. Rather than mashing them all together into one newsletter, break the articles up into a series. By doing this, you will have three articles for use in your eNewsletters over the next three months. Win!

• Concise is Key - This tip is not about saving your own time, but saving the time of your readers. Your readers have opted in to receive your newsletter. They WANT to hear from you. However, having an email hit their inbox that looks like a "wall of text", can be off-putting. Utilize "Read More" tags in your newsletter, especially if you have many sections with lots of content. When using these tags, you simply write some intro text for the article and insert a "Read More" tag. When the reader clicks "Read More" from within the email, the eNewsletter opens up into a new web browser window. And, voila, they can now read the entire article. "Read More" tags, make it easy for your readers to skim through your content and select the information that most interests them. Not sure how to implement a "Read More" tag? No problem! With my updated list of eNewsletter services, I can help!

Host Your Very First Podcast Interview Like a Pro

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post called, “Preparing for your First Podcast Interview.” It provided tips to first-time podcast guests.  This week I’d like to offer some advice to new podcast hosts.

As a new host, you may be feeling a bit nervous and excited about hosting your first interview. That’s great! It is an exciting time. I firmly believe that preparation is the key to tackling any nerves you may be feeling.  Follow the tips below and you’ll be feeling less nervous and more confident going into your first interview.

• Familiarity goes a long way – if this is truly your first podcast interview, start out interviewing someone you like, know and trust. My very first podcast interview was with my mother (yes, my mom!), a client and a very sweet business associate of mine. You can listen to my very first podcast interview, here (recorded way back in 2008!). Go into your interview with the mindset of - this is just a conversation between friends. Interview people you know, at least for the first few episodes. Doing so will help you to solidify the “conversation with friends” concept firmly into your psyche. Then, once you realize the interview process is simply a conversation and not something intimidating, scary or complex – branch out to interviewing others.

• Do your research – Researching your guest well before you even invite them to be on your show, is important! Don’t skip this step. You want to have a good idea for a show topic first, once you have that, research various people that you think might fit into that topic well. Then go one step further to see if they are someone you may be able to connect with during a conversation. View their social media profiles. Do you get a sense that they are a person you might like to hang out with and do they offer resourceful information to their followers? If the answer is yes to both of these questions – add them to the list of people you would like to interview. Always have a short list of people to invite, by the way. It will come into play when you start inviting guests. See the next point for further clarification.

• Start inviting guests, don't doubt yourself – A lot of times, new podcast hosts question whether or not they should invite a particular person onto their show. Doubt creeps in, well before you even send an email invitation! It's not uncommon to think things like, “Oh they may be too busy,” “They’re too high profile and would never want to chat with me,”or “I bet they’ll say no, why bother?” Stop that! Don’t overwhelm yourself with doubt! Guess what? The worst thing that can happen is that they say, "No." No big deal. Simply move on to the next person on your list. Chances are though, they will say yes. People love to talk about their business and more importantly, they love to talk about a topic they are passionate about.

• Your interview is scheduled; research some more – Your interview is scheduled. Awesome! Prior to your call, it’s super important to have an idea of what you will talk about with your guest. One thing you should always do is create a list of questions you would like to ask. This is where additional research will come in. Look at their website and social media profiles again – this time formulate questions that highlight their expertise and passion. Generic questions are okay – but the real magic happens when you can show your guest that you’ve done your homework and have taken an interest (a true interest) in them and what they do.

• Finally, be 100% involved in the interview and ask follow-up questions – Being 100% involved in the conversation, when it comes to the actual interview, is the single most important thing you can do. Turn off any distractions – cell phones, music, etc. If you are able to turn off your computer, do it. If not, be sure all email, social media and other notifications are turned off. Listen to your guest, ask follow-up questions about something they've just said and truly give your time to them. They’ll notice and end up becoming more relaxed, thus making your interview that much more enjoyable, fun and easy to do. So much so, you'll be hyped to do another one again, soon!

Good luck. I know you will do great! Questions or comments about this post? Leave them below.

Check out my newest podcast, The Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide for guest interviews and more.

Need help with producing your podcast? Learn how I can help or let’s chat!

Next time, I'll write about what to do if you run into technical difficulties during an interview or how to handle a major goof-up. Hint: you can recover, I'll tell you how.

