by Christina | Nov 15, 2020 | Spirituality
Whether you’ve talked to yours yet or not…we all have spirit guides! Spirit guides are beings that act as guides or protectors to humans – and they are probably impacting your life more than you even realize.
You might be thinking, “Okay, wait – a spirit has never talked to me, so how do I know when my guides are trying to communicate something?”
Here’s the thing: spirit guides aren’t necessarily going to just appear and start talking to you – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t communicating with you every day!
In today’s post, I’m breaking down three common ways your spirit guides are communicating with you to help guide you in both your personal life and with your business.
1. You see angel numbers everywhere.
Angel numbers are sequences of numbers that hold a special meaning from divine beings. For example, you’re seeing angel numbers when you see the same number shown in a set of three (111, 222, 333, etc…). So if you always catch yourself looking at the clock at 5:55, or you’re usually the 333rd like on Instagram photos, this isn’t just a coincidence – your spirit guides are trying to send you a message!
All angel numbers mean something different, so depending on which numbers you’re seeing, your spirit guides can be telling you anything from positive changes are coming, to a simple reminder that they’re with you. For example, 555 can indicate that big changes are happening, 999 can indicate the end of a chapter, and 111 can indicate spiritual beginnings, manifestation, or independence.
2. You have vivid dreams.
One of the most common ways your spirit guides will try to communicate with you is while you’re asleep. If you’ve ever woken up from a dream with a sense of purpose, clarity, or the feeling that you’re getting closer to your goals, it could be because your spirit guides were using it as an opportunity to connect with you. 🙂
Don’t ignore these important messages! Think about their meaning once you’re awake, and see if they can guide you in any way. You can also ask a specific question before you go to sleep, set the intention that you will receive the answer in your dreams, and see what clarity you have when you wake up!
3. Your music is telling you something.
Do you ever put your music on shuffle and notice that songs with the same theme or message keep appearing first? When this happens, it could be because your spirit guides are communicating with you through your music. Listen carefully for any recurring themes, lessons, or messages that pop up – these are probably the lessons your spirit guides are trying to teach you! They could be telling you something through the name of the song, the name of the artist, or the lyrics themselves. If you’re walking through a grocery store and suddenly you tune into a particular line of a song that’s playing in the background, pay attention! It could hold meaning for you.
The music you hear throughout the day is not always random, and it’s one of the easiest (and most common) ways for your spirit guides to send a message to you while you’re awake. If you have a question about something, you can set your music on shuffle and see what song pops up!
Now that I’ve broken down these three ways your spirit guides might be trying to communicate with you, you’re probably realizing that the crazy sequence of numbers you keep seeing or that one song that keeps playing is more than just a coincidence, right?
It’s important to remember that our spirit guides don’t just help guide us in our personal lives – they can also help guide us with our businesses, as well. Whenever you’re facing a tough business decision, I challenge you to really lean into any recent messages from your spirit guides so you can feel confident in your choices and their outcomes. Your guides are here to help lead you in the right direction – but it’s up to YOU to tune into the messages they are trying to send!
If you want to dive even further into connecting with your spirit guides, receiving signs from the universe, and MORE, check out my UPLEVEL membership – a community designed to help you unlock your intuition and magnetism so you can be more successful in both your personal life and your business. You can sign up here – I hope to see you there! 🙂
by Christina | Nov 7, 2020 | Spirituality
Have you been wanting to get into all things manifestation, but have no idea where to even start? Don’t worry – I’ve got ya! After diving into manifestation for many years, I’ve seen first-hand just HOW powerful it can be not only for my everyday life but also for the success of my business. This is why I’ve put together 3 simple steps for effortless manifestation that you can start practicing right now – no experience or crazy tools needed. 🙂
1. Affirmations
Affirmations are one of the easiest manifestation practices to start incorporating into your routine. You can do them anytime, anywhere (seriously, ANYWHERE – even the bathroom or your car!), without needing anything except your own voice. And, they’re simple. Think about exactly what it is that you want, and start to speak what you want to believe into existence – essentially affirming what you believe and declaring it to the universe. Some examples of simple affirmations are “I am worthy,” “I am beautiful,” or “I am a money magnet.” You can make them whatever you want depending on your situation and what you want to believe!
Important note: For the magic to really happen, you have to actually feel and believe what you’re saying as you say it. Saying it in a monotone voice with no emotion or belief is NOT an effective way to manifest.
