Become the Exception

Slow + Steady = Safe?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:51:34 GMT

This morning as I drove to my office, I noticed I was driving slower than normal. You see, I typically have what my mother refers to as a “lead foot”. I prefer to say I drive like I have somewhere to be. To put it plainly, if I could drive as fast as I wanted, I’d be one happy lady. Nevertheless, this morning I found myself driving 30 mph in a 35 mph zone. I wasn’t sure why. I was just moving slowly and steadily towards the office as I listened to an audiobook. As it occurred to me that I was actually going slower than the speed limit, I decided to press the gas, but just as I made the decision, I also noticed the traffic light ahead of me was red. No use increasing my speed, when I was going to have to stop in a few feet, so I continued to drive slowly. Then, in a matter of seconds, the light turned green. Still, for some unknown reason, I did not increase my speed.

And then it happened… a car came barreling through the intersection. The driver ran the red light. Had I increased my speed at any point, I would have lawfully driven through a green light, but a speeding car would have crashed right into me.

And that’s when it hit me (no pun intended)… moving slowly was not only God’s protection for me, but it was also an opportunity to teach me a lesson. Like many of you, I’ve wondered over the last couple of years, why I am only seeing slow steady growth in my business. I desire to see a boom… a MAJOR increase… an EXPLOSION of growth! I’ve worked for it, prayed for it, and studied for it! I have the systems in place to support such growth. I’ve set my life up so that when it happens, nothing else will fall through the cracks. Yet, it hasn’t happened. There has been growth for sure, but not the growth I see when I pray or simply daydream with God about my life and business.

Once I made it into the office this morning, I sat with the following questions:

What has my slow and steady pace protected me from? What danger is lurking just up ahead that I can’t see?

I don’t have answers to these questions yet, but I want to pose the same questions to you. If you’ve been frustrated or disappointed that your business growth plans have not worked the way you thought they would, I want you to reflect on my story of protection from this morning. While, I would have been “in the right” had I cruised through the green light at 30 miles per hour, I would have, without a doubt, been involved in a serious car accident. The other car made no effort whatsoever to slow down. Sometimes, even when you are doing all of the right things, you may not see the result you desire. Your business may not hit that coveted 7 figures a year mark. Your company may not break industry records. Your book may never hit the bestsellers list. But none of that means you are in the wrong. In fact, like my situation this morning, it may mean you are being protected from a danger you cannot see.

Take heart. Doing all the right things will eventually get you to the desired destination, but sometimes the WHEN is just as important as the WHAT. Arriving at the right destination too quickly can be dangerous!

We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. Yet, no one wants to be the tortoise. We tend to lean towards the run as fast as you can strategy of the hare, even though we know the outcome of the story. Today, I encourage you to re-evaluate your perception of your progression and speed. It’s not about how fast you get there. It’s much more important that you get there safely. Speed is often not sustainable. This is why long distance runners pace themselves. They are in it for the long haul and know they will run out of steam if they start too quickly. They understand and actively practice the art of pacing themselves.

If you intend for your business to stand the test of time, slow and steady is the way to go. Building slowly creates sustainability. Sustainability is required for longevity. I realized many years ago I did not want to go viral and not have any backend systems in place to capitalize on a viral moment. More eyes on you do not always equate to more commas in your bank account. Instead, I prefer to slowly build momentum until the right TIMING collides with the right OPPORTUNITY. That's when I know I'll be ready for the growth and expansion.

Somewhere I forgot this train of thought. I believe you may have too. That's why I felt compelled to share my experience with you. Go back to what you know to be true about your business and destiny. Meditate on those things...turn them over and over in your mind. Then, write down the small steps you can take immediately that will slowly and steadily move you towards your goal. If you need help defining these steps, message me. I'm here to help.

I’m rooting for you,

Otescia

Find Your Center

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 22:00:21 GMT

How to Find Joy When Life Behaves Like a Wayward 2 Year Old

One of my daughters is a lover of music. When I say lover of music, I’m not talking about your everyday person who enjoys snapping their fingers to the rhythm of the beat. I’m talking jamming to Choral Performances, Dean Martin, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Sia, and Adele all in the same session at the age of 13. The girl can sing everything from Pop to Opera Music and she does it effortlessly. When she’s singing, whether on stage or walking around the house, you can hear the joy that wells up inside of her. It’s what causes everyone in earshot to stop and take notice.

When life isn’t going quite as she planned, I often encourage her to pull out her keyboard and sing. As she creates music, what was once a jumbled mess of emotion and disorganized thought becomes a masterpiece. The most beautiful songs she’s ever written have all come from moments of “finding her center”. It’s the act of doing what you love until what you love makes everything else make sense.

During the month of October, I found myself feeling out of sorts. Nothing particularly bad happened, I was just tired of going, tired of doing, and tired of being. I could put several words behind going, doing, and being but this blog post would become entirely too long. The point is, life was misbehaving and I was over dealing with it. One morning during my quiet time, I heard the words I’ve spoken to my daughter come up in my own spirit. “Find your center.” You see, what music is to my daughter, writing is to me. Something very special happens when I sit down at my desk and create something out of nothing. Bending time and reality through my words fills me up in a way one must experience to fully understand. Doing what I love just makes everything else make sense.

Following that little voice inside of me, I sat down and started to write a novella. I’ve written 3 novellas and they are often fun to write because they are short bursts of imagination wrapped inside of plot twists, suspense, and romance. Novellas don’t require hours of research and planning. I simply sit at the computer and write what comes to my mind. It was there, in the middle of making stuff up that it occurred to me. I was no longer feeling despondent or out of sorts. I felt like me again because I was doing something I loved just for the joy of doing it. That is a feeling EVERY single person who walks the face of the Earth deserves to feel. It is the essence of happiness and oneness of self. It is my personal true north that proves to me I have control over the joy I get to feel regardless of what life is trying to throw my way. It is the secret to me finding my very own bona fide happy place!

Today I want to encourage you to explore what feeds you. What leads you to your center? What do you do to fuel, inspire, and replenish yourself when nothing around you is making sense? If you don’t know the answer to those questions, here are a few prompts that may help you discover it.

1) What do you enjoy doing for hours without pay?

2) When was the last time you felt genuinely happy? What led you to that moment?

3) Do you enjoy creating with words, pictures, sounds, or numbers? If so, which ones?

4) What truly makes your heart sing?

5) What makes you proud of you?

Take some time to explore the answers to those questions. When you notice a common theme, you’ve found your center. Create space in your life to return to the activity that allows you to ground yourself in moments of stress, lack of fulfillment, or even disappointment. Life is always going to do what it does. There is simply no way around it. However, you have been given something-- a skill, a talent, or a gift that will allow you to control the way you FEEL after life throws its best shot at you. Tap into to that thing and you can essentially give life the middle finger without fear of offending anyone who may see you doing so.

What do you deserve?

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 21:31:51 GMT

I recently saw an Instagram post written by @everything_elisabeth where she discussed the online backlash she received when she booked the Oprah Winfrey Show. People were debating whether or not she deserved the opportunity and exposure that came with being Oprah’s guest. In the caption of the post, she stated she didn’t care whether or not people felt she deserved to be on the show. She was there and it changed her life (my paraphrase).

Her post got me to thinking… What do I deserve? And what have I subconsciously blocked myself from receiving because I wasn’t sure if I deserved it yet ? What imaginary finish line had I established that would make me deserving of great opportunities?

As you may already know, I’ve penned and published 17 books, journals, and planners. I’ve also written 1 feature film, 2 short screenplays, countless blogs, and multiple magazine articles (look for publication of these soon :-) ). Since November 2015, I have worked as a full-time writer and entrepreneur. And yet, reading that Instagram post made me ask myself, “Otescia, what do you deserve? What are you really ready to receive?”

That’s when it hit me. Why haven’t I boldly accepted the fact that I am walking in what I am questioning? Why did I question my own readiness when I am already enjoying the beginning stages of what I deserve!

Wheeeewwww! That was a mouthful of a revelation for me. I’m no longer striving to become a successful entrepreneur, I AM a successful entrepreneur. I am no longer praying for the opportunity to wake up every day and do what I love, I get to do so each and every day! I am living in what I prayed for yesterday and the only person questioning whether or not I deserve it, was me! But here's the real kicker, whether or not I thought I deserved it, doors were still opening, my books were still selling, opportunities were still being presented to me. Just as the opinion of the online trolls had no bearing on Elisabeth's success, my self-doubt hasn't stopped any of what God has ordained for my life! Like the poster, it's time for me (and you) to change the internal conversation from one of "Do I deserve this?" to "I deserve this AND more!"

As these revelations rolled through me, I spoke an affirmation statement that is now written on a sticky note on the front of my computer.

I deserve every single opportunity and door God opens for me. I am worthy! I have earned it!

Imagine how freeing it must be to truly love and accept yourself so much that you completely ignore the comments of internet trolls. I recently shared during a live video that a troll’s comments never hurt unless the hearer finds truth in them. If Elisabeth didn’t know she deserved to sit on Oprah’s stage, the trolls could have ruined a really beautiful moment for her life and career. Even worse, the troll’s comments could have caused her to reject what she was already walking in.

Reader, I want to challenge you to sit for a moment and think about what you deserve. Think about all the things you’ve subconsciously blocked and ask yourself how you can open your mind and spirit to receive what is already yours.

Our collective days of talking ourselves out of embracing and enjoying what we have worked so hard to achieve are over. If no one else cheers for you, become comfortable cheering for yourself. If no one else throws you a celebratory party, throw your own party complete with balloons, confetti, and gifts.

Listen… we teach others how to treat us by how we treat ourselves. Get busy loving you, celebrating you, and embracing the joy of today that was birthed out of the tears of yesterday. Look in the mirror and tell yourself, I deserve this and that’s all that matters!

What Do You Really Want?

Fri, 27 May 2022 12:06:59 GMT

Pssst... it's okay to say it.

What do you want? (Imagine Noah yelling at Allie in The Notebook. That's the intensity I want you to maintain as you read this post.)

