People often tell me they’re “on the fence” about hiring a coach.

They want to “sit with it”, “sleep on it”, “talk to their husband/mom/bestie”, and “ya know, just kind of mull it over.” They usually know what they really want to do, but feel afraid to decide one way or another.

Can you relate?

I certainly can. In fact, indecision used to run rampant in almost every area of my life.

For example, I’d be dating guy I was kinda sorta into (but deep down knew wasn’t right for me), and it would take me MONTHS to end the relationship.

Or I’d want to buy something (a new Kate Spade purse, a workshop ticket, or a trip to Costa Rica) and I’d think about it for days or even weeks at a time.

“Can I really afford it?

 Will I regret it?

 I don’t really need it, do I?

 What if I make the ‘wrong choice’?” I’d wonder

Ultimately I’d go with what my initial instinct said to do all along, but in the process I wasted SO MUCH ENERGY in the swirl of indecision and confusion.

I’ve learned that to be successful, you have to make decisions. And often, the faster you do so (and the less you second guess yourself) the better.

Small decisions. Medium decisions. And OMG-big-scary-my-life-might-be-overrrrrr-if-this-fails-decisions. There is power in deciding, committing and going “all in” (whether it’s with a coach, a romantic partner, or even a pair of shoes).

We often think that by staying ‘on the fence’ we get to experience the best of both worlds. We get to baby-step towards what we want without assuming any actual risk.

But ultimately, nothing could be further from the truth.

 Because when you avoid making powerful decisions, and refrain from going “all in”, you miss out on all the best life has to offer.

There is a beautiful Goethe quote that illustrates this perfectly:

This week, I invite you to make a decision you’ve been on the fence about (no matter how big or small).

 Remember to choose from a place of love (rather than fear) and know that no matter what, you are safe and protected.

 If you feel inspired to do so, please reply to this post and share the decision you made (I will do a happy dance on your behalf + reply with a few words of encouragement :).

 Wishing you a wonderful (and bold!) week ahead!

xx

Rebecca

Ps. “On the fence” about whether or not my BrandFABULOUS program is right for you?  

 I invite you to book a clarity call with me to explore what it would be like to work together. You will leave the call more clear and decided than you came, promise 😉

Do you suffer from website shame? You’re not alone.

As a new coach, creating a website (or revamping your existing one) can feel totally overwhelming and stressful.

I’ve seen more than my share of people throw their hands in the air in frustration and say things like…

“but I’m not techie”

“Writing copy is haaaaard”

“I can’t afford a professional designer”

“My site just doesn’t feel like ‘me’.”

Sound familiar?

Then allow me to let you in on a lil secret. It doesn’t have to be so complicated.

A totally bangin’ website—one that exudes your personality + converts browsers to buyers like it aint’ no thang—really only takes one thing:

Clarity.

The clearer you are about what you want your website to do, who you want it to speak to, and how you want it to feel, the easier the whole process will be (promise).

To help get you clear, here are 5 questions you need to ask before designing (or re-designing) your website (you’re welcome).

1) What is the goal of my site?

Before creating a new site, think strategically about what you would like it to achieve. Do you want people to buy packages? Apply for your signature program? Subscribe to your e-newsletter? Engage on social media? All of the above?

The clearer you get about the actions you want visitors to take, the easier it will be to structure your site effectively, and the more satisfied you and your users will be with the end-result.

2) What is and is not working with my current site?

Once you have a clear idea of what you’re going for, take stock of your existing website (if you have one). What content can be kept and what needs be tossed? Do you hear any common complaints from visitors? Can you glean any insights from your Google Analytics data?

Be sure to dig into the data here, rather than rely solely on gut instinct, and don’t be afraid to get the opinion of existing clients, colleagues and friends. Facebook groups are a great way to crowd-source feedback (and potentially get new leads). A few of my favorites are Goddess Circle, Gina Devee’s Divine Living Radio Show, and The Entrepreneur Incubator.

3) What are your “must haves” vs. “nice to haves”?

When you redesign your website, it’s easy to get distracted by bells and whistles that you don’t actually need (and blow your budget out of proportion in the process).

