19/01/21 Uncategorized

Make The Pivot To Premium & DOUBLE Your Prices

Suzanne Ricard-Greenway, shares her view on midlife.

Are you struggling to get paid what you’re worth, reach premium clientele, or raise your prices? Since these things are easier to see in other people, I wanted to share a recent conversation I had with my good friend and elite coach, Suzanne Ricard-Greenway, on exactly this subject.

If you’re someone who’s struggled or is struggling currently to sell yourself or your services when it comes down to it – THIS IS THE JUICE! Listen to Suzanne’s story…

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12/01/21 Uncategorized

From Passion To Purpose: Answering The Call To Do More

Jody Harbour shares her views on midlife.

Have you ever felt like you’re meant to do more than what you’re doing? Maybe it’s a gnawing feeling that leadership is somewhere out there calling, or even experiencing a physical heat or reaction – a physical call to service?

Jody Harbour is my friend, recent graduate of The Cut, a former hairdresser, Inventor of the BreastRest Braternative, AND a social justice warrior and conduit for Grandmother’s Voice. After building a successful first half of life, she realized she’d found herself far out of alignment with her identity as a member of the Indigenous First Nations of Canada.

Although you might not share the circumstances of Jody’s call (and her struggle to answer it), almost every woman I know reaches a moment in midlife where she feels ready to contribute something more… or different. I asked Jody about hers…

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04/01/21 Uncategorized

What Can A Tango-Dancing Clairvoyant Teach You About PRIMETIME?

Martina Barnes, shares her view on midlife.

“If anyone told me how good things were going to get at 50, I would have been looking forward to it.” – Martina Barnes

Giving Yourself Permission to Repurpose: An Interview With Martina Barnes

Ever feel like you’ve lost the energy to carry on the same ol’ routine? Or maybe even lost your faith in what’s possible for you in midlife, including in love?

Let me tell you about my client and friend Martina Barnes, who at 55 lost her father, at the same time, she felt like she’d lost the energy and interest to carry on in the trauma therapy practice she’d built over decades.

In my recent interview with her, she told me, “I just realized… I was essentially subsidizing my clientele, I didn’t have anyone subsidizing me.”

What’s more, she was convinced she’d live out the rest of her life as a single woman.

By 57, two years later, she’d launched a new business coaching successful women badasses and had a full client roster. (And she was a year into a relationship with her hunky new beau, George!)

How did she make it happen?

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The Orgasm of Purpose
19/12/20 Uncategorized

The Orgasm of Purpose

Since the combination of COVID lockdowns and daylight savings time gave “night” a new meaning, I’ve taken to going to bed a 6:30 p.m. and waking before 3:00 a.m.. I’m privileged in having my own business and making my own hours… and I’m blessed to be in PrimeTime, and no longer caring for a toddler (we can talk about caring for a 19-year-old attending college from the kitchen table another day).

This morning, pre-dawn, as I was preparing to record a session on PURPOSE for PrimeTime women, I came across this video of Ann Wilson covering “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012.

She was 62 when she performed this.

The living members of Led Zeppelin were brought to tears.

Michelle and Barack Obama could barely hold themselves back from standing to dance.

Audience members lifted their hands into the air, open-palmed, to catch and hold the vibration.

80 people, including an orchestra and two choirs were involved.

Ann had less than one hour to rehearse…

Here’s what she said about performing one of the greatest rock anthems of all time, in front of its creators:

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How do I break through the noise?
01/04/20 Uncategorized

How do I break through the noise?

A few days ago I saw a friend Tweet this:

Any emails with the word COVID-19 or VIRUS in them are going straight to the trash. I’ve had enough.

And I’m not gonna lie, I’ve felt the same way. It seems like every company I’ve ever done business with has written to tell me of their plan for the virus. It’s all I see on the news. It’s all I see on social media. There’s so much unbelievable noise.

At the same time, I run my business online. And so do the lion’s share of my clients and followers. And those who run brick-and-mortar businesses may now be forced to take their services online.

And I keep hearing the same question over and over again:
How do I break through the noise?
How do I get people to listen to what I have to say?
The answer is simpler than you might think:
Say something clear and simple that matters to your ideal clients.

Find out what they’re thinking, what they’re missing, and what they don’t know. And then show up and provide the answers.

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“Is It Wrong for Me to Sell Things Right Now?”
26/03/20 Uncategorized

“Is It Wrong for Me to Sell Things Right Now?”

Last week I coached a client who is a marriage and family therapist toward a new program to help moms who are suddenly working from home AND locked up homeschooling their kids. I suggested this because everywhere I looked, I saw moms struggling. I heard them asking for guidance, support, tools, tips, and information. And I knew this client had each and every one of those things to offer… in massive abundance.

So I told her to create a program.

