How to Start Your Own Business
Burn the boats!
The other day I was reading an email from a very successful business owner.
His name is Oscar Garcia.
In fact, he is also my Facebook friend and teaches live trainings on how to create successful Facebook advertising campaigns.
Apparently, according to Oscar (I didn’t personally research this), the Spanish had a saying as they arrived in America. They would say “burn the boats” meaning that they were here to conquer and that they would not retreat.
Oscar was miserable working at a high paying corporate job. He quit his job, took his 401K money and moved in with a friend. He started his own business and is doing tremendously well.
He left himself with no safety net. No way to give up or retreat.
Like I’ve done a couple of times.
It wasn’t until I burned the boats and jumped in both feet first that I finally registered my LLC and published my first book.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you do this. In fact, I strongly discourage it. I have had to give up and sacrifice a lot of things to do this.
Which is why I would rather teach others. So they can learn from my mistakes. Instead of making the same ones I did.
This all inspired me to record Episode 3 of The Power of Writing Podcast. It’s about starting your own business.
Here it is:
How to start your own business
Is this a scam?
In most industries and especially in sales (of any kind) you have to keep learning.
To sharpen my copywriting skills, I’ve been reading through some of the “BEST copy ever written!”
As I was reading, I kept thinking that it all sounds so…
Cheezy.
Which my mind translates to, “Is this a scam?”
I have never particularly cared for big flashy ads that are filled with huge promises and giant “BUY NOW” buttons.
However, statistics show (and $ signs) that they do actually work. Therefore, we can’t stop using them.
So what do we do???
This is one of the reasons why testimonials are so important.
And why I would lie to tell you about a testimonial I received about “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
This testimonial was written by Dr. Michael Dusa. He has a degree in nutrition, was a bodybuilder and has owned fitness companies throughout his career. He is the founder of MTFU where he helps men over 50 enjoy life to the fullest. By helping men get healthy & fit, have better love lives, enhance their careers and live happier and healthier lives.
Which is exactly why I wrote Zipping It Up. Only it’s specifically to help women.
When you wake up in the morning, slip into loosely fitting clothes, look in the mirror and think, “Damn, I look good!” – It changes your day. Your motivation increases, your mood changes and your career flourishes.
Not to mention your sex life.
Here’s just a snippet of what Dr. Dusa’s review of the book Zipping It Up:
“By my marketing colleague, Irene Gabelnick. LADIES I recommend this book. I like Irene’s style very straightforward, no secrets, no bullshit. Everything you need is packaged as a system in this book to shuck those last few pounds and slip easily into your favorite outfit or bikini.”
That is only ONE of the many 5 star reviews written about “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
This week I am offering a special eBook edition. You don’t need a fancy Kindle device, or have to download the Kindle app OR even have to wait for it to be shipped to your door!
You can start Zipping It Up today!
Plus… I reduced the price! You can save 30% off the print cover price if you buy it today! I am only offering this special discounted price until Sunday, June 3rd.
The best part…
In memory of my loving sister Natalie, who died of breast cancer, I am donating 20% of the proceeds for each eBook sold during this special promotion, to the fight against cancer. My daughter Hannah (that’s her in the picture) is raising money for Bald for Bucks and is donating 10 inches of her beautiful blonde hair. Which will be used to make a wig for a cancer survivor.
To help make this a world without cancer.
*This promotion has ended. You can still Purchase the book in Kindle and in print here:
I want to wake up feeling great!
10 Influential Entrepreneurs to Help You Grow Your Business
A big part of growing your business is learning from top successful entrepreneurs. There are many amazing people to learn from. The best thing I can suggest is to follow people you resonate with. Observe their business models. Watch how they create their business structure, build their brand and their tribe.
I’ve created a list of highly respected, top influential entrepreneurs who’ve helped me get one step closer to growing my business. They can help you create the business of your dreams and a life of freedom. Follow them on social media and reach out to connect. You might be surprised who you might meet. You can connect with top experts in your industry to build relationships with like minded people. Position yourself as an expert and open doors to unlimited opportunities.