2. Visualizations
Visualization is another great tool for manifesting because again, you don’t need any extra materials – just your own imagination. You can practice this anywhere you can focus deeply and freely (like during a meditation or in bed before you go to sleep). All you have to do is envision exactly what you want as if you’re actually there and living it – whatever that means for you. If you want to manifest getting your dream job, envision yourself walking into your first day of work. If you want to manifest moving to a new city, envision yourself looking out of your new apartment window. If you want to manifest owning a dog, envision yourself playing catch with it in your yard. You get the idea! Get clear on the details, especially if you’re a specific manifestor according to your Human Design chart! Like with affirmations, visualizations will be most effective if you feel them in your body. As you visualize, make sure you’re feeling excited and happy!
3. Scripting
This simple practice is similar to visualization because you should be imagining that you already have what you want – but, this time, instead of just picturing it in your head, you should be writing it out like a diary entry. This might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it really isn’t much harder than writing about your everyday life. Put yourself in the mindset that you already are where you want to be (like that new job position, that new city, or with your new dog) and write about what it’s like. How does it feel? What do you see? What do you hear? The more specific you can get, the better!
This is one of my favorite manifestation practices because you can use it later in your visualization practices. Reading these “diary” entries and envisioning them with all of your focus is another way to visualize – and this time, it’s guided by your existing ideas. When you script, it makes you aware of all the ways you are not currently living in alignment with what you want, so you can make the appropriate changes to live like that person! Be who you want to be to become who you want to be.
Give these manifestation practices a try the next time you have a chance! Once they become habit they won’t feel so daunting, and you will start to attract what you want into your life. For more exclusive tips and guidance on how to manifest the life or business of your dreams, join me in my UPLEVEL Membership where we dive even deeper into these practices!
by Christina | Nov 7, 2020 | Business
If you’re interested in becoming a guest on a podcast to promote yourself and your services (and maybe even your own podcast!) that’s GREAT. However, it’s important to remember that podcast hosts aren’t looking for just anyone to interview on their show – they are looking for someone who will add value to the episode, connect well with their audience, and help cultivate an exciting and captivating conversation.
As a podcast host, I’ve had a lot experience booking guests for my show. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to learn which types of guests make for the best interviews. So now, I’m spilling the tea and passing my best tips on to you 😉
So, what makes for a great guest?
1. You actually have a unique or interesting story.
Keyword: *actually.*
As a podcast host, I’m ALWAYS looking for guests who aren’t run-of-the-mill. I’m constantly looking for people with unique backgrounds, interesting business stories, and intriguing personal lives to feature on my show – because my audience LOVES hearing diverse stories of success.
Capitalizing on a unique or interesting story you can share that relates to your business (maybe you somehow scored a celebrity testimonial, or made your first six figures at sixteen!) is a great route to go when pitching yourself to hosts.
This gives the host a strong and compelling foundation for your interview to not only capture their audience, but act as a solid starting point for their questions.
Not confident that you have an interesting story to share? THAT’S OKAY! Don’t force it! Just because your story isn’t totally unique doesn’t mean you couldn’t be a great guest on a podcast – it’s just one of the qualities that can help you stand out. However, if I’ve learned anything from being a podcast host, it’s that EVERYONE has an interesting story, with the right angle.
2. Your personality is vivacious!
I’ll let you in on a secret: Podcast hosts HATE pulling teeth. If your personality is super dry, the host – and their audience – is going to realize it.
As a podcast guest, it’s your job to not only share your story, but to do it in a way that entertains. The host shouldn’t have to ask probing questions the entire time to extract details about your journey – you should readily offer them.
Personality is something that hosts can often sense from the very first email or call. While maintaining a professional appearance, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your first points of contact. A great way to do this is to include some lesser-known info about yourself or stories you may have in that first interaction. Anything you can do to create a connection with the host right off the bat will give you bonus points!
3. You can offer TONS of value.
Please, please, PLEASE…don’t apply to be a guest on a podcast if you know little (or nothing) about the podcast’s niche. Not only is this rude and dismissive of the host’s work, but you’re going to end up embarrassing yourself come interview time!
Podcast hosts want guests who can offer value to their listeners – whether it’s a unique perspective, valuable advice, or an insider’s look at the industry. If you CAN offer any of these things, don’t be afraid to let the host know.
When sending your pitch, be sure to include any relevant knowledge/experience that you can offer the podcast’s audience. Not only will the host appreciate not having to ask, but proving that you’re legitimate right away will increase your chances of being invited onto the show.
4. You’ve been on other shows.
I know, I know – this tip can sound a little bit like the dilemma of having to have job experience before actually getting a job.
This isn’t a must, but it’s a good sign for podcast hosts if you’ve been featured on other podcasts before. This not only assures them that it’s not your first time, but allows them to access other interviews of yours before inviting you onto their show to see if you’re a good fit!
