3 Free Online Classes Every Business Owner Could Benefit From

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As a small business owner, what are your resources? Do you feel like you have everything you need by way of information or inspiration? What if you simply want to be better at business? More nuanced. Or learn a new skill?

We all could stand to take a course or two, to keep ourselves on track and create the optimal business paths for ourselves, especially now that most of us are staying home to flatten the coronavirus curve. After all it was Albert Einstein who said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Luckily, there are a number of free online courses to enroll in to continue learning, growing, and honing your skills. 

With many top universities—including Duke and Northwestern—offering free courses online right now, you can gather insights from the experts who are at the forefront of innovation with courses that can take you, your team, and your organization to the next level. They are making it super simple to connect to the future of business—and open yourself up to a transformative experience. 

Here are three online courses any business owner would benefit from taking right now. 

University of California, Berkley: The Foundations Of Happiness At Work

We all know that happier employees are more productive and innovative. But, what does happiness mean? How can we create it at work? And how can we analyze the effects of happiness on our businesses? This course is here to answer those questions. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or want to make sure you have the best possible company culture, this course is a must for any business owner. Learn from the very best on how to bring happiness into the workplace.

Enroll for free. Course starts April 29, 2020.

Northwestern University: Social Media Marketing Specialization

Social media is essential to marketing these days, but it turns out many businesses don’t use this tool effectively. Whether you are struggling to gain followers, not sure what content to post, or don’t understand how to read the analytics, this social media course will help you grow your business. From content to engagement, this 6 part series covers it all. Step your marketing game up and make your time spent on Instagram worth your while.

Enroll for free. Course starts April 29, 2020.

Duke University: Entrepreneurial Finance: Strategy and Innovation

Creating a financial strategy for your business can feel really overwhelming if you lack the right tools. If you are looking to raise capital, need help build a cap table, or analyze market risk, this course pack is for you. This will give you real tools you can use in every phase of your business. A good founder should have their finger on the pulse of the financials of their business, regardless of the help you hire. Make sure you have all the tools you need from the best minds at Duke University.

Enroll for free. Course starts April 29, 2020.

This post was published on March 3, 2018, and has since been updated.

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How Women Can Get Their Books Published, According to an Accomplished Author

“

Just write! It sounds simple, but it’s the step we so often get stuck on. Let the first draft be terrible.

”

—Andrea Bartz, Author of “The Herd” and “The Lost Night”

Here’s a bit of good news: Female authors dominated 2019’s major literary awards. Both winners of the 2019 Booker Prize were women, as were the winners of the National Book Awards for fiction and nonfiction, and a woman took home the 2019 Pulitzer for general nonfiction. But female authors aren’t just gaining attention from the industry’s leading critics—readers are taking note, too. In fact, of the 10 best-selling books of the past decade, eight were written by women.

To find out what aspiring women authors need to do to get their books published, we sat down with none other than Andrea Bartz, the author of the wildly popular, edge-of-your-seat thrillers “The Lost Night” and “The Herd,” which hit shelves on March 24. Ahead, Bartz tells us what it really takes to go from writing a manuscript to getting your book optioned for a TV series, including how to land a literary agent, overcome writer's block, and stay on top of deadlines along the way.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You're an accomplished author with two novels to your name (congratulations!)—but can you take us back to the beginning? What does it take to land a book deal? 

ANDREA BARTZ: Thank you! I started working on the manuscript for my first novel, “The Lost Night” (a whodunit that’s a bit like “The Girl on the Train” meets HBO’s “Girls”) in late 2014—at the time I had a full-time job as a magazine editor, but I started working on it in my free time. It took about two years to get it ready to show to agents, and I signed with a literary agent in late 2016. We worked on more revisions and finally landed a book deal for it in July 2017—and then there were more rounds of revisions before it finally came out in February 2019.

For my second book, “The Herd” (a thriller set in an exclusive all-female co-working space), I already had an editor who wanted to work with me again, so I got a book deal based on the idea and a few sample chapters in late 2018 and turned in a first draft a few months later. Now I’m hard at work on my third novel, which should come out in 2021!  

Do you need to have a large audience (a.k.a. a built-in market) to get noticed by agents and publishers? 

Nope! Having a built-in audience certainly won’t hurt, but agents and editors are looking for a great book that they think will fly off the shelves—so even if you’re not social-media famous, if your manuscript is fabulous, they’ll consider publishing it. That said, I think it’s smart to be on Twitter and Instagram, at minimum, where you can connect with authors and bookstagrammers and demonstrate that you’re savvy at self-promotion. But if you don’t already have a ton of followers, don’t let that stop you from trying to sell a novel. 

What comes first: the book or the book proposal? How do you go about writing a book proposal? Are there any mistakes you've learned from along the way that you can share? 

Nonfiction writers start with a proposal—it includes stuff like an outline, sample chapters, and a market analysis. Then, they get a book deal and head off into the world to do their research and write the book. I confess I don’t know too much about nonfiction book proposals, because I write fiction! For your debut novel, you’ll need to write the entire manuscript before you can try to sell it. You’ll query agents with a completed draft, and then your agent will try to find an editor (at a publishing house) to buy it and publish it. That’s how I sold “The Lost Night.”

For my second book, “The Herd,” I was able to sell it on essentially a proposal: I wrote 50 sample pages, plus a one-page “treatment” that gave an overview of the characters, plot, and “hook.” I know other authors go into more detail and sell their editor with sample pages plus a detailed, multi-page outline, but since I write without an outline, the best I could do was share the general idea! By the time you’re at that stage, though, your agent can help guide you on selling book number two. For that first novel, you’ll need to write the whole dang thing.

“Keep in mind that most authors never feel like writing. You can’t wait until you get the urge to write. You just have to sit down and write!”

Both of your novels were published by a major publishing house, how did you decide to go with a traditional publisher? Did you consider self-publishing? Can you talk us through that decision?

I always knew I wanted to go the traditional route: I wanted to see my book in bookstores, which is hard to do when you self-publish, and I wanted to focus on the writing and let other people think about stuff like cover design and ad strategy and publicity plans. When you sell your book to a publisher, they kinda take it from there—but the tradeoff is that you make far less money per copy sold. I don’t know a ton about self-publishing, but I know that those who are successful at it write in genres that sell well online (such as romance), spend a lot of their own money in upfront costs like hiring a copyeditor and getting the cover designed so everything looks professional, and invest tons of time in learning digital marketing so that they can actually find readers and make money. It’s a totally different way to approach publishing.

How did you find a literary agent? What did you look for in an agent and what would you advise others look for? Can you share links to resources for aspiring authors who are just beginning this process?

When I felt “The Lost Night” was in good shape, I started by researching literary agents who were accepting queries. I used Publishers Marketplace’s Dealmakers database to find the agents of authors whose work was similar to mine. I searched for specific terms like “female psychological thrillers” on AgentQuery, and I browsed through the Twitter hashtag #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) to see what agents were looking for. Here’s an article I wrote on the process, which goes into detail on resources used and even includes my query letter.

How do you manage your time while you’re writing? Does your publisher give you deadlines, or do you create your own? What tools do you use to stay on top of your deadlines? 

My publisher sets my deadlines based on when each book is supposed to come out. But it can be intimidating to think of it in huge terms: In five months, you need to complete a 100,000-word manuscript. So instead, I start by using pacemaker.press to calculate how much I need to accomplish every day; it lets you block off days when you'll do less or no work (e.g., a holiday or trip), and you can keep track of your progress on the site. When it comes to actually drafting, I use the Pomodoro method: I use tomato-timer.com to do 20 minutes of uninterrupted work followed by a 5-minute break. Then I repeat as needed until I hit my word count goal.

Your sophomore thriller, “The Herd,” was recently published on March 24, 2020. Was it more or less difficult to come up with an idea for your second novel after already having published your first?  

Coming up with a second book idea was tough. It took a while to settle on an idea that my editor was into—she said no to my first two ideas, because she didn’t think they spoke to my strengths as a thriller writer or that they’d appeal to readers of “The Lost Night.” I was frustrated at the time, but she was totally right! “The Lost Night” is a mystery set in the warehouse parties of hipster Brooklyn in 2009, and part of the fun comes from taking the reader inside the close-knit, closed-door world of that social milieu. My editor challenged me to find another juicy, exclusive setting that would allow me to go deep on complex female friendships—which is how I wound up setting a mystery inside an elite, all-female co-working space. 

“Don’t psych yourself out or worry about whether your book will fit into the shifting marketplace years down the line”

How do you deal with writer’s block?

I mentioned the Pomodoro method, which definitely helps when I’m stuck—when the twenty-minute writing sprint begins, sometimes the first minute is just me typing I HATE THIS THIS IS TERRIBLE I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE. But once you get going, real words start to flow. Another tip, if you’re stuck on a plot problem, is to write it in a notebook right before bed. Your subconscious will work on it as you sleep, and the next morning you’ll find you’re much closer to having the answer. Finally: Keep in mind that most authors never feel like writing. You can’t wait until you get the urge to write. You just have to sit down and write! 

Your debut novel, “The Lost Night,” was optioned for development as a limited series by Mila Kunis. Can you tell us about that process? What does it really mean to have a book be optioned and what advice can you share for other authors looking to land entertainment deals?

The two production companies involved, Cartel Entertainment and Orchard Farm, actually reached out to me directly to ask if TV rights were still available. My literary agent had hooked me up with a film/TV agent within the same agency (ICM Partners), so I connected them with her. The production companies made an offer and I requested a phone call to discuss their vision for the book, what they’d want to change, and what role, if any, they’d want me to have in developing the limited series. It was pretty surreal to be on a call with Mila Kunis and to hear her talking about my book!

Getting a book optioned just means a production company has the exclusive rights to try to get it made—there are no guarantees. So right now they’re working to bring other people onto the project, and to find a home for it (such as premium cable or streaming). I’m not super involved—it’s their art form, not mine! As far as I know, the best way to get your book into the hands of a Hollywood production company is to work with a film agent. I inherited my film agent because she’s part of the same company as my literary agent, but if you work with a literary agent at, say, a boutique firm, they can still hook you up with an external film agent.  

