ONE OF THE BEST GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE
One of my favorite books is a book by Katie Couric called The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives.
It was a gift from an ex-boyfriend and admittedly is one of the best presents I ever got. Because it’s filled with real-life advice from people who’ve lived (or are living) extraordinary lives.
People like Steven Spielberg, Maya Angelou, Melinda Gates, Barbara Walters, and so many more…
One of my favorite chapters is titled “Don’t Be Afraid of Being Afraid” (page 27) by Maria Shriver, Award-Winning Journalist, Best-Selling Author, and Former First Lady of California.
This is a chapter I completely agree with.
She goes on to say, “Don’t sell yourself short by being afraid of failure that you don’t dare to make mistakes.”
Just imagine…
If your book, helped to inspire just one person.
…Or two, ten, or hundreds of thousands of people.
Maybe even millions.
Writing a book is an incredibly easy way to impact many and it’s sooo easy to do.
Especially, if you have the right guidance.
I have now written over 12 books (I seriously need to count them) and admittedly I have been afraid to publish some of them.
So if you’re afraid to write a book – believe me – I get it.
But the few I have published, promoted, and sold have helped people in a way that gives me immense joy.
Even (and especially) the eBooks that are sold exclusively on my website.
In fact, one of my best-selling eBooks started out as an email to a friend. That email (which solves a very specific problem) turned into a list-building, profitable sales funnel.
But more than that, It’s gotten people free media publicity to grow their business.
Tomorrow I am hosting a workshop that can help you grow your business.
I am going to teach you how to create a gift that keeps on giving. The gift of your knowledge.
The gift – of a book.
Because I believe that one of the best gifts you can give to someone you love is a book.
And why not that book be one that you write?
To join the 2-hour workshop, your investment is only $47. Plus, you will get the recording but only if you register before it begins.
This recording will ONLY be given to registrants who sign up before it begins.
I have no idea when (if ever) I will host another workshop like this.
So if you’re ready to create a gift that keeps on giving, then hurry up and sign up now – lest you forget before you miss the deadline.
You can get all the details through the link below.
https://www.meetup.com/Buffalo-Writing-Meetup-Group/events/281262897/
Irene
(the book writing queen)
P.S.Several people have already told me they are going to join us and seats are limited so grab your spot before it’s too late.
Here’s where you can sign up:
https://www.meetup.com/Buffalo-Writing-Meetup-Group/events/281262897/
P.P.S.
If you’re not already a member on MeetUp you’ll need to join. It’s free to join and there are lots of groups and events (both free and paid) you can attend in your community.
My group is called Writing for Profit.
Which is our goal after all. But my purpose and my mission are to help you explode your business, and make an impact through the Power of Writing.
You are welcome to join us in our mission to change lives.
Here’s the loving link:
https://www.meetup.com/Buffalo-Writing-Meetup-Group/events/281262897/
There is Always Something to Be Thankful For
How to make Gratitude work for YOU to live more happily and freely.
When I’m not at my best or I’m feeling a little anxious, sad, lonely or worried There is one thing I do that works every time.
That my friend is practice gratitude. So I would like to share with you how you can use gratitude in your life.
To find more calm, peaceful happiness and pleasure in your life.
What I do is think of 3 things that I am grateful for. To demonstrate I will share 3 things I am grateful for right now.
Three things I am grateful for...
- I am grateful that my kids are healthy.
2. I am grateful that today was a beautiful warm sunny day where I live.
3. I am grateful, that I have the freedom to work where I want when I want and how I want.
Because no matter how bad things may seem at times, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
It all starts with a positive attitude.
So when times get tough, I stop and think to myself “What are 3 things I am grateful for right now?”
Then I either write them down, say them out loud, think them to myself or I text them to a friend.
Why 3 you ask?
Well, it works for me. I’ve tried journaling gratitude in the morning. Then in the evening. I’ve tried listing everything I am thankful for, which can eat up a LOT of your time.
That’s why 3 is my magic number.
Because it’s something I can do to easily. To shift my mindset from a distressed state to a state of gratitude. You can’t be in a state of anxiety, fear, sadness or depression when you are feeling grateful.