Also, guests who have already been interviewed on podcasts tend to give better interviews because they are comfortable and familiar with the recording process. This includes answering questions thoroughly while also helping to guide the conversation.
If you lack experience doing this, it can be super helpful to practice speaking while being recorded, before your first interview on a real show. This will help ease your nerves and make you appear more professional.
5. You have a referral from a fellow podcaster.
If another distinguished podcaster in the host’s niche can vouch for you, that’s FANTASTIC. Not only will it help catch the host’s attention before your pitch ends up in the spam folder, but will also increase your chances of getting the gig.
Referrals are important because they give the host you’re reaching out to a reason to trust you – but they’re NOT easy to get, especially when first starting out.
I ran into this problem with a handful of my coaching clients, which is one of the many reasons I started The Podcast Connector. With this service, I get to act as your ULTIMATE hype-woman – giving me the chance to personally recommend you to podcast hosts in your niche and help you land the guest opportunity of your dreams. The Podcast Connector is designed to help you book interviews that help you share your message with audiences who are in perfect alignment with your brand – without needing to send spammy copy-and-paste emails to hosts that will not only land your pitch in the trash, but also ruin your chance of a feature.
If you’re interested in joining The Podcast Connector, you can sign up here. If you feel exhausted from sending out your own pitches (or paying someone without the proper experience to do so), this service IS FOR YOU! Say goodbye to the ignored emails and hello to opportunities to be featured on podcasts that will help you uplevel your business!
Every podcast host is different – but they generally look for similar attributes when it comes to booking guests for their show. Keep in mind that they aren’t just looking for someone to entertain them, but also to provide their audience with valuable information they can’t find anywhere else!
by Christina | Oct 25, 2020 | Business
Podcasts are a great way to get exposure to new audiences, but they can also be big money-makers, if you have the right strategy. They offer a unique content creator-audience relationship because they allow your listeners to get to know you consistently over a long period of time, while you’re providing them with FREE value.
“Free value?” you say. “How can I sustain my podcast by making money with it if I’m providing it for free?”
One mistake so many entrepreneurs make is thinking that the “free” content they offer can’t make them money in the long run. Many businesses drive sales by offering incentives such as freebies, and podcasts are no exception.
I’m sharing my top five ways to monetize your podcast so you can not only produce amazing content, but make money doing it. After all, your business isn’t just a hobby, it’s your livelihood. If your content is worth monetizing, it’s worth giving it a go.
1. Sponsorships
This method is one of the most popular when you’re trying to monetize your podcast. Sometimes it can be hard to find sponsors when your podcast is newer and smaller, but as you grow, they can be a great source of income. Sponsors pay you to mention them on your podcast, gaining exposure for their brand. Some sponsorships are ongoing, while others are a one-time deal. I don’t recommend one-off sponsorships, because they don’t typically perform well for either party. Long-term partnerships with large, well-known sponsors can pay off sometimes, but I actually think the best sponsorships are with smaller, up-and-coming brands.
You can find sponsorships through reaching out to brands directly and providing a way for them to get in contact with you (via your website, or media kit), and explaining the value of the partnership. It’s important not to accept every sponsorship offer that comes along – listener trust is everything! Don’t accept a sponsorship unless you truly love the company / brand and use the products yourself. You want to make sure that with all sponsors, you are looking at what aligns with your content, your message, and yourself. Your audience trusts you – only make recommendations you fully stand behind!
2. Affiliate Marketing
There are TONS of ways to make money with affiliate marketing, and it’s not just for blogs! You can market as an affiliate and make money when people purchase a product or service at your recommendation as long as you have a way to communicate with a wide audience – and podcasts fit the bill. There are so many options for partnerships, from programs / courses to products from small and large companies. Just as with sponsorships, it’s best to advertise products you actually use and love that relate to your niche. If you’re a makeup guru, you *probably* shouldn’t be advertising pet supplies. (This doesn’t mean you can’t get creative! You don’t have to only advertise products directly inside your niche – if it fits into your podcast naturally, it’s fair game! But, the keyword here is naturally.) Many companies will also give you your own coupon code to offer your listeners, giving them exclusive access to discounts that not only benefit the brand getting the exposure, but your listeners, too.
3. Offer your Services
If you’re not promoting your own services on your podcast, WYD?! Your podcast listeners are listening to you because they trust your advice and expertise, and because they are interested in your industry. For these reasons, they are the PERFECT people to market your services to! While your podcast shouldn’t be overwhelmed by constant self-promotion, mentioning your services when they come up naturally in your dialogue can go a long way. For example, if you’re talking about how to level up your business and happen to offer a course on that very topic, mention it! (In fact, I have a course just like that here. See what I did there?) This is a great way to monetize your podcast because you’re just promoting services that you already offer.
