The Happy Journals PLR Club

29/03/2023

Soooo... I did this interview about disability and success. It has been a while since I put myself out there like this. Unfortunately, it is behind a paywall. But you do get 2 free Member-Only reads a month without signing up

I wrote it so, obviously, I think it's worth reading. If you do, too, then sharing is more than welcome (for geeky reasons 😂)

An interview with Kelly Reeves

18/03/2023

Let’s play a game — time to fill in the blanks about branding! What are your guesses? Let me know in the comments!

And now for the right answers…

1. Branding is everything about your business — your logo, messaging, copy, values, and all the interactions you have with your clients or customers.

2. Brand identity is all the tools used to create a business’ image — these are the tangible assets, like your logo!

Did you get it right?

17/03/2023

Phew! Yesterday, I landed back from an amazing 2-week holiday in the Dominican Republic. Did you see my Stories?

No checking emails 24/7, no tasks to finish. Just sunshine, books & music (oh and lots of food & drink). It felt amazing.

But I'm ready to get back to it. What's next? We'll see!

16/03/2023

If you're looking for ways to monetize your hobby-based business, think beyond the traditional methods. Creating something complementary to your hobby-based business could be a great way to make money.

Consider creating a resource, checklist, report, guide, or eBook that teaches or offers tips, tricks, and techniques. This type of content has value and can keep earning money for you, even while you sleep!

Alternatively, if you sell something with variety, you may find that a membership is a perfect way to earn money in an unexpected way. Charging customers monthly, annual, or lifetime access to your products, services, or content could generate a steady stream of income. Plus, many of the tasks needed to create a membership only need to be done once but offer unlimited earning potential over and again.

While your hobby-based business likely has obvious ways to make money, there may be unexpected ways to supplement or increase your income potential. Take the time to explore and find ways to continue earning while creating and serving your customers.

15/03/2023

No matter what I do with my business, I can’t forget the importance of giving back to my community. As a small business owner, I know that we have the unique ability to make a difference in the lives of those around us. I think that it’s essential to give back in whatever way we can, whether it’s helping out with a local charity, donating our time to a cause, or just taking a few moments out of our day to make a difference in someone else’s life.

I also believe that our passions and creativity can be used to achieve great things. When we pursue our dreams, it has the potential to make a huge impact on our communities and even the world. We can use our businesses and the resources that we have to create positive change and make a lasting difference in the lives of those around us.

I think that this is why it’s so important for us to always strive for excellence and be mindful of how we can make an impact on the people and places we interact with. Whether it’s a small gesture or a big project, every effort we make to give back or make a difference can have a ripple effect and help to create a better world for us all.

What about you? What drives you to do what you do each day? What inspires you to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of those around you? I know that my passions and creativity are what motivate me to pursue my dreams, and I hope that I can inspire others to do the same.

14/03/2023

Making money from your hobby doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you can find unexpected ways to profit from your passion.

What about teaching?

Share your knowledge, learnings and skills with others who would love to learn how to do things for themselves.

There are lots of different ways to teach people. Consider creating an online class, checklist, diagram, step-by-step guide, or a one-to-one tutorial.

You could even host a retreat for serious students or offer coaching for small groups over a period of time. Don't be intimidated by the idea of teaching.

With a bit of creativity, you can easily turn your hobby into a money-making opportunity. So why not give it a try and see what happens!

13/03/2023

In January, I said I was going to try to read more books in 2023 — and now it’s time for an update!

Well... I've gotten slightly carried away. I think I'm currently on book 60! Haha, I'm a bit obsessed with reading, to be honest.

I listen to a lot of audiobooks while doing certain tasks - like creating templates & images.

Then, every night after work, I set aside a few hours to read and relax, and it has just become a part of my everyday routine.

How are your 2023 goals going?

12/03/2023

Do you want to make more money from your hobby-based business? Collaborating with like-minded entrepreneurs is a great way to do just that! Here are a few fun ways to join forces and increase your reach and revenue:

Furnish an influencer with your best product. Research social media influencers and find out who you know, like, and trust.

Offer affiliate opportunities. Influencers and digital marketing experts will be thrilled to get a sample of your goods or services, but most are also looking for ways to monetize their hobby.

Cross-promote. Connect with other hobby-based businesses and work together to promote each other's products and services.

Be a guest. Podcasts, guest blogs, vlogs, and how-to lists are all great ways to showcase your work and reach new audiences.

The possibilities for hobby-based businesses are endless with the help of social media and DIY trends. With the right collaborations, you can take your business to the next level!