This is hard when you’re an “I want it all and I want it now” kind of girl (I’m one too), but just as your business will continue to evolve, so too will your website.

For most coaches, here is what you actually NEED to have in your website for it to be a useful marketing + business building tool:

• A strong call to action to subscribe to your e-newsletter list on your homepage (bonus points for offering people a free gift as an incentive).
• Sales page(s) that promote your core package(s)
• Bio page
• Testimonials
• Blog (ideally with a feed of latest posts on your homepage as this will help improve your website’s search engine rankings)
• Squeeze page promoting your free opt in offer (Leadpages is a great tool for creating these pages easily + inexpensively).
• Logo + some high-res photos of you (people love images and having high res photography will help solidify your status as a luxury coaching brand).

4) Am I currently using a content management system, and if so, how is it working for me?

Building your website using a content-management system (CMS) has become de rigor in recent years. I personally use WordPress because of all the flexibility it offers, but if you are just starting out, Wix, Weebly and Squarespace are also great options.

5) Should I do this myself or outsource?

When considering whether to create your own website vs. hire a pro, it’s important to honestly assess whether you actually have the time/resources/skill level to do the job well. It can be tempting to want to save money by doing everything yourself, but don’t underrate the value of having someone objective and skilled to guide you through the process.

Annnnnd don’t let the price tag of a professional design get in your way. To create my website I actually bartered coaching services with my designer. When you’re creative, determined, and (all together now) CLEAR, nothing will stop you from having a website you are crazy proud of.

Feeling inspired and want even more guidance on how to make your website your #1 marketing tool?

Let’s talk.

xo

Rebecca

Happy Friday Darlin’!

I’m writing this post from bed, snuggled under the covers as I sip my morning coffee and prepare for my day (which includes calls with some of my favorite clients, an afternoon yoga class and dinner at a hot new restaurant).  I feel relaxed, comfy, and super inspired.

But my mornings didn’t always look like this.

As recently as last December, a typical morning included repeatedly hitting the snooze button, hastily grabbing a granola bar (to go) and battling rush hour traffic, only to arrive at work late and frazzled.

Working 60+ hours a week was a regular occurrence, as was frequent anxiety, limited time to see friends, and an extra 10 pounds.

I was on the brink of burnout and knew something had to change.

So I decided to hire a coach to help me regain some clarity + sanity in my life and business, and began to make some pretty big life changes.

• I moved from my mom’s basement (where I’d lived for the past 4 months to save every penny) into a beautiful new apartment.
• I ended contracts with 5 PR/copywriting clients because the work just wasn’t lighting me up anymore.
• I moved from working 5 to 3 to 2 (to zero!) days a week at my corporate job and hired not 1 but 2 coaches and a virtual assistant.

“Holy fuck I hope this works out” was my mantra.

I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to make enough money coaching to sustain the lifestyle I wanted. Many people close to me questioned my decisions.

Well, in February I brought in over $6k working less than 28 hours a week (and often from bed) doing only work I absolutely love (and March is already off to a good start).

I know for a fact that if I hadn’t gotten crystal clear about how I wanted my life to look and hired a coach who had the lifestyle I wanted, there’s no way I’d be writing this email to you.

Is my story inspiring to you?

Is a freedom-based coaching business that pays the bills (and totally thrills you) something you crave?

Then I’d love to connect.  I currently have a few spaces left for my BrandFABULOUS program in March.  This 90-Day 1 on 1 experience is the most powerful way I know to take your coaching practice from an expensive hobby to a profitable business.

Interested?  I invite you to set up a free clarity call with you to see if this program is a good fit!

We all know a woman in love with her life when we see her…

It’s in the way she slowly sips her morning latte, savoring every last little bit. Charges premium rates for her services, not afraid to show the world she knows her worth.  Dresses in a way that makes her feel feminine, powerful and beautiful.  Greets those who come into her orbit with a smile, charming everyone from cab drivers to puppies to potential clients.

She’s alive.  She’s intentional. She’s creative.  She’s magnetic.