Tim Ferriss is an author of best-selling books, including his newest release,“Tribe of Mentors.” The first time I heard Tim was on a live interview with Jack Canfield. He shared how he set goals to write his first best-selling book. And the day his literary agent called him to inform him he had hit the charts. His exact words were bleeped out and his enthusiasm was contagious. I liked him instantly. I finally started reading “The 4-Hour Workweek” after buying it sometime last year. I’m only a few chapters in and I can already feel my dream life beginning to come alive.
Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor, entrepreneur and personality based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the creator of Blogilates, the #1 female fitness channel on YouTube with over 300 million video views and 3 million subscribers. I started following Cassey a few years ago when I started working her extreme ab series, into my workout routine. I watched her grow her business from a mat and a camera to an amazing studio. Her business model and success has been one of the strongest influences to starting my own business.
Ann Handley is a writer, speaker and marketing expert. I read an article about her a few weeks ago and started following her. I received my first newsletter from Ann a few days ago. It was filled with valuable information, kept me locked in to the end and most importantly made me laugh. Learning the fundamentals of successful marketing is key to creating a successful online business.
Nick Usborne is freelance writer, copywriter, author, and speaker. He is also known as the Coffee Detective and the creator of a course I recently completed. The course called Money-Making Websites through AWAI, teaches you how to create passive income. By using an interest, hobby or passion, building a website and learning how to monetize it.
Ryan Lee is a business coach and founder of Freedym. He helps entrepreneurs create a life of freedom by building an online continuity business. He is a master at connecting people. I recently joined one of his Mastermind groups which has introduced me to many successful online entrepreneurs. The Freedym membership site has everything you need to create, grow and market a thriving online business.
Chris Winfield is an entrepreneur and success coach in New York City. With the use of simple systems, techniques and the power of true focus, Chris teaches people how to get 40 hours of work done in 16.7 and much more. Are you seeing a pattern here? Get more done in less time. Chris also teaches about gratitude and being thankful for what you have.
Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist who helps entrepreneurs impact millions. She specializes in connecting entrepreneurs with media outlets to become the expert in their field and reach the masses. Selena is someone I resonate with on many levels. Like me, she has to step out of her comfort zone to get in front the camera for photos and videos. Her techniques for getting into mainstream media can help you grow and promote your business.
Ruth Soukup is a writer, speaker, blogger, entrepreneur and founder of the Living Well Spending Less blog. She creates courses that help entrepreneurs create successful blogs. If you want to create a life of freedom through blogging I highly recommend you check her out.
Suzi Whitford is a writer, blogger and founder of Start a Mom Blog. She is an up and coming star blogger. Her courses and content are filled with great information to create, grow and build a business for mommy bloggers.
Last but not least, is someone I oddly placed after the lovely, sweet Suzi.
Dan Meredith is an author, coach and founder of a massive Facebook group called Coffee with Dan. His book “How to be F*ucking Awesome” is a must read if you want to learn what is important about building a business and how to get sh*t done. There is a waiting list to get into his popular Facebook group. A word of warning, It’s not for those easily offended.
Those are my top 10 picks for influential entrepreneurs to help you grow a thriving business. Learn from the best and live the life you deserve. While having the freedom to do the things you enjoy. Without selling your soul.
Should You Weigh Yourself?
This morning I read an article about weighing yourself. Correction, it was about why you shouldn’t weigh yourself.
Apparently, there are people who obsess over the scale. I get it. And if you’re obsessing over a scale, you probably have bigger problems than being overweight. Other issues that may be causing you to overeat.
Don’t blame it on the scale.
I weigh myself every morning.
Just once a day. About the same time before I eat or drink anything. Just to keep myself in check. “They” say, it doesn’t matter. It’s just water weight. It takes days to lose actually fat. Blah, blah blah.
It works for me.
The reason it works for me is that I look at it positively either way. Whether it’s tipping high. Or weighing in low.
If it’s low, I feel good. But it doesn’t mean I head for the bacon, eat a burger and fries for lunch, then eat candy bars and chips all day. I look at what I did right and try to do it again.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat?
Eat healthy. Exercise. Everything in moderation.
Rules I live by.
We all have times when we gain weight. Most of us average folks, anyway. My weight has fluctuated many times throughout my life. People look at me and assume that I am naturally thin. I don’t believe in “naturally thin.”
I believe in being healthy.
There is a reason that I don’t have health issues. Even at my age.
