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08 Jan 2015
Sticky Post By Posted in Blogging, Devotionals, From Start to Finish Permalink

4 Reasons to Walk by Faith

Sticky Post By On January 8, 2015

 

Faith is an extremely delicate matter. Either you have faith or don’t. There isn’t an in between with faith. Many of us desire to launch companies, projects, leave jobs, and build a family. It’s one thing to say that you want to do something; it’s another thing to actually take the steps to do it.

We all have had those instances where we talk about walking on water but few of us actually get out of the boat. This year I am being forced out of the boat in a since. God has positioned me to look at Him and step out off the boat. While I am learning to look in His face and not in the face of my circumstances I will be helping you walk on water this year with things you desire to start and finish.

When the water seems scary think about the following four truths:

  1. Faith is the only way to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
  2. Faith Moves Mountains (Mark 11:22)
  3. Jesus is waiting on the water to support you (Matthew 14:29-31)
  4. If you think it then it is possible (Matthew 19:26)

Sight is the opposite of faith. I know that doubts creeps into my mind everyday. Doubt implores me to look around in order to doubt what I have set my faith on. Don’t allow sight to stop you from walking on the water in 2015.

If you have a dream think bigger! By allowing your hopes to remain small you starve your imagination. It is my hope in 2015 that through some of the resources that I release you will be able to Start and Finish. 

07 Jan 2015
Sticky Post By Posted in Blogging, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Social Media Permalink

3 Ways to Connect with Influencers

Sticky Post By On January 7, 2015

I am extremely big on connection. Many of my friends call me the connector. I make it my responsibility to get to know people and to know more about them. My learning about people is in order to learning from them.

 

As a writer I have spent a few weeks getting to know Jeff Goin through his book Your Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One) and Blog.

As a director I’ve spent about 12 months researching and learning about Ava Duvernay and her distribution company AFFRM.

As a Social Media expert I’ve spent a large part of the latter half of 2014 learning about Guy Kawasaki.

 

Many stop at learning about people; I believe in attempting to connect with those you are learning from. You shouldn’t connect only for personal gain but to find out how you can help them as well. Recently, Guy Kawasaki emailed those who attended a Google Hangout he and Peg Fitz Patrick hosted a copy of their new book The Art of Social Media on kindle for free in exchange for your email address. I was completely ecstatic. I was recently gifted the hardcover edition of it but I wanted the digital copy.

I emailed Guy back with gratitude and asked him if I could do anything for him. He asked that I do a good Amazon review. That is the least that I can do; the book is amazing! After a few emails I realized this was a chance to invite Guy on my Podcast. For 30 minutes I was nervous and fearful; then while cooking dinner I picked up my iPad and emailed Guy with an ask. He said, “Sure connect with Kate”.

We often think that people are completely untouchable when they have a level of influence. However; social media and email gives us the chance to reach out and touch our mentors from a distance. Here are three ways to connect with influencers.

  1. SAY HELLO – I know this is a hard one but it all begins with a hello. Don’t be afraid to say hello and ask a person how they are doing on social media. It is so important to build rapport with influencers you are connecting with.
  2. ASK TO HELP – After you say hello ask the connector if they need help with anything. If one of there articles, books, podcast inspired or provoked change in you share it. Sharing is caring.
  3. ASK QUESTIONS – I am good for asking questions. I don’t ask a lot of them but I will ask questions through email or a tweet. Please note: Don’t ask a lot of questions all at once unless you are interested in hiring them for consultation.

I was recently told not to take my boldness as unimportant. In the midst of securing Guy for a podcast I realized that so many people that desire to connect with influencers are afraid and fearful. The least people can do is say, “NO” or not respond. I would rather try then never have tried and regretted that I did not. What influencers will you be connecting with this month?

