As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the promise of fresh beginnings beckons us to set ambitious goals and strive for new heights. But how do we ensure that the enthusiasm of the new year doesn’t wane into the familiar routine of unmet resolutions? In this blog post, we’ll explore a strategic process that can transform your aspirations into tangible achievements. Let’s make 2024 the year you not only set goals but crush them with intention and precision.
1. Choose 1-5 Priorities for the Year:
Begin by identifying the core aspects of your life that matter the most—your priorities. These can be people, places, or institutions that significantly impact your overall well-being. By focusing on a manageable number of priorities, you create a foundation for meaningful and impactful goal setting.
2. Set 1-3 Goals per Priority:
For each priority, establish 1-3 specific goals. A goal, in this context, is an outcome that either establishes a new standard, changes an existing one, or maintains a critical standard in your life. Ensure your goals are clear, measurable, and aligned with the priorities you’ve identified.
3. Define Objectives for Each Goal:
While goals provide the destination, objectives chart the course. Define actionable objectives for each goal—these are the steps you’ll take to achieve your desired outcomes. Consider your strengths and interests when deciding on your action plan. The path you choose should resonate with you, even if it diverges from the conventional approach.
4. Assign Objectives Across the Months of the Year:
Recognize that success is a journey, not a sprint. Strategically assign objectives to specific months, keeping in mind that you can’t do everything at once. Be realistic and allocate no more than three objectives to a particular month. This measured approach prevents overwhelm and allows for steady progress throughout the year.
5. Use a Functional Planner to Track Your Tasks:
A functional planner becomes your ally in the journey towards goal attainment. The Charmed Life Master Planner offers dedicated monthly planning and tracking inserts designed to help you stay organized. It provides a clear roadmap for each month, week, and day, ensuring that you allocate time and effort toward making your goals a reality.
This is Your Year Goal Planning Workshops
To supercharge your goal-setting journey, consider enrolling in the “This is Your Year” Goal Planning Workshops. Tailored for both life and business goals, these workshops guide you through the process of setting your goals, breaking your goals down into objectives, and planning out your actions for the year. “You Got Goals” focuses on overall life goals, while “CEO Retreat” is designed for business goals and annual business planning. Purchase these workshops individually or as a bundled package to equip yourself with the tools and strategies needed to make 2024 your most successful year yet.
As we step into the new year, let’s not merely hope for change; let’s strategically plan for it. With a clear roadmap, actionable steps, and the right tools, 2024 can indeed be the year you hit your goals and shape the narrative of your life.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the air is filled with the promise of fresh beginnings and untapped potential. It’s a time when many of us set resolutions, goals, and intentions for the months ahead. Amidst this annual ritual, there exists a powerful practice that transcends traditional goal-setting – choosing a “Word of the Year.” In this blog post, we’ll explore what the Word of the Year is, why you need one, how to use it effectively, and provide a list of 25 impactful words to consider for your journey ahead.
What is the Word of the Year?
Your Word of the Year is like a guiding light, a focal point that sets the tone for your experiences and endeavors throughout the next twelve months. It’s a carefully chosen word or phrase that encapsulates the essence of what you want to cultivate in your life. Think of it as the title of the chapter you’re about to write in the book of your life.
Why Do You Need a Word of the Year?
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, having a Word of the Year provides a compass for your actions and intentions. It serves as a simple yet profound reminder of your overarching focus and desired outcomes. This intentional choice helps you align your decisions with a central theme, creating a sense of purpose and clarity that can guide you through the inevitable twists and turns of the year.
How to Use Your Word of the Year:
1. Set the Word: Choose a word or phrase that resonates deeply with your aspirations and aligns with the direction you want your life to take in the coming year.
2. Define Your Intention: Once you’ve selected your Word of the Year, take the time to define what it means to you. Consider how embodying this word will manifest in your daily life.
3. Create Actionable Steps: Break down your word into actionable steps. Determine how you can actively incorporate this word into various aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and personal growth.
4. Reflect Regularly: Regularly reflect on your chosen word. Assess how well you’ve embodied it in your actions and decisions. This reflection can provide valuable insights and keep you on track.
25 Word Ideas for Your Year
Abundance
Clarity
Courage
Balance
Joy
Resilience
Adventure
Connection
Simplicity
Growth
Presence
Gratitude
Harmony
Focus
Empower
Renewal
Kindness
Freedom
Inspire
Mindfulness
Nourish
Optimism
Empathy
Explore
Serenity
As you embark on the journey of a new year, consider embracing the transformative power of a Word of the Year. This intentional practice can shape your experiences, guide your choices, and lead you towards a year filled with purpose and fulfillment. Choose wisely, set your intentions, and watch as your selected word weaves its way into the fabric of your life, creating a narrative of growth, joy, and meaningful accomplishments.