How to Make Gratitude Work For You
So figure how you can work gratitude into your day. To make it work for you. So you can find more peace, love, and joy in your life.
I sure hope this helps you when you’re feeling a little off.
Especially, when you are feeling anything but calm, happy, or grateful that you might remember this.
Hopefully, it will help brighten your day.
If you want to learn how you can live the freedom lifestyle, so you can work how you want when you want, and from anywhere in the world (using only a laptop and an internet connection) download your FREE guide to start your own blog or online business below.
Here’s the link to learn more:
https://www.irenegabelnick.com/make-money-online/
Irene
5 Ways You Can Get Paid to Write
If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in writing there has never been a better time to start then right now.
You’re going to learn 5 ways that you can get paid as a writer while working from home. Or from anywhere in the world. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection.
Actually, you don’t even need a laptop (although it makes it easier).
You could do all of these using just a smartphone. As long as you’re connected to the world wide web.
I have made money all 5 ways that I am sharing with you below, and all of them can earn you extra income too. Or you can turn any one of them into a full-time career.
So you too can have the freedom that comes with living the writer’s life.
Here are 5 ways that you can start right away to earn a good living as a paid writer:
Freelance writing and guest blogging. The first time I got to paid to write an article I got paid $100. Although it wasn’t much, it was an amazing feeling to actually get paid as a writer.
Honestly, I’m not even sure if they ever published the article I wrote. But one of the cool things is that the editor helped me by giving me feedback about what I wrote. This helped me improve my writing skills.
There are tons of websites and publications that pay for articles and photos.
Make sure when pitching a publication that you follow their guidelines for guest posting and article submission.
Become a high paid copywriter. What exactly is a copywriter? A copywriter is someone who writes direct response *copy* for websites, emails, direct mail, social media, advertisements, or anything that leads someone to take action.
Whether it’s to read another article, sign up for an email list, register for a webinar, go to an event or make a purchase.
It’s the persuasive writing that sells or gets your ideal client or customer to take action.
Becoming a copywriter is one of the most lucrative ways of becoming a writer. Because there is always a need for good copywriters.
That’s why businesses pay so well. Your writing makes them money.
So let’s say you write an email campaign that makes your client $20,000. They will gladly pay you $3,000 to write 10 emails that make them money.
Paying a copywriter is an investment that saves business owners time (so they can focus on what they do best) and it makes them money.
It’s a skill every business owner should learn. Whether you plan to hire copywriters or write your own copy.
Learning the fundamentals of persuasive writing that sells improves all of your content.
Including social media posts, video scripts, live streams, blog posts, writing emails to your list, and especially sales pages.
Proofreading and Editing. If you have good language and English skills then you can easily get work as a proofreader.
There are tools available to help you and there is a ton of work out there.
When I first started writing, I picked up some side jobs like this to earn extra money and for my very first assignment I got paid around $700.
There are over 50,000 new books being published on Kindle every month and every book needs to be edited and proofread. So if you are looking to make some extra cash and improve your writing skills, it’s a great way to start.
Write and sell Books. Self-publishing is the fastest and easiest way to become a published author.
Books are a great way to earn extra income. You get paid for every book you sell plus you can turn your book into a lead magnet (to build your email list), a course or an easy way to promote your business.
It is also one of the fastest ways to distinguish yourself as a professional writer and the go-to expert in your industry.
After I wrote my first book it became easy to get media interviews on podcasts and on the radio. Getting interviewed on other people’s shows is one of the best ways to quickly build your brand and gain instant credibility as a writer.
Start your own “work from home” side hustle or full-time online business today.
Here’s the link to download a FREE newletter that shows you how: One of the fastest ways to make money online to work from the comfort and safety of home.
Once You Put Your Big Girl Pants On There is NO Going Back
When my youngest daughter was two, she refused to wear pull-ups.
You know, those diapers that are designed so you can pull them up and down. Like panties. So every time your little one goes potty you don’t have to throw away an expensive unused diaper.
Nope.
Not my little Miss Independent. Who I sometimes call “Mini Me.”