06 Jan 2015
Sticky Post By Posted in Entrepreneurship, Writer Permalink

5 Things To Consider Before Quitting Your Job for A Start Up

Sticky Post By On January 6, 2015

In 2008 I left my job. It was the greatest step of faith that I ever took. I knew in my heart that the Lord was calling me to leave. I didn’t trust the Lord but I told Him I would learn to trust Him. When I quit my job I had an idea of the arena He was preparing for me in the realm of media and writing but I didn’t really understand what was happening. But that was the point. Leaving my job with the state of New Jersey was big for me. I was comfortable. I got payed extremely well. Besides student loans I was debt free. I had just finished fixing my credit. I had just produced a successful play and was in the process of launching my first book. I was optimistic about everything. I was on a faith journey. However; I had a few major flaws that I have learned from. After 4 years of being self employed I had to go back to work. Obviously, the Lord had another plan for me and more for me to learn. I had been so broke during those times that I was excited to have a new pay check. It didn’t hurt that I got hired by Apple. I filled out hundreds of applications and Apple was the only company that hired. God definitely had a plan of action for me. We will get to that later in this blog series.

 

When I left the state of New Jersey I had a car payment and a house. By July of that year I could no longer pay the rent. By August I could no longer pay the car payment. Before I got deep into self employment I had lost it all. But I knew God called me down this road. I didn’t know all the bumps in the road but I was sure He was doing something. As a start up my partner and I went in head first. We took every design, film and photography job that came our way. Years later we discovered this was the wrong thing to do. Here are a few things I would have done different before quitting my job in 2008.

 

  1. SAVE MORE- I would have saved a lot more money than I did. I took all my excess and paid off my debts, purchased equipment and gave abundantly prior to leaving. I would not have changed the giving and equipment piece. The equipment was great collateral, it was how we made a living and the giving was God’s heart. Now the debt on the other hand could have waited and been managed more effectively. I would have saved at least 3-6 months worth of my earnings to give myself a better cushion.
  2. LEARN ABOUT BUSINESS – I would have learned more about business and people management. The greatest thing I have learned from working at Apple and running my company is people matter and they pay for what they value. We made way too many deals. We charged too low. We didn’t value our own work. It takes money to run a business and produce great content. Business is business. It seems harsh but you can’t go into McDonald’s and ask for a deal unless they provided the coupon. Learn more about business before you leave. It will help you in the long run.
  3. NETWORK – We did a lot of networking. But we did it with people we were similar too. Network with clients and people that are where you are going not just where you are. Advertise to the niche audience you have and desire to have.
  4. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING – We should have documented everything from Start to Finish. One day I will go back to my journals and read of my spiritual journey but the first 4 years of my business journey are missing. I am currently using Day One to document my days. We learned so much during those 4 years. We had a lot of failures and accomplishments. If we would have documented those things we could have added value to people on our blog daily and helped them not make the same mistakes we did.
  5. MONETIZE PRODUCTS – We were launching a completely service based business. The problem with providing services is you are always waiting for your next check. If we would have had products to offer we would have been receiving passive residual income. We should have had a plan of action to create products along the way that would have benefitted our audience and clients.

These were just some of the things I thought about. Thank you for reading this post. I recently had a conversation with John Saddington over at the Desk App about my entrepreneurial goals as a writer. Through our conversation I was able to better define how I wanted to add value to people. From Start to Finish I desire to add value to people’s lives and help them achieve their goals. All of our post from here on out will surround how to fulfill your God given dreams. We were designed to Start and Finish everything we put our hands to. By finishing we grow (spirit, soul and body). I look forward to growing with you.

02 Jan 2015
Sticky Post By Posted in Foodie, Writer With No Comments Permalink

7 Ways to Save at Whole Foods

Sticky Post By On January 2, 2015 With No Comments

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to shop at Wholefoods for the bulk of my families food. The more I discovered the truth of GMO’s and grades of food I realized that we only get one body. So many issues are arising with food that I’d rather put the best into our bodies.

We have been slowly transitioning away from meat. We aren’t anti-meat. We believe that you should eat meat less. We have been bred to eat meat with every meal. Meat isn’t good for your system and the meat companies are pumping the meat full of hormones and other junk unless it’s grass fed.

In addition I purchase organic products when possible; especially for the dirty dozens. Organic doesn’t mean you can eat all you want. It means that the USDA certifies that the food isn’t pumped with materials that aren’t real. For example: no high fructose corn syrup, hormones and other artificial products.

Now that you have some background you understand why we choose to shop at Whole Foods. Whole Foods isn’t cheap. The food is priced far for the quality you receive. Throughout the years I’ve learned how to shop at Whole Foods and save money. Here are some quick tips to get you started.

