Category: Work

Not hitting those goals? Here’s why.

Christmas Eve is here, which means 2020 is just a week away. Did you set any New Year’s resolutions last year, mama?

How many did you keep?

You’re not alone, Mama — and it’s not your fault. There are a couple of really important things that most people don’t know about goals and motivation, so this week on FreeMamaTV, we’re diving in to 2020 goal setting and how to set goals you can actually keep.

You’ll learn the three tips you need to know to achieve anything you want to do — and stay motivated all year long – 2020 goal setting never looked so easy!

Want to make 2020 your best year ever? Tune into FreeMamaTV!

Be sure to subscribe to FreeMama TV so you don’t miss a single episode.

Last week, we talked about effective networking — I KNOW, networking feels SO gross! But it can actually be fun when you know what you’re doing!! If you’re ready to learn how to make networking FUN, easy — and profitable — check out last week’s episode right here!

P.S. I spilled my heart and let you in on a few of my deepest secrets in last week’s blog post – I hope will still be friends after you read it! 🙈

Okay, I’m a little nervous about this blog post. I hope we’ll still be friends after I tell you these things. I just feel like it wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t tell you, so here goes.

1. I started listening to Christmas music BEFORE Thanksgiving this year. 

I KNOW. I’m not a person who does this normally. I hate it when people blow off Thanksgiving and dive right into the the whole Jingle Bells bit in November. It’s, like, the antithesis of who I am as a person. A fundamental part of my identity is listening to Christmas music ONLY after Thanksgiving has come and gone. 

But this year, there were extenuating circumstances. 

Basically, it was REALLY cold this year.

And living in Houston means that we don’t have real winter wardrobes, so when these Arctic blasts hit us, we are totally unprepared. So, cold, and also, Christmas music is the only music that my kids will listen to quietly in the car. When it’s too cold to walk to school we drive, and when we drive, there’s a lot of noise, and I can’t handle the cold and the noise, so I just… surrendered. I started rocking out to “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” and “Last Christmas” and the Whitney Houston version of “Do You Hear What I Hear”, and I don’t regret it.

What I’m trying to say is, sometimes you do what you need to do in the moment. I’m pretty sure it’s not actually illegal to play Christmas music in November, and it doesn’t really hurt anyone, so I did it. 

I hope you’re still with me. 

2. I used to HATE this word of the year thing.

The other week, I was on a call with my copywriter, Abbi, and I said, “So, I’m thinking about my word for the year.” I talked about what I was considering, and how my 2019 word affected me so profoundly, and Abbi got this grin on her face. 

“What’s so funny?” I asked her. 

And she said, “I remember the first time you picked a word for the year, you told me, “I’m SO not into this word for the year thing, but everyone is doing it, so I kind of feel like I have to,” and now here you are, totally embracing the concept.”

So, yes, it’s true. I have grown and evolved and changed my mind about things. It happens. I didn’t want to pick a word for the year the first time I did it. I felt like it was being forced on me. 

But once I tried this new thing, I discovered that I really liked it. And it would have been easy for me to forget that I once felt differently if I didn’t have a copywriter to remind me (someone MAY be getting some coal in her stocking…) but seriously — growth is good. It’s okay to discover that you actually like something you thought you’d hate. Like broccoli or mustard.  It’s ok to learn how to commit to change.

Okay. If you’ve made it this far, I’m grateful. And now for the big one. 

3. I used to think I’d never want a team.

Way back in May of 2017 — back before I hired a business coach, before I started the Free Mama Movement — I was on a podcast. And during that interview, I mentioned that I’d never have a team. I was super happy being in my zone, with only myself to worry about. I was making enough money doing my thing. I was happy. 

Well. 

My team is right up there with my husband and children in how much better they make my life. With a team, I’m able to support you and the other 29,999 mamas in our community. With a team, I have the freedom to breathe, to sleep, to take vacations. To focus on the things that I’m really good at, and to hand off the parts that are hard for me. 

And because so many of my team members are actually women who have been through my program, I feel incredibly good about how I’m able to help them build their own businesses. 

But it’s true — I used to feel differently. And I’ve had people who come into the community after hearing that old podcast and say, “Uh, what?”

Yeah. I grew, changed, and evolved. Again. It happened to me — and it’s probably happening to you, too. 

Think about what you thought and believed was possible a year ago — and what you know is possible now.  

You don’t have to commit to everything you think and believe for life. You’re allowed to change your mind. You just have to be willing to learn how to commit to change. And if you have a confession to share, I’d love to hear it!

Want a few tips for effective networking? Here’s how to make networking FUN, easy — and profitable.