Now keep in mind, she hadn’t needed a diaper in months. I knew she was ready to go to big girl panties and had even bought her an assortment of really cute ones. To try to convince her to give up diapers.
I guess she wanted to stay little.
So here we had a box of pretty pink pull-ups that she refused to wear. As well as a drawer full of cute little underwear. Yet we were still throwing away expensive diapers. Every single day.
One day, she was going through one of the many toy catalogs that arrive by the boatload just before Christmas. She had circled a doll stroller along with many other toys.
There was this one particular stroller that she really wanted.
This one stroller, she had circled many times and kept showing me. Making sure I KNEW this was absolutely the one she wanted. We were sitting on the couch one day, when suddenly the wheels in my mind started churning.
This seemed like the perfect opportunity.
It was bribery, yes. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Christmas was coming and we couldn’t afford to keep throwing money away. Especially on unused diapers.
Then I asked her one question.
And it went something like this, “Sara.” I said to grab her attention. “If I buy you this stroller right now, and you have it in a couple of days, would you start wearing the pullups?”
Suddenly, she flew off the couch and took off running!
She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and pulled out a pair of panties. Completely bypassing the transitional pullups. She put them on, came right back downstairs and said, “Done.”
I actually don’t remember what she said. It was probably more like, “Alright Mom. Order the stroller.”
What I do remember was the determination in her eyes.
And the way she stood there looking at me. So confident with her hands on her hips. I knew at that moment that our diaper days were over. I confirmed with her that she would never go back to diapers. Once she agreed, I ordered the stroller.
That was unquestionably one of the best investments I have ever made. If you’re a mom (or a dad) you understand the joys of the end of diaper days.
Forever.
She never ever had an accident. And she never went back. Because once you put your big girl pants on, there is NO going back.
For the past several months or so, I have been learning everything possible about course creation, testing, marketing and selling online courses. Despite the fact that I already know quite a bit. I’ve been selling them for a while now.
I needed to learn how to scale my business and fast. Because it’s something I really want. To live a life filled with abundance, joy, freedom and wealth.
The training sessions I have been taking (and the people I am surrounding myself with) are experienced experts who are making millions of dollars selling online programs and are teaching course creators (like me) how to do it right. However, despite everything they are teaching me I still haven’t been doing it.
I guess maybe we all need a little incentive. Or bribery.
One of the things about starting a business is that we have a tendency to devalue our time. Most of us normal folks anyway. Which only hurts us in the long run. You see, if you don’t charge what your program is worth then people often don’t see the value in it.
When you charge a premium price, people have more of an “investment” mindset. They are serious about completing your program. Making it a “no brainer” to pull out their credit card and enroll.
Also making it a huge win/win for everyone.
Your students succeed by showing up and doing the work. Then they give you a raving testimonial. Making it easier for you to sell more high-end courses.
Then you can help even more people succeed.
I realized this morning that I’ve been kind of “staying little” too. Instead of joining the big leagues. Even though I have written over a dozen books just this past year alone.
Even though I became the Health & Fitness Expert on the award-winning radio show The Queen Silvy Show. Only two months after publishing my first book. Where I went live in front of millions of listeners each and every month.
Even though people were calling me “famous.”
And “You’re a Star!” Including my friend Chris (from my LA Mastermind group) who’s a real estate broker selling multi-million dollar listings in San Francisco.
Even though I am co-writing a book with Jennelle Gordon. A book about how Tony Robbins helped a brave young woman. Who as a young girl was sold into sex trafficking and escaped after 10 years of captivity. And how she has started her own business, created Beyond Freedom, a non-profit organization that helps young survivors get back on their feet.
To finally going live on stage delivering her very first TED talk.
A true inspirational story that can show you how you can overcome any obstacle in life. To go from surviving to thriving regardless of any circumstance.
What I realized today is that I am already in the big leagues.
It’s time to put my big girl pants on. And never look back.
So, I raised the price on my upcoming writing course. A LOT. A program where I am teaching entrepreneurs like you how to go from blank page to published in only 5 weeks.
To grow your business, get higher paying clients, land higher paid speaking engagements and easily get into the media.
Because once you put your big girl pants on there is no going back.
Not for my baby girl and not for me.