11/03/2023

Sometimes it is hard to see the silver lining when we are faced with what appears to be a failure or setback. It can be difficult to stay positive and to realize that, in the grand scheme of things, these experiences may be blessings in disguise. For me, that happened when I was in the process of applying to graduate school.

I had done all the work to get ready for the application process and had submitted my application to one of my top choices. I was waiting anxiously for a response, but when it came, it wasn't what I had expected: I was rejected. At first, this felt like a huge setback, and I was devastated.

But upon further reflection, I realized that this was a blessing in disguise. After some soul-searching, I realized that the graduate program I had applied to wasn't the perfect fit for me. It would have taken me in a direction that I wasn't really passionate about and didn't really align with my goals and values.

In the end, that rejection was a blessing in disguise; it allowed me to find a program that was a better match for me, one that I was truly passionate about. I was accepted to the program, and I did super well.

This experience taught me that sometimes what appears to be a failure or setback is actually an opportunity for something greater.

So maybe it’s not a failure you’re experiencing; maybe it’s a redirection! Keep an open mind, stay positive, and you never know what amazing opportunities may be waiting for you.

10/03/2023

Now, more than ever, hobby-based businesses can reach their target audience with relative ease and low costs. If you are an online business owner, there are plenty of ways to market your services creatively.

FIVERR is a great platform to showcase all sorts of services that you offer.

Etsy is a great platform for selling crafts, vintage items, and graphic designs.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are great ways to market your goods and services to a wide audience.

Creating a blog or vlog is easier than ever. Take advantage of templates for websites and YouTube to get started and share more about yourself and your services.

Your hobby-based business has the potential to make unlimited income with the right effort and dedication. Get creative and look for fun ways to market your services and reach a wider audience.

08/03/2023

Could your hobby be an additional source of income? If you're passionate about creating, serving, marketing or providing customer service, it just might be! Answering yes to any of the following questions can help you determine if your hobby is worth exploring further:

- Have people asked you to create or do work for them?

- Have you seen others offer similar products or services?

- Do you have the time to pursue this hobby?

- Does the thought of creating or providing services excite you?

We know that creativity is often best left for self-expression, but it can also be a great way to help others and make some extra money for yourself.

For online business owners, it's worth giving it a try to see if your hobby can become an additional income stream. So why not give it a go and see where it takes you?

07/03/2023

We all know that life gets busy. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the hustle of it all, but one thing I do each week to keep things fun...

Take myself for a coffee date and grab one of my favourite pastries at my coffee shop. Having a yummy treat and a few moments of me time at the end of the week really helps me stay balanced! I nearly always get a bit of reading done, too.

What about you? How do you keep things from being all work and no play?

06/03/2023

Creating a successful marketing campaign involves a combination of psychology, knowledge of goods and services, and creativity. Ultimately, the success of your campaigns can be measured by their sales.

Split testing is one way to test your market and see which of two marketing plans or approaches performs better.

For example, when it comes to blog posts, try changing the headline to determine which one will get higher click rates.

You should also switch up your calls to action to see what resonates with your customers.

Using split testing on social media is also a great way to get insights into what works best for your business.

If you offer a free product in exchange for joining your list, consider testing different offers to see which works best.

One-time campaigns may not be enough to measure the success of your campaigns. Try giving your audience options and see what tag lines, products, and language they respond to. It is a great way to get a better understanding of your market and create successful campaigns.

05/03/2023

Weekly planning - it’s one of those things that can seem daunting and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. I’ve had my fair share of struggles with planning, but there was a time when it really helped me out.
I remember the days when I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to get everything done. I was struggling to keep track of my commitments and to-do list, and I just felt like I was spinning my wheels.

That’s when I started to get serious about weekly planning. I started to block out time in my calendar for different things and structure my day to ensure I was focusing on the most important tasks. By committing to a weekly plan, I was able to prioritize my tasks and manage my time more efficiently.

The benefits of weekly planning were numerous. I was able to put my focus on the tasks that were most important to me and identify where I was wasting time. I was able to manage my stress levels better and also felt more organized and in control. I was also able to accomplish more in less time and to manage my energy levels throughout the week better.

Ultimately, weekly planning can be a great way to help you stay focused and organized and to make the most of your time. Whatever’s on your plate this week, you got this, friend - now go grab your planner (or digital calendar) and get started!

04/03/2023

For online business owners, having a website is an important part of success. Developing and maintaining a website, however, can be a complex task. That's why website analytics are so important.