What advice do you have for aspiring female writers?

Just write! It sounds simple, but it’s the step we so often get stuck on. Let the first draft be terrible. Don’t psych yourself out or worry about whether your book will fit into the shifting marketplace years down the line. As the old adage says: You can’t edit a blank page. Go ahead and write, and then you can start the long process of revising, perfecting, and finding your path to publication.

The Herd

A novel by Andrea Bartz

$27

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About Andrea Bartz: Andrea Bartz is a Brooklyn-based journalist and author of “The Herd,” which Publishers Weekly called “a smart, twisty thriller.” Her debut, “The Lost Night,” is being developed for TV by Mila Kunis. It was named a best book of the year by Real Simple, Glamour, Marie Claire, Library Journal, Crime Reads, Popsugar, She Reads, and other publications. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Martha Stewart Living, Elle, and many other outlets, and she's held editorial positions at Glamour, Psychology Today, and Self, among other titles.

About “The Herd,” out March 24: When an exclusive New York women’s workspace is rocked by the mysterious disappearance of its enigmatic founder, two sisters must uncover the haunting truth before they lose their friendships, their careers—maybe even their lives. 

Lede image photo credit: Kate Lord courtesy of Andrea Bartz

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5 Strategies to Get & Stay Out of Debt

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The coronavirus pandemic is causing nearly 9 in 10 Americans to feel anxious about money, according to a new survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education. 54% of people polled cite not having enough money saved as being the number one stressor—but if you’re in a position where you’re able to put some money toward paying off your debts, you 1000% should.

Debt is a four-letter word—and, unfortunately, for many millennials, it’s a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With careful, actionable planning, consumer debt can be a thing of the past. In a recent conversation with Sallie Krawcheck, the co-founder and CEO of Ellevest stressed the importance of paying off debt. “Get your credit card debt paid off because it’s leeching out wealth from you,” she cautioned us.

So, with that in mind, we’re sharing five ways to get (and stay!) out of debt, ahead.

Create a budget.

Chances are, not having a budget is what got you in debt in the first place. So this is a great place to start! Use a budget software like Mint or You Need a Budget, or put together a good old-fashioned spreadsheet! List all of your income, then break down each of your expenses into monthly, quarterly, and irregular categories. Aim to allocate 50% to necessities like rent and utilities, 30% to savings and debt repayment, and 20% to discretionary spending like groceries and restaurants. (Hint: the last category is where you should be cutting if you’re in debt!).

Reconsider that auto loan.

Multi-year car loans are a thing of the past. Instead of buying or leasing a car, consider Fair. They let you drive a car for as long as you want for an all-in monthly payment and cancel at any time, with no long-term commitment. Limited warranty, roadside assistance, and routine maintenance are included in the monthly fee, and you can do the whole process from your phone. Buh-bye, auto loan!

Start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming of.

Need some extra cash? Now’s the time to burn that midnight oil on your side gig. Or, if the startup costs are too high, there’s no shame in a part-time gig game. Your goal here is to get out of debt as fast as possible, so put in the work after-hours however makes sense for you!

Make your credit debt work for you.

Let’s talk dirty: Credit card debt is not ideal. But for many of us, it’s a reality. First things first: Call your card company and ask for lower rates on your cards while you pay them off. It doesn’t hurt to ask! If you’re not able to get a low enough interest rate, look into a balance transfer to a zero-interest card and make a “get out of debt” plan that allows you to pay off your card by the time the no-interest promotion ends.

Apply the debt ladder strategy.

If you’re in debt on more than one account, start by paying off the balance on the highest-interest rate account while paying the minimums on your other accounts. When that account is paid off, move on to the next-highest interest rate, and so forth. This method, while at odds with the debt snowball method of debt repayment, allows you to get out of debt while paying the least interest possible. Repeat it until all of your debts are paid off, and then…

Stick to your budget! The only way to stay out of debt is to plan to stay out of debt. So ditch that auto loan, call those credit card companies, and keep yourself in check. Happy planning!

This post was published on May 27, 2019, and has since been updated.

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How Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Can Pivot to Sell on Social Media During COVID-19

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Just because your physical doors are closed doesn’t mean your virtual ones aren’t open.

Instead of sitting back, kicking your feet up while binge-watching Netflix, consider making some changes in your business right now. The best part? If you go online now, you’ll be ahead of the game for the future and set your business up for success as we further enter the digital world.

Ready to get online? Here are the five things every brick-and-mortar business could be doing right now—and no, you don’t need to discount every product just to make ends meet!

1. Make It Personal

First, make sure your marketing materials include creative, thoughtful, and personalized touches. Uncertain times call for personal connection, right? So be sure to include something that will stand out to your customer.

Here’s an example: My fiance and I ordered takeout from a local Greek restaurant. When they came to the car with our food, they gave us a squirt of hand sanitizer so we could eat some fries on the way home. Who doesn’t want to dig in while they’re still warm and not have to worry about getting sick?! 

2. Go Virtual

Second, the one that should be a bit more obvious, go online! Everyone’s showing up virtually, so you should be, too. This is the time to get hooked on Zoom, Instagram, and Facebook Live. If you’re offering a service, now’s the time to get creative and provide virtual support. If you’re offering a product, start showing, selling, and shipping using live video.

If your events keep getting pushed back, instead of canceling, switch them to online events. Own a clothing boutique? Perfect. Host a “live” fashion show. Or maybe you sell stationery, crafts, or flowers—why not sell your items live, but make it even more interesting with a three-day challenge where everyone crafts at home with you? Get your community involved not only to try to drive sales but also to give something back to your community! 

3. Discounts, Anyone?

Third, discounts. I know I said don’t discount every product in your inventory, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do any discounts at all. This is a time when many people aren’t making money, so they’re typically not wanting to spend money. What better way to convince them than special (and strategic) offers?

You can do this in a way where you’re selling more but not seeing a dip in profit—meaning, don’t discount just for the sake of offering discounts. Instead, you can bundle items, make a major flash sale with “almost out-of-season” pieces, or offer to match a credit. If someone pays you $30, match them 50% of their payment in credit towards future purchases. Just don’t forget to set a maximum.

If you want to make it even more appealing, you can switch things up and offer a give-back program. Donate a portion of all proceeds, match purchase prices, or accept donations. And remember, if you’re passionate about something, the better it will do. I donated $100 from every course sale in March 2020 to a woman in need, totaling over $6,000 in donations.

4. Time to Advertise

Fourth, surprise, surprise! Many don’t know this, but online advertising costs are cut in half right now. Two words: take advantage. If you don’t have an online offer that you can get creative with right off the bat, consider just running ads for your quality content and focus on building your email list for when this is over.

5. Cut Through the Noise

Last but not least, cut through the noise. Offer an element of fun to help get people through these difficult times.

Try doing a social media scavenger hunt and ask your followers to find a post where you talked about XYZ, or encourage them to watch today’s story and answer a riddle. Facilitate a little “playtime,” your audience will appreciate it. 

The best thing you can do during this time is to be human. One thing we truly need to survive is connection, and that’s what’s missing for many right now. So get online, offer weekly video segments around trends and pop culture, make quizzes, introduce your staff in fun ways, and be a beam of positivity. Remember, there’s always an opportunity to help those in need. 

About the Author: Shannon Lutz is the owner of The Social Bungalow, and the go-to marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs devoted to making a purpose-driven impact while earning a wildest-dreams-status income. The Social Bungalow is a clever, creative, and collaborative online education space dedicated to helping women market their expertise and structure their businesses for big-picture profit. She said “peace out” to a 10-year corporate marketing career where she assisted in building multi-million-dollar businesses and marketing A-list celebrities (*cough* ARod & JLo *cough*). Now, she uses this marketing-prowess to turn solopreneurs into 6- and 7-figure CEOs.

Ask an Expert: How to Handle Your Money in This Crisis, According to a Wealth Advisor

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

“The best way to ease our fears and anxiety about money is to get involved. Ask questions. Know what you’re dealing with.”

—Roxana Maddahi, Wealth Advisor at Steel Peak Wealth Management

With money anxiety at an all-time high in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, one thing is certain (despite the volatile state of the markets): We need to close the financial literacy gap for women. According to the 2019 Women, Money, and Power Study, commissioned by Allianz Life Insurance Company, 57% of women wish they were more confident in their financial decision making.

Enter Roxana Maddahi, a wealth advisor at Steel Peak Wealth Management who’s passionate about helping women take the lead in financial planning and helping us realize that it’s not as intimidating as it may seem. In this installment of our Instagram Live Ask an Expert series, we tapped Maddahi to weigh in on how we should be handling our money during COVID-19.

Scroll on for some highlights from the conversation and be sure to follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram to tune into the next one.

Q: I’m currently experiencing a lot of anxiety around money during COVID 19. What can I do to ease my concerns?

A: It’s normal to have anxiety around money right now—26 million people have lost their jobs, most businesses have slowed down, and we have no idea when this will all end.

My advice is: Get involved with your money. Get online access to your bank accounts, your retirement funds, your student loan providers—and talk to the people that help handle your money.

Call your CPA and tell them that you want to be involved and a part of the conversation. Call your financial advisor and let them know what you need, what your goals are, and what your desires are. Don’t be scared, don’t be nervous. There’s no harm in being aggressive and making sure that you’re part of the conversation.

The best way to ease our fears and anxiety about money is to get involved. Ask questions. Know what you’re dealing with.

Q: I’m not invested, where do I start? Is now a good time to be making investments anyway?

A: I do think it is the right time to invest if you’re not invested already. If you want to invest in the stock market, you want to have a timeline of at least five years because markets tend to go up and down and you want to allow for time if there is a pullback (like we’ve seen recently, for example.)