This is a question God challenged me with almost five years ago. I was fresh off the biggest failure of my entrepreneurial career. I’d invested almost $4500 into a launch and only earned $1100. At that time, losing $3400 felt like the end of the world! My business was still an infant, and my family NEEDED that money. I was crushed!

My husband has always been incredibly supportive of my entrepreneurial journey and offered me as much comfort as possible, but nothing he said soothed the feelings of failure and disappointment. I cried, cried, and cried some more. I yelled at God, “I don’t understand! I did what you said! Why didn’t this work? All these people sign up for my free offerings and they flock to hear me pray, but they won’t actually buy anything!” That may sound harsh, but it was my truth, and I knew God didn’t mind me saying what was already in my heart.

Instead of God giving me direct answers, He took me to His written word: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” -Proverbs 13:12 (AMP)

Suddenly, a different type of tear began to roll down my cheeks. I felt such an overwhelming amount of gratitude as revelation hit me in waves. I’d said things like, “If just one person is helped by this, I’ll be satisfied. If I can just help one person, it will all be worth it.”

The truth was, I didn’t want to help one person. I wanted to help 1 million people. I wanted to touch as many lives as possible. I wanted to create a platform that proved doing business God’s way would always yield greater results than doing business the world’s way. I wanted to show everyone who would tune in what happens when you trust God with every area of your life.

I also wanted to break the generational curse of poverty. I wanted to set my children up for financial success. I wanted to establish trust funds for them and my future grandchildren. I wanted to experience the kind of luxury that comes with a life well-lived. I desired a new home, a new car, and a few vacation properties. I wanted what God revealed to me in my dreams to manifest in my everyday life!

So, why was I lying to myself? In that moment, God was revealing the source of my lack of success. It was caused by my false humility and fear of asking for what I really wanted. Pretending I only cared about reaching one soul wasn’t humility. IT WAS A LIE, a lie I’d heard others say in church and adopted as my own. I was afraid of asking God for massive success because if I asked for it, I had to believe for it. If I believed for it, and didn’t receive it, I’d be crushed if it didn’t work out. I was self-protecting, and it was literally causing my heart to become sick. I had a thought process that said, “I’ll help the one today and one day, God will cause me to help millions of people around the world.”

The problem with this type of thought process is it literally prevents you from seeing the success God has ordained for you. It always places your faith and hope in a day that is not promised to you. Then when today does not go as you really desire, the familiar feelings of disappointment and depression rush to wrap their paralyzing arms around you.

When God revealed Proverbs 13:12 to me, it all began to make sense. My heart felt sick because my hope was deferred. God was inviting me to partner with Him to receive the things I truly desired. The only thing I had to do was tell Him what I really wanted. I had to let go of the fear of disappointment and make my requests known to God. I can’t lie and say I wasn’t still afraid, but I trusted God. He was asking me to abandon my fear and trust Him as the One who has my best interest at heart.

The thing about God is, He only asks you for what He knows you are able to give. Knowing this truth, I abandoned fear and asked for what I really wanted. God rewarded me with an Ephesians 3:20 response.

“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” – Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)

Asking God for what I really wanted gave me more than I ever imagined. Being honest about my desires wasn’t a setup for failure. It was an invitation to receive God’s bounty of abundance. It was a call to a lifestyle of greater faith and execution and it changed my life.

I am the exception to the rule because I serve an exceptional God who asked me to be honest with Him about my exceptional desires. If you're tired of saying one thing when you really mean another, it's time to stop saying the "religious" things and search your heart for the truth. What is it that you really want? If failure wasn't an option, what would you ask God for? Grab your journal and find a quiet place to sit. Clear your mind of the day's clutter and search your heart to answer the following question. WHAT DO YOU WANT? When the answer comes, write it all down, then read it aloud to God. He's waiting to give you the desires of your heart.

Never Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:48:11 GMT

"Mom, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Those were the words my then 16-year-old son said to me when I questioned him about flirting with so many girls. (Thank God he is a married faithful man now. Prayer works!) While my son was applying a basketball statement to dating, I was reminded of his words during a recent planning meeting with a new strategic partner. I’d asked the gentleman why he never told me about his interest to venture into this new area of business and his answer blew me away. "I didn't think you'd work with me because I'm just starting out. I'm not on your level yet."

My first thought was, I’m not on whatever level he thinks I’m on. Then I was reminded of my own mindset coaching. Stop downplaying yourself Otescia. After getting myself together, my next thought was, how do I make myself more approachable so that others will feel comfortable pitching their ideas to me. That thought also felt wrong. It is not my responsibility to make someone else feel like they are on a high enough “level” to pitch to me. I am responsible for the way I respond to everyone who does pitch to me. I have a responsibility to be honest. Some people present wonderful ideas, and we end up working together. Others have presented ideas that were not best for me, my business, or my brand. I have a responsibility to be courteous and honest as I decline their offer. But nowhere in this process am I required or responsible for lowering my light so that others can shine.

When you look at someone and say, “They’d never work with someone like me,” or “I’m no where near ready to work with them,” you are lowering the value of what you bring to the table. You may not have a platform as large as that person’s platform. Your bank account may not be as large. You may not have as many degrees or years of experience but take a moment to consider what you do have. Your zone of genius may be the missing link for their next venture. The way you excel in your areas of expertise with little to no effort is worth EVERY PENNY to the person who struggles to do what you can do in your sleep.

I have mulled over the words the young man spoke to me for the last 2 days. Had he reached out to me two years ago (when we first met), he would have learned, I have been looking for someone with his skill set, personality, and humility. I just didn’t know he was the person I was looking for because he never told me he was interested in moving into my industry. My answer 2 years ago would have been yes just as my answer 2 days ago was yes. He missed his shot back then because he never took it.

This exchange made me think of all the shots I didn’t take, all the times I thought someone was too far above my “pay grade” to work with me. When I’m honest with myself, the reason this young man’s statement struck a chord with me is because I needed the reminder to take the shot. Going to the next level is going to require me to stop playing scared and shoot. Playing scared has never won a championship and it won’t help me or you to win in life or business.

Who would you love to work with but have held off from reaching out to because you are concerned they’d, “never work with someone like you?” I challenge you to gather your courage and take the shot. Seriously… what’s the worst thing that could happen? You might miss and they say no. Cool beans, you’ll be in the same position you’re in today. But what if… what if they surprise you and say yes? Consider the possibilities that come from landing the perfect shot right at the buzzer. Harness the euphoric feeling of the crowd going wild as you win the game for your team. Now take all of that positive energy and shoot your shot!

5 Reasons Your Offers Aren't Selling

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 02:36:01 GMT

In the wake of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday madness, I am in serious reflection mode. I saw so many social media posts about 60% off sales that I honestly stopped paying attention. Instead, I focused on completing my upcoming novella, “A Christmas Baby Miracle.” (shameless plug) You may be wondering why I, a full-time entrepreneur, would choose to ignore one of the busiest purchase times of the year. Well, the answer is simple. My sweet spot is helping newbies or those who’ve yet to launch. I am their pusher… no not that kind , the good kind. I’m the person who gently nudges folks until all they can think about is that book they should be writing or that business they should be launching. Then, I equip them with the tools they need to succeed.

For me, watching trends is crucial. Why? Because my target audience is watching those same trends and probably falling for a few okie dokes. This year I noticed there were HUNDREDS of silent authors and entrepreneurs during the busiest shopping days of the year. People I expected to promote their businesses did not make a single post. My inbox received emails from the same faithful few who always email me. It made me ask the question, “If 75% of my friends and followers are business owners, why is my timeline not flooded with offers?”

After talking to a few people privately, I noticed a trend. Most of those whose business generates $50k or less (annually) are simply burnt out on putting in the work to create an offer no buys. I get it. Disappointment and fatigue are REAL! In keeping with my goal of equipping you to become the exception to the rule, I want to help you overcome some of the issues that are keeping you from converting your followers into paying customers. So, instead of trying to sell you something today, I’m going to offer some FREE, but very valuable advice. Don’t trip though, I am creating a package for you that will cost you less than a new pair of shoes but will offer THREE trainings that will directly impact your bottom line! Anyhoo… on to today’s FREE goodness!

and you’ll change your bottom line!

5 Reasons Your Offers Aren't Selling

1. Poor Marketing Copy

I wish I could scream this one so loudly that all the world could hear. You knowing how great your product/service is, does not equate to closed deals. You must communicate to your audience why your deal is the absolute best fit for their needs. Your marketing copy should speak to their need, and clearly identify how your product/service solves said need. Not sure how to do that? Here’s a quick tip:

Ever heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? If not, Google it, and study the pyramid. Human needs always fall into one of those categories. Figure out which area of need your product/service solves, then write marketing copy that speaks to that need. For example, if you are a hair stylist, your client’s area of need is more than likely esteem. Your marketing copy should speak to your client’s need for respect, self-esteem, status, recognition, strength, or freedom. Your call to action should direct your target audience to book a service with you so that the need you spoke to can be fulfilled.

2. Horrible Photos/Graphics

I know that doesn’t sound like a nice thing to say, but let’s face it. We’re in the world of social media. Folks want to see glitz and glamour, not fuzzy and dark. Take some time and learn how to use one of the many apps that help you create beautiful designs. Canva is by far my favorite because it turns the clueless into a professional in a matter of minutes. Regardless of which app you use, just make sure what you release is appealing to the eye. Sometimes you only have a few minutes to make your target audience stop scrolling.

3. Priced too high or too low

Pricing is another quick killer of brands. Being new isn’t a reason to charge super low prices, just like having ten years of experience isn’t a reason to charge ridiculously high rates. In the world of “charge your worth,” I want to encourage you to charge a rate that is in line with your target audience. For example, my target audience is newbies who don’t know how to make a buck. With that in mind, I can’t be the most expensive person on the block because most of my clients haven’t started making money yet. That’s why they need me. On the other hand, when you target audience is comprised of high earners, your packages/offers should be priced in a way that reflects the value of your content AND the rates a high earner would expect to spend. If you only want to attract high earners, only offer top tier offers.