If you are ready to join the big leagues, by becoming a published author, to scale your business and take it to the next level, you can start today.
Don’t you think it’s time you put your big girl (boy) pants on?
Download your FREE guide to becoming a published author. Take off running now and head on over to The Power of Writing.
The Ice Pick Glistened in the Streetlight
You wouldn’t believe some of the stories I have heard since writing my first book!
Complete strangers come out of the woodwork and share incredulous stories that you may or may not believe. After my real life experiences this past year alone, nothing much shocks me anymore.
According to Publishing Perspectives, some 200 million Americans say they want to publish a book. Yet only about 1 percent of those folks ever do.
One fine entrepreneur once told me (at a business Mastermind I attended in LA last year) “It seems so daunting.”
Writing and publishing a book that is.
Yet so many people have amazing stories to share. Stories that teach, motivate, inspire, entertain and most importantly stories that can be life changing.
Stories that can impact millions.
I believe my personal real life story of high school drop out to successful business owner is one of them. I am not ready to share my personal tragedies with the world. Not just yet.
I can, however, share a story my brother Pete once told me.
A story of how he was jumped by six boys (probably an exaggeration knowing my brother Peter) and how the ice pick they held at his throat glistened in the street light.
Terrifying to say the least.
He told his story so well that I envisioned an ice pick 4 feet high with a sharp glass-like tip. Pointy and in the shape of a diamond. In reality, it was probably one of those handheld things that have a pointy metal tip. Used to chip the ice off of frozen cars here in snowy Buffalo, NY where I grew up.
The story and the way he told it was so terrifying and so incredibly important.
Because it terrified me. Which in turn kept me from walking alone in the bad parts of town. That story has most likely prevented me from getting robbed or held at gunpoint. Or even worse.
The thing we as women dread the most. Violence and rape.
Which is why your story is so important. I believe every single person has a story to share. Yet, most folks are afraid to use their voice.
Isn’t it time you use yours?
What story have you been keeping a secret? What untold story is eating you up inside?
Start now. Download your FREE guide to write and publish your first book. Click the link here to learn more…
How to Feel Happier
Something I read a while back , struck a chord in me…
“Happiness is a feeling.”
This is something I tell myself often. You see, the past year has been one of the worst years of my life.
Starting my own business and trying to start a blog has kept me trying to keep a smile on. Publicly, I mean. No one cares when things are bad. They don’t want to hear it.
And when things are good?
Greed, jealousy and envy can rear their ugly heads in ways I never thought possible. It doesn’t matter how hard you try to feel happier. It doesn’t change the ugliness in this world.
With that said, despite what challenges you are dealing with now. The good, the bad or the ugly. Happy times, stressful times or scary difficult times.
There are actionable things you can do right now to feel happier.
If I can still manage to feel happy enduring what I have been through this past year, there is no question you can too. Today I want to share some of the things I think can make anyone feel happier.
On good days or bad.
Things that you might need to force yourself to do. But that you *should* do if you need a pick me up. Happiness really does only exist within yourself.
Pink, red, orange and yellow are happy colors.
You can’t change the past. You can’t make bad people good. You can’t turn black into white. But there are shades of gray that you can add color to.
Add some color to your life by surrounding yourself with cheerful colors and friendly kind people. Stop and take time to do something you enjoy.
Play a silly game on your phone for a few minutes. Go for a walk or watch a funny YouTube video. Anything that will make you laugh.
Call a friend. Be careful with this one. Not everyone who pretends to be your friend is your friend. I hope you don’t learn this the hard way the way I have.
When you do, you don’t need to mention that you’re feeling bad. You don’t have to vent or share even. Simply say to your friend, “Tell me something good.”
You’ll be surprised how a happy or uplifting story can lift your spirits. Even if it’s just for a moment.
Exercise. Exercising Makes You Feel Happier.
It doesn’t matter what you do. Walk, run, jump rope. Do a set of angry pushups. You would be surprised how you can instantly feel happier just be getting your heart pumping.
Eating Makes You Feel Good
Sometimes when you’re feeling sad you forget to eat. Or nothing tastes good…
At least for me anyway.