The great thing about investing that’s happened in recent years is that there are very few barriers to getting invested in quality investments. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) allow you to invest in a theme of stocks, making it easy to diversify your overall portfolio. I personally invest my own assets in ETFs because they tend to be less volatile.

Q: What about other future planning like retirement and education savings?

A: It’s a great time to explore what your options are if you’re looking ahead to retirement or starting to save for your kid’s education.

For saving for retirement, make sure you’re looking at a qualified retirement plan—a 401k, IRA, a SepIRA. The benefit is that they allow you to put money away before tax, so it’s subtracted from your taxable income. The money that you can put in it now, the more that it will grow and that can be very powerful.

For saving for a kid’s education, I like the 529 plans. They’re easy and accessible and allow you to grow your money without paying taxes on it. You’re able to invest your money, let it grow, and then not pay capital gains tax on it.

The caveat with the 529 plans are that they can only be used for education—for college tuition, books, room and board, and now even private school. If you use them for anything else (say, your kid decides not to go to college), then you have to pay a 10% penalty plus tax if you don’t use this money for education.

Q: Where is the most important area for small business owners to focus their financial energy right now and why?

A: Continue to invest in your employees. If you haven’t already, I would take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to continue to pay your employees.

Everyone who owns a small business knows how difficult it is to hire people, to train people, and to have a group of people that works well together. If you can’t afford to pay your employees full salaries, think about what you can do to keep them onboard until we see that rebound.

You want to be able to crush it after this is all over, so I highly recommend investing as much as you can in your employees and doing all you can to keep them motivated and going during this process.

About the Expert: Roxana Maddahi is a wealth advisor at Steel Peak Wealth Management. She helps millennials plan their financial lives and invest for their futures. She’s on a mission to help women take the lead in financial planning and realize that it’s not as intimidating as it seems.

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!

Hey, Tech Savvy Self-Starters! Here's What to Expect at Our Money Moves Digital Summit

Photo: Angelica Marie Photography

One word we've heard a lot over the last few weeks is PIVOT! The world has changed, the way we do business has changed, and now, more than ever, we need to come together as a community. We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate brainstorming ways we can show up and support you during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. 

And while the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to host Money Moves Summit, our first-ever digital conference to help small business owners build, grow, and pivot in the new normal. We always bring our A-game but our lineup is stacked—Chelsea Handler is taking the virtual stage to buoy our spirits and get real about her career highs and lows, staying positive in a pandemic, and why humor is the best coping mechanism. You don’t want to miss this one! 

Read on to discover everything we have in store for this jam-packed day and get your ticket ASAP!

THE DATE

Saturday, May 2nd, 2020

TUNE IN FROM HOME

First things first! On the morning of the summit, Saturday, May 2nd, an email with your link and password to access the exclusive Money Moves Summit site will be waiting in your inbox. 

Money Moves Summit is made up of pre-recorded video sessions and live video sessions that will be hosted via Zoom. We recommend that you have a strong WiFi connection and find a comfortable place to tune in from home. Money Moves is optimized for desktop, so it is best viewed via a computer or laptop, rather than a tablet or phone.

While the live content is specifically designed to be watched in real-time, you’ll be able to access and view it for 72 hours after the event (Insiders, you have all-access even after the 72-hour cutoff!).

C&C INSIDERS’ PERKS

Our Insiders get a ton of perks at all our events—and our Money Moves Summit is no exception. As an Insider, you get free admission to our Money Moves Summit and you’ll have access to all of the panels and keynotes after the 72-hour cutoff via your C&C Insiders dashboard. 

Not an insider yet? Well, don’t miss out—you can sign up here. 

THINGS TO PREP AHEAD OF TIME

Here are a few things to prep before the big day so it goes off without a hitch:

• Install Zoom on your desktop computer or laptop and test it out

  • Zoom tips:

    • Find a quiet place to tune in. Try to situate yourself in a small room that does not have an echo. 

      • Try and stay away from noisy electronics and silence your cell phone and computer notifications

    • When possible, limit your internet connection to solely the device you’re using for the Zoom conference.

      • Set your phone to airplane mode, pause your television connection, ask others in your home to pause anything that may require a strong internet connection, etc. 

• Make sure you have a strong WiFi connection.

• Download the workshop downloads so you can follow along with the expert. Your exclusive workshop downloads will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download them ahead of the workshops so you can follow along in real-time.

• Grab a notebook and a pen—and keep your headphones handy just in case your roommate has other plans for the day!

• Jot down any questions you have for the live workshops and mentor sessions.

• Set aside your athletic gear and your mat (or towel) and fill up your water bottle for our morning moves session with Melissa Wood Health. (No equipment needed!)

• Gather the ingredients for the happy hour cocktail workshop. (Recipe in the section below!)

THE SCHEDULE

Money Moves Summit is built just like our in-person conferences, which, of course, you all know and love. We have a stacked schedule with an A-list line-up of speakers, so we suggest taking notes along the way. 

Want the full lineup? Check out the play-by-play schedule to map out your big day. It’s going to be HUGE so we recommend getting a head start on planning out your day now. 

Morning Welcome with Jaclyn Johnson, CEO and founder of Create & Cultivate 

8:50 AM - 9:00 AM PDT

Get Up & Go: A light workout to get your morning moving

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT 

*Watch whenever*

Expert:

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg | Founder, Melissa Wood Health

Morning Moves: Intention setting for the day ahead

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT 

**Watch LIVE**

Expert: 

Koya Webb | Celebrity Holistic Health Coach and Author of “Let Your Dreams Make You Fierce”

Morning Keynote Conversation

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PDT 

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Payal Kadakia | Founder & Executive Chairman, ClassPass

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder of Create & Cultivate

Financial Workshop Powered by SoFi

Get Your Money Right™: Financial Strategies That Aim to Help Your Business Thrive

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT 

*Watch whenever*

Expert:

Lauren Anastasio | Financial Planner, SoFi 

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Mid Morning Keynote Conversation

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM PDT 

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Shay Mitchell | Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Béis 

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate

Roundtable Conversation

The state of content creation in COVID-19: How brands and creators are pivoting in this new era of marketing

10:50 AM - 11:35 AM  PDT 

*Watch whenever*

Panelists:

Marianna Hewitt | Co-Founder, Summer Fridays

Lauren Bosworth | Founder & CEO, Love Wellness

Courtney Quinn | Content Creator, Color Me Courtney

Marie Forleo | CEO & #1 NYTimes Bestselling Author, Everything is Figureoutable

Moderator: 

Reesa Lake | Partner and Executive Vice President, DBA

Roundtable Conversation Powered by Mastercard

Small Business Brainstorm: A meeting of the minds to chat through the state of being a biz owner

10:50 AM - 11:35 AM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelists:

Sonja Rasula | Founder, Unique Markets

Sarah Larson Levey | Founder and CEO, Y7 Studio 

Tonya Rapley | Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author   

Paige Midland | Owner and Buyer, Midland

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard

Moderator:

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Fireside Chat Sponsored by Dell Technologies

Post COVID-19: How do we lay down the foundation for success moving forward

11:35 AM - 12:05 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Cyndi Ramirez | Founder & CEO, Chillhouse

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder of Create & Cultivate 

 Workshop

Organization tips for WFH while in quarantine to stay productive and focused

11:45 AM -12:15 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Experts:

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin | Founders, The Home Edit

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Fireside Chat Powered by Bümo

Mama to Mama: Surviving and thriving during the stay-at-home order

12:05 PM - 12:30 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Chriselle Lim | Influencer & Entrepreneur, Bümo

Moderator:

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Mentor Session

Live mentor sessions with experts who will be answering your questions in real-time via Zoom webinars

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PDT

**Watch LIVE**

Mentors:

Arian Simone | Founder & CEO, Fearless

Maxie McCoy | Author, "You're Not Lost"

Jaime Schmidt | Founder of Schmidt’s Naturals and author of “Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms”

Carolyn Rodz | CEO and Founder, Alice

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard

Katia Beauchamp | Co-Founder, Birchbox

Kristin O’Keeffe Merrick | Financial Advisor at O'Keeffe Financial Partners LLC

Wellness Session

Vision boarding and goal-setting for post-quarantine

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Expert: Camille Styles | Founder and Editor-in-Chief, CamilleStyles.com

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Pitch Competition

Three finalists pitch to win $10,000 for their small business. Each finalist gets 6 minutes to pitch and 4 minutes to answer questions from the judges—ready, set, go!

1:35 PM - 2:05 PM

**Watch LIVE**

The Finalists:

To be announced!

The Judges:

Maxie McCoy | Author, "You're Not Lost"

Jaime Schmidt | Founder of Schmidt’s Naturals and author of “Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms”

Alli Webb | Founder, Drybar

Arian Simone | Founder & CEO, Fearless

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard

Financial Workshop Powered by Ally

Plan It Forward. Prepare For Your Best Financial Future.

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM PDT

**Watch LIVE**

Experts:

Lindsey Bell | Chief Investment Strategist, Ally Invest

Emily Shallal | Sr. Director for Consumer Strategy and Innovation, Ally Bank

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Roundtable Conversation

A conversation on how brands should be spending their marketing dollars during this time

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelists:

Tera Peterson | Esthetician & Co-Founder of NuFACE

Mari Mazzucco | Influencer Marketing & PR, OLLY

Steph So | VP of Digital Experience, Shake Shack

Nancy Twine | Founder & CEO, Briogeo

Cheryl Guerin | EVP, North America Marketing and Communications, MasterCard

Moderator:

Sherry Jhawar | Co-Founder and President, Blended Strategy Group

Workshop

From 0 to 100k: How to grow your following on a platform quickly and with authenticity

3:25 PM - 3:55 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Expert: 

Natalie Ellis | CEO & Co-Founder of BossBabe

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Afternoon Keynote

On pivoting and remaining positive as a business owner

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Bobby Berk | Interior designer and star of Netflix’s “Queer Eye”

Moderator:

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Digital Deep Dive

A conversation on the 5 things you need to know when transitioning your business to digital with Jenna Kutcher

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelist:

Jenna Kutcher | Podcaster and Virtual Business Coach

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder of Create & Cultivate 

Wellness Session

Staying sane in small spaces and the hacks you need to thrive

4:05 PM - 4:35 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Expert:

Whitney Leigh Morris | Creator, Tiny Canal Cottage

Your exclusive workshop download will be available on Saturday, May 2. Be sure to download it ahead of the workshop so you can follow along in real-time.