And she’s you…without all the fear, anxiety, and crap you’ve picked up along the way.

Have you lost touch with your inner fabulocity, even just a little bit?

Than it’s time to bring it back!

As the face of your business, your own joyful self-expression is crucial to your success, and feeling (authentically) fabulous is your most powerful marketing tool!

When you’re living a life that truly lights you up, everyone can feel it.

Your energy is inspiring to be around, and people want to hire you, refer you to their friend, introduce you to that cute guy they know, or invite you over to sip wine + watch The Bachelor.

Good vibes beget more good vibes.

Your positive energy + authentic expression is like a magnet, which coupled with a rock solid marketing plan, will draw ideal clients + media attention to your business like bees to honey.

Are you ready to ramp up your inner “fabu-factor” (and stand out in a sea of other coaches, mentors and consultants)?

Click the link below to book a complimentary clarity call with me and learn how I can support you:

http://www.meetme.so/Thepursuitoffabulous

Peace, love and all things fabulous!

Rebecca

I first discovered Gabriele Bernstein circa 2012, while perusing the self-help section of my local Barnes and Noble. One look at the beaming blonde sporting angel wings on a skateboard (the cover photo of her first book, Add More Ing to Your Life), and I had to know more. I quickly devoured her sage wisdom—punctuated by hyper-relatable stories—and 5 years later I’m still hooked.

So a few months ago I joined a room full of fellow Lululemon-clad seekers to hear Queen G speak live at Pure Yoga in NYC. She didn’t disappoint. Here were 3 of my juiciest “ah ha” moments from the event:

1) Gabby isn’t perfect…and I like her even more because of it.

In the span of 2.5 hours, Gabby shared a story about getting irrationally angry at her publicist, being tempted to break 8 years of sobriety, and having an amazing husband who was at times, “a pain in the ass.” In the age of perfectly filtered Instagram photos and celebrity gurus, Gabby’s ability to be raw and vulnerable with her audience is so refreshing.

I find it comforting to know that despite her massive success, she doesn’t just float through life on a cloud of Kundalini and Kale. She’s real. She struggles. And she’s not pretending otherwise. Her honesty somehow makes her message feel more accessible and her level of success more attainable. And experiencing how empowering it is to have someone I look up to lift the veil of perfection inspires me to be more vulnerable an open with my own clients and readers.

“We’re not going to always be perfect,” Gabby said. “But when we mess up it’s about how quickly we can come back.”

2) Even gurus get upset by the news…but they commit to staying mindful and bounce back quickly.

The theme of coming back to a place of joy and balance after being thrown off course was woven throughout the lecture, especially when Gabby spoke about dealing with the media’s portrayal of upsetting current events. While many spiritual leaders are criticized for being out of touch with reality or glossing over society’s problems, Gabby does just the opposite. “Don’t turn your back on the world,” she implored the audience, “but be mindful of how you consume overly sensationalized media and take measures to protect your energy.”

She encouraged us to become “spiritual activists” and consciously work to raise our own energetic vibrations, “so the world will no longer be a container for all the F’d up stuff happening.” She believes that we all have an energetic responsibility as citizens of the world to create more positive energy, and we do this by redirecting our attention to joy, “When you focus on joy you raise your chances of success and impact the world around you on an energetic level.”

3) Inspirational words + psychical movement make a powerful cocktail (and I’d like another, please).

What I enjoyed most about the event was how Kundalini yoga and breathing exercises were woven throughout, allowing participants to experience a palpable energetic shift over the course of the workshop. Though 2 hours in my arms were shaking and my abs felt like Jello, I was incredibly happy and invigorated. Having my body pumping with endorphins and in a physically relaxed state helped Gabby’s message of empowerment sink in on a deeper and more embodied level—creating a more powerful effect than a yoga class or lecture alone ever could.

All I know is that as I rocked back and forth to the sound of chanting at the end, eyes closed in a room full of New York women, I felt safe. I felt held. I felt like my dreams were more possible. And I wanted more.

It has been SUCH a juicy week for me ladies.