She told me she felt she should do it for free. She felt guilty charging for her services—she worried that people would say she was “opportunistic.” She runs a single-person business. Without sales, she has no business.

I urged her to price fairly and give incredible value. But NOT to give her services away for free.

Yet still, when she developed the program and offered it to her colleagues to share with their lists (all of whom are serving women who would benefit from exactly this kind of service) she had the very push-back she’d hoped not to hear. The push-back was filled with moral judgment about what she “should” do in “times like these.” About what was an appropriate time to wait before selling. And about how she shouldn’t “take advantage.” (She also got some enthusiastic “YES” responses.)

And for a moment… she wavered. But I told her what I KNOW to be true. And I want to invite you to the same truth—in this moment—if you’re even HAVING A HINT OF A THOUGHT that it’s immoral to run a business in a crisis.

I’m gonna go right ahead and call bullshit:

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Putting a pause on your business during challenging times?
21/03/20 Uncategorized

Putting a pause on your business during challenging times?

Last week I coached a client who is a marriage and family therapist toward a new program to help moms who are suddenly working from home AND locked up homeschooling their kids. I suggested this because everywhere I looked, I saw moms struggling. I heard them asking for guidance, support, tools, tips, and information. And I knew this client had each and every one of those things to offer… in massive abundance.

So I told her to create a program.

She told me she felt she should do it for free. She felt guilty charging for her services—she worried that people would say she was “opportunistic.” She runs a single-person business. Without sales, she has no business.

I urged her to price fairly and give incredible value. But NOT to give her services away for free.

Yet still, when she developed the program and offered it to her colleagues to share with their lists (all of whom are serving women who would benefit from exactly this kind of service) she had the very push-back she’d hoped not to hear. The push-back was filled with moral judgment about what she “should” do in “times like these.” About what was an appropriate time to wait before selling. And about how she shouldn’t “take advantage.” (She also got some enthusiastic “YES” responses.)

And for a moment… she wavered. But I told her what I KNOW to be true. And I want to invite you to the same truth—in this moment—if you’re even HAVING A HINT OF A THOUGHT that it’s immoral to run a business in a crisis.

I’m gonna go right ahead and call bullshit:

I have seen multiple posts on Facebook and in groups suggesting to entrepreneurs that we stop pitching or selling during Coronavirus. Or that we should “put a pause on asking” for any arbitrary amount of time.

IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS, FEEL FREE TO IGNORE THESE POSTS.

We work to survive. We are not the Red Cross. We do not have donors or grants or government support. It is not a moral edict that we should turn our businesses into charities.

Be useful. Be kind. Be of service. Be fair.

Selling your services during a time of crisis is not opportunistic. Buying 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and re-selling them for $20 each is. Raising your prices for essential items is.

Selling your services during a time of crisis may be more difficult. There’s noise. There’s sorrow. There’s sensitivity. There are giant swaths of people who have taken financial knocks.

There are also new challenges for people to face. New opportunities to serve. New problems to solve. New holes to fill.

We provide strength, support, information, products, guidance and strategy that are vital during times just like this.

When you “put a pause” on your business “because you can,” you send a signal to your clients that they should do the same. And you must realize they may not have the same privilege. 

Instead, MODEL the selling behavior that the world needs right now. Sell your products and services ethically.

Be mindful. Be kind. Be strong. Be compassionate.

Be a leader.

And tune out the noise and the messages that provide arbitrary moral codes and judgment. Do your thing. So you can come out on the other side still having a thing to do.

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There’s No Amount of Trying that Leads to Acceptance
08/12/19 Uncategorized

There’s No Amount of Trying that Leads to Acceptance

It’s 4:30 a.m. in Boston and I’m wide awake. My husband, Jan, and I are at The Hilton with our son, Christian, so he can audition for music school today. The gamut of emotions is so wide and so deep… the lessons so rich… there are a thousand themes I could write to you about as I’m holed up here in the bathroom.

But as I sit here on this cold tile floor listening to Jan breathe in the room outside and waiting for Christian to wake next door, I know there’s only one message that matters. For Christian, and for all of the women I coach through situations just like this one:

Attraction is singular.

Berklee College of Music—where Christian will audition this afternoon—is a monumental stretch for him. It’s the most prestigious music school in the country. And Christian was not a child prodigy. Nor was I a tiger mom who shuttled him to daily practice or demanded excellence. He didn’t even play an instrument as a child. He stumbled upon the guitar when he was about 14—when a wonderful teacher put a bass in his hand and urged him out onto a stage. And since that day, it’s been fully his pursuit.

The guitar is Christian’s safe haven. It’s his outlet for angst and rage. It’s his expression of love, wonder, and soul-level complexity. It’s how he pushes back and rebels against life’s requirements and rules and shackles. It’s how he keeps his restless hands busy and allows the mechanics and energy of the universe to flow through him. And it’s how he identifies: as a heavy metal rocker.