Roundtable Conversation

The Three Rs: How to respond, recover, and reset to emerge stronger through the COVID-19 crisis

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelists:

Rachel Tipograph | Founder and CEO of  MikMak

Sarah Kunst | Managing Director, Cleo CapitalJeni Britton Bauer | Founder and Creative Director of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Denyelle Bruno | President and CEO of Tender Greens

Babba Rivera | Founder of ByBabba 

Moderator:

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Roundtable Conversation

How the C-suite is coping with COVID-19 and what their strategy is for moving forward

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Panelists:

Ariel Kaye | Founder & CEO, Parachute

Alli Webb | Founder, Drybar

Morgan DeBaun | Founder & CEO, Blavity

Rebecca Minkoff | Founder, Rebecca Minkoff & The Female Founder Collective

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder of Create & Cultivate 

Evening Keynote

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM PDT

**Watch LIVE**

Panelist:

Chelsea Handler | Comedian, Bestselling Author, & Activist

Moderator: 

Allison Statter | Co-Founder & CEO, Blended Strategy Group

Cocktail Workshop

Time to celebrate your successes! Join us for a cocktail workshop with one of your favorite influencers.

5:30 PM - 5:40 PM PDT

*Watch whenever*

Experts:

Adrianna Adarme | Founder, A Cozy Kitchen

Cassie Winslow | Founder, Deco Tartelette

Recipe: Pink Grapefruit and Chamomile Palomas from Floral Libations by Cassie Winslow

Makes 1 Cocktail

Ingredients:

½ tsp Rose Salt (recipe below) or coarse salt

1 lime or grapefruit wedge

Ice Cubes

¼ cup [60 ml] fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice

2 Tbsp Chamomile Simple Syrup (recipe below)

¼ cup [60 ml] tequila

Splash of soda water

½ tsp freshly grated orange zest

Fresh organic chamomile flowers for garnish (optional)

1 grapefruit slice for garnish (optional)

Rose Salt

Makes approximately ¾ cup [5 g]

Ingredients:

¼ cup [5 g] dried rose petals

½ cup [100 g] fine sea salt

Directions:

In a food processor or spice grinder, grind the rose petals for about 10 seconds until the rose petals resemble small flakes. Be sure not to grind them into a powder.

In a small bowl, stir together the salt and rose petals. For optimal flavor, wait about 1 week before use. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 year.

Chamomile Simple Syrup

Makes approximately 1 cup [240 ml]

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers (or 1 bag chamomile tea)

1 cup [200 g] cane sugar

½ cup [120 ml] filtered water

Directions:

In a saucepan, stir together chamomile flowers or 1 tea bag, sugar, and water, and cook over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened into a syrup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Recipe: Frozen Strawberry Margaritas from A Cozy Kitchen by Adrianna Adarme

Serves 2  

Ingredients:

1/4 cup water 

1/4 cup granulated sugar  

Kosher salt, for rim 

6-8 ounces tequila blanco 

2 ounces triple sec  

2 ounces lime juice  

2 cups frozen strawberries 

1 cup ice  

Directions:

In a small saucepan, set over medium heat, add the water and sugar. Mix and warm until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool, about 5 minutes. 

Add about 2 to 3 tablespoons kosher salt to a shallow plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of both of your glasses. And then dip them in the salt and set aside. 

In a blender, add the simple syrup, tequila blanco, triple sec, lime juice, frozen strawberries and ice. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Divide amongst the two glasses and serve. 

Recipe Notes: 

Tequila: Use 6 ounces of tequila if you’re a lightweight and don’t love the flavor of tequila. If you’re a tequila lover, use 8 ounces in this recipe. 

Strawberries: You can use fresh strawberries if you like. Freeze them on a baking sheet for at least 2 hours. And then you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag/container until you’re ready to use them. 

Music Session

10-minute Q&A followed by an exclusive three-song live performance!

5:40 PM - 6:10 PM

**Watch LIVE**

Artist:

Lennon Stella | Singer & Actress

Thank You & Pitch Contest Winner Announcement

6:20 PM - 6:30 PM PDT

GET SOCIAL

Stay tuned for exciting announcements and updates by following along on our social at @createcultivate. Tag @createcultivate and use the hashtag #CCMoneyMovesSummit for the chance to be featured in our Instagram Stories throughout the day!

Networking is a huge part of our event and our Create & Cultivate Money Moves Summit Attendees Slack Workspace is a great place to mix and mingle with your fellow Create & Cultivators before, during, and after the big day. We’ve created channels for every workshop and panel, as well as channels for international attendees, networking, and more!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES?

Live chat with a C&C specialist on CreateCultivate.com. You’ll see a “Chat With Us” pop-up in the bottom right corner of your screen.

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU ONLINE! Who are you most excited to hear speak? Share in the comments below!

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Set Aside 30 Minutes This Week to Do *This* and Keep Your Small Biz On Track

Photo: Christina Morillo for Pexels

Most people we know move gradually make the move from side-hustle to full-time gig. It’s a great plan to be sure that you’re able to support yourself financially while you’re laying the groundwork for your new business, but it can often lead to a bit of a messy overlap between your personal and business funds. (Trust us, we’ve been there.)

You may keep pushing off getting organized until the proverbial “tomorrow” and let the task of figuring it out fall to the bottom of your to-do list. You end up losing money because of missing receipts and not planning for tax deadlines. Follow the four steps below to make getting organized easier, painless, and maybe even a little fun, all in just 30 minutes.

Step 1: Open a separate bank account for your business ASAP

Is this something that you legally need to do for your business? Maybe. Is this something that you financially need to do for your business? Absolutely.

Even if you’re starting out as a sole proprietor, which is the default structure for anyone who earns income from self-employment, you should set up a separate bank account. Why? Because even if that’s the only thing that you do to get your money organized, you’ll be miles ahead of everyone else in the organization game. You won’t need to sift through a bunch of personal transactions to find business deductions and you won’t lose precious time looking through all of those same personal transactions to see if your client has paid you.

Don’t overcomplicate your business or waste any more time looking at a hodgepodge of transactions, hoping that you’re not missing something. Take 15 minutes to set up a separate account and you’ll be one big step closer to organized money management (congratulations!).

Step 2: Create a list of deductions you can take

There are so many deductions you can take, but it's hard to catch everything. Create a list of things you can deduct to ensure you're not missing anything. Tape the list to a folder and store your receipts in there until you can get them entered into whatever bookkeeping system you use.

Everyone will have different expenses, but a good list to get started with is:

• Web hosting

• Vehicle mileage

• Work travel

• Courses, seminars, licensing, and business-related books

• Shipping and packaging

• Office supplies and equipment

• Health insurance premiums

Step 3: Know what tax forms you need to file, and when

The first few months of starting a business will fly by and you’ll be left scrambling the night before filing deadlines if you don’t pay attention to some key forms and dates.

To get this started here is some basic information for sole proprietors:

Who has to file? Generally, anyone who has net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more needs to report this income at the end of the year. And anyone who is expected to owe more than $1,000 in taxes at the end of the year needs to make quarterly estimated income tax payments.

What form do I file? Most people start their business as a sole proprietor, and the forms that you need to file at the end of the year are Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (profit and loss from business) and Schedule SE (self-employment tax).

When do I file quarterly estimated tax payments? Keep track of estimated payment deadlines or you’ll face a penalty come tax time. Deadlines for taxes on income received each quarter are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 (of the following year).

Step 4: Set a weekly money date

This won’t be your most fun date, but it’ll probably your most profitable. Set a time to check in every week and make sure that your money is on track. If you do this weekly, it’ll become so easy and quick. Once you have this done, you've earned a glass of wine and a great stress-free weekend.  Some things to do weekly are:

• Send any invoices that are due

• Look at who hasn’t paid and send reminders (+ cash any checks!)

• Pay any outstanding bills

• Pay yourself weekly salary/stipend

Bonus step: Set up a bookkeeping system

Look at you, you overachiever. You’ve got this organization thing down and you want a bonus step? You can feel even more legit and in control of your money by setting up an easy bookkeeping system. This doesn’t have to take a long time and it doesn’t need to cost a lot. There is a range of easy to use programs out there (some are even free!) that are better than that excel sheet you’re using. 

Remember—better to get organized now than to create problems for yourself and your business in the future.

This post was originally published on February 7, 2018, and has since been updated.

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5 Strategies for Working From Home With Children From a Successful Entrepreneur

Photo: Courtesy of Karrie Brady

With working-from-home becoming a new norm around the world, many parents have had to transition to a whole new work-life balance.

Between daycares, nannies, and sitters now being unavailable, to schools transitioning to online classes, while others are canceling classes altogether—parents are left to navigate a whole new work-from-home balance with their children. With a lot more on everyone’s plate at home, this can cause a great deal of stress for your work and your little ones.

With the risk of increased burnout and stress navigating this new normal, I’m here to share a few of my favorite tips from my own experience as an entrepreneur and mom so you can come out on the other end, stronger than ever before. 

Here are five tips for creating the space and strategy you need to build a successful work-life balance right now.

1. Make a Plan

Schedule and batch your work around your child’s napping and sleeping schedule. This will be a savior for when unexpected deadlines come up or for when you need dedicated time set aside to get some of your core projects done.

Batching your work also creates a healthy balance for the time dedicated to work and the time devoted to your family. For example, I try to avoid conference calls in the morning when my daughter is having breakfast. That way, I can stay present and be with her before I start my workday.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of getting up before your kids to start the day with some peaceful, uninterrupted work! Sometimes you just need some quiet time to get stuff done.