Building Business Relationships in an Online World

Building and fostering relationships with clients and prospective clients is extremely important. When you take the time to build your business relationships, you’ll eventually become a trustworthy expert that people come to know, like and trust. When someone knows you, likes you and trusts you – they are more likely to do business with you. Better yet, they may also begin to provide referrals. It’s a win-win for everyone, yes! We live in a fast moving world. People are always on the go. In fact, many people now work from home or travel while working. How can you get face time with your audience if you aren’t able to sit and meet with them in person? Well, just like the world is moving fast these days, so is technology! There are quite a few ways to connect with your audience, online. Here are just a few ideas:

• Monthly E-Newsletters – Monthly newsletters sent by email are a great way to connect with your audience. Think you don’t have much to offer in a monthly newsletter? Think again! Share news, an interesting tip or video. If you are a B2B company, then your audience will definitely see your email come across their inbox! I mean come on, how often do you check your email? :) You’ve heard the old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind,” right? Newsletters are a great way to get your name and brand in front of your people! You may hear internet marketers talk about the importance of building your email list. People opting into your list want to hear from you. Send them a monthly e-newsletter to keep in touch and to keep them engaged.

• Podcasts – Of course podcasts make my list! I am a true believer that podcasting for business is a great way to market to your target audience. A podcast is very simply, an online radio or video show. As a podcast host, you have the opportunity to share your expertise and a little bit of yourself, with your audience. After listening or watching a few episodes, they’ll be able to determine, “Do I like this person?” If the answer is yes, they’ll stick around and become a fan. Guess what? You now have your ideal client’s attention. That’s an amazing feat. Don’t spoil this opportunity. Continue to build that relationship, invite fan feedback, questions and engage in conversations with them. Trust me, it works!

• Social Media - Of course, connecting and chatting with your audience on social media is a given, in this day and age. BUT, some businesses think because their brand isn’t an online brand, social media is not needed. THINK AGAIN! Think about where your audience likes to hang out…if a good portion of their time is spent on Facebook or Twitter (or some other social network), you need to be there too! Engage in conversations, take an interest and invest in them. When you do this, you are investing in your business too!

Interested in implementing any of the items above? I can help you! As a digital media manager, I help clients with e-newsletter and podcast productions, as well as, social media management. Let’s chat and see if we can work together to help build and foster your business relationships, together.

Clothing Tips for Your Next Beach Photo Session

After honing my craft with nature photography, I’ve decided to branch out and start offering photo sessions to families. I have my first session booked for next week! It’s all very exciting, but I must confess it makes me a little bit nervous. Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks to help me keep my nerves in check. One of the most important tricks (for me) is planning and research. Like anything else I’ve undertaken – planning and research allows me to go into my latest adventure excited and prepared! My first photo session is going to be a beach photo shoot. My client recently asked me, “What colors should we wear for our session?” Well, after hours of research and numerous articles read – I have some answers. Here is a short list of tips for your next beach photo session.

First and foremost – be sure you dress comfortably and in a style that is “you”. The photo session should be fun – now is not the time to put on a brand new outfit, find it is tight and still wear it anyway, just because. If you want to get something new – awesome – you most certainly can. Just wear it once or twice (even just while at home) to be sure you are comfortable. Comfort is key!

White is your go to color – you can’t do much better than wearing white. With the ocean, sand and sky as your backdrop, the colors will pop. Your final images will look extraordinary.

Alright, so what if you are like me and white clothing is an instant stain magnet? If you have a child as part of the photo shoot… chances are they’ll be a lot like me too. Mix it up:  wear Khaki and white.Or blue and white or green and white… you get the idea. Almost any colored shirt and white shorts, will do the trick. If you do go Khaki, a lighter shade is much better than darker shades.

Pastels and light colors are your friend – if white is not really your thing, then you can wear light pastels, like blue, green, pink or pale yellow. Pink is a super color to wear, for both men and women.

Complementing colors for the whole family – You can opt to all wear the same color(s), but you can have some extra fun by wearing complementing colored outfits. Example: Mom wears white, husband wears teal shirt and jeans and son wears white shirt and teal pants or shorts.

Patterns are NOT your friend – if nothing else, do not wear patterned clothing – including stripes, plaid or anything else that may be considered a pattern (including Hawaiian shirts…yes, yes, I know the idea is cute.. but just don’t.) Remember, the beach is your backdrop and you are the stars. Patterns will take away from the overall natural colors and beauty.

Need some additional clothing inspiration? Check out Pinterest for some beach clothing ideas. 

Some other tips:

Remember the wind – yes, it will be windy, so plan on it! Sand in your face and messy hair, will happen.  Wear your hair exactly as you would like it to look when it’s windy. If that means pulling it back into a cute up do or by wearing a headband, go for it. For guys – hats are discouraged, but some hairspray or gel should help you keep your locks in place.