Eat something and drink a glass of water. Opt for something healthy like fruit or a large healthy meal. Depending on when you ate last.
Also, do treat yourself. This is time for self care. Do anything that will make you feel better!
Eating chocolate is good!
Just don’t go to town on a whole pint of Death by Chocolate (my personal favorite). Eat a small amount of chocolate while you are preparing a healthy snack or meal.
Whatever bad sh*t is bringing you down, put a positive spin on it.
I have this bizarre gift of being able to find a positive in every single situation. I’m not kidding when I say this.
Even the most horrible things that have happened to me.
How to turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Here’s an example. When I was a kid about 9 years old, I was drowning in a pool of water.
(I’ll share the story of how it happened another time.)
This is about your happiness. Let’s get back on topic…
I was taking in water, drowning. On a beautiful sunny day. Surrounded by happy kids who were swimming, laughing and having fun.
Meanwhile, I was suffocating. I was taking in water and drowning in a chlorine filled (and who knows what else) public pool. After my short bout of panic (trying to grab peoples feet to get help) I suddenly gave in. I realized that this was the end. Oddly, I felt a moment of blissful peace.
Kind of like in the movies. You know, like when the white light suddenly appears out of the clouds.
Then suddenly, someone grabbed me. It was the girl who almost killed me. She lifted me up and carried me to the edge of the pool. Where I gagged and coughed trying to breathe again.
Which felt even worse than the drowning itself.
Not to mention the humiliation I felt in front of everyone. Especially, in front of the cute lifeguards.
Because the lifeguards are always cute, right?
The three positive and most important things that have come of this are: I started taking my daughters to swim class at a very young age. I will never regret the chilly mommy and me swim classes we went to.
They continued to take swim classes until I knew both my girls could swim well.
I too finally learned how to swim. I took adult swim classes as soon as I could afford them. I was in my twenties when I finally learned how to swim.
It just goes to show you, it’s never too late to learn something new.
The most important thing I learned which is also the most valuable positive thing. That I can spin out of this dire situation is that I am not afraid of dying.
Maybe it’s because I know the things I have accomplished in my life are enough. The people I have helped and the lives I have touched. Or maybe it was that moment of bliss I felt.
There was no fear.
So what lots of people consider the worst case scenario being death, I do not.
The worst case scenario for me is that I die unhappy. Nothing will stop me from trying to make as many people feel happier before that happens.
Making other people happy can make you feel happier.
That’s what makes me feel happy. When I help other people.
Whether it’s to help you lose weight or to try to find a happier career path… Or to write that book you’ve been thinking about. The one that’s eating you up inside.
It makes no difference to me. As long as I can help at least one person.
Some business experts would say that my website is “confusing” to visitors. The message isn’t always clear.
So here is what it is all about: How you can feel happier.
If you want to feel happier check out my list of products. It’s a mixed bag of stuff. I guess I’m still trying to figure out what makes me feel happier.
So kill me – I’m not afraid.
Contact me now if you need help growing your business through the Power of Writing. Or starting your own business…
Here’s what one happy client told me:
“I really love your way with words. You’re friggin talented Irene. I love how you write. It gave me chills.”
~Jennelle Gordon
Founder of Beyond Freedom
Books and online marketing are my specialties. Check out my about page to schedule a live consultation here: Learn more…
Make Money Writing
Imagine waking up happier than you ever imagined.
Working from anywhere in the world doing something you love.
As a paid writer. A published author even…
There are many ways you can become a paid writer. Writing books, blogging, travel writing and ghostwriting are just a few.
Writing and publishing your own book is by far the easiest way to begin sharing your ideas, your personal story or promoting your business.
It’s way easier than you think!
If you love writing, what’s stopping you?
I believe every single person has a story to share. It could be a real life personal experience. Something you can share while teaching a valuable lesson.
Helping thousands or millions of people, by sharing your expertise. Or writing for fun and entertainment. One of my books is a suspense mystery thriller. Shhh... I call my secret guilty pleasure.
Start Writing Your Book Today
Start writing your book today. It’s a lot easier than you think. Start now.
Download your FREE checklist “10 Easy Steps to Start Writing Your Book Today.”