Last Wednesday I did a discovery call with one of my coach crushes, Jessica Caver, for her luxury business intensive at The Ritz Carlton in Miami and there was just this huge part of me that wanted to scream, “YES!”. How luxurious! How celebratory! How decadent! I mean, could it get much better than masterminding for 2015 over champagne, with this really cool chick, in a 5-star hotel, in sunny Miami?!?

But then fear and doubt crept in.

“Rebecca, you just started cutting back from your full time job. Sure you have some money right now, but is this really necessary? What if all of your clients cancel and you can’t pay your bills? What if you fail miserably?” (my inner mean girl is a buzz kill and a half).

I knew I didn’t want to put this on a credit card. And I knew I had a burning desire to have the experience. So I got crystal clear on the EXACT AMOUNT OF MONEY that it would take to make it happen (travel costs, the price of the intensive, all of it) and still meet all my other financial obligations.

Once I had a number, I wrote out what I could offer in exchange for that exact amount of money and to how many new clients I would need in order to reach that goal.

* I got SPECIFIC even though I had no freaking clue where these new clients were going to come from.
* I did a meditation and envisioned how amazing it was going to feel when all that money came into my bank account.
* I imagined how thrilling it would be to write to Jessica and let her know I wanted to hire her.
* I felt the joy, relief, and excitement my future clients would experience as a result of working with me.
* I wrote out an affirmation thanking the Universe in advance for the money, and drew dollar signs and sparkly hearts all around it (I’m told I’m much more in touch with my inner 6 year old girl than the average person).

It was an all-out good vibes rager (and I was ready to party).

A few days later I got an idea for a new offer and I posted it on Facebook. Responses started pouring in from incredible women wanting to work with me. An article I wrote weeks ago suddenly went viral on Elite Daily, getting shared more than 6k times. I was asked to write for two beautiful new online publications (one of which I didn’t even pitch, they wrote to me). And in the last 2 days I’ve gotten hired 4 times.

Needless to say, I made my financial goal and could not think of a more fabulous way to tie a bow around 2014.

And none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t said yes to my big juicy desire to get high level support from a coach I admired. And if just the decision to work with her has generated this much momentum, all I have to say is watch out 2015!

What do you secretly crave but won’t let yourself have because it’s “too luxurious”, “too indulgent” or “too expensive”? I hope this story inspires you to own it and start taking aligned action steps to make it happen.

Remember: Where there’s a w̶i̶l̶l̶ desire, there’s a way.

In an age where we encounter a barrage of “important updates” and blinking/buzzing screens before breakfast, digital overwhelm is at an all time high. And when social media gets added to your already full plate, it might feel like you’re one mouse click away from a meltdown.

But before you tweet, post, pin, or digg yourself into an early grave, check out these 5 time, money, and sanity-saving tips (you’re welcome).

1) Stay organized with Twitter lists.  Twitter overwhelm can be debilitating and tempt you into avoiding the social network altogether. But to avoid becoming a social media pariah (or drowning in a sea of newsfeed updates), segment the people you follow into private Twitter “lists” (one for customers, personal friends, competitors, industry leaders, journalists, and relevant media outlets). Then create specific goals around these lists (ie. to engage with 1 person from each list per day) in order to make the most of your time.

2) Repeat after me: Facebook Groups > Facebook Pages.  Ever since Facebook began favoring sponsored posts over company page updates in its newsfeed algorithm last fall, it has been significantly harder for companies to get consumer eyeballs on their content without paying for it. The solution? Posting in Facebook groups, which drastically increases the chances that your content will show up in group members’ newsfeeds without you having to spend a dime for the exposure. As an added bonus, Facebook groups are great for networking and creating a sense of community around your brand.

3) Don’t leave Google+ out in the cold.Though Google doesn’t say so in any official capacity, the network absolutely prioritizes Google+ posts in it’s search engine results, especially when they are recent and contain highly relevant keywords to a particular search query. The takeaway? Don’t ignore Google+ in your social media strategy and make an effort to include relevant brand keywords in your updates to this often-undervalued and overlooked social network.