Less is more when it comes to makeup and moisturizer – the beach is pure natural beauty and guess what - - so are you! More importantly, if it’s mid-summer, the beach is hot. Makeup and sweat do not make for a winning combination. Same goes for moisturizer. Now I know the importance of sun block…if you HAVE to use it, then please do so. But note that moisturizer on your face may cause sand and hair to stick to it, while trying to wrestle with the wind and smile for the camera - a fun time might not be had.

Glasses and sunglasses – If you have to wear prescription glasses during your session, anti-glare lenses are best. Eyeglass lenses can catch sun glare, rendering the final photo useless. And, sunglasses? Well, we all want to see your pretty face… leave them for after the shoot. Your photographer should be able to pose you in such a way where the sun is not hitting you in the face.

MOST IMPORTANTLY – relax and have  fun. The best photos come when you let your guard down. Think of your session as a fun afternoon at the beach with your family. Relax, laugh and have the time of your life. If you do this one simple thing – no matter what you wear – you’ll end up loving the final photos for many years to come!

Am I missing anything? Share your tips and feedback about your latest photo session at the beach in the comments below.

For more about my photography and services – visit my website or connect with me on Facebook.

Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide Podcast- June Roundup

My newest podcast, Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide launched last month. Following the same format as past projects (like A Virtual Perception); it is a weekly podcast that sets out to inspire new business owners or those wanting to start a business to take action. Stop dreaming and start doing is the entire premise of the show.  My guests share their own inspiring entrepreneurial journey, as well as, expert advice that aims to help listeners with some facet of their business (ie:  marketing, online store setup, social media, etc). I also share my own experiences with listeners and answer common startup questions. New episodes air every Friday. Here is what you missed in the month of June:Episode 1: New BeginningsEpisode 2: Interview with Kyle HuntEpisode 3: Self ConfidenceEpisode 4: Interview with Patty Kabick

The podcast is available to via iTunes, Stitcher or Feedburner. Subscribe and never miss a single episode!

Preparing for Your First Podcast Interview

You might find yourself being asked to be a guest on a podcast in the near future. This should be a fun experience and not one you stress out over!  If you’ve never been interviewed before, much less for something like a podcast, your first instinct might be to say no to the guest invitation. It's human nature to react in such a way  - the fear of the unknown. In this case, don’t let fear stop you! Most podcasters, especially those of whom are veterans in the industry, will go to great lengths to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the interview. Of course,  you may feel more prepared and self-secure during your first podcast interview, by following these guidelines:

• Request from your you host an outline or a list of questions that will be asked during the interview. Then, take some time prior to the recording to prepare. Don’t over-rehearse answers, however. Use the outline and questions they provide to help guide you - be sure to have it nearby during the call to help remind you of some key points you wanted to share.

• When setting up an interview with a guest, I typically refer to it as a chat or conversation. This is exactly what it should be - a conversation between two (or more) people. No matter what your host refers to it as (an interview, a call or a recording) always remind yourself the podcast is simply a chat between friends. While you may not know the host personally, if you go into the call as if you were talking to a long lost friend, you’ll feel much more comfortable!

• One final tip – don’t be afraid to tell your host you’re nervous about the recording or that this is your first podcast interview. More often than not, when they realize this, they’ll understand your nerves and do what they can to put your mind at ease. Also, as long as the podcast is not live - the host can edit out any brain freezes you might experience during the chat. Believe me, it happens (even to hosts) and is easily fixed in the post-production editing process. It is amazing how relaxed my guests become when I tell them how magical editing can truly be. If you are unsure of how edits are handled, ask your host. They'll be able to tell you. Overall - if you communicate to your host your questions or concerns, they'll answer them and make you feel good about the process.

In a future post, I’ll dive into some tips and advice for being a gracious host to your podcast guests.

Good luck. I know you will do great! Questions or comments about this post? Leave them in the comments below

Check out my newest podcast, The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide to for guest interviews and more.

Need help with producing your podcast? Learn how I can help or let's chat!

News: Podcast listing in iTunes

"iTunes Store Podcast Approved Notification" is one of my most favorite email subject lines. It means to me, that a podcast I submitted for myself or that of a client, has been accepted. It's fantastic news and should be celebrated!  Not necessarily with a party, but it is newsworthy, for certain. Why? Because as a podcaster, it's your responsibility to make available your podcast and it's feed to your potential subscribers. There are several directories and places to post your podcast, iTunes is one great 'must-post' place. Their directory gives your potential listeners an easy avenue to subscribe to your show.