Analytics provides visibility into how your site is performing. By monitoring overall traffic, you can tell if your website is reaching its intended audience and if SEO optimization is working. If your website isn't getting many visits, it's a sign that something needs to be changed. As your website matures, traffic should steadily increase. If, however, it decreases, plateaus, or stalls, analytics can help you pinpoint the issue and make the necessary changes.

Analytics takes the guesswork out of website management. After all, it takes a lot of time and effort to keep a website running and reaching its target audience. By paying attention to analytics, you can ensure you're not wasting time and that your website is as efficient as possible.

03/03/2023

“Be gentle to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself first.”

This is one of my favourite quotes because it reminds me that you can’t pour from an empty cup if you want to help others. And I wanted to share it with you because I hope it inspires you to do the same!

02/03/2023

Online business owners need to ensure customer service is a high priority. People want real-time engagement and can feel dismissed when they have to rely on FAQ sheets and automated responses. To make sure customers feel important and valued, there are several things to consider.

Monitor comments, questions, and inquiries on blogs, interactive social media, and contact me pages to ensure customers get prompt and accurate responses.

Avoid limiting access to your business office, and make it obvious where and how customers can connect with customer service.

Having an effective customer service strategy can make a dramatic increase in sales and help your business stand out from the rest.

Friendly customer service can make your customers feel valued, and this can go a long way in creating a positive image of your business.

01/03/2023

Imposter syndrome is something I know many of us struggle with. Feeling like you aren’t equipped for your work or feeling like a total fraud when people look to you for advice sucks. But it’s actually pretty common — and those negative thoughts aren’t absolute truth.

One way I tell my imposter syndrome to quiet down is by reminding myself that I am the only me. I am unique. My business is unique. So, comparing myself to others is pointless. Therefore, I cannot be an imposter.

What about you? What’s your go-to for kicking imposter syndrome to the curb?

28/02/2023

As an online business owner, it's important to consider how your customers are experiencing your marketing, sales, deliveries, and aftercare. Think about how customers funnel into your business and the steps they need to take to access your goods and services.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Making it easy to find and access your business - Is it easy for customers to find what they're looking for, make appointments, and make purchases?

• Ensuring website optimization and accessibility - Is your website mobile-friendly and easy to use? Do you have active and unbroken links? Is your site accessible for people with impairments?

• Streamlining passive purchases - Is it easy for customers to make a purchase or book an appointment on your site? Are there too many steps involved in getting goods and services into a cart and purchased?

Making any necessary changes or tweaks to improve how easily, quickly, and efficiently customers can access and purchase your goods and services or make appointments for consultations will help to keep customers engaged and sales high.

27/02/2023

I had a recent experience that left me feeling surprised, humbled and inspired. Just a few weeks ago, I was in a hectic situation, feeling overwhelmed and anxious due to a deadline I had to meet. I was struggling to stay focused and get the task done.

That's when I heard a voice in my head telling me to take a step back and observe the situation from a different perspective. I felt my body and mind calm down as I took a deep breath and tried to look at the issue from a different angle.

It was then that I realized that this was an opportunity for me to learn something new and that the situation I was in could contain a small teaching moment. I stopped worrying about the deadline and instead tried to see what I could learn from the situation.

I began to look at the problem from a different perspective and realized that there were certain lessons I could take away from it. I felt as if I had gained a new insight into how I should approach such situations and how I can manage my stress levels in the future.

Life certainly is full of surprises and small teaching moments. I'm so grateful for the insight I gained that day, and it has helped me become more resilient and open-minded in the face of adversity.

I'd love to hear about any insights or teaching moments you have had in your own life lately. What have you learned from a difficult situation? How have you grown and become a better person from it?

26/02/2023

As an online business owner, it's important to understand that sometimes, you have to spend money to make money. By taking the time to review your expenses, you can identify tasks that can be better handled by others.

This can free up your time and resources to manage your business more effectively.

Regularly reviewing your expenses can help you make smart money moves and hire the supportive services you need. I review how much money I have going out all the time. I also always see if I can save money by paying annually (for things I know I'll use) instead of monthly.

By taking the time to review your expenses, you can stop losing money before it’s too late. Cutting unnecessary spending, retiring unprofitable products or services and cutting down on things that aren’t worth the cost are all important steps to prevent catastrophic loss.

Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. Taking the time to review your expenses can help you avoid this age-old saying and save your business.

17/02/2023

Any online business can be broken down into three different areas that need your effort and attention. They are traffic, list, and offer. You need visitors to your website. Then you need to convert those visitors into subscribers. Finally, you need to build strong relationships so you can make those subscribers an offer so you can make money. Keep this in mind as you build your routine.