To prove it, that even I have struggled with weight over the years, I pulled out a book that a friend lent me back in my twenties. No, I never returned it.
My bad?
I’m pretty sure she told me to keep it.
I must have put on a few pounds at the time and wanted to lose it. Since I am of the proactive
nature and keep myself in check, before things get out of control, I read the book.
It’s called “Diets Still Don’t Work.” by Bob Schwartz.
There are two main reasons I like the book:
- I agree that diets don’t work
- Because a key element to success is “mindset”
The mind is a powerful thing. We cannot change the things that happen to us. Of course, we can make choices about what we do and where we go. That might increase our risk for danger. I certainly wouldn’t walk alone at night in a high crime part of town.
But we cannot control everything. Death is inevitable. Challenges arise.
The only thing we can control is how we react.
It’s not easy. We were born with emotions and we can’t change that.
What we can change is how we take care of ourselves. It isn’t rocket science that when you are healthy and feel good, that everything in life is better. It helps us deal with whatever sh*t storm gets thrown our way. Maybe I should stop following the loud mouthed cursing gurus for a while. Alas, another thing I can control.
If you want to be proactive, take better control of your life and deal with challenges a little bit better…
Read a good book.
One that might actually help you.
Like “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
It is not a diet. And the absolute first thing I teach is “mindset”
You gotta want it.
If you don’t, don’t waste your $2.99. The low cost for the Kindle version. It won’t do you any good.
Here’s what Jocelyn Jones, a happy verified purchaser, has to say about Zipping it Up:
“Thank You Irene, This is a very helpful tool for all the ladies out there that need to lose weight fast for a special occasion or just because. The tips are simple to follow and implement. I HIGHLY Recommend this book! 🙂
If you are ready to be proactive zip on over here:
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
This morning, after breakfast I ate a bowl of my favorite ice cream.
Death by Chocolate.
Here’s why:
*Because I wanted to
*I’m planning to have a great workout today and need the energy
*I believe in rewarding yourself
*Everything in moderation
And most importantly, because I don’t sweat the small stuff.
Speaking of not sweating the small stuff, it happens to be one of my favorite books. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson, PH.D.
I’ve only read it twice so far, but I am sure to read this one over and over again. I wholeheartedly give this one a 5 star review.
The thing I love most about this book, is that you don’t have to read it from cover to cover. It compiles 100 short stories, each of which is a stress-reducing strategy, to help you live a calmer, happier life.
Since it is my mission to help you live a healthier and happier life, I had to tell you about it.
You know what else helps you live a happier life? Taking care of yourself. Physically and emotionally.
One of the ways to do that is to love the work you do. Your career shouldn’t dictate where and how you live. Your life and your desires should dictate what you do for work. When you enjoy your work, you wake up happy. You look forward to your job.
Especially if your work involves helping others.
Like Dr. Carlson, you can inspire and help others too. We all have a story to share. You have a superpower. There is something you are really good at. That you can share with others to help them live happier and better lives.
If your secret desire is to write your first book and inspire others, download your free checklist.
10 Easy Ways to Start Writing Your Book Today.
It will help you discover “your superpower.” Your FREE checklist will help you choose your subject, teach you how to research your topic and give you the boost you need to start writing your book today.
Start now by going here:
How to Be F*cking Awesome – A 5 Star Review
He’s a little rough…
I want to tell you about a fellow I’ve been following. His name is Dan Meredith. He is a successful businessman, coach, entrepreneur and the author of How to be F*cking Awesome. On Amazon, every review of his book, is a 5 star review. As of today there are 97 of them. 98 including mine.
As you can clearly see, he’s a little rough around the edges.
I’m reading his book for the third time. I love it. It’s down to earth, honest and motivational. Most of all it is entertaining!
Dan has a massive following.
His Facebook group “Coffee with Dan” has thousands of members. I don’t know how many exactly, but there is a waitlist to get in. It took me 3 requests to get into the group before finally being accepted. It makes you want it more.
There are two lessons here that I’m sharing with you.
I’ll spell them out for you. In case they aren’t obvious.
One. Be entertaining. It will help you grow your following and your business. To help you make more money.
Two. Creating scarcity makes people want it! When offering your products or services, create deadlines. Deadlines for discounts. Deadlines for product launches and/or limited quantities.