 

  1. COUPONS – When you walk in the door there are circulars; pick them up and see what is on sale. You can continue to use these coupons until the sale ends. They don’t keep the coupons.
  2. SALES – Whole Foods is great for sales. The sales normally average two weeks. If you see something you like or that your family continually buys purchase a lot of it. We absolutely love Califa Almond Milk, Zevia, and Kettle Chips when they are on sale we purchase A LOT of them. If these items are not on sale we won’t buy them. Whole Foods puts there items on sale in 3 month rotations from what I have noticed.
  3. FRIDAY – Friday’s are your best friend. Whole Foods has a mega sale on one item every week. The item is normally 30-50% discounted. If you like it. BUY A LOT! It will never be cheaper.
  4. BULK – Buy in bulk. Whole Foods offers a 10% discount off on all bulk items. When an item is on sale the discount still applies.
  5. 365 BRAND – If an item is availble in the 365 Brand purchase that over the other brand. 365 is Whole Foods brand. They offer Organic products as well. In general the 365 brand is $1 cheaper than the item next to it.
  6. SAMPLE – Whole foods let’s you sample items in the store to see if you like them for FREE. If you don’t want to sample an item in the store you can buy the product and return it if you don’t like it.
  7. BAGS – BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) You save $.05 for every bag you bring. If you purchase Whole Foods bags you can always exchange them if they are worn. No questions asked.

These are some of the tips I use to save money and eat high grade foods. For my family health is a premium.

31 Dec 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Blogging, seo, Social Media, Technology, Writer With 2 Comments Permalink

5 Ways to Gain More Blog Traffic

Sticky Post By On December 31, 2014 With 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Global X via Compfight cc

 

Over the last few months I have been doing a lot of experimentation with my blog, other’s blogs, social media and over all engagement. Through a fair amount of research I’ve discovered personally that the following daily practices help you gain more blog traffic

  1. Consistency – blogging weekly matters. It’s not about long posts. It’s about connecting with your audience and being authentic. Writing a daily post of 300-500 characters helps increase blog traffic.
  2. Bullet point Post – In order to properly show up in news feeds/search engines you should write posts with numbered bullet points. For some strange reason people love numbered post. For example: while checking out John Saddington’s top viewed post I noticed a trend; the majority of the post that people like are those that include “improvement” or “numbered bullets” to help people improve in some area of life.
      1. Side note — I noticed this trend as well on my social media analytics. The most popular posts were always numbered bullet points or “best of” posts
  3. Facebook Treats Pages Differently – I switched over my Facebook to a page this month. It has been a major transformation for me. I no longer engage with a feed like everyone else. I am considered a business and that has some advantages and disadvantages.
      1. You no longer can comment on others post
      2. You no longer have the ability to post things and get seen immediately in your friends feeds
      3. You are now allowed to see how many people your post reached
      4. You are now allowed to pay to promote your post
  4. Email Subscriptions are KING – while developing your following it is important to send out weekly emails of the popular posts. If you would like to gain more subscriptions offer something for free. This coming month I will be publishing a free ebook of some sort that adds value to my audience.
  5. SEO and Keyword Searches are IMPORTANT – You can write all day and post but if you don’t have good SEO and keywords then it’s a shot in the dark for people to find your brand. Check out this article from Adam Smith about SEO.

I will continue to write on entrepreneurship, blogging, podcasting, filmmaking, writing and publishing a book and Jesus! I realize that much of my audience desires to uses these tools to live out their best lives. Pray for me as I pray for you. There is much work to be done. Don’t allow discouragement in this new season of life to deter you. You have something the world, your community and I need. It’s time to produce!

30 Dec 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Entrepreneurship, Writer With No Comments Permalink

The New Year Is Here

Sticky Post By On December 30, 2014 With No Comments

The new year is rounding the corner and for some it’s a time of reflection. While on the phone with Deer Park I had a brief moment of reflection. As I am listening to the guy take my request I wondered if he is content or designed to work at Deer Park. I know when I was working as a 9-1-1 operator and child abuse social worker the phones drove me crazy at times. While sitting stagnant taking inbound calls every moment in bettwen was filled with considering what I would be doing if I wasn’t at work.