How exciting is it that 2024 is kicking off on a Monday? You know I love a Monday Start!
I definitely feel like this is a positive omen for the year and is giving me good vibes for all of our productivity! This was making me wonder about the overall energy that forecast for 2024 in numerology. 2024 is a year 8 and I know that 8 is a very divine and powerful number representing infinity. So, I thought I would do some research on this topic to understand more about the unique vibrational frequency of 2024. Let’s jump in to what I learned and the energetics of the year ahead for our productivity and success!
The Numerology of 2024: Year 8
In numerology, each number is believed to possess its own distinct energy and characteristics. The year 2024 adds up to the number 8 (2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 8), making it a Year 8 in numerology. The number 8 is often associated with attributes such as power, authority, balance, and abundance. Understanding the unique qualities of the number 8 can provide valuable insights into the overarching themes and opportunities that may unfold in 2024.
Key Traits of the Number 8 in Numerology
1. Abundance and Prosperity
The number 8 is frequently associated with material and financial abundance. It symbolizes success, prosperity, and the rewards that come from disciplined and hard work. In 2024, individuals may find themselves presented with opportunities for financial growth and stability.
2. Balance and Harmony
The symmetrical shape of the number 8 represents balance and harmony. In the year 8, there is a potential for achieving equilibrium in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being. It’s a year to assess and recalibrate priorities for greater stability.
3. Leadership and Authority
The number 8 exudes a sense of leadership and authority. Individuals may find themselves in positions of influence, whether in their professional lives or personal relationships. Embracing leadership opportunities with integrity and responsibility can lead to significant accomplishments.
4. Manifestation and Achievement
2024 is a year ripe for turning dreams into reality. The energy of the number 8 supports focused and determined efforts, leading to the manifestation of goals and aspirations. This is the time to set ambitious targets and work diligently toward their attainment.
Harnessing the Energy of the Number 8 for Success
1. Set Clear Goals
The clarity of purpose is essential in a year governed by the number 8. Define your short-term and long-term goals, both in your professional and personal life. This will serve as a roadmap for your actions and decisions throughout the year.
2. Embrace Discipline and Hard Work
The number 8 rewards those who are willing to put in the effort. Embrace discipline, stay focused, and work hard towards your objectives. Consistent, diligent efforts are likely to yield tangible results and open the door to success.
3. Build Strong Foundations
Just as the number 8 symbolizes balance, it’s crucial to build strong foundations in all areas of your life. This includes nurturing your relationships, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and ensuring financial stability.
4. Exercise Leadership with Integrity
If opportunities for leadership arise, approach them with integrity and a sense of responsibility. The number 8 values ethical leadership, and individuals who lead with honesty and fairness are likely to enjoy the support and respect of those around them.
5. Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool when working with numerological energies. Take time to visualize your goals and aspirations coming to fruition. This practice can help align your thoughts and actions with the positive energy of the number 8.
Maximizing the Energy of 2024: Tools for Success
As we embark on a journey through the numerological landscape of 2024, it’s essential to equip ourselves with tools that can amplify the positive energies associated with the number 8. Here are three powerful tools that can help you maximize the potential of this dynamic year:
1. Functional Planner
In the fast-paced world we live in, a functional planner becomes an indispensable companion on the journey to success. Look for a planner that goes beyond basic scheduling and offers the space to translate your ideas from the realm of thoughts into actionable plans. A planner that allows you to articulate your goals, break them down into manageable tasks, and schedule strategic objectives is a valuable asset. This not only keeps you organized but also ensures that your efforts are aligned with the overarching vision for a productive and successful year.
Harnessing the energy of the number 8 involves not only strategic planning but also a mindful focus on your aspirations. A manifestation journaling practice, such as the High Vibe Bible, can be a transformative tool. This 90-day loosely guided journaling practice provides a structured yet flexible framework to explore your desires, set intentions, and track your progress. By consistently engaging in manifestation journaling, you align your thoughts with your goals, fostering a positive mindset that complements the energy of abundance and achievement associated with the number 8.
The power of community cannot be overstated, especially when pursuing ambitious goals. Consider joining a tribe of like-minded women who are on a similar journey of personal and professional growth. The Charmed Life Master Mind offers a supportive environment where you can gain valuable insights, receive strategic guidance, and benefit from mutual accountability. This tribe becomes your source of inspiration, encouragement, and shared wisdom, enhancing your ability to navigate the complexities of 2024 with confidence and purpose.
Incorporating these tools into your routine can enhance your ability to harness the energy of 2024. A functional planner provides structure and organization, a manifestation journaling practice cultivates a positive mindset, and a supportive tribe ensures you have the strategic guidance and accountability needed to live your best life. By combining these tools with the inherent strengths of the number 8, you’ll be well-equipped to make 2024 a year of unprecedented productivity, success, and personal fulfillment.
