How to Convert Your Food Business from Hobby to Cash

How to Convert Your Food Business From Hobby to Cash

How to Convert Your Food Business From Hobby to Cash

HOW TO CONVERT YOUR FOOD BUSINESS FROM HOBBY TO CASH

Article by Marlo Wright
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #12

If you’re like most people, then you love amazing food! If you’re like some people then you love cooking good food. If you’re like a small amount of people, you have the unique skill and flair to cook really well -- enough for your friends and family to say things like, “Girl, you should sell these/this!” Perhaps you should be selling your famous grandmother’s cake recipe. You might be able to make a little extra money and even turn it into something more, but is it really worth it? 

Here are a few things to consider before you take the Food Business plunge:

#1 Costs

Is it going to be profitable! How do you allocate for all the costs that go into making/baking/cooking/cleaning, etc.? 

#2 Is it unique?

People are searching for something different and delicious!

#3 Is it something people want?

Your friends and family are one thing - bias. Test it out gently with total strangers!

#4 What’s the story?

Facts tell, stories sell! People connect with products because of the amazing stories behind them. 

#5 Labor Intensive

Food prep takes a lot of time on your feet and is “back breaking” work. Consider the change of pace from what you’re currently doing. 

#6 Cottage Laws

Is it best to use these laws as a first step? 

Amazing food-preneuer opportunities could add to your household, or allow you to leave your full-time job. There’s always room for something new! Local Craft Food Products are in demand as the shift to eating local is encouraged from every platform. It encourages stimulation in local economy and introduces community building. If you have a Craft Food Product that you’d like to develop or scale up, there’s no better time than now!

It might be your time to get in the kitchen and get cooking! 

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

10 Things You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN HIRING YOUR "WEB GUY"

What You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

What You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

Article by Ling Wong
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #14

I know many coaches and practitioners who had bad experience when they work with some “web guy” to develop their websites. Most of the frustrations evolve around taking much longer than initially estimated, being charged way more than the initial quote, certain functionalities not working as expected (and not being fixed without further charges), or the developer holding the clients “hostage” by not giving them access or showing them how to use the website editing tools. I even know a person who, after sinking thousands of dollars, walked away with a half-finished website that she has to keep building on her own.

This is absolutely not to say that all website developers are bad people – there are of course awesome ones out there! I was very happy with my own experience, which was on time, on budget, no glitches. But you can’t just grab a web dude and hope for the best. You need to know what to ask, what to look for and also TAKE RESPONSIBILITY to educate yourself so you can ensure smooth communication.

Here are a few things you can do to increase the chances of having satisfactory experience and results when you work with someone to build your website (I worked as a web project manager for 10 years so trust that I know a thing or two… I can’t code my way out of a wet paper bag but I can sniff developer BS from miles away):

1| Start SMALL

If possible, you can ask a few candidates to work on some small tasks and see who is on-time, on-budget and responsive. Then based on the experience (and the vibe) select “the” one to do your big project.

2| Pay attention to the SCOPE

If your scope is “time & materials” – i.e. you are charged by the hour – you may want to set a cap on how much you want to spend before the project begins. Have the web guy do some periodic reporting and ask that you be alerted if you are likely to go over budget so you can prioritize your tasks and get the mission-critical stuff done (the very least, you have the basics to launch). If your scope is “fixed fee” – i.e. you are charged a flat fee for a fixed set of deliverables - review the scope carefully to make sure that everything you need to get the site to launch is covered, and you will get the support you need post-launch.

3| Clarify OWNERSHIP and access

Not common these days, but I have heard stories of developers retaining ownership of the site and withholding access so every time the client needs to change something they need to pay for the work. To make sure you are not held “hostage”, or have to pay another fee to “buy” your site back, it’s best to get clear on ownership.

4| Make sure site is MOBILE RESPONSIVE

Most wordpress themes are mobile responsive, but again, it pays to be sure because more and more people are using mobile devices to access content online.

5| Know how much TESTING (or QA) support you get

Ask about the extent of testing. E.g. Is he going to do cross-browser testing? Is he going to test the site on mobile devices? Is he going to test all the functionalities (e.g. newsletter sign up, shopping cart)? Although there is much less cross-browser incompatibility with the widespread use of wordpress, you do need to pay attention to any customization – e.g. I know someone who had her site redesigned – it looks gorgeous on the computer, but when it’s viewed on the iPad, the free gift sign up field is smacked right over her face on the masthead banner!