 

I am sure that many of you reading this post aren’t content with your jobs or the use of your talents. I am sure when you look in the mirror you think of all the things you would like improve about your physical frame (say no to plastic surgery). Can I ask you this question? What is stopping you? I am sure it’s either procrastination, fear, doubt, or both. This year I have been afforded the opportunity to do with my time as I desired without worrying about where my next check was coming from however; before that time I was plotting my escape. I have never been content at any job that I have worked. Everyday I woke up with the mindset that I am one day closer to working for myself. One day closer to being a full time writer and director. One day closer to being finanically free. One day closer to allowing the Lord to form and shape my day. One day closer to losing the next inch off  my body (I am 4 inches down from last year this time). One day closer to spending more time in the Word and prayer. One day closer to being made in His image.

 

How do you wake up? In 2015 make it your daily responsibility to complete what you started and fulfill your God given purpose. Don’t allow yourself to sabatoge the plans of God in this new season. It’s time to be productive and consistent. What are your plans for 2015?

24 Dec 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Authenticity, Writer With 2 Comments Permalink

Inclined to Write

Sticky Post By On December 24, 2014 With 2 Comments

 

When I see that others have written I am more inclined to write. There is something about words on a page whether typed or written that calls my name. I stumbled across a page of notes from the women’s conference in August. In the corner of this page I wrote a prayer, “Awaken the writer in me. Let me be Your oracle”. As I think back over the last several months I am reminded that I am becoming an oracle of God. I don’t want to simply write because I have the ability. I don’t desire to write so that people will follow my blog. I want to write because God desires to speak to and through me.

 

This week after speaking with my editor and getting the outline of Single and Anxious cleared I agreed to write 1000 words a day towards the book. The first two days I was in a zone. I woke up early on Saturday and Sunday. I spent 20-40 minutes after my devotional time writing. I learned a few things about myself during those two days.

  1. Waking up early is the best time for me write
  2. When I have an outline I flow better
  3. Writing helps me memorizes Scriptures and disgust them better
  4. Having a workspace increases my productivity

People have been asking about my writing and that keeps me on point. I write because I love it. I write because I am called. I write because I want to be a voice for our generation. It’s important that we all have clarity on why we do what we do. It’s important that we point people to Jesus. I am sure some get tired of me writing about Jesus but He’s been that good to me that He deserves the praise for everything I do. Why do you do what you?

10 Dec 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Authentic Life, Authenticity, Entrepreneurship, Social Media, Writer With No Comments Permalink

Social Media Changes

Sticky Post By On December 10, 2014 With No Comments

 

I’ve recently been in the process of changing my social media habits. I have had a lot of time to think & pray over the last few months about what it is I am to be doing. In the process of dumbing down my life I’ve learned the importance of my social media image.

 

Social media is an incredible tool. I’ve been socially active on networks since 2005. If you include the forum and aim years I have been at this since 1997. Early on I was a Christian rapper and journalist. I wrote about purity, music and life. As the years and my maturity changed I shifted into the media and writing realm. After a while I took a major step back from social media & creativity. I didn’t post much besides food & workouts. I didn’t accept creative projects unless they were weddings. For a very long time I have felt that social media hasn’t been social. Many are posting the same kind of pictures, quotes, memes and just a bunch of nothing.

As I stated on the podcast and blog over a month ago many have become consumers & number hunters. There is no accountability in the social media realm so anything goes. I don’t to take part in that style of social media. Instead, I am working on a consistent strategy. I want to be social with people on the internet. I believe that we can encourage each other in our walk and dreams (grind).

I recently converted my Facebook over to a page. I didn’t quite know how I wanted to classify myself. Writer, Director or Entreprenuer? I decided to select entreprenuer. In a matter of 20 minutes I was a “public figure” according to facebook. I instantly had +5k likes. That was incredible. I have wanted to build a new facebook page for quite a while. When Mr. Mike Street told me about the conversion process it was final.

I downloaded and erased my social media life in 20 minutes. I didn’t truly understand what I was doing. I knew that I couldn’t add anyone but I didn’t understand the implication of changing profiles. As a “page” I now can’t see everyone’s feed. I can’t like statues. You can’t troll former posts and pictures. I am simply a page that other’s enjoy the things that I post. This was a major decision for me.