This article was first published on Strange & Charmed on November 10th, 2014 and is being repostedbecause every year I use this post to help me with my Thanksgiving meal planning and prep. So, I wanted to refresh the post this year with some fresh graphics.
With Thanksgiving a few days away, I thought it would be nice if I shared with you all my favorite holiday recipes for dishes I will be serving at my Thanksgiving dinner this year! If you are looking for a new recipe or some inspiration for meal planning, hopefully this will help you discover a new dish!
Appetizers
Since I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year for my family, I like to have snacks and appetizers out before dinner for people to munch on while they watch tv and chat! My husband has requested shrimp cocktail this year as well as a plate of his favorite cured meats to go along with the baked brie I will be making as a hot appetizer. Baked brie is one of our favorites and I love it because its super easy to make, but it presents very, very well. This is the sort of appetizer that’s great to bring along to parties because you can prepare it ahead of time and once you arrive at the party you can heat it up in the oven for a few minutes!
1/4 cup of preserves (apricot or raspberry work very nicely, but use whatever preserves you prefer, you can also omit this if you don’t like preserves!)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425. Lightly grease a baking sheet and place your thawed puff pastry upon it. In the center, place your brie (removed from packaging) and top with preserves (optional). Wrap the pastry up around your brie working in a single direction until the brie is covered completely by the pastry, ensuring there are no holes or cracks for cheese to spill out of. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is fluffy and browned. Make sure to keep an eye on the cheese to make sure it’s not melting out of the pastry excessively (a little spillage is okay, but if rivers are flowing out, remove it immediately!) Let cheese stand 5 minutes once removed from the oven and then serve with your choice of crackers!
Side Dishes
For me, a great Thanksgiving meal is made by the side dishes! Although I am hosting a small gathering of family, I still like to have lots of options! We will have the traditional mashed potatoes, a salad, rolls of course, but two of our favorite sides are always Corn Bread Pudding and Sausage Stuffing!
Combine all ingredients adding the bread mix last, into a large mixing bowl. Bake in greased bowl or pan at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Should be a light golden brown on top. Let the pudding rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven!
1 16oz package of Jimmy Dean sausage (in the log style or use equivalent in Italian sausage style of your choice. I prefer the Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage, but that is just personal preference!)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Box of Stovetop Stuffing (or whichever stuffing recipe you prefer)
Additional Ingredients on stuffing mix box or your preferred style of stuffing!
Directions
In a large pan on the stove, heat oil and distribute on the pan on medium. Place sausage in the pan of heated oil and begin to break it up with a wooden spoon or similar utensil until the sausage is in crumbled, bite size pieces. Cook sausage until browned, drain excess oil and move sausage to the side while preparing your stuffing mix. Prepare stuffing as directed. Once stuffing is cooled, incorporate the cooked sausage and transfer to the serving dish of your choice.
My Turkey via Thanksgiving 2017
The Turkey
If I had to venture a guess, I would say that Turkey is probably the most popular type of meat served on Thanksgiving, however, I have been to several Thanksgiving dinners where it was served alongside a ham or even lamb. I will only be serving one meat option on Thanksgiving, because, let’s be honest, its hard enough to get one meat right on Thanksgiving and turkey is a difficult bird to master! I, however, believe I make one of the best turkeys… ever! I’m just gonna say it, my turkeys are good! They are super moist, filled with flavor and golden browned by the time they exit the oven! I think this has to do with the awesome recipe I developed based off this Alton Brown recipe!
Ingredients
1 frozen Turkey (size doesn’t matter folks, but a rule of thumb is 2 lbs per person you’re feeding. I have made this recipe with a 16 lb turkey to a 23 lb turkey and they have all turned out great!)
1-2 Apples
1-2 Onions
Cinnamon (I prefer ground)
A few cups of water
1-2 Cups of Apple Cider or Apple Juice
Sage (packaged seasoning is fine!)
Rosemary (again, stick to the stuff you have in your cupboard unless you really want fresh!)
A bulb of garlic
1 stick of butter
Directions
Now, I just want to warn you, that for me, this is one of those recipes that is all about judgement calls. I don’t believe you can go wrong with anything except the cooking time, but just do what feels right!
2-4 Days before cooking, take your turkey out of the freezer and let it defrost in your fridge (the larger the turkey, the more time it needs, 4 days would play it safe, 3 is probably average, 2 days and I would worry about having some frozen innards still!
Day of cooking: Preheat your oven to 500 and make sure the racks of your oven are properly positioned to fit your turkey (there is nothing worse than having to mess with those once they are hot!) Remove the thawed turkey and place it in a completely clean sink (very important that your sink be as clean as possible and I would work with the turkey inside a large container of some sort as well)! Remove the turkey from the packaging and remove the neck and other misc innards from the cavity (if you have plans for those innards, put them aside, if not, toss them)! Rinse out the cavity with cool water to make sure there is no bits of ice or slush in there!