4) Create + share branded images.  When it comes to social media, an image is worth a thousand words Likes. Creating captivating + highly sharable images that include information relevant to your brand (such as attention-grabbing quotes or statistics) is social media gold. Be sure to incorporate your logo, URL and branded hashtag into each image and post to popular visually oriented social networks like Pinterest and Instagram. While having a professional designer create the images is ideal, you can also go the DIY route with decent results by using image-editing tools like PicMonkey and Canva.

5) Get listed.  Though they can be a hassle to keep up with, business-listing sites are a highly effective way to get your products and services in front of people who are actively looking for what you have to offer. They also tend to be highly ranked in search engines and are a great way to drive traffic to your website. For small to medium-sized local businesses, Yelp, Google Places, Foursquare, Thumbtack and Angie’s List are a must but it’s also smart to look into industry-specific listing sites as well.

Annnnnd that’s a wrap. Hopefully, after reading + implementing these strategies you (in the words of her highness Olivia Pope) have social media “handled”. But if you still feel overwhelmed, would rather work “in” than “on” your business, or want to spend your days lounging on a tropical beach (while your social media channels drive major dollars to your business without you having to lift a finger), outsourcing is your best bet.

And if it’s a highly qualified + industry vetted provider you’re after, may I humbly suggest you drop me a line at Rebecca@Thepursuitoffabulous.com?  I’d also love to hear any of your tips/questions in the comments field below!

A few weeks back, the whole world rabid Bachelorette fans everywhere watched with bated breath as Andy gifted her final rose to Josh, and sent a shocked Nick home brokenhearted. While Andy’s search for love was typical for the Bachelor franchise in many ways (with all the sensationalized romance, over-the-top clichés, and male cat fights we’ve come to know and love), Andy was hands-down the coolest bachelorette yet (and could teach us all a thing or two about finding love). Here are 3 real-life dating gems we can all glean from her highly televised + rose petal-strewn search for love.

1) Don’t judge a book (or bachelor!) by its cover.

From the second former pro baseball player (and all-American hottie), Josh, stepped out of the limo, Andy was intrigued. But despite both hailing from the same Atlanta suburb and off the charts chemistry, Andy was slow to let her guard down with Josh. Because she’d dated (and been burned!) by “the athlete type” in the past, she really put him through the ringer and took a while to trust him. Luckily for Andy (and sadly for Josh-fans everywhere) she eventually let him in and they are now happily engaged.

The lesson: While it’s good to learn from past heartbreak, remember that every person is unique. If you pigeonhole someone as a certain “type” before getting to know him or her you might end up missing something great.

2) Be kind (but honest) when you break it off.

When Andy sent Midwestern man candy, Chris, home before the Fantasy Suite, she gained a lot of respect in my book. Instead of blaming the breakup on his small town in Iowa, she was honest about the fact that the depth of their connection just wasn’t where she wanted it to be. Not taking a cop out and being honest will allow him to really move on rather than always wonder “what if”. And in his case moving on entails landing much-coveted role as America’s next Bachelor (no tears for you, Farmer Chirs).

The lesson: When you are lovingly honest during a breakup, you set the other person free to find the love they deserve.

3) Know that you can be feminine and powerful

Of all the Bachelorette’s America has come to know and love, Ms. Dorfman is certainly a force to be reckoned with. From her comfort on the shooting range to her skills in the courtroom she’s not afraid to be smart and tough, and as the star of a reality show centered on dating, that’s refreshing to see. When she put playboy Juan Pablo in his place last season on The Bachelor she showed the world she would not be messed with or settle for less than amazing treatment, and this season she continued to speak her mind and ask tough questions annnnnnd wear sparkly dresses.

The lesson: Confidently bring your whole self to the dating game and don’t be afraid to do things that aren’t traditionally “feminine”. The more “you” you are, the more likely you’ll be to attract the right partner.

So there you have it folks, 3 takeaways from Andy’s romp on reality TV. Thoughts? Think I missed any key nuggets of dating wisdom this season? Let me know in the comments below! And mazel tov Andy and Josh on your engagement, you bring new meaning to the term HOTlanta.

SURPRISE!