When we arrived at the Hilton here in the Back Bay yesterday, Christian wasn’t the only kid in the lobby with a guitar case. And when he sensed the competition, the mood of our trip took a turn I suspected it might: the fear of rejection set in. And with it came some pretty brutal self-talk for him, and some anger and righteous negativity.

It’s hard to watch your teen struggle—even when you know that struggle builds resilience and that stretch performances are the ones we’re often most proud of in life… regardless of the outcomes.

But as I stared at the ceiling this morning, wondering about the most beneficial words I could offer when the sun rises and the day demands a performance from him, I knew there was only one truth:

There is no amount of effort that results in acceptance.
Attraction is based on chemistry. On fit. On thousands of split-second impressions and biases and desires and beliefs.
Attraction is singular.
There is no normative definition of attractive. Or desirable. Or right.
The best we can do is to show ourselves. Completely. Truthfully.
And, if we have the juice, confidently.
The only way that someone will “choose” us is if they want what we have.
And what we have is what we have.

I’ve been where Christian is today. So have you, my friend. Every day, we put ourselves out there. We pitch “ideal” clients and speeches and PR opportunities. We submit proposals for projects and manuscripts to publishers. We meet people who we hope will become our friends or our lovers. We vie for opportunities be believe will change our lives. We produce content and wait for likes and shares and comments. We sell… and hope we’ll close.

Every day, we set ourselves up to be judged.

But when judgment time arrives, there is no amount of trying that will lead to acceptance.
There is only being.

And being, my friend, is something we manage to complicate, and muck up, and apologize for because we’re so damned worried that we’re not enough.

So today, when Christian wakes and we practice interview questions over room service bacon and eggs, it’s the “being” that I’ll gently invite him to consider. I’ll suggest that he not struggle for the “right” answers, but instead, share his own truth. And I’ll urge him to breathe deeply, begin to play, and invite the universe to flow through him as it’s wont to do… and be curious about how it all turns out.

The world is full of music schools. And musicians.
It’s full of chances and judgments and moments that feel like this is the only moment that will ever matter. Until the next one comes…

Christian was meant for greatness. And were you. And I. Each and every one of us was born to shine. We only need the courage to be exactly who we are, and allow the universe to play through us.

I hope you have a beautiful day of being. Of wonder. Of curiosity about how the universe can play through you.

And if you’ve got a little extra energy around noon Eastern time, please send it Christian’s way. Because while trying is over-rated, love and support are everything.

Straight from my mom heart,
Juju

P.S. If you want to hear more about attraction and acceptance and taking things in your business next-level, I’m hosting a LIVE MASTERCLASS next Wednesday at noon Pacific. I’ll talk about big, hairy-ass goals and why we have amazing visions that we never pursue. And I’ll show you what I’ve learned about putting yourself out there in a way where you won’t get eaten alive. Grab your seat here. So you can amplify your message… and find the folks in the world who most naturally want what you have.

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Can You Describe Yourself Without Saying Any of These Things?
02/12/19 Uncategorized

Can You Describe Yourself Without Saying Any of These Things?

I’d love to play a little game with you. I’ve played it with women around the world now, and I find that each and every time, there’s an a-ha moment for those who take me up on the challenge.

The instructions are simple:

In the comments below, tell me 10 things about yourself.

But before you do, check out the rules:

1. You may NOT mention any relationships in your life.
2. You may NOT mention any roles you play.
3. You may NOT mention any accomplishments you’ve had.
4. You may NOT mention anything you like or dislike.
5. You may NOT mention your education, upbringing, or experiences.

I want to know only about your ESSENCE.

I want to know WHO YOU ARE.

Your ESSENCE is your concentrated “flavor” or “scent.” It’s made up of the things you were born with. The things that are naturally and magnificently yours: your personality, your temperament, your gifts, your talents, your proclivities.

Your ESSENCE is also the very thing that will set you apart from everyone else competing in your field. It’s what will ATTRACT your ideal clients to you (they’ll be ideal, precisely because they’re attracted to an ESSENCE like yours).

The beautiful thing about ATTRACTION is that it’s a singular sensation, between two specific people. I am attracted to someone. Someone is attracted to me. This ATTRACTION is based, first and foremost, on ESSENCE.

No one has more ESSENCE or less ESSENCE. In the same way that Chanel perfume has no more or less ESSENCE than Dior perfume. They are simply DIFFERENT–comprised of a variety of elements drawn from nature, the combination of which makes an exclusive fragrance.