Place the turkey on a roasting rack that’s sitting inside a roasting pan. In a microwavable bowl, place an apple or two (chopped up), an onion (also chopped) mixed with a good amount of cinnamon and some apple juice/cider. This part is all eyeballing it! I like to make more than I think I need, because, trust me, this mixture will not go to waste, so maybe a good estimate is to make about 3-5 cups of this mixture! Cook it in the microwave for 5 minutes and you will start to smell all those lovely aromatics brewing together (that smell is what your turkey is going to taste like once this is all done)! Once that mixture is out of the microwave, spoon out the chunks of apple and onion into the cavity of the bird. Add additional apple and onion slices to fill the cavity if necessary!
Coat the skin of the turkey well with the canola oil. Take apart your bulb of garlic and skin each clove of garlic. Take your butter and cut it into multiple pieces. Then take a small knife and begin to cut deep slits strategically all over the bird. This part requires some thinking on your behalf as to where best to place these slits, because inside each slit you are going to place a pad of butter and a piece of garlic, which will then melt and soak into the meat of the bird. I probably make 1-2 slits on the legs, 1-2 on the wings, and 4-6 around the breast.
The last thing I do before I put the turkey into the oven is I like to put some water and a little bit of the aromatics liquid in the bottom of the pan (about an inch of liquid) along with any excess apples and onions I have chopped up already, and then I cover the turkey and the pan completely with aluminum foil!
Put this into the oven at 500 for 30 minutes.
When the 30 minutes is up, remove the turkey and the aluminum foil (gently, because you are going to put it back on loosely after this) and using the liquid from the aromatics mixture, baste the turkey! I also like to use a flavor injector to actually inject this juice mixture into the meat of the turkey as well, all over!
Lower the temperature on the oven to 350, recover the bird with foil, loosely, and put it back into the oven for the remainder of the cooking time! According to Alton Brown a 14-16 lb turkey needs 2- 2.5 hours of cooking time additional, but double-check that with the size of your turkey against this turkey cooking time-table (you can never be too careful)!
For the remainder of the time the turkey cooks, I like to remove it from the oven every 45 minutes to baste it and flavor inject it with the aromatics liquid! I do not count the time out of the oven as cooking time, I set my timer after the turkey is back in the oven! Also, as a note, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, I remove the foil from the bird completely, so that it can get that nice brown color and a crispy skin. You may notice that the skin of your bird may have lighter patches around areas that were sliced for the butter and garlic, and this is normal. You may also get streaking from the aromatics mixture because the skin of the turkey really only browns in areas that lack moisture, and you have been basting yours to keep the meat juicy.
Once the turkey is completely cooked and either the thermometer in the turkey has popped or your own food thermometer (always preferable) indicates an internal temperature of 161 for the turkey, you can remove it from the oven and let is rest for 15 minutes before carving.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Like I said, I will be making all these items and more this year! I would love to know what your favorite family recipes are and what you will be cooking up this Thanksgiving, so feel free to leave me a comment below! Also, if you use any of these recipes, I would love it if you took a picture and sent it to me on Instagram or Twitter! Happy cooking!
xoxo,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
At The Charmed Shop, we believe that your planner should be more than just a collection of to-dos and appointments—it should be a powerful tool that helps you become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest creation: The 2023 Advent of Productivity Calendar! This first-of-its-kind Productivity + Planning Advent Calendar is designed especially for ambitious women who love planning and personal development. Imagine opening a virtual box every day and discovering functional productivity tools that will transform your 2024 planner setup. With 24 days of exclusive PDF downloads, this Advent Calendar is your ticket to a perfectly organized and motivated new year!
What is an Advent Calendar?
In case you’re new to the concept, an Advent Calendar is a delightful tradition that traces its origins back to the 19th century. Traditionally, it’s a special calendar used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Each day leading up to Christmas, a door or box is opened to reveal a surprise—a small gift, a sweet treat, or in our case, a valuable productivity tool! The Advent Calendar builds excitement and anticipation, making the holiday season even more magical. We’ve reimagined this cherished tradition for the digital age, bringing you the Advent of Productivity Calendar—a virtual calendar with 24 days of functional productivity tools to enhance your planning experience and make your 2024 planner setup truly extraordinary.
What’s Inside the Advent Calendar
Inside the Advent of Productivity Calendar, you’ll find a treasure trove of 24 unique PDF downloads, including a mix of inserts and productivity tools. From goal-setting guides and planner tabs to mindset worksheets and self-care challenges, these tools are crafted to elevate your planning experience. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
Goal Setting Inserts
Motivational Dashboards
Printable Planner Tabs
Inserts for Popular Task Management Strategies
Mindset Work, Journaling Prompts & Affirmations
Trackers & Habit Building
Meal Planning Tools
A 30 Day Challenge
A full list of inserts can be found on the product page.