4. You Lack Confidence

There’s no easy way to say this. If you don’t believe in what you are selling, if you don’t absolutely LOVE IT…. Neither will anyone else. Confidence is key in selling. Have you ever gone onto a used car lot and noticed how the salesman smiles as he promotes a dust bucket? He walks out in a suit to sell you a car that will probably break down as soon as you drive it off the lot. Now, am I saying all used car salesmen fit into the category, of course not! The key here is that they are all confident. They greet you with a smile and make the car sound like a diamond in the rough whether they are selling you a lemon or the reliable car that will transport you and your family for years. Their presentation is what sells cars, not the cars themselves. Your presentation is what will sell your offers. Confidence is ALWAYS attractive!

5. You Hate Selling

This one is by far the BEST, so read carefully. The number of entrepreneurs I encounter that tell me they hate selling is mind-blowing. I always want to scream, “You do know being in business is all about selling right?” How are you going to build a successful business if you never sell anything? Goods and/or services must be exchanged if you would like for people to fork over their hard-earned money. They problem isn’t selling. The problem is you view selling just like the example I gave in #4. You see it as a dirty word. You conjure up images of a sweaty salesman knocking on your door when you are right in the middle of cooking dinner. You imagine people running from you like you run from the neighborhood canvassers. Here’s the thing though, there are so many other types of salesmen. Think of the person in Lowe’s that helps you determine which flooring to buy, or the person in the shoe store that brings out box after box for you. You like those people. You look for those people instead of trying to avoid them. What’s the difference? I’m so happy you asked!

The person you typically look for in the shoe store is solving a problem for you. You need a size 8, but there aren’t any on the sales floor, so you find an employee and ask them to bring you one. You sought them out because you needed their help. You walk away feeling great because they solved the problem. They provided a service you are grateful for. This is the way you must view sales in your business. You are NOT the sweaty guy trying to make a buck no matter what. You are the ever-helpful sales associate who is sought after to solve a problem. Your product/service is not readily available. You must respond to the cries of the masses to produce what they need… even if their cries sound like complaining instead of them asking you directly. Learn to listen to what’s being said between the lines. Give your target audience the solutions to their problems and you’ll always feel like the associate who searched the stockroom to find the last pair of shoes in your size. Everyone wants to be that person because customers are always happy to see him/her coming. Change the way you view sales and you’ll change your bottom line!

Your Business is Hurting...

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 22:33:53 GMT

Early 2019 I dealt with constant neck and upper back pain that was often accompanied by a headache. I went to the doctor and was sent to physical therapy even though my doctor could not identify the cause of the pain. I was also prescribed muscle relaxers which sent me straight to lala land making it impossible for me to get any work done. I ended up hiring extra hands to help me get things done. Then, I had an encounter when I attended the Warriors United Conference that relieved the pain completely. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I realized I could move my neck without feeling excruciating pain. Then, about a month ago, as suddenly as it came on earlier this year, I noticed the pain was creeping up again. I went back through everything in my mind. I spent time trying to locate the cause of the pain. What was I going through that resembled what I was going through earlier this year? I read through my journals and discovered a startling source. It wasn’t a physical health issue. It wasn’t familial stress. My business was hurting, and it was manifesting in my body. The additional hours I was working were taking a toll on my physical body. Once I solved the business pains (Just as I did earlier this year) the pain went away. After doing a little more digging I discovered three reasons your business may be hurting. So, before you run to the doctor, take a look at the list below and take to appropriate actions to relieve the pain in your business.

You Are Doing Too Much

There… that one will probably sting the most, so let’s just get it out of the way. You know you’re doing too much when you find yourself up at 3am for the 4th night in a row because your deadlines have copulated and produced baby deadlines that are screaming for your attention. Listen… I am all about working to achieve the success you desire, but sometimes we put ourselves in unhealthy positions which require more than we can physically handle. It can be so tempting to accept that client who is just slightly outside of your ideal range but wants to sign up immediately and pay your invoice in full. The extra cash will work wonders for your bottom line. However, you must ask yourself if that extra payday was worth losing sleep all month trying to keep up with the workload. Accepting too many ideal clients at once can also leave you feeling the pains of entrepreneurship. Remember, your business is intended to enhance your life, not consume it.

It’s Time to Hire a Staff

This is arguably one of the most difficult decisions a serious entrepreneur can make. Your business is booming and has finally reached the point that is requires additional hands. That’s a good thing, right? Well, yes and no. Needing additional hands and having the available cash flow to pay additional hands are two different things. Not only that, bringing on new faces means you should have well-defined job duties, training, systems, and procedures in place that give your new team members the best possible chance at success. Afterall, they will become representatives of your brand. Everything they touch needs to look and feel as though you provided the product or service yourself. Realizing I wasn’t Superwoman and needed additional hands nearly caused me to hyperventilate because I kept wondering when I was going to have time to create everything needed AND train a new person! At the end of the day, I had to throw on a pair of yoga pants, crank up the volume on my favorite playlist and GET ‘ER DONE! My business was hurting and the only thing that was going to ease the pain was qualified well-trained help!

You Need to Increase Your Prices

Oh, sweet baby Jesus, the dreaded price increase conversation…. That’s literally what I thought (and said) every time I heard a business coach discuss raising rates. It felt greedy to me. I felt like I could provide quality services to those who could not afford the high-priced rates of senior coaches. I sincerely desired to provide the highest level of publishing services to those who had paid thousands to crooked vanity publishing companies. In a nutshell, I wanted to be the affordable solution everyone needed. As you can imagine, this method of pricing caused me to lose money on nearly every contract during my first year of business. Not tangible dollars, but I loss by way of not accounting for the time I was spending executing each deal. That lost revenue contributed to the previous reason I felt pain in my business. It was growing, but it wasn’t generating the necessary revenue to sustain the growth because I was cheating myself out of money. The bottom line is if you don’t increase your prices there will be no bottom line because you will be out of business. (See what I did there.) Not only that, pricing yourself too low prevents you from attracting the right clients. Your ideal client has the disposable income to pay for your services. There’s a reason Saks Fifth Avenue doesn’t carry the same clothes as Wal-Mart or charge the same prices. They each have an ideal client and their offerings are in line with who they want to attract. If your business is cash poor but overflowing with clients who can’t afford your very necessary price increase, it’s time for you to stop the bleeding and raise your rates! Simply starting every new contract with a more appropriate rate structure will reduce the growing pains your business bank account is currently feeling.

Need help alleviating the pain?

Regardless of why you are experiencing the growth pains of business, remember this: leveraged properly, pain can lead you to changes that give birth to increased revenue, new programs, additional hands to handle the workload and more! The only cure to the pain is to stretch past your comfort level by making the necessary adjustments.

If you need help creating a strategy to alleviate the pains in your business, click to schedule a strategy session with me.

5 Simple Ways to Expand Your Platform

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:39:02 GMT

One of the most asked questions I receive is, “Otescia, how did you go from no one knowing you to where you are today?” The answer is multi-faceted, but I decided to put the biggest game changers I implemented into today’s blog. Happy reading and be sure to share with someone else who is working to go from obscure to booked and busy. There are enough coins floating around for all of us to eat!

1. Get out of your circle!

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “I’m an introvert” I would be one wealthy lady! Yes, it’s true, introverts do exist. However, this has become a clever label for those who are afraid of leaving their comfort zone. Bill Gates, JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Meryl Streep are all self-proclaimed introverts, yet their fortunes, talent, and reputation for breaking barriers are remarkable! They had to keep working rooms full of strange faces until everyone knew their names. Calling yourself an introvert has become an easy excuse to stay in your own bubble. Well, guess what? Your bubble isn’t paying your mortgage. If you want to increase your reach in business, you must consistently reach new people. Get out of the house. Go to a Meetup group. Join a LinkedIn or Facebook group and attend any face to face meeting opportunities. Join a new social club, or new group at church. Ask the person sitting across from you in Starbucks what they do for a living. Connect with people! Businesses sell to people. No one can purchase anything from you or hire you to speak at their event if they don’t know who you are or what you offer. In 2017, I became intentional about expanding my horizons, meeting new people, and making meaningful connections. I have seen a 700% increase in revenue as a result of those efforts. No that wasn’t a typo… my business has grown 700% just from me showing up in rooms where I didn’t know anyone and opening my mouth about who I am and my particular brand of black girl magic.

2. Leverage Social Media Properly

One of the things that really grinds my gears is when I see event organizers and entrepreneurs tagging 50 strangers on a post that has nothing to do with them. The other thing I can’t stand is the “Hey girl” or “Hey Love” inbox messages. They are the go-to intros for a poorly written sales pitch. I’m not a girl and I’m not your love. I don’t want to learn how to make more money so that I can quit my day job. I don’t have a day job. The sender would know this IF they’d done their research before messaging me. Instead of following the trends, become intentional about who you connect with on social media and what you share. Stop keeping everything on your page private if you expect to grow your brand. Again… people have to know you to hire you! If you’re concerned about safety, strip your page down to the bare necessities and rebuild it with the highlights and parts of your life you are comfortable sharing. If you’ve perused my social media pages, you’ve learned I only share enough to show that I am in fact a real person with a husband and children. I congratulate and celebrate with my family offline, unless it is a teachable moment I feel my friends and followers can learn from. I have naturally inspired people for as long as I can remember. My social media reflects that side of me. It also shows I am a beast in the worlds of publishing and entrepreneurship… that’s what drives people to seek me out professionally. What does your social media teach potential clients about you? What are you sharing and who are you sharing it with? HINT: If you sell jewelry and your timeline is full of other people who sell jewelry, who are you selling to? Your target audience should be the highest percentage of your friends/followers.

3. Use customer service to help you stand out

Every market is saturated with talented individuals. Customer service is one of the easiest ways to ensure customers choose you over your counterpart. No matter how great you are at what you do, no one will want to work with you if you do not understand the basics of servicing a customer. It’s deeper than a polite voice when you answer the phone. Do you answer their questions completely? Do you respond to emails in a timely manner? Do you show up for meetings on time and prepared? Are you creating an overall experience the customer won’t forget? Is your website and on-boarding process user friendly? These are things to ask yourself if you notice customers not returning for future services, or if you are getting bad reviews online. Instead of assuming they are “haters” take a moment to see if there is any truth to what they are saying. Whatever service you provide, there are thousands out there praying a customer would pay them to do the same thing. Remember we are all in this to provide a service. Lead with service and your customers/clients will gladly tell everyone how amazing you are. People may not remember exactly what you said, but they will remember exactly how you made them feel!