When I say networking, you —

— hey, where’d you go, mama?

Yeah, I hear you. Networking feels SO intimidating. Gross, even. But you have to get out there and meet those potential clients, so what’s a girl to do?

In this week’s episode of FreeMamaTV, you’ll see that when you know what you’re doing, networking can actually be fun. You’ll discover exactly what you need to do to find the best networking opportunities and make the most of every single one. 

Check out FreeMamaTV to get the BEST tips for effective networking — so that you can get more clients with less stress.

Last week was all about the tech skills you need as a Virtual Assistant – skills you PROBABLY already have! You know way more than you think you do, and in last week’s episode of FreeMamaTV, you’ll see exactly how the technical skills for administrative assistants are skills you already have, and can set you up for success with clients.You can check it out here!

P.S. Do you have a word for the year? I’d love to know it! In my latest blog post, I’m talking about my word for 2019 – and what that ACTUALLY looked like in real life! You might be surprised to find that success looks very different than what most people EXPECT success to look like!

Rebel Kin Glasses, 
and sparkle hustle grow boxes,
MIG soap and warm woolen slippers,
brown paper packages tied up with string…
these are a few of my favorite things!

But seriously…they are!  I have been asked quite a bit this holiday season what my favorite gift recommendations are for clients (look at you all, putting a bow on it 😉), and so I created an entire list of my favorite things that I just know your clients will love too! Check out this ultimate fempreneur gift guide!

1. Sparkle Hustle Grow Subscription Box – such a great gift for any female entrepreneur. Jam packed with items that they will actually USE, changed out every month, this is sure to be hit!
2. MIG Soap – A super innovate way to use soap and lotion! We were gifted the Sleep Balm for 3 Day Free Mama retreat and it’s my favorite!
3. RebelKin Eyewear – Blue light is super harmful, and the amount of work that ANY entrepreneur does on the computer can cause harm. Make sure your clients are protecting their eyes with these super cute frames!

1. The Miracle TimeCube Timer is a game changer for any entrepreneur. If you are new to the concept of time-blocking, this little block will help reinforce your dedicated blocks of time, so that you don’t have to check your phone!
2. Letter Boards are always a fun, super cute gift — and a good way to make any office “Instagram worthy”!
3. Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad – LIFE CHANGING! I do my best thinking in the shower, and these little handy notes will make it easy for any entrepreneur to keep track of their ideas – wet or dry!

1. Greetabl is one of my favorite client gifts, and I think your clients will love them too! Completely customizable, you’re able to create a gift with a ton of love!
2. Sticker Mule is a great way to give your client a gift that means the most to them — stickers, label, and packing tape with THEIR business logo on it! T
3. Comfy slippers…because…I mean…long working days at home, amiright?

You can’t do an entrepreneur gift guide without some mindset books! Here are a few books I highly recommend:

1. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
2. You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Happy shopping, mama! If you snag any of these gifts from the ultimate fempreneur gift guide for yourself or for a client, let me know by sharing on social media and tagging me @laurengoldenfreemama!


*This post does contain affiliate links, however, all recommendations are my own! This post is not sponsored.

Want to see what success actually looks like?

Next week, I’ve got a couple of confessions coming at you — including one about choosing my word for the year. But before we get there, I want to tell you about the word I chose for 2019, what I thought it would mean, and how it actually played out.

If you’re not familiar with this whole “choose a word for the year” idea, it’s pretty straightforward. You choose a word or a short phrase that sets your intention or theme for the year, for the way you want your year to flow. 

I’m not sure who first came up with the idea, but if you hang out in any online business forums, you’ll see people talking about their words. 

For 2019, I chose the word “optimize.”

Last week, I talked about the things I’ve learned over the past four years while building and running my business, and I mentioned that 2018 was a year of accomplishment. I’d worked really hard, hit some big goals, and built something I was — I am — really proud of. 

So coming in to 2019, “optimize” was on my mind. In my head, I thought I’d be refining and optimizing my business and my life:

• I’d review my business systems and streamline them to get the most impact for every minute of work
• I’d completely overhaul the entire Free Mama 12-Week Program
• I’d roll out new offerings to meet the growing needs of my community

And at the same time, I’d spend more quality time with my kids and husband and figure out how to finally master meal prep.

Back in January, when I thought about my plans for the year, I pictured a classic growth chart — that sweet line going up and to the right. 

Now, maybe you’ve seen this meme floating around the Interwebs. 

Turns out, it’s completely accurate. 

When I stand here in December and look back at 2019, everything in my business and my life is better than it was back in January. Growth has happened. Systems have been optimized. But the journey was anything but straightforward. 