These exclusive inserts, valued at $250 if sold separately, can be yours for just $44! Each tool is designed at Half Letter Dimensions but can be printed to fit various planner sizes, ensuring seamless integration into your planner setup. Print instructions are included!
Why You’ll Love the Advent of Productivity Calendar
The Advent of Productivity Calendar is tailor-made for career women, busy moms and female entrepreneurs who are passionate about planning and personal development. We understand that your time is precious, and although you may love the idea of creating a custom planner that includes inserts for all areas of life, finding the right planner supplies can be a hassle. That’s why we designed this calendar to provide you with a unique set of inserts and tools for creating a custom planner that will not only house the vision for your ideal life, but be the map to having it all! Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal projects, The Advent of Productivity calendar includes unique inserts that will help you stay organized and motivated throughout the year.
More About the Unique Tools You’ll Unwrap in the Advent Calendar
What sets our Advent Calendar apart is its comprehensive approach to planning. We go beyond traditional time and task management, offering mindset-related tools that inspire introspection and personal growth. You won’t find these unique designs anywhere else—each one is exclusive to the Advent of Productivity Calendar. Plus, the incredible value of $250 worth of inserts for just $44 makes this calendar an unbeatable deal.
How to Access and Use the Advent Calendar
Accessing your Advent Calendar is as easy as 1-2-3! Upon purchase, you’ll receive a PDF Welcome Letter with directions for accessing our private membership site. Here, you’ll find the interactive virtual Advent Calendar, where you can open a new box every day leading up to Christmas. Simply click on the boxes to reveal your productivity tools and download them to your computer. You can print these inserts at home or take the PDFs to your local print shop—flexibility at its best!
Countdown to Your Perfect Planner
Picture this: as the holiday season unfolds, you’ll be unwrapping a new productivity tool every day, setting up your perfect functional planner for 2024. It’s not just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a countdown to a more organized, focused, and motivated you! To enjoy this daily countdown experience, make sure to purchase your Advent of Productivity Calendar by December 1st.
What Are You Waiting For? Planner Lovers- this is the Advent Calendar for You!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to transform your planning experience and make 2024 your most productive year yet. Purchase the Advent of Productivity Calendar today and embark on a journey to unlock your perfect planner. Remember, if you want the experience of the daily countdown element, you’ll want to purchase the Advent Calendar by December 1st! Take the first step towards a more organized and fulfilling life
How to Create a Successful Holiday Promotion for Your Business
With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to quickly arrange for a holiday promotion for your business. The Thanksgiving to Christmas time period tends to be an extremely profitable season for online shops and businesses, with many retailers seeing exponential sales and traffic in this time with the aid of some well planned and executed holiday sales.
Now, if you have never planned out a holiday promotion, or have yet to do so this season, I’m here to tell you that the process is much easier than you think and doesn’t have to involve complicated marketing planning or lots of time and effort. You do still have plenty of time to pull off a successful holiday promotion without stress or extra long work days, but you do need to act fast to get your plan in place to maximize sales before Black Friday kicks off in a few weeks! In order to help make this process even more streamlined for you, I have also created a free DIY Holiday Promotion Planning Guide that you can use to plan and keep track of your promotion. CLICK HERE to get the FREE Guide and get started today!
Step # 1: Decide the logistics of your promotion
There are many types of promotions and sales specials you can run during the holiday season to drum up excitement for your business and increase traffic and check totals in your shop. You can do something as simple as create a special coupon code for a percentage off items in your shop, you can put together bundles of popular products that coordinate, or simply discount your best sellers. You can make your sale as simple or complicated as you’d like and do one or more of these things, but decide what works for you and your business and of course, plan out how long you want these promotions to last. I’d highly suggest running a sale on Black Friday at the very least. Personally, this year I plan to create some limited time only bundles, provide a coupon code to VIPs on my email list and social media followers, and I also plan to host a giveaway to entice sales during my promotion which will last 3 days from Black Friday to Sunday. If you don’t want to discount your products due to product constraints, you can also create non-sale promotions that include either a giveaway wherein customers during the time frame are opted in to win a prize. You can offer a digital freebie to drive traffic to your shop or even give a free gift with purchase. Think about what will work for your sales goals and business and outline the details of your promotion asap!
Step #2: Shoot your promotional images
If you run an online business, you know how important great product and styled shots are to driving sales. Once you know the parameters of your promotion, you can arrange for a quick photoshoot and get all your images ready for your shop, social media and any ads you may run. If you don’t feel confident in your photography skills or need help understanding how to take great photos that sell, definitely check out my Charmed Digital Styling Lightroom Photography Course. It’s a video module based course with 3.5 hours of content that you can watch while taking notes and arranging your own photos. In the course I teach you everything you need to know to quickly get your styled photography under control and streamlined to make shooting promotional images a breeze! I’d highly recommend taking the course if you need great photos for your holiday promotions, it will save you time and money in the short term if you are someone who pays for stock photos, and the course even includes photoshop tutorials that will teach you how to create promotional sales graphics and advertisements as well!