6| Get a 30-Day WARRANTY

Glitches get uncovered when you actually use the site! Your web guy should stand by his work and guarantee to fix bugs within a reasonable amount of time after delivery.

7| Ask for a backend WALKTHROUGH

You want to be able to make changes and edit your own website. You don’t want to be held hostage every time you need to add or change any content. It is not just a matter of money – you will feel empowered and you are more nimble in your content creation and marketing.

8| Be ASSERTIVE, ask QUESTIONS*

Don’t assume you are “dumb”… a lot of tech guys use terms that we normal people don’t use and when you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation in plain English!

9| EDUCATE yourself on the basics

You don’t have to know how to code, but understanding the basics, knowing what to ask and using the correct terminologies can help facilitate the process. There will be fewer chances of miscommunication – which can lead to your web guy building something totally different that what you *think* you are getting, wasting precious time and money. I also find that developers show you more respect and are less likely to give you BS if you take the initiative to know your part.

10| Know your RESPONSIBILITY

What is the deadline to provide content and images so the project can stay on track? When do you need to review the site on staging and provide feedback? When do you need to participate in testing? Mark these dates on your calendar and make sure you set aside time to do your job. Do you have to purchase hosting at your end? What other log-in information do you need to provide? Any information you need to provide, consolidate them in one document or one email as much as possible so your developer can find them easily. Be cooperative – it will make your web guy’s job easier and he will be more likely to get back to you in a timely manner (who wants to deal with client-from-hell?)

* what that asterisk by the “be assertive, ask questions” is about:
Even if some people *know* they need to be assertive and thorough, they don’t do it and then later hit themselves on their heads. Why? Something is causing this self-defeating behavior and this thing is called “primary fear”:

  • The fear of INADEQUACY – if you feel like you are not good enough, you don’t have the confidence to challenge others. You may not want to ask questions because it may reaffirm your limiting belief that you don’t know enough.
     
  • The fear of being VULNERABLE – if you don’t want to appear vulnerable, you may “puff up” and appear that you know. You don’t want to ask questions that make you appear that you are not knowledgeable.
     
  • The fear of MISSING OUT – if you are afraid that if you don’t “act now” and get it now you may miss out on something – and this fear drives you to make hasty decisions before you have all the facts.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

HOW TO USE PINTEREST TO BUILD YOUR BRAND

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

Article by Eliza Ceci  
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #11

So many times when I’m on the phone with my clients, talking with friends or making new ones, the concept of desire comes up. It’s so easy to know what you want from an analytical standpoint. That is really valuable.

But more than that, I want to know how do you want to feel and will you be ready for it when it shows up?

The perfect way I’ve found, especially if you’re a visual person like me, is to use photos to capture the feeling of what you want to create. It gives you a visual to focus on and helps you tap into those feelings that anchor you to take action.

I know we’ve all heard about vision boards and manifesting, this is slightly different. I think movies like The Secret only got it half right. Vision boards are only half of the process, the other piece is connecting with the reason you want to have or experience ‘the thing’ and then look at what action you’ll need to take to move you closer to it. 

The real purpose of the vision board is to allow you to tap into these desires and give you a jumpstart on what you’re ‘calling in’. Make sense?

You can’t possibly know where you’re headed without a bigger why - a passion, a gut feeling, a deeper purpose, a dream – and that all happens when you tap into the deeper facets of creating a lifestyle that fits your unique dreams. You’re not a one-size-fits-all barbie and your dreams shouldn’t feel fake like that either.

To get you started, one of my absolute favorite tools to begin feeling into your vision is using Pinterest. Photos enhance our feelings so the more aligned they are with what you want to create the better you’ll feel and the more you’ll attract. But don’t forget to take that aligned action to ensure you are headed in the right direction!

Remember, like anything this is a process so take it one step at a time and be gentle with yourself. Explore and create so you can expand in the ways you are meant to. And above all else have fun with the process! Once your boards are created make sure to print them out, add them as your desktop background or showcase them somewhere you’ll get to see them and feel the benefits often and feel inspired to take those baby steps toward your dreams.