4. Learn to master software, systems, and tools

If you’re an amazing graphic designer but have no workflows or processes in place to manage your workload, you are setting yourself up to fail. If I submit an inquiry to you and it takes you a week to respond to me because you are manually responding to every inquiry, I’m not going to hire you. What you’ve shown me off the bat is you are spending too much time on things that should be automated so you won’t have enough time to work on my project. It’s important to utilize systems, tools, and automations to make your business run like a well-oiled machine. Also, if I ask you what’s next in the process and you stumble, I’m going to doubt your abilities. Again, you may be great but stumbling to give an off the cuff answer will make me doubt you. Take the time to determine HOW you are going to deliver your products/services so that when the customers do come, you know exactly what is happening at each stage of the process. Let’s recap: Identify what happens from inquiry to closed sale and map that process out. That becomes your initial workflow. Then map out what happens from closed sale to product/service delivery. That becomes your second workflow. (You may be able to combine these depending on your offerings.) Once you have your workflow in place, find a tool to help you automate as many steps as possible. Dubsado is my absolute favorite, but there are others as well. ( Click here to learn more ) Spend time working and reworking your workflow to ensure the process is as efficient as possible. The more efficient you are, the more productive you will be. The more productive you are, the faster you’ll be able to expand.

5. Stay ahead of the game

If you desire to really grow your platform, you must always be a student of your field of expertise. Subscribe to magazines, websites, and courses that prepare you for what’s to come. Nothing is worse than connecting with someone who is spouting outdated facts. Every time there is a change in your industry, you need to be one of the first people to know about it. Share what you learn with your followers so that when the next change rolls around, they look to you for help understanding what’s happening. Being an expert requires you to assume the posture of the perpetual student, ever learning and growing so that you can be one of the first teachers of the “new”. Also, look for ways to anticipate what is coming next so that you can prepare your followers for it. When Amazon decided to drop the CreateSpace platform, anyone who was working with me knew the switch was coming and had nothing to worry about because I learned how to publish the paperbacks through KDP as soon as the feature was offered. I saw the writing on the wall. They integrated the technology to do away with CreateSpace. On the other hand, I’m always researching other print on demand and distribution options so that my clients can choose which option works best for them. If KDP went away tomorrow, each one of my clients would be just fine because we have several other affordable options for them. Can you say the same for your industry?

Bonus: Your talent only gets you in the room, your character will sustain you. How many times have you heard an amazing singer and wondered why they weren’t more successful? I’ve seen it time and time again. The super talented performer is a pain to work with, shows up late, has a drinking or drug problem… the reasons are endless. No matter how great you are at what you do, people working with you want to connect with you and enjoy being around you. Your platform won’t grow to sustainable levels of success unless you grow. You are your brand. You are your business. Do the personal work to ensure your business gets what it needs to succeed. It does you no good to ensure everyone knows your name if they only have negative experiences to go along with it.

Whether you are a novice too afraid to put yourself out there, or a veteran entrepreneur who needs fresh ideas to go beyond where you currently are, each of these tips can help you expand. The key is to consistently grow. To consistently grow, you must consistently learn and implement. At the end of the day, we all want to break barriers and become the exception to the rule. Make the decision today to start the process!

If after reading this blog you're thinking, "Man... I don't even know where to start," click here to schedule a FREE discovery call with me.

Overcoming Disappointment

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:14:34 GMT

Let me go ahead and warn you… this blog entry is going to be cathartic which probably means it will be long. I write for a living, so getting things out of my system through words is my sweet spot. If you choose to read until the end, I promise to include a few business and wisdom nuggets that will help you on your journey to becoming the exception.

Here we go…

About a year ago, I got two major ideas. These ideas seemed so large and monumental that I was absolutely CERTAIN they were going to change the face of my business and finally push us to the level of earnings that I just knew we were capable of. Because of these two ideas, I believed 2019 was going to be the breakout year for which I’d been preparing. Let me be clear, my business has been successfully turning a profit since year one because I bootstrapped my way to success, but it wasn’t enough. I’m not built for average. Mediocrity was never on my dream sheet. I set goals; I smash them. That’s what I do. It’s who I am. I don’t call myself the exception to the rule for nothing. Personal success is great, but what I am after is generational wealth that sets my future great grandchildren up for success. To reach that goal, I need life-shifting ideas that transcend 6 or 7 seven figure earnings. Anything less than reaching that goal leaves me feeling like a totally average person. I. DON’T. DO. AVERAGE.... EVER! At least, that's what I told myself. And for the most part, it's been true.... until it wasn't.

It wasn't true until I saw the “average” results of both of my “MEGA” ideas.

I started working on both ideas 4th quarter 2018. I researched, found additional personnel to support the visions, and executed both ideas earlier this year. I just knew they both had enough steam behind them to take them to sights unseen. Neither launch saw more than moderate success. Looking back, because that’s what one should always do after any launch, I can see where I could have executed a few things better. I bobbed a couple times when I should have weaved. Overall though, I should have seen better results than I did. Neither idea turned a profit worth mentioning, even though I invested more money to ensure they would be profitable. In a word, I was devastated. I mean… I teach this stuff. I teach my clients how to focus on revenue generating ideas from day 1 of business so that they can turn a profit as quickly as possible. I KNOW what to do. I’ve done it. I grew a business from nothing more than my own intellect. Yet, when I went to scale my own company, I failed. Whew…. Let me take a moment to breathe. Although I believe it’s important to invite failure to the party, it still stings a bit when it walks in the door.

If there’s one thing my unconventional life has taught me, it’s that failure is an opportunity to learn and adjust fire. I've learned to focus on the data gathered. Gathered data means a greater chance for success next time. It also means the warrior in me can keep trucking without having to deal with things like feelings. (Seriously... do we really NEED feelings?) Because I'm a solution-based thinker, I tend to just focus on achieving a desired outcome. I’ve never really had to deal with the disappointment that comes from not reaching the goal you set for yourself. I’ve seen other people struggle with disappointment, but I’d never really paid attention to the sneaky ways disappointment manifests until this recent experience.

Here are a few thoughts disappointment brought to my doorstep:

You aren’t ready to scale. Slow down and appreciate what you have.
It didn’t work because you offered it. Had someone else been the face of the brand it would have taken off like a wildfire.
Your influence is not as great as you think it is.
If you would have worked harder, you could have hit those goals.
It’s not really quitting if you stop now. You tried it and it didn’t work. Just do something else.

All of these thoughts hit me at once, effectively robbing me of my creative energy. It took everything I had to fight through the lies of disappointment to get to the bottom of why my ideas didn’t work. While processing what I was experiencing, I didn’t create anything new, write any new blog posts, or offer any courses. I was mentally exhausted just getting to the bottom of what I was thinking and feeling. For a brief moment, I thought about walking away from it all. Again, not because the company isn’t successful (all of our clients are still seeing results), but because I’d rather throw all of my energy into being an amazing wife and mom than to sacrifice time, energy, and sleep for a mediocre business. That’s how sure I am in my God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. Either I’m going to use all of this genius to change the world, or I’m not. There is no in between for me.

After much soul searching, truth seeking, review, and prayer I discovered the following:

This disappointment was a test to see how serious I am about what I say I believe. It was a "put your words into action" moment.
Even superheroes have a weakness, and fear of mediocrity is mine. I’ve overcome every single fear I’ve ever experienced, so this one doesn’t stand a chance.
It is incredibly easy to throw in the towel when you allow disappointment to take root. Instead of wallowing in it, do your internal work to understand what you’re feeling, where it came from, and what it’s supposed to teach you.
The highest quality goods carry the highest price tag. One of the prices you’ll pay on your way to greatness is disappointment. Expect it, prepare for it, overcome it.
Disappointment is real, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your business. Learn from it and prepare for your next launch. If you aren’t launching, you aren’t growing.

Learning these things helped shift me from a disappointed mindset back to the "Get 'er done" attitude I'm accustomed to. However, I still needed to "disappoint proof" my life and business so that I wouldn't see this same issue again. I firmly believe we see the same tests over and over until we pass them. I decided years ago that once around the mountain is enough for me.

Here are 3 steps I’ve taken to ensure disappointment doesn’t catch me off guard again.

Create a list of business affirmations.

Disappointment is a series of thoughts. You can’t defeat thoughts with thoughts. Create a list of affirmations you can declare over your business every day.

Prepare best case/worst case scenarios for every launch.

This one would have REALLY helped me this year. Previously I only thought about what I wanted to see happen. I never thought about the worst-case scenarios. When the worst happened, I wasn’t mentally or spiritually equipped to deal with the corresponding emotions. Now, I talk through the worst-case scenario before I begin anything new, so that if it happens, I won’t be blind-sided. SIDE NOTE: I absolutely expect nothing less than the best, I just stopped ignoring the worst.

Double down on organic growth.

Trying to force your way into the minds of new followers is exhausting. One of the biggest things I learned from my experiences this year is to rock with those who ROCK WITH ME! They buy every book I release. If I release a course that is within their budget, they buy it. Instead of trying to sell so heavily to strangers, I’m doubling down on delivering what my followers want and need. Previous data proves my current clients/followers are great at referring new clients/followers to me. This system has been working, so I’ve made the decision to keep working this system.

Whether you are an aspiring business owner or a season veteran, you’ll experience disappointment from time to time. The key to overcoming it, is knowing it’s not the nail in the coffin. You aren't dead. Your business isn't dead. The last thing didn't work, but the next thing may be wildly successful! Instead of allowing disappointment to dictate what you believe about yourself or your business, fortify your mind with positive thoughts, continuing education, and a circle of like-minded individuals who can encourage you despite an unsuccessful plan. You can absolutely do this! Get back up and try again.