I’m launching a brand-spankin’ new coaching offering.

It’s called BrandFABULOUS. It starts this September. And it’s pretty much the best thing I’ve ever created (cough cough).

Here’s the official fancy-pants write up:

BrandFABULOUS is an 8-week intensive for socially conscious entrepreneurs who are ready to take their digital presences to the next level.

On the surface?

It’s about learning to write more impactful + snazzy website copy, social media content, blog posts, and e-newsletters.

But really?

It’s about uncovering what makes you + your biz uniquely FABULOUS and empowering you to express that flavor of fabulous on (and off!) line.

BrandFABULOUS is designed for coaches, artists and passionate movers n’ shakers who love their business but haaaaattte marketing — people who struggle to:

• Explain what they do to strangers (whether it’s on their website or at a cocktail party)
• Come up with ideas for social media content, blog posts and e-newsletters
• 
Promote their services without feeling like a sleazy McSleazball
• Overcome anxiety about playing big and putting themselves + their work out there online

This offering includes 4 hour-long “brandstorm” sessions with moi, assignments to complete in between our calls and customized feedback on your website + copy created over the course of the program.

By the end of the 8-week intensive, you will have …

• A crystal clear understanding of your brand’s “FABU-factor”, or what makes you + your work uniquely brilliant
• An ahh-mazing answer to the dreaded, “So what do YOU do?” question
• 
Dazzling website copy (including a bio, tagline, mission statement, and product/services descriptions) that makes your dream clients want to scream yes yes yes!
• 
An outline of blog, e-newsletter, and social media prompts to turn to whenever you have no F***ing clue what to write about.
• 
Access to the best practical + spiritual tools I’ve come across in my 5 years as a professional wordsmith and social media gun-for-hire.
• 
More “Ah-Ha” moments, positive momentum and clarity than you know what to do with!

Are you ready to shine BIGGER and BRIGHTER than you ever thought possible?

Email me at Rebecca@thepursuitoffabulous.com to learn more about the program!

Fabulously yours,

Rebecca

Last week I edited a document for a girlfriend.  It was a quick favor, just some light tweaking + sprucing. Took 15 minutes tops.

Shortly after I clicked “send” I received a gushing text.

“OMG you are SUCH an amazing writer.  Thank you so so so much!”

To which I instantly replied

“Ugh no stop it. YOU are amazing!”

Can I get a WTF?

As a life coach + woman preaching the gospel of self-love to anyone who will listen (and a few who won’t ;)), my inability to take my friend’s compliment is ASTOUNDING.

And it got me thinking:

WHY are we (especially as women) so uncomfortable hearing and talking about how wonderful we are?  Why do we dim down our light and shrink away from our greatness?  Is it cultural conditioning?  An innate belief that we’re all somehow inadequate?

While the answer is likely beyond the scope of this post, the solution (or at leas the beginning of it) is not.

Without further adieu, allow me to introduce my super official fancy-pants exercise entitled:

“What would the cockiest guy I know do?”

 I bust this baby out whenever I hear a client or friend playing down his or her (usually her) greatness in some way.

• First, I ask them to think of the most conceited, obnoxious and full-of-himself dude they know (usually not too terribly difficult to call to mind).

• Next, I ask them to describe how he would behave in their situation.

• Lastly, I challenge them to shift a few baby steps in that direction.

Now of course I’m not advocating that they (or you) become this guy.  He’s really annoying!  But since I’m confident there’s no chance of that happening (my blog readers are, after all, FABULOUS), taking a step closer to the bravado + confidence he expresses is usually a really positive step.

Because the truth is we ARE amazing.   And confidence breeds more confidence.  The more we believe in + project our greatness to the world, the more the world will reflect it back to us in a life worthy of that greatness.

So in the spirit of self-celebration and creating an amazing life, I dare you to write down one thing that makes you FABULOUS in the comments section below.

I’ll go first:

My name is Rebecca and I’m a brilliantly creative writer + mega-talented life coach.

See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?

Now your turn.

Be big. Be bold.  And do not, under any circumstances, be modest.

Fabulously yours,

Rebecca