Your dreams are there for a reason. Listen to them. Cultivate them. Shine love and positivity on them and watch ‘em grow.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

The 5 People Ruining Your Business

People Ruining Your Business

People Ruining Your Business

THE 5 PEOPLE RUINING
YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Marlo Wright  
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #14

We talk so often about the type of people you should be looking for to help nurture, grow, and expand your company. These are key players who’s advice is golden, and time is valuable. Often times they are the people you wish you could pay — because often they won’t accept it or you feel like what they are charging you is less than you should be paying! Valuable, positive, and encouraging people are the right people to attract to your business.

However, sometimes, we get a good word, piece of advice, honest critique, or powerful push to move out and it’s quickly taken from you. 

Negative Nancy is what I call them. Maybe you’ve referred to them as Debbie Downer. You know the person that will suck all the life out of a room? That will throw a wet blanket on your emerging bon fire? Well, it’s time to do some house cleaning and distance yourself from or move away from these five types of people (whether they are family or not!):

1| Not Accomplished

The person who knows everything but has accomplished nothing! The person who’s been there, done it, and it never worked for them. Never able to have a successful business of any kind, but has all the advice in the world for how to make your business grow and become successful

2| Poor Man Mentality

You know the person who complains about the expense of everything, and is always claiming broke! 

3| The Criticizer

Where there is nothing wrong with some one critiquing your business, because we always need an outsiders p.o.v., I often think the best criticism comes with solution. So, if they are quick to offer their two cents with out the possible remedy to the problem, they could just be natural complainers, whiners, and people who only see the bad in EVERYTHING — including your gutsiness to step out and make something happen! 

4| The Partaker

There was an old nursery school story about the hen who asked everyone to help her make bread. Everyone was too busy to help her stir, pour, sift, etc. Yet, when it came time to partake in the fruits of her labor (the end product of amazing baked bread), everyone who declined to help, had their hand out for a piece! 

5| The Slick Talker

Ever had an encounter with someone who promises you they can give you the moon? You pay their fee with high hopes, because you clearly laid out your expectations, which they signed off on, and yet they still failed to deliver! 

All in all, we need the right people attracted to our business. How do you attract the right people? Glad you asked… look for the next installment next month! 

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

What to Know Before You Hire Your Next Coach

STOP HIRING THE WRONG CONSULTANTS!
{What to Know Before You Hire Your Next Coach}

What to Know Before You Hire Your Next Coach

What to Know Before You Hire Your Next Coach

Article by Toya Styles
Magazine: Issue #16

I know what the title has you thinking; “But Isn’t Toya a consultant?” Yes, yes I am. But this article is about choosing the right consultant for your business. Now I believe that every entrepreneur should have a coach. 

Personally, I have hired three different consultants for my business. One thing I learned quickly with my first consultant was setting expectations. Looking back, I would have had a much better experience if I had known what I wanted out of their services and what I expected to gain. A business coach is just going to tell you what they personally know about the game. For instance your coach may be the foremost authority in the world of Facebook, but if your clientele isn't on Facebook then what’s the point? You just wasted a ton of money and it is no one’s fault but your own.

Are you looking for business development? Are you looking to learn a new skill? Do you want to grow your small business? These are the questions you need to ask yourself because your answers will lead you to different types of consultants, one of which will be the right one for you.

Be careful not to get caught up in the excitement of a certain coach if you are not ready. Good coaches are successful, energetic and they are encouragers! You can easily be swayed by that alone. For example, during my rebranding process I “cyber stalked” 4 different business coaches. This time, I needed business development, so that is what I was focused on. I finally settled on a business coach that was perfect for me and where I was in my process.  But there was another coach that I seriously considered hiring and realized I wasn’t ready for her. She focuses on increasing and building upon what you already have but, at the time, I needed more foundational help. I was transitioning from fashion styling full time to helping CEOs who need help with networking skills and social media strategy (which I didn’t know at the time).  If I had hired her I would not have the incredible business I have now that is laser focused in on what I love and have been doing, unknowingly, for years! 

I am a firm believer that you should invest not only in yourself but in your business growth. If you are not investing in yourself then how are you expecting to grow? (Did I mention it’s tax deductible?)