Help!

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 01:31:42 GMT

My kids are home, but I still have work to do!

Welcome to June! For many, the month of June is an exciting time because it brings the official start of the season of vacations and fun in the sun. For others, like myself, summer is a time for fun, but it is also a critical time in business. While our children are saying their goodbyes to teachers and classmates, many of us are scratching our heads asking, “How in the world am I going to work with the kids in the house all summer?”

I remember the day my son learned parents still have to work during the summer. He was 7 years old and extremely excited about summer break for the first time. For some reason, he’d planned all these things he wanted to do over the summer. I’m not talking small things like trips to the library or splash days at the water park. No... my son basically wanted one really long, super expensive vacation filled with things I didn’t even know he knew existed. When I explained to him we’d do some of the things on his list, but we wouldn’t be able to do them all because his dad and I still had to work, he was floored. His exact words were, “Why should parents have to work when their kids are out of school?” I remember laughing but agreeing with him. We should all be able to lounge around the pool all day and soak up the beautiful sun, but for many of us, our professions simply demand we do otherwise.

That conversation with my son led me to develop summer habits that allowed me to work AND enjoy the water park with the children. As my family has grown and matured, those habits have evolved, but I’d love to share the most successful ones with you here in hopes that your family will also be helped by them.

Otescia's Tips for Working During Summer Break

1) Set a day, morning, or afternoon for fun activities- Whenever possible choose a day of the week that is dedicated to family fun. This gives kiddos something to look forward to. If your workload is not conducive to a four-day work week, select a morning or afternoon to do something special. It’s perfectly okay if Saturday has to be that day. The key is for the kiddos to know they can look forward to special time with you. They want to make memories they’ll be able to brag about in the fall.

2) Work together- Fun summer projects for the kiddos can be an excellent way for the kids to work alongside you. One summer, the kids and I spent one morning a week at the dining room table working on various projects. They often wrote book reports while I worked on my manuscript. It made them feel great to be able to work with mom. It also gave me a way to sneak education into summer break.

3) Keep a countdown chart- Counting down the days to a fun vacation can be a simple way to keep everyone motivated to stay on track. When my children were younger, I loved creating countdown calendars that also include a treat of some sort. I used this technique to reward good behavior AND stop them from asking, “When is vacation?” 20 times a day. If you’re really brave, allow the kids to help you create the countdown chart.

4) Work while they sleep- This is still one of my favorite personal hacks to maintaining my writing schedule. I do the bulk of my writing while my family is sleeping. I understand they will only be young once, so I do my best to be present in the moment with them. Working while they sleep frees me up to listen to their chatter later on.

5) Expect Interruptions- Even with the best planning and scheduling habits, you must still expect an interruption here or there. Instead of getting bent out of shape about them, remember your family will only be this young once. Give yourself permission to enjoy your time with them.

Whether you make the decision to apply one of the techniques that has worked for me and my family, or create your own, the key to getting work done this summer, is creating a plan and sticking to it! Your children may feel like you should be off because they are off, but until you become independently wealthy, the show must go on… even during summer break!

Remain Authentic & Vulnerable

Thu, 09 May 2019 16:54:28 GMT

Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe

For the past couple days, I have been seeing social media posts about Ayesha Curry and her comments on Red Table Talk. If you haven’t watched the episode, I encourage you to watch it here .

As an influencer (Yes, I am finally embracing this title), I try to remain abreast of what is currently trending. I miss so many things because they simply do not interest me. This story, however, has caused me to write and delete more comments than I care to admit. I’ve wanted to scream there was so much more to the show than ONE person’s statements. There was a whole table of women sharing their truth, yet people are harping on one person. I’ve wanted to defend Ayesha’s statements. I’ve wanted to explain how it was all taken out of context. I’ve wanted to applaud her, not for what she said, but the fact that she said it! (More on this in a second.) I’ve wanted to tell a few narrow-minded people a few things that would not have been beneficial or fruitful. That is MY truth.

My first thought while listening to Ayesha’s comment was, what a beautiful moment of vulnerable authenticity from a woman who is comfortable sharing her own truth. My next thoughts immediately went to how many other wives and mamas have similar feelings but somehow feel guilty about them, so they hide their truth and suffer in silence. I was grateful Ayesha spoke to the wife who just needed someone to give words to what she was feeling. I knew someone would be helped by her words. I also knew the gossip sites and rumor mills would have a field day creating their own interpretation of what she said.

Last night I asked my husband for a male perspective of the conversation. He seemed to enjoy the episode and did not respond in the slightest when she made the remarks. In fact, I only heard Ayesha’s comments because my husband was watching the show. I wasn’t even paying attention until the conversation moved to the now infamous snippet. When the show was over, we each went back to what we were doing, so I wasn’t sure of his take on the remarks. When we discussed it last night, he was oblivious to what the big fuss was about. He heard and understood what Ayesha was saying, but the debate didn’t make sense to him. That’s when I knew, I needed to shift my focus. I needed to speak about something deeper than a “Is she right or wrong” debate.

You see, Ayesha Curry doesn’t need me or anyone else debating her comments. She’s living her life authentically. In my experience, living authentically brings its own rewards and struggles. What Ayesha has done is what so many other influencers strive to do every day… live in a way that encourages someone else to keep going even when the task at hand feel insurmountable.

What has stopped me from getting into a war of comments with people who will probably NEVER see my point of view was my own recognition that my point of view did not matter. Ayesha Curry didn’t have her beautiful moment for people to get on social media to debate it. She was simply speaking her truth. The people who were meant to connect with it did. The people who were meant to feel a solidarity with her did. That’s the point of all of this. This is why people with a platform even bother opening up about the things they experience in private. It’s not to attract ridicule, criticism, or even to urge their supporters to stand up for them. Ayesha Curry doesn’t need me or you to defend or condemn her.

Instead of hopping in on the “Do you agree or disagree with Ayesha” debate, or making one of my usual social media posts about it, I decided to use this opportunity to speak to the importance of living your own truth and using your platform however YOU feel is best. The only way you are going to be effective is if you show up authentically.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Your vibe attracts your tribe.” It simply means the way you do life attracts those who are intended to do life with you. At the end of the day, people are drawn to those who speak their language... people who “look” like them. It’s not about the way you look on the outside. It's about the internal stuff that makes us all human. It's the way your heart bleeds for causes you are passionate about. People are looking to connect with individuals who “get it” even when they haven’t spoken a word. What connects your audience to you isn’t just your knowledge in your area of expertise. It isn’t how much education you have or how talented you are. The truth is there will always be someone who knows more or someone who does it faster for a lower rate. Your followers have choices! They choose to follow you because you speak their language. You get it. You make them feel seen and heard. You give voice to the nagging feeling they can’t quite put into words. They follow you because you vocalize what they are feeling, but you manage to say it in a way that makes them stand just a little taller. Your authenticity and vulnerability are the secret weapons to your success. They are the greatest currency you will ever have.

Be careful not to let the backlash and social uproar surrounding Ayesha’s beautiful moment cause you to run back to the shadows of obscurity. Keep showing up as the purest, most authentic version of yourself. Keep sharing YOUR truth regardless of how many people may disagree. You don’t share your truth to get likes. You don't share it to feed the journalistic vultures looking for the next click bait headline. You share it to inspire someone else to keep living in theirs. In a day where the pressure to feel perfect is thicker than ever, be the one who colors outside the lines on purpose. Be the person who wears black to an all white party. You may look like a rebel to some, but the truth is your “flow” is way too heavy to risk wearing white! If that’s you, just know there’s someone somewhere grateful you chose to wear black because next time they’ll have the courage to do the same.

Remain Authentic... Remain Vulnerable... Remain True to Yourself

Illusions of Fear

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:08:25 GMT

... And How God Stretches Us to Overcome Them

“How will I ever attract new clients when there are so many competitors for them to choose from? I don’t even know what half of the words they’re saying mean! I can’t be competitive if I don’t know what I’m talking about. UGH!!! I literally HATE this feeling! Why do I keep doing this to myself? Just forget it… let me update my resume. I don’t have the time or energy for this. I GOT BILLS TO PAY!”

Have you ever been there? You know those moments… the ones we don’t like to mention… the ones everyone tries to pretend don’t exist when the words above or some variation of them are choking out every positive thought you try to muster up. Well, if you’re unwilling to be transparent and honest, let me help you relax a little. I’ve been there. The thoughts above are my own. They were a staple in my mind in the early days of launching my business. I’ve felt the stuffocating frustration of, “How in the world can this be what I’m called to do when I’m not earning enough to pay all of my own bills on time?” What’s that I see on your face reader? Is that shock? Are you surprised that I walked the same path you’re currently walking? Did you somehow foolishly believe your struggle was unique to your own life? I know you can’t see me right now, but just know that I’m laughing…. HARD! I’m seriously in the middle of the throw your head back and "laugh from the pit of your gut" type of laugh. And let’s be clear, I’m laughing AT you the same way I laughed at MYSELF when I realized the absurdity of my own thoughts. I’m an equal opportunity laugh-in-your-face kinda girl!

As difficult as your road may feel in this moment, as many self-deprecating thoughts you may entertain on a daily basis, know that all of us… all of the established folks you follow have been there! We’ve cried before AND after going live. We’ve stared at our bank accounts praying the balance would supernaturally increase right before our very eyes. We’ve seen how others seemed to have skyrocketed to success and wondered if our digital halitosis was running clients away. We all have sat where you’re sitting and guess what… the successful ones are the ones who felt everything you’re feeling and stayed the course!