“

It’s okay to have help, you don’t have to do it alone, I promise.

”

—Karrie Brady

2. Create a Dedicated Work Space

It can be tough working from home while your children are also home all day. That’s why it’s so essential to have a dedicated room, office, or even a simple space for your work. This helps to remove distractions when you do have team or client calls, webinars, etc., and this can help create healthy boundaries with your little ones in terms of where they can “play,” and where you work.

3. Hire Help in Your Business

Hire help. Yesterday. Whether that’s a virtual assistant, copywriter, or operations lead, hire someone who can help you streamline your processes and give you back the time you need to spend on your business. Outsourcing is a very under-utilized tool by most people, but moms especially. It’s okay to have help, you don’t have to do it alone, I promise.

4. Create Non-Negotiable Boundaries

For a lot of companies that are navigating this work-from-home dynamic for the first time with their employees, lines can become blurry in terms of how “available” you’re expected to be and when you can and should “leave” work. This is when it’s crucial to create non-negotiable boundaries for yourself and your work. Try to create “working hours” around the time you want to have to yourself and quality time with your family. Not only will you and your family benefit from this consistent, quality time that you’re getting together, but your work will benefit, too.

“T

he best way to navigate this new norm is to welcome each day with grace. Not every day is going to be the same.

”

—Karrie Brady

5. Batch Your Work Schedule

Try to focus on relevant and specific tasks for a blocked period of time. I recommend batching creative projects on different days to stay in a creative energy and mindset. By batching your tasks, you’re able to stay in the same energy and mindset while accomplishing more because you’re not multitasking.

To balance the time I spend on my business and with my family, I have to make both schedules work together. So I organize conference calls around my daughter’s nap schedule, and once she goes to bed for the night, I continue my work until a set time to wrap up any loose ties before the end of the night. It’s not a typical 9-5 routine, but I get to devote time to successfully completing tasks in my business and spending quality time with my family.

To be honest, the best way to navigate this new norm is to welcome each day with grace. Not every day is going to be the same, but if you have a rough plan and routine in place, you’ll be in good shape to create a healthy balance between thriving in your business and your home life.

About the Author: Karrie Brady is a speaker, educator, and sales expert specializing in sales and marketing. She’s worked with over 500 entrepreneurs, helping them leave their 9-5s, build their savings to six-figures, and cumulatively make over $2,000,000 online. Karrie’s passion is helping entrepreneurs combine soul-level connection and radical profit. Raising babies and building businesses, this mama has sold millions in the online space and is ready to help you do the same.

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Drowning in Emails? Here's How 5 Bosses Handle Their Inboxes

Photo: Andrew Neel for Pexels

The inbox is an equal opportunity offender. Emails have no respect for office hours or lunchtime. They wild out at all hours and it's on us to manage them. But how? We asked five women—those who run their own companies and those who freelance—all about their unique inbox management tips. 

Here’s the bad and the good of it: The inbox inbounds will never stop as long as you're making moves. To help you lower your cortisol levels and avoid overwhelm, here's a breakdown of how five bosses HANDLE their inboxes and whittle that number down to zero. (Yes, it’s possible to get to inbox zero!)

TINA WELLS, FOUNDER & CEO BUZZ MARKETING GROUP

Staying on top of and managing emails is a top priority for me. I average about 500 each day. I answer whatever I can immediately. I also have an amazing team at BuzzMG, and I'm fortunate to have an internal shorthand with them, so even just forwarding a note with a meeting request and not having to specify "please set up a coffee meeting with xx" saves so much time.

My team doesn't really use email to communicate. We use Slack and store important files in Dropbox, so it's really easy to do our work and send messages without email.

I swear by Scott Belsky's book "Making Ideas Happen" and make sure I clear out all back burner emails by the last day of the month. I file important notes from clients in specific folders. I also have years worth of sent emails. You never know when you need to find important info!

IVKA ADAM, FOUNDER & CEO ICONERY 

Some of the best advice I ever got had to do with email strategy: When you need someone to get back to you on multiple topics, make each one a separate email with clearly defined and themed email subject lines.  Why?  Because some of the topics may be shorter and easier to respond to than others and you’re not waiting on the person at the other end to gather responses to all topics at once. 

This has helped tremendously to both facilitate efficiency and keep my inbox to a minimum.

JASMINE STAR, BRAND & MARKETING GURU

My business is built on personal connections.  My entire focus is on making sure people feel seen, heard, and known.  As a result, I have set strict hours of operation and engagement.  Yes, that means, I allocate 70 minutes every morning to respond to all email. Other than that time, I don't respond to email until the next day.  Similarly, I set certain times to blog and engage on social media.  I do my best to interact with people who are interacting with me.

KARIN ELDOR, FREELANCE WRITER & CONTENT CREATOR

"Touch it once." This one changed my life. It's exactly that: when you open an email and read it, don't let it sit idly in your inbox. If it will take you less than 5 minutes to reply, then do it on the spot and file it away. Don't start reading the same email more than once, it's a huge time suck. Of course, there are emails that deserve more thought or even a more in-depth reply. In this case, reply right away to confirm receipt, and let the sender know they can expect a response "by EOD," or whatever timeline makes sense.

Then sit down and draft your reply, during your dedicated email time. The point is, because we get in the habit of checking our email on-the-go, while waiting for our favorite Netflix show to cue up, and basically all the time, we end up reading the same email more than once and not doing anything about it. By the way, "touch it once" is a great productivity tip to apply to all tasks, especially for the perfectionists out there! If it will take you 2 minutes, just get it done and move on.

No cherry-picking: When you scan your inbox, don't be selective with what you read and reply to. First, do a quick scan for urgencies. Then open and reply to your emails in sequence, rather than "cherry-picking" the ones you deal with ASAP. This one's a bit tougher to stick to, but you'll see that managing your inbox during scheduled blocks of time throughout the day and blasting through your inbox, is much more productive than dealing with rando emails, all day.

BELMA McCAFFREY, WRITER & CREATOR OF WORK BIGGER 

Unroll.me is an app that lets me quickly unsubscribe from emails that are no longer relevant, and it allows me to roll up some of my emails so I can review them all at once versus reading them throughout the day.

I also just started using Boomerang for Gmail. I can schedule reminders to read certain messages later versus leaving them as unread in my inbox. This eases my stress level because I don't have "unread" messages staring at me reminding me of tasks I need to complete.

Although difficult, I also like to schedule when I check my email throughout the day. I aim for once in the morning, once around lunchtime, and once in the evening. This is less about controlling my inbox and more about controlling how I respond to the inbox. It makes me feel more in control and organized, with 100+ emails a day and all.

This post was originally published on May 14, 2018, and has since been updated.

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Pro Tip: The Free Tools I Use Every Day as a Freelancer

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Freelance isn’t free, but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate a free resource as much as the next person—especially when you consider that, when you’re a freelancer, you become financially responsible for all of your business expenses. We’re talking about your tech (your hardware and your software), your office space, your health insurance, your advertising and marketing—everything.

Ahead, Audrey Adair, a seasoned freelance communications professional and founder of The Scope, breaks down the free resources that she continues to use on a daily basis. From a free email service that’s so much more than just email to a stock image database that offers high-quality photography without a premium price tag, scroll on for free resources that’ll help you get the job done.

Gmail

Where would I be without Gmail?

More than just email, Gmail also provides access to 15 GB of cloud data storage, a calendar, a suite of office resources like Google Docs and Sheets, and the ability to converse with friends and colleagues through Hangouts.

My favorite tools are Google Docs and Sheets because they save updates in real-time and I don’t have to worry about whether or not I packed my drive with me when I travel because it’s all saved on the cloud. It’s also great for collaborating with others and allows you the capability to work on a single document in real-time through the internet.

Upgrade Options: $6 / $12 / $25 per month payment options give you access to even more storage space and the option to have a personalized email address.

Canva

I don’t know about you, but I could just never figure out Adobe Photoshop. I tried and tried, but never used it enough to remember all that goes into it. I’m also much better at creating with words than I’ve ever been at art.

Enter: Canva.

Canva is a free online graphic creating platform that provides you with access to thousands of templates and design ideas for anything you could possibly think of.

I’ve used it for YouTube thumbnails, Instagram posts and IGTV cover photos.

There are some features that are pay per use, meaning you can more than likely find a free option but if you want to use a specific art file you may need to pay for it. But most files I’ve seen are $1 to use so it’s still an incredibly affordable option and SO easy to use.

Upgrade Options: $12.95 per month per team member makes Canva a collaborative space for coworkers and unlocks access to artwork and customization features.

Planoly

I use Planoly to help plan and schedule my Instagram posts and absolutely love it.

It helps save so much time and hassle being able to save all of my IG content in a single place, write out the captions and schedule when content will go live.

I’ll spend an hour or so planning content in the app and then voila, it’s done and I can go about my business for the rest of the week. 

Upgrade Options: Planoly has several payment options starting as low as $7 per month that covers management of multiple accounts and the capability to upload unlimited photos to your planning grid.

Mailchimp

I didn’t understand the importance and value of a solid email list until I started The Scope and Mailchimp is an awesome tool for anyone looking to grow and manage their list.

Free up to your first 2,000 email subscribers, Mailchimp grants access to different email templates and analytics like open/click rates and demographics.

Upgrade Options: Mailchimp offers two different payment plans: Grow and Pro. The Grow plan starts at $9.99 per month and increases as your list and needs for the platform grow.

Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube.

These are the five primary social media platforms I use on a daily basis to help promote my businesses and stay connected with fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs and potential readers and the best part - using them is absolutely free.

While we have all felt the woes of algorithm and home feed changes on these platforms over the years, we have to remember that they’re all free and it’s up to us to either adapt with the changes or find our audiences elsewhere.

Burst

There are so many stock image databases out there but Burst is the one I return to time and time again.