YOU have an exclusive ESSENCE.
It’s an ESSENCE that will automatically attract certain individuals. Just like perfume…
It’s powerful. It’s natural. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

When you come to understand that your ESSENCE is perfectly enough, you’ll take the first step in owning its power. And the first critical step in building a PERSONAL BRAND with the power of MASSIVE ATTRACTION.

Next Thursday, December 5, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific, I’m going to talk about ESSENCE in my ALL NEW MASTERCLASS ON PERSONAL BRANDING.
Click the link, reserve your seat, and meet me there. I want to see exactly what you’re made of.

Until then, tell me 10 things about yourself. And follow the rules.

Show me your ESSENCE. And I’ll show you your POWER.

P.S. Next Thursday’s masterclass will be like nothing you’ve ever heard on PERSONAL BRANDING. If you’re looking for the confidence and clarity to take everything in your business or profession next-level, then show up Thursday. You owe it to yourself, and to your ESSENCE.

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From Vancouver With Love Part 3: What Makes You Attractive?
29/08/19 Uncategorized

From Vancouver With Love Part 3: What Makes You Attractive?

When I was in my early 30’s, I traveled outside the US for the first time. I had recently fallen for Jan, who was visiting the US from Germany, and he’d returned home to Berlin after our “Summer of Love.” I followed, months later, to meet him on his turf.

I’d recently walked away from my career as a marketing executive and been through an ugly divorce. I was low on funds, but high on the idea of adventure.

My older brother, Ted, paid for my trip. He told me I should put on a backpack and go to Europe and see if Jan loved me as much as I loved him. And if he didn’t, I should jump on a train, see Europe, and have the time of my life. In order to hedge the bet, he also bought my mom a ticket to meet me in Amsterdam for her 60th birthday.

On that trip I fell even more deeply for Jan. But something else happened, too. I had a profound shift in the way I saw myself—and it was the beginning of me falling deeply in love… with me.

It happened at the Route 66 Coffee Shop on Enge Kerksteeg. It was there that my mom and I went each day so she could access her email (no smart phones in the late 90’s), and I could access my inner peace.

It was also at the Route 66 that a man who was the opposite of me in nearly every way pulled me aside and told me I was strikingly beautiful. And then he said a thing I never expected to hear in my life: he said I was exotic.

Exotic.

I’m from Dublin, Ohio, folks.
I literally grew up in a corn field.
I had frizzy hair and freckles.
My favorite food was peanut butter.

Lest you think me a fool, please know that I am aware (and was in the moment) that men say all kinds of things. And that this man may have, indeed, been entirely full of shit. But I also knew something for certain in the moment. He was attracted to me. And he did see me as something other than. Something exotic.

It was on this day that I had my first peek at an understanding that now sits at the core of my self-image, my confidence, and my self-love:

There is no normative definition of sexy, desirable, or attractive. There’s no scale, chart, rating, or definition.

We are attracted TO someONE.

SomeONE is attracted to us.

There are no “overall attractive” people. It’s singular. It’s case-by-case. It’s yours to have because you’re human.

We are sexy because we FEEL sexy. We emanate sexuality when we can accept ourselves enough to allow ourselves to feel it.

We are sexy TO someONE. SomeONE is sexy TO us. It’s a singular experience. It’s case-by-case. It’s yours to have because you’re human.

One of the most critical aspects of becoming love is feeling worthy enough to BE loved. And it’s been deeply ingrained in each of us that worthiness is tied to attractiveness. That we are worthy only when people “want” us.

What I learned at the Route 66 Coffee Shop—and spent the next ten years of my life confirming and rejoicing—is that I am attractive simply because I am human.

You know that phrase, “It’s happy hour somewhere?”

It’s the same with being exotic. We’re all exotic somewhere. And we’re all attractive…everywhere. By virtue of the fact that we live and breathe, we are worthy. We are desirable. We are, each and every one of us, rare, valuable gems.

You are perfectly attractive. You are perfectly sexy. Exactly as you are.

Don’t let the bullshitters, the soul-suckers, the misanthropes or those who project their insecurities drag you down. Do your thing. Strut your stuff. Get your groove on. Get your freak on.

Just reach in and get it. Because the moment you begin to really work it… you begin becoming love. It starts with you loving you. It’s starts with you realizing that you’re hot as hell.

From Vancouver with love,
Juju

P.S. I recently took a trip to Vancouver with Jan—who’s had my heart for 21 years—and the trip made me think about love from every angle. But most especially about becoming love, which inspired this series. You can read installment #1 here, and installment #2 here.

P.P.S If you’re struggling with self-love, becoming love, expressing love, or shifting love in your relationship, I’m here for you. I work with women every day to love themselves—so they can turn midlife into PrimeTime. So they can show themselves and be themselves and value themselves the way they SHOULD. If you’re ready for a little love, schedule a discovery call here.

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