So many times this year, I found myself wanting to crawl into bed and hide under my pillows. So many times, I found myself completely overwhelmed and stuck in the down part of that chart. I was charging down paths in the wrong direction, confused and lost and struggling. Not quite how I envisioned things. 

It turns out that “optimize” doesn’t just mean “make more money” or “do new things.”

Sometimes it means, “pause” or “stop doing this” or “don’t do that.”

And when I started to hear that message and to internalize it, I found my way back. I feel clear, more confident, more in alignment, and more intentional. 

Because that’s what it means to optimize. To really think about what we’re doing, and to truly make it better — which sometimes means stopping, removing, and changing direction. 

So as we dive into December, I encourage you to think about the word you want to adopt for the year — one that sets your intentions and gives you a focal point. We’ve got a thread going in the Free Mama Facebook Group if you want to share your thoughts. 

And next week, I’ll be back with my confessions list — so don’t miss it!

P.S. This week I joined my friend Imee from Biggity Bomb Mom and a group of AMAZING women with successful online businesses to help you gear up for 2020. If you’re serious about growing your business, register NOW for this FREE summit. Imee has experts coming in to share their BEST tips on balancing work and family, shifting your mindset for growth and abundance, finding you ideal clients online, and MORE. See you there!

You already know how to do plenty of the things clients are paying for!

The idea of working from home as a virtual assistant really appeals to you, but you’re worried you don’t have the technical skills for administrative assistants. Data entry, managing a calendar, setting up client calls, sending invoices — YIKES.

Mama, relax. you know way more than you think you do, and in this week’s episode of FreeMamaTV, you’ll see exactly how the technical skills for administrative assistants are skills you already have, and can set you up for success with clients.

Want to get that freelance business up and running? Check out FreeMamaTV and see how simple it is to do some of the work clients need most. Bonus: everything you’ll see can be done with free and super-affordable software that you’re probably already using.  

Have you subscribed yet? If you don’t want to miss a single episode of FreeMamaTV, you can subscribe right here!

Last week I went over how YOU can take a stress-free vacation — even as a freelancer — without worrying about income!

P.S. If you have been thinking about taking the leap and joining The Free Mama Movement, my blog post last week was just for you! I’m sure you’ve wondered about the women who have joined, and you’ve had questions like….how did they do it? How did they afford it? Were they successful? Hear from a REAL LIFE Free Mama and how she created a life she loves!

December is here, and I’m feeling it, mama. All those end-of-the-year feelings are here. And it’s even more intense this year, because we’re ringing in a new decade. A space full of potential and promise — fresh and pristine and ready for you to make your mark. 

If you find yourself thinking about the past few years in your life, you’re in good company. Most of us seem to be spending our time looking back over the last decade, thinking about the lessons we’ve learned, and what we’ll take with us into the next ten years.  So…what have been my life lessons in online business?

Honestly, there are some days that I can’t remember if I ate breakfast, so remembering what I was thinking and feeling back in 2010 is beyond me. But I do know that in the four years since starting The Free Mama, I’ve learned a few things. 

If you’ve been here for more than a minute, you know that 2016 was a time of change for me — and most of it wasn’t easy. In fact, I’d go so far as to say 2016 was perhaps the hardest year of my life. I had just been through a traumatic miscarriage. We moved. I was pregnant again. I started this whole business thing with no real support system in place — and then I wound up on bedrest.

2016 taught me that I am strong enough to survive hard things. That I could get up again, even after a really hard punch to the gut. That I could start all over, from nothing, and somehow turn that into something real. 

The takeaway: You are stronger than you realize, Mama.  And you won’t know what you’re made of until you’re tested.

By the time 2017 rolled around, I was committed to making Houston our home. I was committed to growing my business. As Daphne started Kindergarten, I felt like we were both exploring entirely new worlds, declaring our independence, learning to stand tall on our own.

2017 was the year I committed to myself, too — I hired a business coach and stepped into being the woman I know I’m supposed to be — even though it was terrifying. I still remember how my whole body shook when I signed up for that first big coaching program. I was all in — and I had to make it work. 

The takeaway: You are worth investing in. You are worth the time, energy, and money that you put into yourself and your dreams.

And then came 2018, The Year I Worked Harder Than I Ever Have in My Entire Life. In fact, when I look back at the things I accomplished in 2018, I’m seriously proud of myself. I did more in that year than I ever imagined was possible. And I did it mostly without making myself — or the people around me — crazy. 

The sheer volume of work was staggering. I put in the hours even when there wasn’t an immediate payoff. I showed up over and over and over again, and kept moving forward. I fulfilled my lifelong dream to write a book. And I learned to let go of a few of my control freak tendencies and embrace outsourcing so that I could hit all my big goals. 