Step #3: Start spreading the news
Once you have your promotion planned and your images are ready to go, you can start sharing the news of your promotion through your various communication methods and continue to do so through the duration of your sale. I’d suggest starting to actively promote your holiday sale anywhere from 2-4 days before it begins using any and all methods you use to communicate with your customers. If you have an email list, you will want to send a list to your email a few days before the sale starts and give some previews of the sales to come, and if you use social media or YouTube, make sure you tell your audience in these locations as well. If you use any methods of advertising, you also want to get those set to go for about three days out from the sale to drum up excitement and provide a call to action to get new potential customers onto your list. Finally, if you have an affiliate program or even a network of friends who can help you spread the word, make sure you coordinate with them on promotional messages and details that they can share with their audience as well. It’s the holiday’s after all, so the more the merrier when it comes to cross promoting sales and specials!
That’s it! Three easy steps to a stress free and profitable holiday promotion. You still have time to get your promo planned and off the ground and I’d highly suggest planning something rather than nothing because failing to promote during the holidays means you are leaving a lot of money on the table. Make sure to grab my free DIY Promotion Planning Guide to help keep you on track!
Get a Strategic Business Planner
Running a small business is a lot! It requires a cohesive strategy for time, task and business management if you want to be successful at it. Which is why tackling and managing all this work with a simple to do list or basic planner just doesn’t cut it.
If you have a hard time deciding what to work on for your business, feel like you’re always behind on tasks and projects, constantly dealing with emergencies and have no clue if what you are spending time on is actually growing your business… You need a better business planning system.
And I don’t just mean your business plan itself.
Sure that’s wonderful to have, but your business plan is the overall structure for the direction of your business- it’s not the strategic plan for you to follow everyday to reach your business goals.
Imagine getting to work each day with a clear plan of action, prioritized tasks, ideas organized at your finger tips, and feeling confident that the work you complete is positively impacting your business growth.
If you are ready to trade overwhelm for clarity, disorganization for structure, and hustle for strategy, I have precisely the tool you need to successfully manage and grow your business!
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Wishing you a productive, successful week and holiday season ahead!
Creating themed gift guides isn’t just a way to celebrate the spirit of giving; it’s a powerful tool to attract your ideal customers and boost your sales during the holiday season. By curating thoughtful, themed gift guides, you not only provide valuable recommendations to your audience but also showcase your products in a way that resonates deeply with potential buyers. Here’s your step-by-step guide to crafting irresistible themed gift guides that will captivate your audience and drive sales.
1. Identify Your Ideal Customer: Understand your target audience’s preferences, interests, and pain points. Knowing your ideal customer’s needs will help you curate a gift guide tailored specifically to them.
2. Choose a Theme: Select a theme that aligns with your brand and appeals to your ideal customers. It could be based on occasions (e.g., “Gifts for a Cozy Winter Evening”), interests (e.g., “Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts”), or demographics (e.g., “Gifts for Busy Moms”). The theme should resonate with your audience’s lifestyle.
3. Curate a Variety of Products: Feature a diverse range of products from your inventory that fit the chosen theme. Include your bestsellers, unique items, and exclusive offers. Aim for a mix of price points to cater to different budgets.
4. Add Personal Touches: Share personal anecdotes or stories related to the products. Explain why each item is a fantastic choice. Creating an emotional connection with your audience enhances the appeal of your gift guide.
5. Provide Detailed Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions for each product, highlighting its features, benefits, and how it can solve a problem or enhance the recipient’s life. Clear, compelling descriptions help potential buyers understand the value of the items.
6. Include High-Quality Visuals: High-resolution images and professional-quality videos of the products are essential. Visual appeal can significantly influence purchasing decisions. Show the products from different angles and in various contexts to give a comprehensive view.
7. Add Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Insert clear and enticing CTA buttons or links that lead directly to the product pages on your website. Make the purchasing process as seamless as possible to encourage immediate action.
8. Promote on Social Media and Email: Share your themed gift guide across your social media platforms and email newsletters. Use engaging captions and eye-catching visuals to create excitement. Encourage your audience to share the guide with their friends and family.
9. Collaborate with Influencers or Affiliates: Partner with influencers or affiliates within your niche to promote your gift guide. Their authentic recommendations can reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your guide.
10. Monitor and Analyze: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your gift guide. Monitor the clicks, conversions, and engagement metrics. Analyze what worked well and what didn’t, and use this data to refine your future strategies.