I recently launched a new podcast called, The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide. The iTunes store notification graced my email inbox this morning. My podcast is now listed in the iTunes directory! You can subscribe via iTunes right here (or search for Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide in your  iPhone's Podcasts app).  If you listen in, please be sure to provide a review - which is super easy to do right from your iTunes account.

Tonight I am going to celebrate this awesome news with a very special ice cream sundae.  Happy listening!

Not sure how to get your podcast listed in iTunes? I can help. Let's chat!

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3 Do's and Don'ts of Etsy Shop Setup

I recently had a very enlightening conversation with a fellow Etsy seller, Kimberly, of Bee Inspired Living. She sat down to chat with me about her online business and products. Our chat will be featured later this summer, on my newest podcast, Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide. Because of our conversation, my own Etsy shop and experience has been at the forefront of my mind. That’s when the hard truth hit me; I had never officially announced that I have an Etsy shop! I do. Talk about a major marketing faux pas! One that can be classified as a major “don’t”, in fact. Granted, I do know exactly what is needed to market an online business, but my daily focus is on my clients. This means my own marketing sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. That's a good "don't" for you to tuck away and remember for later - Don't forget to take some time each day to market your own business!

Here are a few other Do’s and Don’ts for your own Etsy shop setup:

1-  DO open a shop! Don’t let fear, time or excuses stop you from starting one. Creating a shop is super easy! If you need help or aren’t tech-savvy, ask me.

2- DON’T open a shop and expect people to know it’s there unless you market it. Get on social media, go to some local craft marketing events, etc. Get your name and your shop out there! Get business cards made too. Vistaprint is one option, there are several other affordable options out there too. I’ll be dedicating a future post that lists creative marketing ideas for your Etsy shop.

3- DO get to know your Etsy dashboard tools and use them! Especially the tools for optimization, ads and keywords. Not sure where to start? No problem! Start with reading Etsy’s help article about Shop Improvement and SEO.

My list can be much longer, I am sure. However, keeping in mind the three guidelines above will be a great place to start! I’ll be blogging about my Etsy shop and Etsy, in general, over the coming months. So check back often.

Don’t want to miss any tips or news? Sign up for my monthly e-newsletter. I will send you tips, tricks and news related to Etsy and other digital management/marketing goodies.

Now, without further adieu....<drumroll>...Introducing my Etsy shop - D. Harmony Designs: pendants for runners, gift seekers and pet lovers. Check it out:

Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Evolution of an entrepreneur is an interesting thing. Many of my associates, of whom I’ve stayed in touch with over the years, have grown and evolved.  It is fun for me to look back to see how far they’ve come.  Some branched off into new business directions, while others have left the world of business ownership completely. Their evolution reminds me of how far I’ve come, as well as, the twists and turns my own journey has taken me. Way back in 2008, I started my first business.  I was younger, new at running a business, and if I am being honest, not completely confident in my skills. In fact, back then, I lived and breathed the motto, “Fake it until you make it.”  I did that for the first year of my business.

Then a funny thing began to happen, I started getting better – with many things – from closing deals to managing projects and everything in between. I started a podcast and connected with people all over the world. Shy by nature, this was a huge step for me!

My first podcast, A Virtual Perception, led me down a new path, into the wonderful world of podcasting. Eventually, I began offering podcasting assistance as a service.  I loved it (and still do!).

Over the course of the last seven years, I’ve travelled many different roads and have even taken a few detours along the way. In fact, for a while, I took a major detour by taking a full-time job. It was not a decision I regret, although I did question it at first. The decision meant closing up shop for a time and that weighed heavily on me. But, it was the right choice.  I’ve come to appreciate the job, the people and the connections I’ve built.

Stepping back into the world of entrepreneurship was interesting. There were two main differences this time around:

1. I had a direction - I knew exactly what services I wanted to offer – digital media management and podcasting support.  In 2008, I just kind of threw things at the wall to see what would stick. I realized, I could not (and should not) be everything to everyone.

2. I had a business name and brand – me. I decided not to hide behind a fancy business name or spend the time trying to come up with a catchy concept. Authenticity is important to me and I felt by having my business name simply be “Darlene Victoria”, it was an extension of that. My clients know exactly who I am and by visiting my site and blog, can determine exactly what to expect when working with me.