So, I leave you with this thought. Take the time to know what YOU need as a business owner for your business. Don’t just jump on the next coaching bandwagon, do what makes sense for your business.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Use Candle Magick to Improve Your Business

HOW TO USE CANDLE MAGICK TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS

Use Candle Magick to Improve Your Business

Use Candle Magick to Improve Your Business

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Sajas Minrah
Magazine: Issue #39

As practitioners especially in the Holistic realm do we know for sure that random coincidences and well thought plans pull all of our efforts together in a positive manner to bring about success? We educate ourselves, we plan, we brainstorm, and carefully drive towards a calculated effort that produces events that we are all looking for. This is our dream, our life, it is what we do every day as entrepreneurs. I have written about meditation, positive energy, astral events and many other methods that can benefit the entrepreneur so now let’s add one more tool to our arsenal. Quite frankly we can use a break from our daily routine and embrace new methods. Who wants to make some Magick?

Magick, maybe a different spelling of the word as most see it but yet spelled correctly by many whom are spiritually inclined. 

Definition: (just a couple} 

The art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature.

Any extraordinary or mystical influence, charm, power, etc.

Who does not want their desired effect or any extraordinary influence providing extra power into their business? Let’s be honest and take help from wherever we can.

Magick can be no different than focused intent, prayer or meditation in it’s use. There is only a need to focus on one event in your business and create as a visualization upon how you wish the outcome to be. You may also light a candle while focusing. With this type of Magick you are directly asking and aligning with the universe to provide you with what you are in need of at that moment in time. Please remember to not demand or place a timeframe on whatever it is you need, as the universe will provide you with it when it is right for you.

Candle Magick: Yes I’m guilty of burning candles, who doesn’t love a candle lit room, my excuse is I’m a Reiki Master! Why not light candles in your office space with intent of peace and success. In Magick the following colors and their intended uses are listed for the entrepreneur as there are many other uses for these colors. 

RED: Fire, strength, courage, driving force, survival, career goals, and fast action. It is the color that represents the South quarter element of fire.  

ORANGE: Fortune, prosperity, plenty, success, business, career, ambition Justice, legal matters, selling, taking action.

YELLOW: Air, creativity, concentration, confidence, insight, knowledge of healing, memory retention, breaking mental blocks, selling yourself. It is the color that represents the East quarter element of air.

GREEN: Earth, employment, ambition, personal goals, prosperity, success, finances. It is the color that represents the North quarter element of earth.

COPPER: Passion, money goals, professional growth, fertility in business, career. (My favorite)

BLUE: Reassurance, guidance, inspiration, wisdom, creativity sincerity. It is the color that represents the West quarter element of water.

So next time you are setting up your office or space for peace and creativity do it with a Magickal intent in regards to your business needs.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

4 Lessons Learned About Coaching

4 LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT COACHING
{FROM THE VOICE}

Lessons Learned About Coaching

Lessons Learned About Coaching

Article by Lynne Dominick
Magazine: Issue #39

I admit I am a little obsessed with NBC’s The Voice. 

Season after season, I’m amazed at the incredible pool of talent that they are able to amass. From pre-school teachers, to medical students, to child stars fallen and redeemed. These are fierce, determined competitors pursuing their ultimate dream.

I also applaud their coaches, and value what I’ve learned from them as it relates to my coaching practice. Here are four valuable lessons about coaching that I’ve been able to take away as a regular viewer:

1. Identify the secret sauce…

Or, as Blake Shelton would say, “Man, I didn’t realize you had that great vibrato!"
    
Each and every one of us has our own secret sauce; that special something that allows us to shine. As coaches, it is essential that we spend enough time helping uncover the special something in each one of our clients. We have to lead them in the self-discovery process and uncover the talent, driving force and unique purpose that can allow them to achieve success on their terms.

2. Failure is a nebulous term…

Or, as Adam Levine would say, “I loved that your voice cracked when you hit that high note, it shows you're human, man.”

We all fail. Living in fear is far worse than failing. Put your client at ease by sharing your failures and allow them to see your vulnerable side. By owning it you are able to remind him or her that lessons are not learned by success alone, and that failure presents an opportunity to get it right the next time. It’s great to be human.  

3. Sometimes all someone needs is a helping hand… 

Or, as Christina Aguilera would say, “I’m here for you."

Any process can be made easier when you allow someone to accompany you on the journey. As a coach you can help lift the psychological burden of going it alone. Let your client know that they can reach out to you with questions and you’ll be there to guide them to the answer.

4. Confidence is everything…

Or, as Pharrell Williams would say, “Dude, I have watched you go through this process, and man, you are incredible; you got this."

At the end of the day, our clients need to believe. Believe in their idea, believe in their skill, and believe in their ability to go the distance. By instilling confidence, a coach paves the way for his or her client to experience the success they seek.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.