By following these steps, you’ll not only create themed gift guides that resonate deeply with your audience but also establish your brand as a trusted curator of valuable products. Remember, the key lies in understanding your customers, offering genuine recommendations, and infusing your guide with the passion you have for your products.
Get a Strategic Business Planner
Running a small business is a lot! It requires a cohesive strategy for time, task and business management if you want to be successful at it. Which is why tackling and managing all this work with a simple to do list or basic planner just doesn’t cut it.
If you have a hard time deciding what to work on for your business, feel like you’re always behind on tasks and projects, constantly dealing with emergencies and have no clue if what you are spending time on is actually growing your business… You need a better business planning system.
And I don’t just mean your business plan itself.
Sure that’s wonderful to have, but your business plan is the overall structure for the direction of your business- it’s not the strategic plan for you to follow everyday to reach your business goals.
Imagine getting to work each day with a clear plan of action, prioritized tasks, ideas organized at your finger tips, and feeling confident that the work you complete is positively impacting your business growth.
If you are ready to trade overwhelm for clarity, disorganization for structure, and hustle for strategy, I have precisely the tool you need to successfully manage and grow your business!
The CEO Strategy Planner is the Ultimate Business Planning Tool to Help You Organize, Plan and Execute on Your Business Vision. Get your ideas out of your head, onto paper, and get down to business with the CEO Strategy Planner!Click here to purchase your copy now!
Wishing you a holiday season filled with successful gift guides and delighted customers!
In the pursuit of greatness, it’s natural to want to handle everything on your own. After all, who knows your vision better than you do? However, there comes a time when the wisdom lies not in doing it all but in strategically delegating tasks. Delegation isn’t about relinquishing control; it’s about empowering yourself and others. So, if you find it hard to let go, fear not! Here’s a guide to help you master the art of delegation and unlock a world of possibilities.
1. Acknowledge Your Limitations
The first step to effective delegation is acknowledging that you’re human. You have limits, and that’s perfectly okay. Accepting your limitations is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. By recognizing what you can’t do, you open the door to what others can contribute.
2. Identify Your Strengths
Understand your unique strengths and talents. What are the tasks that truly align with your expertise and bring you joy? Focus on these, and recognize that other tasks, though important, might be better suited for someone else.
3. Recognize Others’ Capabilities
Just as you have strengths, others have their unique talents. Trust in their abilities. Delegating isn’t a burden; it’s an opportunity for others to shine. By assigning tasks to individuals with the right skills, you’re allowing them to contribute meaningfully.
4. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication is key to successful delegation. Clearly outline your expectations, the desired outcome, and any specific guidelines. Be open to questions and provide necessary resources. The more clarity you provide, the smoother the process will be.
5. Start Small
If you’re new to delegation, start with smaller tasks. As you build trust and confidence in the process, you can gradually delegate more significant responsibilities. Starting small allows you to refine your communication and feedback loops.
6. Provide Feedback and Appreciation
Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those you delegate tasks to. Positive reinforcement creates a supportive environment where individuals feel valued. Constructive feedback, given respectfully, helps everyone grow and improve.
7. Embrace the Gift of Time
Delegating strategically isn’t just about lightening your load; it’s about gifting yourself time. Time to focus on what truly matters, time to innovate, time to nurture your well-being, and time to indulge in personal passions. Remember, your time is precious – invest it wisely.
8. Let Go and Trust the Process
Release the need for absolute control. Trust the process and trust the individuals you’ve delegated tasks to. Embrace the space you’ve created for yourself to excel in areas where your unique talents truly shine.
Dear friends, by mastering the art of delegation, you’re not just lightening your own load – you’re creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and mutual empowerment. Together, we can achieve far more than any one of us could on our own.
With trust, gratitude, and the spirit of collaboration,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🌟
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the world around us, nature whispers a profound truth: this is the season of harvest. In the same way trees gracefully shed their leaves, we too can release the burdens of the past and focus on the bountiful harvest of our efforts. The fall season serves as a poignant reminder that life operates in cycles, and now is our time to reap the results of the seeds we sowed in the earlier chapters of the year.
Embracing the Harvest
Consider this moment a pause, a chance to reflect on the journey so far. Every goal achieved, every hurdle overcome, and every lesson learned is a testament to your resilience and determination. Just like a farmer tending to their crops, you have nurtured your dreams and aspirations. Now, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate the abundance you’ve cultivated.
Letting Go
Much like the trees gracefully release their leaves, it’s time for us to let go of what no longer serves us. Just as nature sheds its weight to prepare for renewal, we too can release the unnecessary expectations and burdens that weigh us down. Acknowledge that it’s okay to let certain things go – whether they are unattainable goals or external pressures. The true essence of autumn lies in surrender, paving the way for new growth in the future.