The fact of the matter is, I could pretend the beginning days of building my business were faith-filled moments of skipping through fields of lilies with Jesus, but that lie wouldn’t help anyone. The truth is, I spent more consistent time in prayer while trying to hear God’s direction for this business, than anything else in my life. Yes… more consistent time than I’ve spent praying for my marriage, children, or even my own relationship with God. I never had to labor in prayer over those things. I mean… I suppose during those moments of prayer it FELT like I was laboring. However, when I began praying for clarity regarding this business, I learned I was WRONG! Every time I thought I was going to pray for a specific area of business, God wanted to talk about ME ! To be completely transparent, that’s my least favorite subject and God knows that! I am a “let’s move on” person. Not a “you see that pain over there, you have to deal with it before you can be successful in business” person… or so I thought. Before I made great strides in business, I had to do the self-work. My business is an extension of me. There is no way around that. Entrepreneurs must be whole in order to build a sustainable successful business. If not, your personal issues will creep up and prevent you from operating at peak performance levels. I’m not telling you what I think, I’m telling you what I know after years of personal experience as well as the knowledge I’ve gained from coaching dozens of entrepreneurs. Your business will only grow as large as you will allow yourself to be stretched!

For me, the stretching process included trusting my own ability to hear God’s direction for my business. All I had was a word from Him, and a knowing deep within me that He is incapable of lying! Initially, that had to be enough. I didn’t know the steps. I didn’t have a coach or mentor to guide me. I didn’t even know for sure if I WANTED to build an online empire because I DEEPLY LOATHE the spotlight. Talk about my writing all day… sure let’s do that. Be vulnerable in public and show others the real me…. No thanks God. I’m good luv, enjoy!

Here’s the thing though… it wasn’t about me or my aversion to the stretching process. It wasn’t about my desire to be this deeply closed off person who keeps people at bay. It wasn’t about my desire to write films rather than direct them so that I could remain behind the camera, never becoming the face of a single project. It wasn’t about my desire to stay out of the spotlight to protect my family from the ferociousness of keyboard ninjas. It was about embracing the call to something much bigger than me. My call to business was directly related to my call to ministry and I would never fully succeed until I merged the two.

The thoughts at the very beginning of this post really had nothing to do with my inexperience. I remember believing at one point I was dealing with feelings of inadequacy, but that wasn’t it. There was never a time I doubted my abilities. I may not have known industry buzz words, but this girl here has ALWAYS been able to make a dollar out of fifteen cents! I may not have wanted to tell people I could do it, but I knew I could do it and that was enough for me. So, no… inadequacy wasn’t it. Money? Were you paying attention when I said I can make something out of nothing? That wasn’t a joke or exaggeration. I managed a family of six on $10/hour for two years. I. CAN. STRETCH! A. DOLLAR! Money wasn’t the issue. I hid behind those things so that God would not call me to the carpet on the real issue… FEAR! I was 100% afraid of giving it my all only to fail. Frustration because of money or lack of experience was only a convenient cover up, and thankfully, God pulled the covers back and forced me to stand before Him in total transparency.

When I worked for others, there was no doubt in my mind that I would accomplish every goal thrown at me. Never once did I fear not being able to deliver on what I promised, so why did I struggle with fear when it came to launching and growing the business God called me to? Why didn’t I have the same perspective? The answer is simple, there is no opposition where there is no opportunity. A friend of mine shared 1 Corinthian 16:9 with me recently when I was facing multiple difficult situations, and from that moment to this one, I’ve been going back through my life taking inventory. How many times has opposition, (in this case, fear) presented itself because I was on the brink of a major opportunity? The answer is too numerous to quantify.

Here’s what I want you to know today reader, that lump in your throat that swells before you share your blog post, the anxiety that speeds up your heart as you scroll through social media posts made by other entrepreneurs, the nightmares of foreclosure and bankruptcy that are robbing you of your sleep… those things are all illusions created by fear in an attempt to prevent you from seeing the massive door of opportunity in front of you! You may not have all of the answers. You may not have the perfect backdrop for your live videos. You may not have evergreen content that is bringing in passive income, but what you do have is more valuable than all of those things. You have a mandate from God to be a world-changer in your industry. You have a voice that breaks through the busyness of life and brings the listener one step closer to their creator. You have a God-given promise that He has a responsibility to manifest. Give yourself permission to see the opposition but not dwell on it. Free your mind to embrace every God-inspired idea with the faith that it will produce the revenue you need and then some. Allow your eyes to see your imperfections being covered by the blood of Jesus. And above all else, remind yourself that you have to start somewhere. The key to growth is to remain pliable that you may be stretched to receive more. Continue growing beyond your current comfort zone. Be bold, courageous, and determined to set new records in your business. Push past the smoke of the illusions and get to the heart of the issue that fear has attached itself to. Deal with the issue so that the corresponding fear will no longer have an anchor in your mind and heart. Your business is a for-profit extension of your personal ministry, it is a vehicle God uses to draw others back to Him. Resolve today that you’ll be effective in this area of ministry and never allow fear to hold you hostage again.

Occupy the Space Ordained for You

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 04:27:13 GMT

And make it DOPE!

The picture you see above was taken shortly after I accepted the fact that Charlotte, NC will be my home for the foreseeable future. The smile is a genuine appreciation for the city that helped shape me. Those buildings behind me are fitting as they were the backdrop of what became a teenage girl’s motivation. While Charlotte is a banking and tech hub, it is also home to thousands of adventurous creatives and for the first time in more than to two decades, I’m proud to say this girl is one of them!

It’s no secret that the bulk of writing deals for film and television happen in Los Angeles. It is the home of many of the greats who entertain us daily as well as the master puppeteers who craft their storylines. As one who loves writing anything that will take the viewer/reader to other worlds with my words, I deeply believed LA was intended to be my home. I thought it was my destined place. I knew many people found it difficult to survive there, but I thought I’d thrive. I just knew my rags to riches story would include a chapter of roughing it on the mean streets of Sunset and Hollywood Blvd, or at least pages of me working at some major studio doing everything required of production assistants until I got my big break.

I was living in Northern California when this writing for film and television bug hit me. I wasn’t looking to ever write more than books, when a random morning of coffee and cable news sparked a curiosity I never knew I possessed. A few months later I surprised my husband with a trip to LA to celebrate his birthday. On the very first day of our trip, that curiosity turned into a deep desire that literally moved me to tears. I don’t know how else to describe it, except to say I found one of the deep callings of my life and just knew we needed to move to Southern California to make it happen. My husband and I began planning to move the following summer. We were sure this was the perfect move for our family. Then, life happened, and we had to make the abrupt decision to move back to North Carolina. I was absolutely devastated! It felt like the death of a dream I’d only just begun to explore.

Over the next couple years, I tried unsuccessfully to figure out how my family could eventually move to Southern California. I stalked homes online knowing we couldn’t afford the multi-million-dollar price tags. I searched for jobs in the area, knowing entrepreneurship was my true calling. I watched the value of my current home hoping to see a startling jump in equity which could fund the relocation. I basically obsessed over all things pertaining to leaving North Carolina.

Then, one day it occurred to me that while I’d been searching for a way out, I’d also been meeting new people and attracting them to my business. My husband and I had effectively grown a business from the ground up. We had dozens of clients and most of them were from the Charlotte area. People in the city around me were picking up what I was putting down, while I was planning to pack up and leave. I wasn’t accepted into every circle, but every circle I was intended to connect with, welcomed me with open arms. When I stopped looking for a way OUT , I noticed I had already settled IN . From that day forward, I began to accept that it was more important for me to occupy the space that was ordained for me, than for me to occupy a space that seemed like an open door of opportunity. North Carolina is the bird in the hand and it’s worth far more than the two in the bush LA has to offer.

The truth is, when you are doing what you were created to do, where you do that thing is just as important as how and when you do it. LA may be in the plans for my distant future, but for now, I get the pleasure of waking up every day to do what I love in the city that has embraced me with open arms. Charlotte may not be known for its film and television industry connections, but it’s the perfect place for my personal connections. I’ve embraced every space ordained for me, and my reward has been the life I’ve always dreamed of!

Have you ever had to change your perspective of spaces you occupy? If so, leave a comment to let me know how you dealt with it.

Just Write It!

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:24:16 GMT

Overcoming Writer's Anxiety

The most common response I receive after people learn that I am the author of 10 published books and multiple screenplays is, “10 books! I can barely get one finished. How did you write 10?!” I always smile and graciously respond with something like, “Prayer” or “Writing is just my thing.” Over the last few months or so I’ve learned neither of those is completely true. Sure, I pray… A LOT, and of course I enjoy writing, but the truth is, no matter how much one enjoys writing or how much divine intervention they receive, the opposition to the writing process is the same.

Every day I have to make myself write. I write blog posts like this one, website copy, social media posts, random articles that have no particular mission attached to them, and countless emails. I write things that light my fancy, like the story I’m developing about the businessmen who are killing to protect their secrets. I write soul stirring things that are birthed through my quiet time in the mornings. I write business emails. I write responses to the angels who are gifted with the patience to teach my sons. The long and short of it is, I write. I write when I don't feel like it. I write when I'm tired. I write when I'm sad, afraid, or anxious. I write ALL THE TIME, and if you really think about it, so do you!

So many people view writing through their experiences in school where the teachers required them to write a certain number of words about subjects that made them want to scratch their own eyes out. It is this experience that gives people anxiety around writing. The truth is, everyone writes. Everyone tells stories. Everyone entertains on some level because at our core, people are sensitive to a good story. Think of the last movie you watched, or fictional book you read. If the storyline was great, you overlooked the delivery issues and kept watching or reading because the story captured your attention. Think about the last conversation you overheard. If the story was interesting, you more than likely lingered to hear how it would end. Writing is nothing more than telling a story around the proverbial water cooler at work. Anyone can do it once the anxiety is removed.

The major difference between someone like me and the person who sits in front of their computer staring at a blank screen is that I know all I have to do is write. I don’t have to worry about whether or not what I am writing is good. That’s what editing is for. My one goal is to get the story out of my head. Whether the story is a work of fiction or a memoir of your life, free yourself from the anxiety of “What if this sucks?” You don’t have to be a professional writer to tell your story, write a blog, or even write a book. You just have to be a person with something to say and judging by the way most of us spend our days yapping away… YOU have something to say, and those around you want to hear it.

As we close the first month of 2019, I encourage you to get out of your own way and write what’s in your heart. If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, just sit down and write the first post. If you’ve been considering writing a book, stop dillydallying and get ‘er done! If you feel drawn to write for television or film, stop procrastinating and JUST WRITE IT! Don’t waste another year allowing the fear of tomorrow to hinder today’s productivity.