Don't forget to treat your subscribers as people, not just as credit cards! We're not aiming to make a profit using icky methods!

Do something every single day to send more traffic your way. This could be content marketing. It could be social media. It could be tweaking your SEO. Or it could be paid ads. Start by making a master list of things you can do to get more traffic. Pick things you can quickly do and rotate through one or more of them on a daily basis. Things that take a bit longer should become part of your weekly and monthly routine. The most important part is to do things consistently to drive more traffic to your website.

Keep chipping away and continuing to build and fine-tune your routine. Your consistent efforts will start to pay off, and more importantly, they will begin to compound as you get more traffic, grow your list by leaps and bounds, and add more products each new customer may be interested in. Keep at it. Consistency is the key to long-term profit.

16/02/2023

What is the last podcast or book you listened to or read that really made a lasting impact on you?

Over the weekend, I read the book “Soundtracks” by Jon Acuff – I can’t recommend it enough! I had no idea that I play certain “soundtracks” on repeat in my mind when it comes to relationships, business, and even how I think about myself!

What are your must-reads or must-listens?

15/02/2023

I’m going to let you in on a secret it took me a while to discover when I first started out. It’s much easier to sell an existing customer a second product than it is to find a brand-new customer.

That’s because you’ve done all the hard work of earning this person’s trust already, and if you’ve done your job right, the first thing they purchased from you is already helping them solve their problem.

Once you have an idea of what types of products you want to create, it’s important to get them out consistently. You want to have a new product out there for your existing customers to buy. Of course, you’ll also attract new buyers along the way who will then not only buy the new thing you’ve come out with but hopefully also some of the other titles and courses you have out there.

Start with a list of products you want to create. Do your best to estimate how long it will take you to create the product and all the infrastructure that goes along with it, like a sales page, a download page, autoresponders and solo emails to promote it, a promotion schedule etc. Make a list of everything you need to do before you can launch this new product. Then get to work. Chip away at it every day and continue to consistently work towards each of these new product launches, adjusting your timeframe as needed.

12/02/2023

Stop worrying about the algorithm.

It's easy to focus on the things that seem frustrating. Still, when it comes to using websites, search engines & social media for your business, what's really important is connecting with your target audience - who are real, actual living, breathing, lovely humans!

Drop a 👍 if you needed that reminder today!

11/02/2023

The goal for any business is to continue to find new ways to draw in more potential customers and engage them. That may mean setting up several new opt-in offers. It may mean sending out a monthly or weekly newsletter. It should always mean creating new products or making offers for existing things. And, of course, it could mean presenting affiliate offers.

Funnels are great, and they are never done. For starters, things change. Links break, you find better offers, and you learn more about your subject matter and have more or even better information to present to your audience. That’s why it’s a good idea to audit your existing funnels from time to time, updating, editing, and fixing them as needed.

10/02/2023

If I could go back to when I was just starting my business, I wish I could tell myself that it is A-OKAY to take a day off!

For months and months, I worked seven days a week without taking a full 24 hours away from my laptop. Yes, I took breaks here and there but never completely “logged off.” I know now that I am way more productive when I take off full days and let myself recharge.

Would you want to tell yourself anything if you could go back in time?

09/02/2023

Do you have a hard time with social media? I know I do.

Either you aren’t finding the time to get around to posting regularly and getting discouraged by the lack of results you’re getting. It can feel like you have to pay to play by buying ads if you want your content to be seen. Thankfully that’s not true. What is true, however, is that consistency can help you grow your reach on any platform. Let's discuss this...

Once you have figured out the best platforms for you, it’s time to come up with a posting schedule. Remember, consistency is key. You’re better off doing fewer posts and shares more regularly than overdoing it and burning out. Start with a conservative number that you’re comfortable with across your platforms and write it down.

I create lots of pins, but I ONLY do one Insta post a day... you can do more, of course, but think about how long it takes before you commit.

Once you have your schedule, it’s time to schedule the actual content using a calendar. How far out should you schedule? That’s up to you. Play around with different time frames and see what works best for you. When you know what you’ll be posting about and have the text and images ready ahead of time, it’s quick and easy to keep up with social media.

08/02/2023

I like to think of "learning by doing" as taking the scenic route - you still get to your destination... there are just a few detours along the way.

For example, learning how to run an online business was a HUGE struggle for me. Sure, I was so used to working on my own - that bit was no problem. But putting everything together to make sure it all ran smoothly was a learning curve. It was definitely a rough start, but after a few years (and a lot of work), I've learned how to be a better business owner and creator.

Alright, it’s your turn! Comment below with something that took a few detours to learn.