Prioritizing Your Focus
Autumn teaches us the art of prioritization. Just as nature sheds its leaves but retains its core strength, we too can focus on what truly matters. Take a moment to identify the key areas of your life – your relationships, your passions, your well-being. These are the roots that sustain you. Nurture them. Pour your energy into the people and pursuits that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment.
Finding Balance
In the pursuit of balance, understand that it’s okay to relinquish control over things beyond your reach. Autumn is a season of acceptance, of acknowledging the natural ebb and flow of life. As you release the need for perfection, you create space for serenity. Balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most with unwavering focus and intention.
Renewal Awaits
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, remember that within this natural cycle of life lies the promise of renewal. The energy you invest in what truly matters will bear fruit, fostering new growth and opportunities. By embracing the harvest, you not only honor your past efforts but also set the stage for a vibrant, fulfilling future.
Dear friends, as you stand amidst the golden tapestry of autumn, let this season be a gentle reminder that you are enough as you are. Your worth isn’t determined by the unrelenting pursuit of perfection, but by the love you give, the passions you pursue, and the authenticity you embody.
With a heart full of gratitude for the journey we share,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
As we gear up for the most enchanting time of the year, it’s essential to infuse your content with the holiday spirit, warmth, and joy. Engaging your audience during Q4 requires creativity and a deep understanding of what resonates with your customers. Here’s a curated list of popular content topics tailored specifically to the holiday season, designed to captivate your audience and fuel your business growth.
1. Festive Product Showcases: Introduce your holiday-themed products or services through visually appealing showcases. Highlight their unique features, benefits, and how they can bring joy to your customers’ celebrations.
2. Gift Guides and Recommendations: Craft comprehensive gift guides catering to different interests, age groups, or budgets. Help your audience find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Include your products or services in the guide, offering solutions for various gifting needs.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Festivities: Invite your audience into your world by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your holiday preparations. Whether it’s decorating your workspace, organizing a team celebration, or packaging orders with care, these moments humanize your brand.
4. Customer Stories and Testimonials: Share heartwarming customer stories and testimonials. Let your satisfied customers narrate their experiences with your products or services, emphasizing how your offerings added value to their holiday season.
5. DIY and Craft Tutorials: Create engaging DIY tutorials related to the holidays. This could range from handmade gift ideas and festive home decor to easy-to-cook holiday recipes. Share step-by-step guides or video tutorials to inspire your audience’s creativity.
6. Countdowns and Advent Calendars: Build anticipation with countdown posts or create an online advent calendar. Each day, unveil a special offer, a holiday tip, or an inspirational quote. Encourage your audience to check in daily for delightful surprises.
7. Interactive Quizzes and Polls: Increase engagement with fun quizzes and polls related to the holidays. Ask about favorite holiday traditions, preferences, or gift ideas. Interactive content encourages participation and generates buzz around your brand.
8. Charitable Initiatives and Giving Back: Share your philanthropic efforts during the holiday season. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, organizing a donation drive, or pledging a percentage of your sales to a cause, transparently communicate your commitment to making a positive impact.
9. Holiday-Themed Blog Posts and Infographics: Write informative blog posts or create visually appealing infographics related to holiday trends, traditions, or tips. Share valuable content that your audience finds useful and shareable, establishing your expertise in the field.
10. Live Q&A Sessions and Webinars: Host live Q&A sessions or webinars addressing common holiday-related challenges. Offer expert advice, share insider tips, and interact directly with your audience, building trust and credibility.
Get a Strategic Business Planner
Running a small business is a lot! It requires a cohesive strategy for time, task and business management if you want to be successful at it. Which is why tackling and managing all this work with a simple to do list or basic planner just doesn’t cut it.
If you have a hard time deciding what to work on for your business, feel like you’re always behind on tasks and projects, constantly dealing with emergencies and have no clue if what you are spending time on is actually growing your business… You need a better business planning system.
And I don’t just mean your business plan itself.
Sure that’s wonderful to have, but your business plan is the overall structure for the direction of your business- it’s not the strategic plan for you to follow everyday to reach your business goals.
Imagine getting to work each day with a clear plan of action, prioritized tasks, ideas organized at your finger tips, and feeling confident that the work you complete is positively impacting your business growth.
If you are ready to trade overwhelm for clarity, disorganization for structure, and hustle for strategy, I have precisely the tool you need to successfully manage and grow your business!
The CEO Strategy Planner is the Ultimate Business Planning Tool to Help You Organize, Plan and Execute on Your Business Vision. Get your ideas out of your head, onto paper, and get down to business with the CEO Strategy Planner!Click here to purchase your copy now!
Remember, authenticity is the key to meaningful engagement. Tailor these content ideas to align with your brand’s voice and values. Embrace the spirit of the season, and let your passion illuminate your content, fostering genuine connections with your audience.
Here’s to a season of inspired content creation and flourishing connections!