I don’t always have visuals to back the content I like to cover on The Scope, and Burst is easy to navigate and usually has exactly what I’m looking for. It’s also great to pull from for new client proposals or social media posts.

I also like that they provide photographer information on photos so you can opt to see more of their personal work.

About the author: Audrey Adair is a seasoned freelance communications professional and founder of The Scope, a platform providing resources and community to freelancers and the self-employed. Connect with The Scope on Instagram and join their email list to receive your free resource, The Freelancer Starter Kit.

This post was originally published on May 7, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Ask an Expert: Jaclyn Johnson on Pivoting to Digital, Managing Cashflow, and Being Transparent During COVID-19

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting live discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Our very own Jaclyn Johnson, the founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate, went live on SoFi’s Instagram this morning to talk all things pivoting in the time of COVID-19. In conjunction with Create & Cultivate’s daily Ask an Expert series, she joined SoFi spokesperson and career expert Ashley Stahl to chat through everything quarantine has meant for her small businesses (aka Create & Cultivate) and her employees.

Jaclyn talks community, the upcoming digital Money Moves Summit, and ways you can set yourself up for success post-COVID. Whether you are a business owner, just got laid off, or have a business you want to launch, Jaclyn has guidance for you. Read on for all the highlights and some killer advice on how you can come out on the other side of quarantine as your best self (without learning how to bake bread).

On pivoting…

“I think we’ve officially adjusted to the new normal.”

“As an event focused company, we had to pivot quickly to the digital realm.”

On advice for business owners feeling unsure…

“Before doing anything drastic, give it a beat. We’re in the middle of a transitional period where we’ll know more in two or three months where the market is going, where the trends are going, and what will be happening.”

“Number one, take a look at your business: Are their ways to transition into a digital world? If there is, double down on that. Think about what’s working and put all your energy into that.”

“Think about how you can move quickly and nimbly in this environment to keep money coming in.”

On how to nurture community…

“When it comes to community, it’s challenging. You don’t want to come off as ‘buy, buy, buy,’ but the reality is we’re in an economic situation where we need to be supporting small business owners and we need to be a part of that conversation.” 

“It’s important to be authentic and to be vulnerable. Now is not the time to be like, ‘We’ve got it all figured out, we know exactly what’s going on.’ It’s about finding a way to be there for your community in a way that’s impactful and informative, but also realistic because everyone is going through it.”

On employee relations…

“It’s really important to be transparent about what’s going on and be over communicative and let them know that you’re figuring this out as well but keeping that line of communication open.”

“We have to shift the way we think, we have to shift the way we’re doing business. So really allow your team to bring ideas to the table.”

On navigating furloughs and layoffs…

“You don’t want a lot of voices in the room when it comes to decisions like this. It can be even harder to navigate these conversations.”

“This is, hopefully for a lot of people, a temporary situation. So, if you are on the other side of this, don’t take this personally as a ‘career fail’ this is a pandemic that we’re dealing with.”

“It’s about having your employees understand how the government can support them as well.”

“We’ll be coming back from this and businesses will want to hire because they will be incentivized to hire.”

On transitioning to online…

“What we’ve found is that people are spending so much time online and they want to better themselves.”

“People are trying to improve themselves through online content.”

“Everyone should be asking for help during this time.”

On keeping money in your business...

“One, look at your accounts receivables and see where you’re at with that—and look at what your late fees are if people are overdue to maximize that money that’s coming in. Two, think about, ‘Where am I spending each month and where can I reduce this cost?’ For us, there were things we used for events like Spotify and Rent The Runway that got nixed. We put everything on hold in that space. Three, cash flow is really important right now. Think about how you can make incremental dollars without spending on talent or consultants or whatever it may be.”

“One thing we’ve really doubled down on is Instagram ads because usually when you spend money on those you can make money. Think about how you can maximize your ad spend.”

“It’s about being really conservative with your cash flow right now.”

On the Money Moves Summit…

“The Summit is all about pivoting in the new normal. So, it’s about entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers, creatives, or someone who got furloughed or laid off. It’s really for anyone who is looking to thrive, not just survive, post COVID-19.”

“Our event is $29.99 and all the proceeds are going to a grant for a small business owner. That is something we wanted to do not only because of what’s happening in the world but we wanted to give back to our community in some way.”

On providing value while working from home…

“I think what is important is being proactive and bringing things to the table. If you feel like you’re not getting your message across, create a list of the things you’ve got done or that you think we should be doing. Be proactive about it.”

On reconnecting with your purpose…

“What has historically happened in times like this is innovation, which is an exciting good thing that we can look forward to.” 

“Use this time to think about what are people going to need coming out of this? Where is there space in the market? Where is there white space to take advantage of and that you can build something for? Also, what excites you and makes you happy?”

On making big changes…

“Think about what you want and then make a 6-month road map.”

“I don’t think now is the time to make rash moves. I think being strategic makes a lot of sense. But it’s important to look at things that aren’t working.”

On setting the foundation for a brand…

“I always say, ‘Think of your full-time job as your investor in your company.’ Look at your paycheck and see what you can put toward your next venture, and then understand what you need for a three-to-six-month runway for your business.”

“Start planting seeds, see what’s out there, see if there is interest.”

“Don’t launch a replica of what someone else is doing. Think through how you can put a spin on it or make it uniquely yours. Or look at what someone is offering and look at what is missing.” 

“You cannot go into anything thinking, ‘What if,’ you have to go in thinking, ‘What’s next.’”

On the best thing to do for your business right now…

“Take a deep dive into your customer. See what they like, what they’re reacting to. I think this is a great time to poll your audience. Learn about your audience and what they want.”

On partnership and sponsors…

“Sponsorship is tricky right now. The people I am reaching out to right now are people I have really good relationships with, people I have worked with a couple of times or known for years.”  

On generating creativity…

“Set up fun activities for yourself like a wine and paint night or gardening. It’s about taking time to enjoy little moments.”

“I think it’s important to manifest the future.”

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!

"Getting the Job I Wanted (and Felt I Deserved) Took Patience and Persistence" With Megan Dunn of Califia Farms

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them everyday superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

Have you ever had a professional mentor help advance your career or business? If you answered “no” to this question, then you’re not alone. You’re one of the 31% of women (compared to just 18% of men) who haven’t but it’s time to change those stats. And Megan Dunn, Senior Manager Commercialization at Califia Farms—an independently-owned plant-based food and beverage company—is on a mission to make it happen. After being recently promoted by her female mentor at Califia Farms, Dunn is paying it forward by uplifting her fellow female employee within the company to join her team. But elevating female voices started early for Dunn.

As one of six, her home was centered around the kitchen where Dunn’s mom worked around the clock to feed and nourish the family. It was at the kitchen breakfast bar where Megan finished her homework, called out Jeopardy answers, and, unknowingly, started her journey in community and in food.

So, when she set off to Georgetown University, Dunn was originally set on becoming a doctor but after two summer abroad programs in Argentina and Spain, she pivoted to study Spanish and Environmental Policy. While her work in food doesn’t align directly with her major, her Jesuit education gave her a valuable understanding of the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and a passion for learning from experience and applying new concepts and perspectives.

After a few years working in Government Affairs and Technology PR, Megan took time out to reflect on her true passions—cooking in the kitchen, traveling, and sharing meals with friends. Soon thereafter, Megan found her home at Califia Farms where she was able to quickly understand the business, grow personally and professionally, and bring her passions into her work.

And now, she is helping others realize their passion too. Read on to learn more about Dunn’s career path, the hurdles along the way, and her advice for other career go-getters to achieve success, too.

On the career steps she took to land her dream job… 

In moving to Los Angeles, I took the time to search out companies that aligned with my personal values and made products that I enjoyed using. While searching for my dream job, I worked part-time doing things that I loved—working at a bakery, selling sourdough and baked goods at the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market, getting my 200-hour yoga certification and teaching yoga at cross-fit and yoga studios.

Over nine months, I applied to several companies and to Califia Farms three times before I got an interview. I remember the hiring manager telling me that the starting role may not fulfill me, but I knew there was growth in the role, and I was confident I could be a value-add to Califia. In the first two years, I raised my hand at every opportunity and was vocal about my abilities so that when a position opened in the Product Launch Department, I was first in line.

I know it can be difficult to take a time out when forging your career path, to reflect on your goals, and make the decisions that set you up for personal success, but it was this time that got me to where I am today.

On what she studied at school…

I went to Georgetown University to study Biology of Global Health and Medicine, but in my third year, I pivoted to study Spanish and Government with a focus on Environmental Policy. My father is a doctor and growing up I would spend a lot of time in his office, hanging out in the doctor’s lounge at the hospital and traveling on medical missions to provide health care in under-served communities. I wanted to be a doctor, too.

While at Georgetown, I studied abroad in Argentina on a research program studying health care and vaccine development. I loved experiencing a new city, meeting new people, and, frankly, being out of my comfort zone. The next year, I went to Barcelona to study Spanish linguistics and history. It was these experiences that helped me understand that what I liked about medicine was the connection with people and the fulfillment of helping people. 

Switching my major was my first step in giving myself the time-out I needed to think about what I wanted and how I wanted my future to look.

“ In the first two years, I raised my hand at every opportunity and was vocal about my abilities so that when a position opened in the Product Launch Department, I was first in line.”

On the earlier jobs that helped to shape her path… 

Out of college, I worked at a yoga studio in Georgetown, Washington, DC (you may start to see a theme here!) The owner was a boss. She was tough, her classes were rigorous, and she held her employees and teachers to a higher standard. This type of behavior may seem out of place for a yoga studio but what she showed me was how to challenge myself on and off the mat. I met incredible people at this studio, and it was a woman who practiced that got me my first job at a government relations firm.

My first job was as a Legislative Manager at Monument Policy Group. The group specialized in advising on complex policy issues, offering strategic, bipartisan advice with an understanding of national and global trends and culture. Our clients were from all industries, including finance, technology, and aerospace. Ultimately, working in government affairs wasn’t for me but in working across these industries, I stretched my critical thinking skills and left with a better understanding of the complex relationship between business, government, and people. 