I'm Not Moody...

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:49:42 GMT

For as long as I can remember I was always too something. Too outspoken. Too opinionated. Too optimistic. Too strong-willed. Too whatever for whomever was choosing to practice their judging skills on me. As a young girl all the way into adulthood, I wore those labels as badges of truth. I accepted them even though I didn’t agree with them. I operated under the belief that if more than one person said it, it must be true. This belief system was particularly damaging in my twenties when the dreaded word “moody” entered my life in a major way. I pride myself on being pretty even keeled emotionally, except here’s the thing… I’M NOT!

In my twenties when I discovered PMS doesn’t have to make me irritable, I worked to learn how to manage my feelings through journaling and doing things I enjoy. At that point, I thought I’d defeated the fire breathing dragon and freed my own self from the wicked witch’s castle. It sounds silly as I think back on it now, but back then, you couldn’t tell me I hadn’t solved all my problems. Then it happened. The day my entire world came crashing down was the day I realized my issue was never PMS.

My issue is and has always been this wildly imaginative, beautifully creative mind of mine. When it is on the precipice of creating something truly magnificent, I become a person I once tried to destroy. I’m short in my responses. I’m less likely to answer the phone. I smile less. I disengage my mind when out in public. I avoid eye contact so that I don’t have to ignore those subtle cues that the woman sitting next to me would like to start up a conversation about everything AND nothing! Worst of all… I FEEL EVERYTHING! I can’t watch competition shows because I become overwhelmed with emotion for the contestants. This girl, who refuses to cry unless it’s absolutely necessary, will cry EVERY time a contestant’s journey is shown. I can’t read when I’m in one of those “moods” because each book pulls me in and I become emotionally attached to the characters. And don’t get me started on dramatic television…. I seriously rip EVERY show apart because I catch every missed opportunity to explore the emotional motivations behind the characters' actions. I get aggravated easily when someone wants me to laugh at a joke. Who has time to laugh when their brain is literally fleshing out a high action movie script? I mean I can literally be looking at someone and all I can see and hear are the sounds of the bombs exploding as my hero narrowly escapes death. And this next part is no exaggeration... this can all happen in a single afternoon.

Writing this all out, makes me want to accept the label of moody. I mean if one’s mood can vacillate so greatly in a single afternoon, that has to be the very definition of moody. Except, that’s not it at all. I happen to be an ambivert. All of the personality tests have confirmed I’m about 51% introvert and 49% extrovert which puts me soundly in the world of the ambivert. I can enjoy spending time with people. I naturally draw individuals to me without even realizing it has happened until they are attempting to call me for the third time in as many days. On the other hand, and this is the most important thing to note, I recharge alone. I absolutely LOVE waking up before my husband and children so that I can enjoy as many hours as possible in solitude. I use those hours to allow my mind to roam and create. I watch the bombs blow up. I chase the serial killer in the novel I’m writing. I watch the husband profess his undying love for his wife in the romance book I’ve been forcing myself to complete. I research successful short films and study the formula that made them work. I let my mind do and go where ever it wants and it is absolutely PERFECT!

It took me most of my life to understand how vital those morning creativity sessions are for my mental focus and emotional stability. Interruptions to those sessions stifle the creative process which causes the super hero to cross the husband during the middle of the day when I am supposed to be listening during a meeting. It causes the serial killer to interrupt my thoughts when I’m trying to listen to a friend tell a story. My inability to stay focused during conversations has nothing to do with my mood and everything to do with the creative energy I need to release. I roll my eyes at the idea of having to spend time around people ONLY IF I haven’t given myself the solitude to recharge and create.

Why am I sharing all of this? Because understanding who you are and how you function best in life and business can literally be difference between success and failure. Instead of accepting someone’s label of moodiness or controlling, or any number of judgie (yes I know I made that word up, but I’m creative so I’m allowed to do so) titles, spend time getting to know the motivators behind your behaviors. Those motivators are the things you need to be successful. Just as I need the time alone to create, others need time alone to workout. We all have some sort of energy that must be expelled in order for us to function at peak performance levels. When you identify your motivators and the energy they push you to release, you can:

1) Give yourself permission to feel and do whatever you need to, how ever you need to.

2) Educate those around you so that your idiosyncrasies are not misunderstood.

3) Create a schedule that feeds your productivity.

The greatest and most freeing experience for me was the moment I understood my ill-mood wasn’t because I’m moody… it was because I hadn’t given myself permission to express my creativity. I don’t pick and choose when I want to be around people. I’m simply overwhelmed when I try to force myself to engage while my mind is struggling to create.

Explore the labels others have placed on you. Which ones belong? Which ones have been misidentified? What energy do you need to release before spending large amounts of time with others? Get to know you before you attempt to share “you” with the world.

How Does She Do It All?

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

My faith is a huge part of my life, which makes it a huge part of my business. I've always known I was destined for success, but I couldn't sit around praying for it to happen. I have to work.... HARD! I prepare myself emotionally, mentally, spiritually, AND professionally. I work while my family is sleeping. I research, and I read... A LOT! I've tried various business tools and products. I study my craft. I study those who are further along in their journey. I often skip the fun gatherings. I miss phone calls more often than my friends can count and I make no apologies for it!

Professional athletes are often physically superior than the average person. I’m convinced there is something in their DNA that gives them the athletic edge. If not, we’d all have the capacity to do what they do, and I know that no matter how hard I work out, there’s no chance I could EVER do what Serena Williams does on the tennis court! However, no professional relies on that alone. They work harder than most of us will ever imagine because they understand the key to success is to be more prepared than their opponent. That’s the same mentality I apply to my business ventures, except I am my own opponent. Everyday I strive to be wiser, more knowledgeable, more prepared than the day before.

When I’m asked how I keep up with it all, I usually shrug it off. I don’t really have an answer. Keeping up with the businesses, storylines I’m developing, goals I’ve set, clients I’m working with, deals that are developing… that’s my version of athletic DNA. I don’t have to work at that part. I believe God graced me with that edge to keep up with all of the things I was created to accomplish. However, I can’t rely on that. To be a great steward over my blessings, I work hard to ensure everything is cared for, well-developed, and polished. I’m now walking in the beginning stages of what happens when favor lines up with preparation. I say it’s only the beginning stages because I see the vision God has set before me. Everyone that asks me how I do it, how I know so much about various industries, how I can write three or four books/screenplays simultaneously… NONE of them even have a clue as to how much I’m really managing. Oprah didn’t get to where she is by only doing one thing at a time and I understand Otescia won’t either.

I want to encourage you reader, the thing God created you to do is not too big of a task for you. It isn’t overwhelming. It’s not too farfetched. It won’t destroy your relationships. You are graced for the things God has called you to. NEVER forget that. The next person may not be able to handle it, but if you prepare for what He calls you to, when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be more successful than anyone can imagine!

How does she handle it all? I do it with grace and preparation!

Why Fake It 'Til You Make It Never Works

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In the day of internet and social media Gurus, there are varying opinions on everything from the color of the sky to the amount of water a one-gallon jug can hold. There is literally no topic that is too massive or minuscule to discuss and/or argue about. Have you ever read the comment thread of an article that has gone viral? They can be BRUTAL! I’ve stopped myself from reading them because I seldom find myself enlightened from them. More often than not, my response is to shake my head at the current state of humanity. I said all of that to say this: the post I am about to write is my opinion. You can push it, pull it, or leave it on the side of the road. What you do not have permission to do however, is attack me for it. Let’s be 2018 adults for one moment, and refrain from following in the foot steps of he who shall never be named on this blog and agree NOT to throw internet shade at each other!

Whew…. I literally exhaled after writing that and it felt amazing! Now, on to the topic of today’s post… the theory of “fake it till you make it”. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the phrase, it means to pretend to have, know, or have access to something until you actually do. So basically, lie. Lie about your lifestyle. Lie about the success of your business. Lie about the effectiveness of your methods. Lie. Lie. LIE! Besides the obvious reason that this way of thinking is bogus, there’s the cold hard fact that a lie can only be maintained for so long. Eventually, the truth will surface because it is the soil from which all of our flowers bloom. On that fateful day when your flowers do bloom, instead of celebrating the beauty they create, you’ll be quickly trying to pluck them up before those around you see the truth. Have you ever tried to stop wild flowers from spreading? Nearly impossible…right?

Such is the case when you attempt to hide the truth. Instead of basking in the beauty of authenticity, you’ll be fertilizing lies in a futile effort to pretend to be someone you aren’t. It’s exhausting and can only work for so long. Instead of “faking it ‘til you make it”, try walking in the light of your truth and doing the work to prepare for “it”. Lasting success doesn’t come to the fakers, it’s earned by the workers, the doers, those who walk in authenticity. The reason we see so many quickly rise to fame only to be publicly knocked off their pedestals, is their platforms are built on hollow bases. The outside looks like a cinderblock, but a strong wind will prove it’s only a façade.

Instead of faking it, choose to build your platform, business, or brand in a way that can withstand strong wind. Make sure your theories can pass the scratch and sniff test. Give your followers the benefit of products, services, and courses that you’ve tested. If you develop a new system, test it to ensure it works before marketing it as “The PROVEN method to success”. Let’s agree to be more honest in our experiences with each other. Whether in business or personal relationships, lies destroy what the truth attempts to build. Even better… let’s actually “MAKE IT” instead of just pretending we did.

The Lone Entrepreneur

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

One of the things I’ve learned since working for myself exclusively is how easy it is to become a complete hermit. I absolutely LOVE what I do. I live my passion. My life is the stuff other people’s dreams are made of. I’m 100% content behind this computer screen typing my little fingers away. It brings me joy. It feeds me delicious affirmations about creativity and art. I’m that girl skipping through the field of daisies in the Tampax commercial, that makes absolutely NO sense, when I am at this desk uninterrupted. It is my place. My zone. My universe to bend as I will.