If you are considering entrepreneurship and feel like you are lacking confidence or too scared to start, just stop. Stop it. Confidence will come, it won’t come overnight, but it will. It took me seven years to feel comfortable in my own shoes. Stay the course (it's okay to take a detour or two); in the end you’ll come out being a better, brighter and more confident entrepreneur. Still unsure? My e-book, The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide has an exercise that helps you build confidence. Check it out here.

High Resolution Image of the Week - Free Download!

Spring is officially here in the North East. This make me a very happy person. Spring is my most favorite season, of them all! Below is a free high resolution photo that you can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged. I recenlty launched a website showcasing my photography and also photography services. It's all very exciting! You can visit the site here: DVictoriaPhotography.com.  I am currently seeking photo opportunities to build my portfolio- offering discounted sessions. If you are a interested in learning more, contact me!

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Faced with Fear, What Do You Do?

Fear can be a very stabilizing emotion. When afraid, most will go to great lengths to avoid their fear.What about if the fear is of the unknown? Let’s say you have a dream to become a business owner, but you are afraid of the what-ifs - “What if I don’t know what I am doing?”, “What if I suck?” or “What if I fail?” All valid fears, but are they valid enough to keep you stabilized? Should they stop you from trying? I have a story to share with you about fear.

One recent afternoon I was exploring my area for photography sites; driving along back roads full of farms, horses and mountains. It was a very peaceful drive. Looking for a place to stop, I stumbled upon an old mill. This mill was built back in 1826. It was an amazing spot for photos!

After snapping a few shots of the mill itself, I noticed a tunnel. It was adjacent to the mill and was a long, dark and very scary looking tunnel. The sign next to it stated it led to a trail.

Let me tell you this, I have an irrational fear of dark tunnels. I close my eyes on any and all haunted house rides, even the very cheesy ones at carnivals. I hate the Holland and Lincoln Tunnel. I even close my eyes when going through tunnels on train rides at amusement parks.  I am one big baby when it comes to tunnels.

I stood about 400 ft away from the entrance of the tunnel and took several pictures. After all, I am a photographer and the tunnel could potentially make an interesting shot. As I was finishing up a man and his son came out of the tunnel. Dad had a fishing rod in one hand and the hand of his son in the other. It was a very sweet moment to witness.

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It made me question my rationale. Do I dare venture into the long, dark tunnel to see what is on the other side? I thought. I looked behind me and then in front of me, towards the tunnel.

Nope.

I decided it was not worth the risk. What the risk was, I really don’t know. Instead I ventured to a spot nearby and took several wonderful photos of a roaring rapid river bed.

After spending about 30 minutes along the riverside, I decided it was time to head home. As I was leaving, I passed the tunnel again. A man in a wheelchair had just come out of it; from the other side, from the unknown. Do I dare? I looked towards the other side….all I could see was a very old stone wall. Was it worth it? The photographer instinct and my curious nature started to lure me forward. Am I really going to do this? I thought.

I looked around and then in front of me again… what am I afraid of exactly? I thought. What could possibly be on the other side that was so terrible? I realized in that moment, it wasn't the other side that was scaring me. It was the tunnel itself. It was the steps leading to the other side.

The infamous tunnel.

One step, that is all it takes, right?

I took that step. Then one step turned into two steps and then I was running! Like Forest Gump, I ran!  I was in the tunnel. The sound of my feet hitting the wooden boards echoed around me. I was almost to the end now; the brick wall was still all I could see. As I reached the other side and came out of the tunnel, the sun greeted me with warmth. But, that was not all that greeted me.

Before me was the most amazing sight of the day, a waterfall. My breath caught. I realized had I let my fear get the best of me, I would have never – in a million years – known what beauty lay on the other side. Because I faced my fear – the fear of the tunnel – I reaped a glorious reward. Nature, in all its glory stood before me.

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So I ask you, what is holding you back? If it’s the fear of the unknown, how will you know what will truly be if you don’t take the first step. Your glorious reward could be waiting.

Let’s play devil's advocate for a moment.. because fear is a crazy thing. Let say I had gotten through the tunnel and it was just a swamp on the other side. An icky, mucky and smelly swamp. Who cares? So what if the view sucks when you reach the other side… you faced your fear. You got to the other side.

You did it.

That’s what counts.

When you are old and gray, sharing stories about your journey with friends and family, will you be the one telling a story about the time you faced a fear and succeeded (or failed) or about the time you ate a tuna fish sandwich at your cubicle and then went home?  Which one sounds more appealing to you? I know which one I would choose.

Life is all about growth, pushing limits and living.  One step is all it takes.