The takeaway: Overnight success is most definitely not overnight. You can’t expect to stand on the winner’s podium if you don’t show up at practice every single day.

This past year has been about some serious self evaluation. I came into 2019 ready to Do Big Things. I had loads of energy, tons of excitement, and a stellar team to help me. I charged forward at breakneck speed, smashing through goals — until I found myself asking, “Hang on. Is this the life I really want?”

I learned that it’s not only about crushing your goals — it’s making sure those goals are the right ones. It’s being intentional about what I create in my business and in my life. 

The takeaway: Take the time to consider whether you’ve set the right goals for yourself. Your path might be different from someone else’s but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. 

So, those are my life lessons in online business! Next week, I’m going to share a closer look at 2019 and what’s coming in the New Year. Until then, stay warm!

P.S. Need a stocking stuffer for an amazing woman you know — or perhaps a little something for yourself? The Free Mama Swag Shop dropped two limited-time items just for the holidays! Take a look!

P.P.S. I just recorded a great interview with Lindsey K Porter from Enlightened Relationships podcast. It’s a quick but impactful episode where I dropped some insane value to help you succeed.

Are you dreaming of some downtime? You started freelancing because you wanted to be free, right, mama? But suddenly, you’re realizing that no one’s actually paying for your vacation days — and you can’t figure out how to vacation as a freelancer!

Sure, you can decide exactly how many days you want to take off — but how do you get away for a long weekend without destroying the business you’ve worked so hard to build? 

Guess what, mama? You can take that vacation — and leave the laptop at home. All it takes is some focused planning, and you’ll get all the details in this week’s episode of FreeMamaTV.

Check out the episode for the strategies you need to know if you want to learn how to vacation as a freelancer and enjoy some real downtime this holiday season!

Have you subscribed yet? If you don’t want to miss a single episode of FreeMamaTV, you can subscribe right here!

Last week we talked about the BIG MISTAKE that could be costing you clients!

P.S. If you have been thinking about taking the leap and joining The Free Mama Movement, my blog post last week was just for you! I’m sure you’ve wondered about the women who have joined, and you’ve had questions like….how did they do it? How did they afford it? Were they successful? Hear from a REAL LIFE Free Mama and how she created a life she loves!

Looking for best black Friday deals for moms? The Free Mama is offering the best one on the internet, that will encourage, motivate, and inspire you!Back in October, we ran the first ever 3-Day Free Mama Retreat, and It. Was. EPIC. We brought you world-class speakers, practical, hands-on workshops, intimate connections, and more.

“In a matter of 3 days, my confidence went up, I worked through mindset issues, and being around like-minded women was empowering!”

“Attending this event was crucial for my personal and professional growth.”

“A life-changing experience. I was able to dig deep into what I need to do and where I want my business to be in the future.”

Every single woman who attended said this was one of the greatest investments she has ever made in herself.

We’re already hard at work on the 2020 Free Mama event, and we want to give you ONE chance to lock in last year’s pricing and secure your spot at the #1 event for moms in business. 

If you purchase your ticket by midnight on Cyber Monday, you’ll be getting an amazing deal — last year’s pricing on tickets for the 2020 Three Day Free Mama Retreat, PLUS a whole bunch of bonuses.

This is the only chance you have to lock in that pricing — the next time you see tickets offered (if we don’t sell out this weekend…) they’ll be twice as much. This is the BEST time to save your spot and commit to being a part of the absolute best event for moms in business. 

Plus, when you snag your ticket now, you’ll get the entire Black Friday Freedom Bundle, which is going to let you cross SO MUCH off your Christmas list. Check it out:

• An audio copy AND the Kindle version of my bestselling book, The Free Mama
• The Prospect to Paid training, which will teach you exactly what to say and do to sign your first (or next!) client
• The complete Quick Start Freelance Success Kit, featuring my best tips and trainings for determine your marketable skills, getting clients, a perfect proposal template, and more.

And if you already have one or more of these bonuses, you can gift them to the amazing women in your life — we’ve made it SUPER easy for you to be the BEST SANTA EVER.

If you’re a part of the Free Mama community, then you know exactly how much value is packed into every single training program we offer. And you know how dramatically your life can change when you start to take action. Do you know a woman who needs that extra push? Grab your Retreat ticket for a STEAL — and get the goods to give your mom/sister/cousin/best friend. You’re truly giving a gift that she’ll treasure forever. 