So, if my imaginary world which exists only between my ears and the words that show up on this computer screen is so great, why in the world would I ever try to change that? Why would I do anything differently? It’s simple….fields of daisies don’t pay the bills. Even more importantly, I’ve built up this notion that these talents of mine are way too grandiose for me NOT to revolutionize the world as we know it. I must move from behind the screen and expand to other areas of business which means human interaction, sales, accepting new clients, branching new divisions of my business, etc… Basically, I’ve planned my way into needing help, because a wise woman knows the key to lasting business success is building a business that can run like a well-orchestrated lunch assembly line even when the owner needs a much-deserved break.

***Enter the witty lesson here*** Being an entrepreneur is isolating in nature which can make it very difficult to connect with people outside of clients looking for their orders. What is vitally important however, is building a business that can sustain the twists and turns life will throw at you. In order to do so, you need a team. More specifically, you need a team of people who are all jamming in their zone. Your business will be both rewarding AND profitable when you create opportunities for others to skip through the field of daisies wearing white pants on the first day of their period!

Sometimes, your team can consist of family members. Perhaps you have a niece who is interested in graphic design. What better way for her to get her feet wet than working with someone who already loves her and wants the best for her? You get your design work done, she gets experience…win/win! You could even consider your friend who wants to try her hand at PR. Why not allow her to gain valuable experience while working with you? What about that old co-worker who was a wiz at Excel? Have you considered reaching out to her to see if she’d be willing to build a few reports for you? Of course, you shouldn’t dishonor her talent by expecting her to work for free, but maybe… just maybe her rates would be more cost effective than hiring a virtual assistant. She’d generate a little extra cash and you save yourself hours of trying to figure out which formula to plug where.

The thing I want you to take away is that no matter how amazing you are, trying to do everything alone will run you and your business straight into the ground. You’re one person, and although you may be the most efficient entrepreneur ever, there will come a time when you need help. Allowing someone to do what they love (design your graphics, spread the word about your biz, build your spreadsheet) creates an opportunity for someone else to live out their passion while you also live yours! Something about creating opportunity sends warms and fuzzies through me. I’m putting out what I hope to receive and getting work done in the process. Who doesn’t love that?

Just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to work BY yourself. Entrepreneurs may work alone but we aren’t meant to be lonely. Creating strategic partnerships with people whose creative energy fills a need in your business fosters a mutually beneficial relationship that will pay you back in leaps and bounds. Remember, the poor man thinks he has to do everything himself, the wise man understands he must identify talent who excels in the areas he is weak.”

The Real Silent Killer

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever had one of those weeks when you felt like you were really killing it? Like…you fed your family real home cooked food every day; the laundry was washed, dried, folded, and put away… ON THE SAME DAY; you actually looked your husband in the eye more than once and felt absolute love swelling in your chest; AND you hit a major milestone in your business! One of those weeks when you know the stars have perfectly aligned and all that it means to be a woman was revealed in and through you. They’re rare, but those weeks give you a high that comes close to the first time you realized chocolate WILL make you feel better!

And then it happens… you make the mistake of thinking nothing can bring you down off of your high, so you log on to social media. You’re only two posts in when you see some woman with washboard abs two weeks after giving birth and look down at your own pouch three years after your youngest was born. You decide Teyana Taylor is a freak of nature who will not ruin your good mood so you close Instagram and log on to Facebook. You’d rather catch up with old friends who are as much of a hot mess as you are. The very first post on Facebook is from a girl you hated in high school who now has a Madonna-esque accent after relocating to London to live the life of your dreams. You realize Facebook was an even worse idea, so you quickly close the tab and find your way to Pinterest. Surely Pinterest will give you inspiration for new recipes or art ideas you can do with the kids. Pinterest is full of hot mess moms like you. Things are going well until you see a picture of a well-organized closet. Like a moth drawn to a flame, your mouse moves to click on the website. Seeing pictures of that random woman you’ve never seen before, assembling her closet with a hammer in one hand and her baby strapped to her back, pushes you over the edge. Every single good vibe leaves your body so the familiar pangs of “I’m just not good enough” can return to their comfy place. They come dressed in their pajamas with the Ben & Jerry's in tow because they know they are going to be there for a while!

So many “experts” try to tell us Mompreneurs that a lack of discipline or organization is what kills our business. We’re told we need to create boundaries and a routine that works, which is true. But none of those things are the real silent killer. What really kills your I-am- SUPER woman-without-the-cape vibe is comparison! Comparing yourself to strangers on-line who are only showing you the highlight reel of their lives will leave you feeling isolated and inadequate. It makes you feel the wins you just celebrated are trivial and shouldn’t even be considered wins. It diminishes your self-perception based solely on a post that didn’t tell you the move to London was to heal from a terrible break-up. The closet building Mama forced her husband to take 50 pictures before she found one that “looked” authentic even though it was anything but. And don’t get me started on Teyana Taylor… she IS in fact a freak of nature who clearly has super human genes that do not follow the same scientific rules the rest of us mere mortals are forced to abide by.

Here’s my point. The only thing you can do every day is wake up and bet on yourself! Believe that you have everything on the inside of you that you’ll need to OWN the day as the absolute Capeless Wonder that you are! Stop comparing yourself to others, instead challenge yourself to set goals and meet them. Give yourself permission to be flawed and imperfect, but maintain your determination to be the best version of you that you can be! Ride the wave of good vibes until the magic runs out of your carpet. You are your only measuring stick. Every day that your family stays alive and has some sort of food in their belly AND your business is still a business is a win! Expect highs and lows. Give yourself permission to be a hot mess and SUPER woman at the same time. Remember she makes us think she looks great all the time, but I bet she drinks flat tummy tea and wears two pairs of Spanx to hide her bloat too!

Explanations, SUPER-woman, and the Prop Year

183:752037848 (Otescia Johnson) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If you follow me on social media, you know the last couple of months have been crazy busy for me. In addition to releasing my latest book, “I Am Who I Am & I’m Finally Cool with Her” , I’ve also traveled and spoken at multiple events. With so many moving parts in my career and personal life, something was bound to fall between the cracks. My blog posts happened to take the hit. Take no fear though, I’m back on track and ready to entertain and inspire you once more!

When life is super busy for me, I make a concentrated effort to pay attention to everything that is happening around me. I become more intentional with my quiet time and self-reflection. As a result, I tend to see potential issues before they become full on time sucking problems. Even with this routine, I can’t see everything. Although I do consider myself to be a SUPER-woman, I’m no fortune teller. I miss things from time to time. When this happens, it isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes I miss how ugly a situation is until I’m on the other side of it. I believe this happens to help protect me, it’s kinda the way God shielded me from the harsh reality of some of the painful parts of my childhood. On the other hand, I’ve been known to forget more than one thing the children have asked me for, or an event they mentioned to me in passing. It’s the trade off you make when you decide to really pursue your passion. You acknowledge your dreams are attainable, but your vision of being the PERFECT mom has to go out the window. It’s God’s way of keeping women humble, otherwise our egos would eclipse the sun and eventually kill the whole earth. Dramatic…I know, but you get the picture.

As this year winds down, I am in reflection mode. I’m thinking about the way I began 2017. I’m reading through my journals reflecting on goals I set for my life and business. I’m recognizing my wins and zeroing in on my failures. I’m taking stock of where I need to be more efficient. I’m plotting my course for next year’s success. I’m speaking into the atmosphere that which I desire to see manifest in 2018. I’m being bold in my declarations and digging deep into my well of determination. I used 2017 as a prop year so that 2018 could be THE YEAR!

What’s a prop year? A prop year is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a year you use to prop yourself, your business, your family, etc. up for success. Some people refer to it as a building year, but I’m not a huge fan of that term. It’s not that it’s not accurate for some. It just isn’t accurate for me. You see…I’ve been slowly building the foundation for my career since 2011. Yes, you read that correctly. For six years I have been intentional about growing into the person I would need to become in order to sustain my life and brand once the rest of the world caught on to how awesome I am. (Sidenote: No, I am not ashamed to say that! Have you read my latest book? This girl is FULL of herself…in the best possible way!)

Early in 2017, I realized my foundation was secure, but the walls of my brand/business/lifestyle were not quite ready to stand on their own. So, I decided 2017 was going to be the prop year. I spent the year building support beams (connections, contacts, vendors, assistants, clientele, tools, resources) so that come January 1, 2018, everything would be in place to support every division of every business I’ve been slowly building over the years. This last quarter, as 2017 began to wind down, I began to test the strength of the walls. I pushed myself in every lane of my life and business. I applied pressure to the support beams to ensure they were strong enough to withstand anything that 2018 might throw our way. I put myself in uncomfortable situations that required me to stretch myself and my support beams. When everything held, exactly as it was designed to, I knew 2017 was the most successful prop year I could ever ask for! I’m able to walk into 2018 knowing my brand/business/lifestyle is sitting on a firm foundation with stable support. There is no “if” I make it. There is only the assurance that my prop year, the year I resisted the urge to grow and expand, is the wisest, most SUPER-woman-esque thing I have EVER done!

Restraint requires strength at a level most never really experience. This is why we have so many people living ridiculously deep in debt, but that’s a conversation for another day. For now, what I want you to know is that taking a year to PROP your brand/business/lifestyle up for optimal success is not an easy thing to do. You’ll want to go ahead and launch that new program knowing you don’t have enough support to make it successful. You’ll want to follow the trends and “strike while the iron is hot”, even though your stove isn’t on, so your iron is in-fact the opposite of hot. It’s cold….artic winter cold! You’ll want to chime in and reveal your expertise on social platforms thereby increasing your exposure knowing full well that type of attention is going to send your anxiety into overdrive, and you don’t have anything that even resembles a plan of action to pull you back from the edge of anxiety-fueled fear.

My point is, you may WANT to leap right now, but you may not be READY to leap. Take a little time to examine your foundation. If there are cracks…start over from scratch. Nothing will last without a secure foundation. Test the strength of your support beams. If they are shaky, take some time (prop the up) while you make the necessary adjustments. You may not need a full prop year like I did, but please... take as much time as you need! Wisdom is knowing not only what you are purposed to do, but when you are purposed to do it!