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What if …

Happy Monday!

We all wonder what it would be like “if” we could take our business to that next level. We search high and low for that big “A-ha” moment in our business and start daydreaming. Well, I hate to burst your bubble of the ever-thinking idea of, “If I made ____, my life will be perfect!” Or, “If I get that big investor, everything will be good.” Or, “If I get that order from Bloomingdale’s, my business will be set.” As much as it’s good to think BIG for your business, (trust me, I’m a big vision person too) you also need to start breaking down those BIG goals into real bite-size action plans. If you have a BIG goal, how can you make them happen?

Someone wise once told me that your BIG breakthrough is already in your business, right under your nose. Start combing through your business and look under those rocks — you would be surprised to see that your biggest opportunity has been sitting all along.

Here are a few places to start:

  • Do you have a blog interview request in your inbox that can lead to new connections and potential sales?
  • Do you need to increase your prices?
  • Does your website need a makeover but you haven’t given the green light?
  • Do you have a networking opportunity coming up that you are not sure about going?
  • Do you need an assistant but have not put up that ad on craigslist yet?
  • Is there a coach that you wanted to work with but haven’t made up your mind?
  • Is there a store around the corner that you want to approach but haven’t?
  • Is there a win-win partnership idea that has been brewing in your mind but haven’t approached them about it yet?

Who knew that YOU are the “what if” that you have been waiting for?

Make a list of 8 things that you haven’t acted on and let’s turn your plan into action.

Here’s to creating a business you love!

xoxo,
Grace

 

gracesig

 

 

 

p.s. A BIG, warm welcome to all of the new readers who joined our community! You are going to love the resources you will find here to help you make your product retail-ready. Let us know your comments below.

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What do you want to create?

Whenever the New Year or new season rolls around, everyone gets wrapped with new goals and resolutions. While most people confine them to their personal lives, why not apply the same idea to your business life as well?

Before you go setting your big goals, let’s think about what you want your life to look like when you achieve those goals. What kind of life you want to create? Big goals don’t mean anything if they don’t work well together.

I’m a huge believer that you need to not only think about and write down your goals but also talk about them. So, right here, right now, write down three big goals you’re setting for this year, and share it with three people! Don’t worry about the “how” right now. Today, just focus on the big picture.

After you’re done writing your big goals, write down what it would mean if you were to achieve these goals (i.e., healthier life, spend more time with the family, make more money, live with passion and purpose, increase product exposure, etc.). Really think about these answers. You may discover some new things about yourself!

Here are 3 of my goals for Pink Olive to get out there in a big way this year:

1. Doing less but better
2. Simplify our offerings and create more synergy between our three brands: Pink Olive, OliveBox and Pink Olive School
3. Spread our message of “celebrating the little things and relaxed happiness” via our #dailydoseofwhimsy campaign

By achieving these goals, I’ll add more value to my customers and create a place that truly inspires giving and beautiful living. When people feel inspired, there is no limit. When you live a life with purpose, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for it in your personal life. I truly believe that… For me, that means more time with my family and friends and creating a beautiful home with my husband.

What about you? Once you get to the heart of your goals, you’ll be able to begin tackling them in a more successful way. The more passionate you are about each goal, the more likely you are to make it a reality! Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way. Self-care is the most important goal of them all!

So what do you want to create this year? Leave a comment here and let me know.

Here’s to a great week!

 

xoxo

gracesig

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Prepping the stage for 2016

As creative entrepreneurs, we are always on the go, with pages of daily to-do lists and projects. Setting aside some quiet time for planning prepping the stage for 2016 will make all the difference and help simplify your life.

First things first, get in the habit of doing a “brain dump.” There’s something very powerful about writing things down, putting your thoughts onto a piece of paper. Practicing this on a daily basis that will give you the clarity and focus you need to grow your business.

So let’s do this. Take out a piece of paper, and write down everything you want to accomplish this week. If you start to get overwhelmed looking at your list and wondering what you need to do next, ask yourself this – “What is going to get you closer to your goal this month?” And then do that first.

We all have the same amount of time in a day, it’s how we choose to use it on the most important things that will make all the difference this year. For more resources and tips, check out the Retail Recipes e-workbook & DIY kit and learn how you can create a business you love with more ease and have fun.

Here’s to your success!

 

xoxo

gracesig

 

 

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Happy Holidays! What’s your Spark?

Happy holidays-POS w heart

 

The holiday week is finally here. It’s that special time to fill your homes and hearts with friends, family, and everlasting memories. Cranberry and cinnamon scents linger in the air, the city is full of amazing glittering lights, and strangers smile as they walk by. Ah, it’s a wonderful time and we hope you enjoy every moment of it. Whether you’re traveling just down the street or across the country; stay warm, safe, and full of holiday cheer!

 

As you’re surrounded this time of year with your favorite people, inspiring ideas and dreams, it’s the perfect time to define your “spark”. Your spark is your story; your inspiring, compelling reason behind why you started your creation. The late Steve Jobs said, “Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing.” So what do you want to share? What experiences inspired you to share your creation with others?

 

While spending time with those you love and contemplating your resolutions for the upcoming year, keep your spark in mind and jot down words and ideas that come to you. Defining your spark is the first step toward creating your brand and attracting your ideal stores and customers.

 

So tell me–what is that heart-warming, gripping tale that led you to where you are now? Leave a comment below or on Instagram.

 

 

Holiday cheers to your success!

 

xoxo

gracesig

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3 simple tips to get you in gear

 

It-always-seems-impossible-quote2Owning your own business means constantly being “on the go.” It’s all about pushing yourself (and your product) to be the best possible, evolving, meeting new people, getting your name out there, and staying ahead of the trends. Phew….. I’m exhausted: and we haven’t even started yet. In order to do all of these things well, however, I’m a true believer that you need to S-T-R (sit back, track and reflect).

Here are 3 simple tips to get you in gear:

S-T-R (Sit Back, Track and Reflect!)

It’s important to take a moment from our busy lives to reflect before moving on. You can reflect on any lessons you’ve learned the past year or anything you might do differently in the upcoming year. Set the intention to do this on a monthly basis, and you will get better and better at fine-tuning your craft. My mentor once told me that you can’t grow what you don’t track. You need to track your sales on a consistent basis and set intentions. If you did $75k in sales and you want to grow to $150k, set the intention and work your way backwards to get there. If you sell to 5 stores and you want to be in 20 stores, set a goal for yourself and make it happen. “But how?” you may ask.

Coach/Mentor

Work with a mentor to help you develop a strategy to achieve your goals. Working with someone who knows your field (or even outside of your field) can provide valuable insight and ideas through a different lens. As my mentor once said. “You can’t change what you don’t know.” For me, hiring a coach was the beat decision that I made for myself and my business over the years. No matter what stage of business you’re in, it helps to have a different set of eyes looking at your business. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. When you start to uplevel and live in that zone, you begin to “play” in that zone.

Saying NO

As creative entrepreneurs, we’re all guilty of the bright shiny syndrome. Just say NO. You may think you’re walking away from potential business. However, if the new idea is not in line with your goals and key priorities, it’ll only take away time and energy from doing what you love. We need to focus on what really matters.

Are you ready to get in gear?

Sign up right here and let’s get ready to make your product retail ready.

Here’s to your success!

xoxo,

grace
Grace Kang
Founder, Pink Olive School

image: darlingmagazine.org