Here’s the scoop, Mama. This deal is ONLY available until midnight on Cyber Monday. You will NEVER see this ticket price again — and I’m pretty sure I’m never going to give away this many bonuses ever again. This is the absolute BEST time to get your 3-Day Free Mama Retreat tickets at the lowest possible price with the MOST bonus value.

Ready to rock your world? Take advantage of the best black Friday deals for moms and get your 3-Day Free Mama Retreat tickets AND grab the ridiculous bonuses included with your purchase — to keep for yourself or to gift to an amazing woman in your life.

See you in Houston!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Is The Free Mama Movement legit?” You’re not alone!

I hope you have some crackers handy, mama, cause you might find this cheesy, BUT, I am SO THANKFUL for every single woman who puts her trust in me and The Free Mama Movement.

And since today is Thanksgiving in the US, I’ve been feeling all warm and fuzzy and thinking about all of you — especially what it feels like to be on the cusp on taking this leap, and wondering about the women who have already taken the plunge.

How do they come up with the money for the investment? How long does it take to make that investment back? What do their lives look like after they join?

Well, obviously, the moment someone enrolls in TFFM, rainbows and unicorns materialize around her and envelop her in a bubble of happiness that doesn’t allow anything bad to happen to her ever again. 

Or, you know, NOT. 

Actually, I thought it would be fun to take a deep dive and look closely at the life of one Free Mama so that you could see exactly how she made the decision to join, and what really happened afterwards. 

Meet Jill Overby, mom of three — including one with Type 1 diabetes. Jill had often looked for ways to supplement her income — Mary Kaye, and an MLM — but she simply found herself working loads of extra hours with very little to show for it. She certainly wasn’t making the kind of money that would let her quit her day job, working as a college career counselor at a high school half an hour from her home. 

[photo of Jill — she said she would send one.]

Plus, there was health insurance to consider — her husband is a freelancer, so the whole family relied on her job for coverage.

And yet. Jill desperately wanted to be home with her kids. Leaving her son in the care of others was terrifying — not everyone knows how to care for a child with Type 1 diabetes, and mistakes can truly be a matter of life or death. 

When Jill discovered The Free Mama Movement, and learned about the potential to be a virtual assistant, she was excited — but incredibly cautious. 

Health insurance was still an issue. And how could she invest money in a program and quit her job with no guaranteed income?

“I’m not a risk taker,” said Jill. So she dug into the free resources she could find, and even invested in a less expensive course that gave her some very basic information. 

But within a month or two, Jill knew she needed more. She needed more hands-on training, more of a community, more support as she built her business, and more ideas on how she could get clients in the door. 

So she took the plunge and enrolled in TFFM in July of 2018. In August, with encouragement from the Free Mama community, Jill reached out to a photographer friend who was tapped into several local networking groups for women entrepreneurs, joined her at an event — and had someone reach out to her for help almost immediately. 

At the same time, Jill was getting ready to go back to work in September, and going through the same stomachaches and stress sickness she endured every year when her husband said, “Well… what if you don’t go back to work?”

Jill reached out to her mom for advice. Like Jill, her mom is not a risk taker, but she didn’t view this step as a risk. “You’ve put a lot into this already,” her mother reminded her. “You’re seeing results. You’re on the way. I think you should go for it.”

With the support of two of the most important people in her life, Jill went all in. She gave notice to her principal — and then got the school to hire hire for a big project. She kept working through the course material and had a handful of clients before she finished. 

It took her a few months to build up to her current level of six retainer clients. She and her husband figured out the health insurance dilemma by getting on one of the exchanges, and her life today is relaxed — and rewarding. 

She’s at home when her kids need her. She’s present. And she’s contributing financially without the stress and anxiety of being away from home all day.

Today, Jill and her husband have plans to work through Kathryn Jones’ CF Design School so that they can add another high-paying, specialized skill to their business. Jill is looking into working as an OBM and taking on a more strategic role for her clients. She’s dreaming bigger than she ever did before, and when she thinks about the future, she’s excited, instead of overwhelmed. 

If you’re nervous about investing in yourself, you’re not alone. If you’ve wondered if The Free Mama Movement is legit, you’re not alone. And the good news is that with over 1000 mamas who have gone through the program, it’s likely that someone else struggled with the very same questions and anxiety. So post your questions, ask for advice — and talk to the people you trust.

I’d love to see you realize your dreams, which is why I have a special announcement coming tomorrow! Because even without rainbows and unicorns, being a Free Mama is pretty darn incredible. 

P.S. Don’t forget to watch your inbox for a super-special Free Mama announcement tomorrow!

P.P.S. Ready to take the leap and start today? Here’s the first step you need to take to start freelancing!