On the challenges she faced along the way…

In starting your career, there is real pressure around whether you’ve made the right choices, the expectations of where you should be by a certain age, and stress around how much money you should be making. Whether this is internal or external pressure, the challenges are real.

In the same vein that I like to travel and get outside my comfort zone, I learned that a challenge in your career can be greatly beneficial. You aren’t expected to be perfect. Talk to your manager when you’ve hit a roadblock and explore your options. Many companies are willing to invest in training programs to grow the skill sets of their employees, too. 

There have been moments when I’ve felt like my challenges are unique—I’m the only one who’s felt this way—but you can put money on someone you know experiencing something similar. So, I learned to ask for help. I talked to my friends, I sought advice from mental health professionals and, eventually, I found a strong mentor in the workplace.

On her role at Califia Farms…

As Senior Manager of Commercialization, I work cross-functionally to launch new innovations from Califia. I interact daily with the other leaders at Califia in manufacturing, quality, R&D and product development, sales, marketing, and finance. My job is heavy on project management, critical problem solving, and creative strategy. 

I started at Califia Farms in Customer Operations and Services which included order processing, customer service, data syndication, and various sales support responsibilities. The team was still small and there was lots of work to be done. I raised my hand when help was needed and demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and execute effectively. These two skills are what helped me work my way up the ladder.

I did this with the support of an incredible mentor, one of the founding employees of Califia, she was the hiring manager that believed in me from the first interview. When the position opened in Product Launch, I was promoted to Product Launch Specialist and have since been promoted numerous times, now to Senior Manager.

“There have been moments when I’ve felt like my challenges are unique—I’m the only one who’s felt this way—but you can put money on someone you know experiencing something similar. ”

On what she loves most about her job …

I love working with our innovation team because we are a diverse group of people with varying disciplines, experiences, and knowledge. The things I like to do in my time outside of work like traveling, cooking, and eating support me in my role in launching new products. Traveling and social media help me know what people are cooking in their homes and going outside their homes to experience.

It’s exciting to have your finger on the pulse of what’s trending but I also like to say I work in the future. While products are launching in 2020, we are already working on the products for the next three to five years. The reality of my work challenges me to be flexible and let go of expectations. I find this very fulfilling but if you like a more rigid work structure, the constant variables could pose great challenges.

On the culture at Califia Farms… 

We still have very much a start-up culture at Califia. Our job titles relate to our core responsibilities, but you’ll find that many of us are contributing in other ways. Califia has hired some of the brightest, hard-working people I've ever met. We work hard and we’re proud of the work that we do. Second, we launch best-in-class products that not only taste great and nourish our bodies but contribute to protecting our planet for future generations to come.

In addition to feeling motivated by our core values, I stay because I’ve been able to grow with Califia. I’ve had many friends bounce from company to company to further their career and while that has brought them success, it wasn’t the right path for me. We benefit greatly in our company culture and morale when we lift each other up and celebrate the success of our colleagues. I look forward to passing this forward as I continue my role as a leader at Califia.

“Getting the job I wanted and felt I deserved, took patience and persistence. My mentor helped me navigate through the rewarding, and the tough, times.”

—Megan Dunn

On what her day-to-day looks like… 

Every day is different, but it generally starts with a cup of coffee and emails. I spend a lot of time on the phone discussing project timelines, managing deliverables, and keeping our teams updated with the latest in what’s in the pipeline at Califia.

My most notable task is my weekly product launch call which includes 30 to 40 people tuned in for one hour. If that sounds wild, it’s because it is! Like I’ve said, each person has a lot of responsibilities and it’s important we manage our time wisely, so while launches aren’t always moving smoothly, we get the job done with respect and teamwork. It’s this attitude that helps us get the job done!  

Another part of the day that I really enjoy includes working with our Director of Design and CEO on the packaging because it presents a creative and collaborative outlet that ultimately becomes one of the most tangible deliverables of the product launch cycle—the final package!

On her morning routine…

Giving myself the time and the space to do the things that make me happy is so important in maintaining work/life balance. No matter how busy I am I make sure to set time aside to do the things that are important to me like working out, cooking food, and spending time with my family. Sometimes that means waking up at 5:30 am to get it in before work but it’s always worth it—it’s how I rest and reset.

On her greatest productivity hack…

In this job, deadlines and dates eventually become second nature but that took roughly 6 months to a year of practice before it became innate, so list-making and notes helped me get up to speed! I’m still looking for the perfect system, but I organize tasks by the week using an old-fashioned pen and paper. I am guilty of having too many windows open on my computer screen so tracking tasks on my screen can be tough.

For long term tasks and reminders, I use OneNote to keep track of topics I need to bring up in my weekly meetings which I check off as I go. I also use Wrike, workflow automation, and project management tool, to keep track of important milestones and manage deliverables.  

Time blocking on my calendar has been one of my better productivity hacks.

If I really need to focus on a task or remind myself to check in with a vendor or partner, I’ll schedule time on my calendar to ensure it happens.

“No matter how busy I am I make sure to set time aside to do the things that are important to me like working out, cooking food, and spending time with my family. ”

On reaching inbox zero… 

My inbox philosophy is to scan all incoming emails for the level of importance. I break up inbox time to roughly five sessions during the day that way I'm not always distracted by my email since there’s other work to be done. I find that if I haven’t responded on an important matter, I generally receive a phone call or chat asking for my attention.

About once a month, I do set aside time to go through unread emails, responding to those of importance or archive those that no longer require action. 

On the biggest misconceptions about her job…

I’m an open book and make myself available for calls when it comes to questions about my role.  It’s my responsibility to take the time to make everyone a “product expert” and help them understand the new product pipeline. For this reason, I don’t think there are many misconceptions about my job but I’m open to anyone who thinks otherwise!

On her advice for landing your dream job…

My job can be named many things and may sit in varying departments dependent on the company. If you want to launch products at your company or somewhere else, take the time to research the department structure and hierarchy. This can help you understand the path forward. 

Second, talk to someone that has the role you want. If they are in product launch, they likely have lots of extra work and may need help so don’t be afraid to vocalize what you want and raise your hand. If you are in a different department, ask that person to be your mentor. When the opportunity arises, you’ll be ready and positioned to throw your hat in the ring.  

“I break up inbox time to roughly five sessions during the day that way I’m not always distracted by my email since there’s other work to be done. I find that if I haven’t responded on an important matter, I generally receive a phone call or chat asking for my attention.”

On the traits you need to be successful… 

I find that to be successful in this industry, it’s important to be collaborative, lead with empathy, and be comfortable with change.  

On the best (and worst) advice she’s been given… 

The best advice I’ve received is to react less and create space to think before responding. The workplace is full of different personalities and opinions so it can be hard to check your emotions when faced with a challenging situation. If you feel misrepresented or unheard, take a moment to collect the facts and present what you know to be true. 

The worst piece of advice is harder to remember because I probably let it go in one ear and out the other. I can say that some of the worst behaviors I’ve seen are ones where the individual is put before the group. No one wins when this happens. 

“React less and create space to think before responding.”

On the one person she’d like to power brunch with…

My “power lunch” is one where I can sit and learn from a person who’s work I admire. In talking with someone who truly loves what they do, there is an undeniable passion that comes through which is inspiring and contagious. 

On my birthday turned engagement trip to Italy, my fiancé and I spent a day driving through the hills of Umbria, harvesting grapes, and learning about natural winemaking with one of my favorite producers, Danilo Marcucci. 

It was “power day” of getting our hands dirty, drinking wine, eating incredible food, and conversing with a visionary about his decades of experience in viticulture and cellar work. The work he does with his vineyards and those of his partners come from a true love for the earth and what grapes can do, along with knowledge garnered through years of practice and experience. It was a magical day and I was lucky enough to leave with a rare bottle of wine, one that I am saving for my wedding night!

On the perfect power interview outfit…

I think it’s important to be yourself and represent your personal brand, but you also must respect the type of workplace and industry to which you’re applying. For food and beverage, in Los Angeles, my perfect interview outfit is a pair of well-tailored dress pants or jeans from Reformation or Everlane with a white button-down shirt and an oversized blazer. I’d pair with vegan leather boots and tasteful jewelry. 

On the everyday Superhero who has helped to guide her career journey… 

Marne Evans was my mentor at Califia and while she recently moved on from the company, she continues to be my Superhero. As one of the founding employees of Califia, she is a great example of doing what it takes to get the work done and leaving your ego at the door. She imparted an incredible amount of knowledge onto me and showed me it’s possible to have a fulfilling career while fostering a rich personal life.

On her proudest moment at Califia…

One of my favorite launches was our drinkable Probiotic Yogurts line, made from our cultured Almondmilk and coconut cream with billions of probiotic CFUS. We use a powerhouse probiotic strain called BB-12(R) which is the world’s most documented Bifidobacterium, shown to have beneficial effects on our digestive and immune systems. The R&D team developed this product rapidly and we installed a new production line at our facility in little over a year. This was a huge cross-functional effort and we pulled it off, launching an incredible product. I’ve actually used the Probiotic Unsweetened Yogurt every day since we launched it over two years ago—the only time I don’t have it is when I travel abroad...

In terms of what’s in store, we are always looking to launch products that make it easy for people to go plant-based and bring food back to its original nourishing process. In the end, we care about our futures and that of the planet. In the coming years, you’ll find more personalized and nutritious offerings from Califia that will nourish the whole body and make it easy to take your favorite Califia products with you anywhere.

On the power of mentorship…

My experience showed me how important it is to really listen to the goals and experiences of the person you’re mentoring. It’s one thing to manage and help someone succeed in the day-to-day of their job but it’s another to lead and nurture someone's professional goals. Getting the job I wanted and felt I deserved, took patience and persistence.