In the midst of that I automated my twitter and facebook to link together. I find interesting articles concerning Christianity, Writing, Technology, Current Events and Relationships to post 10 times a day. All of these changes are for my well being and yours. I have been writing a book for a while and I desire to be published. In order to be published I have to have a social media influence. The changes have been impactful. My networks are growing and people are interacting. If you are reading this blog then you are apart of that engagement. (Thank You!)

I take time out throughout my day to DM, reply, comment, like and be present in social media. I know how it feels not to be answered. People aren’t simply numbers they are important and they matter. I truly hope that my social media changes bring us all closer to the Lord and His will for our lives. I am looking forward to continually sharing my journey with you all.

PS: Hey if you have a publisher friend let me know. I would love to engage with them. Not just to get a deal but to know them as a person. Everyone has great value. Not because of what they do but who they are.

08 Dec 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Entrepreneurship, Media, productivity, Social Media, Technology With 2 Comments Permalink

My Workflow

Sticky Post By On December 8, 2014 With 2 Comments

Screenshot 2014-12-08 14.08.26

 

I have been asked about my workflow a lot lately. One of the main topics that come up is how do a I get everything done? Let me first say I am really bad at remembering to do things. I walk up the stairs and I forget what I went up the stairs for.

In order to stay productive I have finally got a workflow that works for me. For years I have had the app Things by Culture Code. I tried to use it a couple times but I didn’t develop a consistent workflow with it. Recently, I desired to take a crack at a better project manager app. I have so many projects going at one time that I needed helping staying focused and getting things done in a timely fashion.

Culture Code recently released the iPad and iPhone version of Things for free the week of Thanksgiving. I purchased the iPhone version years ago and got the desktop version through my company a few years back. The initial reason I did not use Things was I didn’t want to spend $20 on a iPad version after I spent $10 on the iPhone version and the desktop version cost $50. To get Things up and running on all platforms its $80.

In order for any app to work for me it must be available on all my platforms. I dislike apps not syncing automatically. Things completely makes sense for me now. I was fortunate to have gotten Things for all the platforms for free but now that I have used it consistently for the last 4 weeks I now see the value of spending $80 to get my life together.

Things is WORTH the money! Things works for me due to it’s ability to organize by project, due dates, reschedule, incoporate reminders, and it’s available cross platform.

The only critique I have regarding things is the cost. But once again it’s worth the investment.

11 Nov 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Authentic Life, Storytelling, Writer With 2 Comments Permalink

Baby Fat & Big Bones

Sticky Post By On November 11, 2014 With 2 Comments

I’ve been chunky all my life. 

Today I looked inside of my jeans and saw a 30.

 

It immediately reminded me of when I realized I was chunky.

 

In Kmart with my Aunt when I was around 9 and I had to buy a size 12.

The dress was cute but I was overweight.

She said, “Girl, you just have big bones”.

 

Which was the opposite of my grandmother saying, “Your bones are small”.

 

I had really bad self esteem issues growing up.

 

I was not only chunky, I was short and I had terrible acne all my life.

 

About 2 years ago I decided to FIGHT hard to get this weight off. I changed EVERYTHING.

It was a crazy battle. At first I paid a lot of attention to the scale.

 

Then I paid a lot of attention to my inches.

Then I paid a lot of attention to the slow progress.

 

Then something broke.

 

I just started to work hard and not care. Yes, I wanted the inches to fall off. But it took 30 years to get this way it wasn’t going to take a month to take it off.

 

Now 9 inches down I look in the mirror sometimes and I’m amazed.

Jesus has taught me so much about dedication, discipline, consistency, image, thoughts, & other people.

 

I’m not where I want to be but I’m thankful that I finally overcame the fat demon.

Deciding not to give up while being injured was the best decision I’ve made. My physical therapist, foot doctor and chiropractors have been so supportive during my rehab.

 

After this foot procedure I plan to run marathons. (We can talk about the last 8 months of my life one day. Daily pain & fatigue).

 

What are you overcoming? How can I be an encouragement to you?

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