Then stick to them.
I cannot stand seeing the ads “FOR ONE DAY ONLY!” Which are only followed by the same deal, day after day.
Seriously?!
You know there’s a Michael’s coupon available every single day, right?
Anyway, there’s a reason why the retailers use this tactic.
Because it works!
And it works in the online business world too. For your products, services, courses, books and coaching services.
That’s all for today. I need to get back to my book. So I can be F*cking awesome too.
Yet another lesson, read good books.
I lied. I wasn’t done preaching my knowledge to my faithful tribe.
You are already awesome. But there is always room for improvement. You can never stop learning.
If you want your body and health to be a little more awesome too, check out my book, that only has 5 star reviews: “Zipping it Up – How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!” You can get in Kindle or paperback right here:
How to Get Beach Body Ready
How to Get Beach Body Ready
Today is the first Tuesday in May and beach season is right around the corner!
The first Tuesday of every month I go live on the award winning The Queen Silvy Show. I get to share my expert health & fitness tips with millions of listeners.
That’s what the Power of Writing and publishing your first book can do for you.
To kick off the season, I will share some of the ways I get beach body ready.
For starters, in preparation for the show and the beach, last night I pulled out my favorite string bikini. I hung it up on my bedroom door as motivation. I will see it hanging there every day to remind me to workout and eat healthy. So I can rock that skimpy bikini on the beach.
For breakfast I had my usual coffee with real half & half. Because fat fills you up, helps you absorb your vitamins better and it’s delicious! Every moment of life should be enjoyed. I do however, mix an equal amount of fat free half & half with regular. It’s half & half of half & half. Yep. This is my morning routine. You can’t get carried away with too much fat!
For breakfast I ate half a grapefruit. It was sweet and delicious. No added sugar needed. Ever. Not like the kids do. Yuck. They sprinkle it generously over their grapefruit. But they’re kids.
After a great run, I made myself an over easy egg with cheese. Topped with pepper and a little hot sauce. I like my food spicy! I skipped the toast this morning. When I’m getting beach body ready, I go with as much high protein as possible and as low carb as possible.
One of the most important things to do is drink water. Lots and lots of water.
The worst part about putting on your swimsuit is feeling bloated. Drinking water helps you debloat and feel better. If you don’t like the taste of water, throw some fruit in it. Or a hint of mint. My favorite Detox Water Recipe helps you debloat fast!
My favorite delicious detox water.
To get my favorite Detox Water Recipe go here:
I want to debloat fast!
To learn more ways to get Beach Body Ready check out my book “Zipping it Up – How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress
The Angels Are Bowling
When I was a little girl, whenever there was a thunderstorm, my mom would say, “The Angels are bowling.” She had a way of calming us during the storm.
She was born in Ukraine and grew up on a farm. Where they were taught not to waste food and use every bit of fat possible. Even going as far as to use bacon grease for cooking.
Delicious, yes. Healthy?
Not so much. As you can see in my mom’s picture, she was overweight. She suffered from Type 2 diabetes and died when I was only twenty.
Lack of exercise, unhealthy eating and being overweight increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and death.
Which is why I started this blog. To share my experiences. To encourage you to live a healthier, longer and happier life.
Now when I get stressed, the thing that keeps me calm? A good run. Making healthy food choices. And sometimes a little chocolate.
Yoga, a spin class, a run, a walk around the neighborhood or any form of exercise will help you reduce stress. Avoid debilitating diseases, taking medication and can help you live longer.
It heals the mind and the body.
Eating Healthy Can Change Your Attitude
When you eat healthy and take care of your body, your whole attitude changes.
Making healthy choices helps you deal with day to day stress. I feel happier and I am able to react to things in a more positive way. Sometimes I even feel like…
I can conquer the world!
That’s what eating healthy and incorporating daily exercise into your life, can do for you.
Wouldn’t you like to face the day feeling like you can conquer the world? Don’t let the hectic day to day stressors get you down. We all have hectic lives that are filled with deadlines, appointments, running errands, sick family members to take care of. Just to name a few.
Our To-do list never ends.
Eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercise not only reduces stress but they are the KEY to living a happier and healthier life.
Aren’t you worth it?
Discover how you can squeeze in more exercise (even on the busiest days) and eat healthier here.