4. Offer Monthly Access for a Price
Who says your podcast has to be free? If you’re consistently providing high-quality information to your listeners and feel it’s worth a certain dollar amount, you can offer podcast access for a monthly rate instead of giving it away for free. While you will have to work harder to market a podcast that people have to pay for when there are so many free ones, there are benefits to doing so. First, requiring payment immediately tells your listeners that your content is premium, and that they should expect quality higher than other free podcasts in the same niche. Second, charging a monthly rate eliminates the need to find sponsors and constantly seek out other ways to monetize your podcast. Making a membership creates a stronger community within your audience! You can also do a hybrid with this, where only certain episodes are paid-for, which can do well with really loyal audiences!
5. Merchandise
Before you write off this idea, hear me out. Many podcasts offer merchandise for their brands, and find a lot of success doing it. It doesn’t have to be clothes, either – you can sell anything you can brand. Think hats, stationary, pens, keychains – you name it! If your brand has a dedicated following, offering merchandise is a great way to make money while also getting free exposure for your podcast when customers wear or use it! You can easily set up a store on your website where your audience can check out and purchase merchandise. Advertising it regularly on your podcast will help drive sales, too! Though it’s not for everyone, consider offering merchandise for sale once your podcast has grown and gained recognition!
These are my top ways for monetizing a podcast WITHOUT huge upfront costs. (Offering merchandise is certainly the most expensive up front, but it can pay off if you have the right audience for it.)
It’s important to remember that while your podcast is meant to provide value to your audience, its purpose is also to contribute to your business! If you can monetize it effectively while staying authentic to your listeners, do it! It can be an excellent stream of income and allow you to more regularly spend time creating amazing podcast content for your listeners, while supporting your business at the same time.
Are you ready to start a podcast or grow one you already have but don’t know how to go about it? I’ve teamed up with Kelli and Conner from SoulFire Productions to create The Pod Course for people who are ready to launch a kickass podcast. We teach you everything you need to know to start, build, and maintain the podcast of your dreams – taking out all the guesswork and walking you through every step. Head here to sign up!
by Christina | Oct 25, 2020 | Business
Once you’ve started your podcast, you’ve conquered the first step in taking your business to the next level – and following that, many entrepreneurs’ next question is how to take their podcast to the next level.
I’ve compiled three key ways to take your podcast to the next level for you to use as a blueprint for taking your podcast from a passion project to a valuable promotional tool for your business!
1. Focus on the community.
Podcasts are such a wildly successful promotional tool because of the intimacy they offer between the podcaster and listener. However, a type of connection that often goes overlooked by the podcaster is the potential relationships between listeners themselves.
Fostering a vibrant community is a great way to uplevel your podcast, because by doing so, you’re providing your listeners with not only advice and entertainment, but a sense of belonging and friendship, as well.
Not only does this distinguish your podcast and its community from others and encourage listeners to return, it also creates excitement among your listeners that will pay off tenfold when it comes to free advertising and promotion.
You can build community by offering discussion forums, a Facebook group, virtual live events where listeners can meet one another – plus so much more! Anything that allows listeners to interact with each other instead of just you will help you take your podcast to the next level.
2. Pod swap strategically.
Pod swapping is a win-win for podcast hosts. Partnering with someone who has a similar following and niche to guest feature on one another’s shows is a great way to gain exposure without paying for advertising. (Plus, you’re providing more value to your listeners by allowing them to hear the perspective of another expert in your industry!)
When you do this, it’s likely that both podcast hosts will end up gaining more listeners following the interviews, and it allows you to network with another podcast host in your industry at the same time!
The key here is ensuring that the podcaster you’re swapping with has an audience that would find your content helpful, and can provide useful, engaging content to your listeners. If your niches have no overlap, it might not convert as well for either of you.
3. Work with a network of other podcasters.
You aren’t alone in your podcasting journey! There are thousands of other podcasts out there, some of which are likely directly related to your niche. Don’t be afraid to reach out and form relationships with other podcasters in your niche to help you gain perspective, learn the ropes, and help one another out when it comes to recommendations.
If you feel ready to really take your podcast to the next level, there are SO many more tips provided in my new course, The Pod Course. It’s designed to help you build a successful podcast from start to finish, covering everything from pitching your podcast to branding your show. Plus, it has a built-in network of other podcasters you can collaborate with, and we provide tools for you to monetize your show immediately! Sign up here if you’re ready to take your biz and podcast to the next level.