My mentor helped me navigate through the rewarding, and the tough, times. In my current position, I am a resource for others that want to grow in the company and can be a champion for their projects and initiatives. You are your best advocate so if you feel like you’re going unnoticed or aren’t feeling fulfilled, seek out a mentor, and make a plan.

MORE ON THE BLOG

MORE ON THE BLOG

Ask an Expert: How to Boost Your Immunity and Stay Healthy at Home

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting live discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

Photo: Courtesy of Mia Syn

Health is on all of our minds a lot these days. You’ve been wearing a mask, washing your hands, and staying inside, but have you done anything to boost your immune system? Now more than ever our bodies need support to stay healthy. As we adjust to our new normal we need to remember that taking care of ourselves is more than a mud mask or an Epsom salt bath.

If your healthy choices have been lacking (same, we don’t blame you) it’s probably time to reevaluate. There are lots of ways that you can improve your health and keep your immune system in tip-top shape even while you’re stuck at home. To find out how to step up our self-care, we tapped Mia Syn, a registered dietitian nutritionist, to share all her tips on our Instagram Live Ask an Expert series.

Scroll on for her expert tips on boosting your immune system and staying healthy while navigating the new normal during COVID-19.

1. Can you really boost your immunity through diet, or does it come down to genetics too?

Good nutrition is essential for a strong immune system, however, there is a genetic component in the case of seasonal allergies or autoimmune conditions like celiac disease, for example. Additionally, as we age, our immune system starts to decline, that's why we classify the elderly as immunocompromised. No one food or supplement can prevent illness but there are certain nutrients that play a specific role in the body’s immune system

2. What are some diet changes I can make to boost my immune system right now? And how long does it take to come into effect?

These vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients specifically play a role in immunity but following a balanced eating pattern—not cutting out any food groups is important so that you don’t fall short on any of those. Getting these nutrients from food is preferred but not always possible that’s where supplements may be of benefit. I recommend talking to a dietitian who can evaluate your current diet and make recommendations accordingly. 

• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and it’s only found bioavailable in a handful of foods like eggs, fatty fish, and organ meats. Vitamin A is also found in some fortified foods like milk and cereals—read the nutrition facts label. However, foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and lettuce contain beta carotene which our body is able to somewhat convert into vitamin A.

• Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so our body does not store it, we need to replenish it regularly. Besides citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, it’s also found in bell peppers, kiwi, and strawberries. There’s also research to suggest that vitamin c may help shorten the duration of a cold.

• Vitamin D is found in a handful of foods like salmon, mackerel, tuna, some fortified milk, and cereals. It can be synthesized by our skin when outdoors. 

• Prebiotics and probiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria found in foods like asparagus, onions, and leeks. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that add to the population of healthy microbes in your gut found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha.

• Protein is a key building block for immune cells and antibodies that helps our immune system do its job. Protein comes from meat dish dairy, nuts, seeds, seeds, and legumes.

3. What supplements should I be taking to support my immunity?

This goes back to the previous question about nutrients specifically playing a role in immunity and where you might be lacking in your diet. 

• Vitamin D – Many people may benefit from a supplement if they don’t consume foods like sardines, oysters, and other fatty fish or fortified foods regularly. Talk to your dietitian or physician who can evaluate your diet better to determine if a good fit

• Probiotics – Healthy individuals could benefit from taking a probiotic supplement, especially if you aren’t eating fermented foods regularly. People with a weakened immune system should speak to their doctor first. 

• AllerLife is a supplement that I am working with right now. It’s drug-free, completely nutrition-based, and is designed for allergy sufferers to take in conjunction with their current medication to address those allergy blah feelings that remain even after relieving your allergy symptoms with your allergy medication. I like it because it contains those immunity-supporting nutrients that I had described including zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D, so it kind covers all those bases. If you are an allergy sufferer and suspect you might be falling short on some of those key nutrients, Allerlife could be a good solution. 

4. How does my lifestyle impact my immune health? What can I do to strengthen my immune system?

I suggest incorporating all food groups, and not being restrictive. Eat:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Healthy fats to help you absorb and utilize those important fat-soluble vitamins that play a role in immunity like vitamins A, D, and E.

• Protein into each meal and snack, which is a key building block for immune cells and antibodies, helps our immune system do its job.

• Filling in the gaps with supplements wherever needed

• Limiting alcohol – in moderation if you do drink

• Not smoking

It’s also essential to exercise regularly:

• The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week (30 minutes, 5 times a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (running, cycling,). Strength train at least 2x per week. 

• Exercise also makes you feel good, lowers stress, helps with weight management, increase energy levels, support muscle and bone health, brain health, memory, helps you sleep better

You also need to manage your stress levels:

• Scientists are looking at the link between chronic stress and its relationship to immunity.

• They are making progress and studies suggest that it may dysregulate the human immune system.

Getting enough sleep is also incredibly important:

• There is a link between lack of sleep and getting sick.

• The CDC recommends that adults get 7 or more hours per night.

• Lack of sleep can affect mood, memory, blood sugar, impair judgment.

• Researchers say getting good sleep can strengthen your immune system by enhancing your ability to adhere to and destroy cells infected by viruses and other pathogens.

5. How does sleep or lack of it lower my immune? How many hours of sleep should I be getting a night? 

Getting enough sleep is important for people of all ages to stay in good health. The CDC says 1 in 3 Americans don’t get enough sleep. Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

But if not getting enough sleep is a regular part of your routine, you may be at an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke, depression, and even early death. How much sleep you need changes as you age. Adults aim for 7-8 hours per night. AllerLife Sleep contains those immunity-supporting vitamins and minerals plus melatonin which is a hormone that we produce in response to darkness and helps promote a restful night’s sleep.

6. How does gut-health impact my immunity? What foods, supplements, lifestyle modifications should I be making to support a happy gut? 

About 60-70% of our immune system is in our gut. Having a balanced and diverse gut flora can support a strong immune system. 

• Not only can the food we eat POSITIVELY impact our gut health but some things that can negatively affect it include:

o   Hydrogenated oil

o   Refined carbohydrates

o   Trans fats

o   Added sugars

o   Low fiber intake

o   Stress

o   Antibiotics and other medications

o   Not enough sleep 

• Two things that we can incorporate into our diet that support a healthy gut are prebiotics and probiotics:

  • Prebiotics – asparagus, onions, leeks, garlic, oats 

    •  Non-digestible fiber that selectively stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. 

  • Probiotics – yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha

    • Beneficial that add to the population of healthy microbes in your gut. 

7. What are healthy fats and which ones should I be eating? How do they help?

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E play roles in keeping our immune system strong. Because they are fat-soluble it important that we consume healthy fats to aid their absorption. Fatty fish contain omega 3 fats, which are considered essential because our bodies cannot them on its own. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats found in plant foods like avocado, nuts, and seeds are also beneficial. The fat you want to limit is saturated found in fatty meat and high-fat dairy. Trans fats should be eliminated which are found in a lot of processed foods like cakes and cookies—always read the label.

8. Do probiotics actually work or should I be eating fermented foods instead? Which ones should I be taking?

By definition, probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that offer a health benefit by assisting the body’s naturally occurring gut flora. Additionally, they challenge the immune system in a healthy way and help make it stronger. They also help our body absorb certain vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, and vitamins A, D, K, and E to name a few. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kimchi are sources. 

Probiotics supplements are individualized. Some ways to know if it is working is maybe your digestion is more regular, using the bathroom regularly. Pay attention to how you feel. In some cases, you may feel worse. People with a weakened immune system should speak to their doctor first. Find one that works for you.  

9. Can you share how much water I should be drinking a day? How can I consume more water and can I get it through food too?

Water is the “forgotten nutrient.” Many underestimate its critical importance and the need to stay hydrated. We need it for the functioning of cells and organs, it aids elimination and helps carry nutrients to our cells. The CDC has recommendations for total daily fluid intake adult men is 3.7 L or about 13 cups and 2.7 L or about 9 cups for women. This comes from drinking water, but also foods you eat and other fluids like coffee. Hydrating produce include watermelon, bell pepper, tomato, leafy greens, and cucumber

10. I’ve read that stress can really impact immune health, but it’s hard not to have stress and anxiety right now. Any advice?

Studies suggest that chronic stress may dysregulate the immune system. Exercise and meditation have been shown to help with management in some individuals. Finding what works for you is key.

About the Expert: Mia Syn is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) based in Charleston, South Carolina. She’s a nationally recognized nutrition expert and host of Good Food Friday on ABC 4. She holds a master of science in human nutrition from Columbia University and has been featured by dozens of major media outlets including Women's Health Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and BuzzFeed. As one of the most recognized and trusted young dietitians in the country, she has helped hundreds of her clients, and millions of her readers lose weight, improve their health, and adopt healthier eating habits.

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!

3 Zero-Cost Ways for Small Businesses to Stay Connected With Customers During COVID-19

Photo: Smith House Photography

In times of crisis, businesses are put to the test—supply chains are disrupted and profit margins are compromised—and the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly no exception. By shuttering offices, canceling events, and clearing out public spaces like restaurants, malls, salons, and fitness studios, the coronavirus’ impact on businesses—especially those that don’t have the resources of Fortune 500 companies—can’t be overstated. In other words, small businesses need our support now more than ever.

That’s why we've partnered with our friends at Messenger from Facebook to share simple, zero-cost ways you can boost your business and drive sales by staying connected with your customers during the COVID-19 crisis. No matter the size of your company, whether you’re a freelance graphic designer or a local coffee shop owner with several employees on the payroll, Messenger is here to support you every step of the way with free, easy-to-use messaging tools. 

Ahead, we're sharing some zero-cost ways you can amplify your small business right now, from providing customers with important information to setting up automated responses to frequently asked questions such as store closures, business hours, and more. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be sharing more ways for small business owners to boost their business with Messenger, so be sure to keep an eye on this space for the next installment in the series. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

During these uncertain times, it’s crucial to let your customer’s know that you’re still available to connect with them virtually. To stay in touch, be sure to turn on Page Messaging. That way, you can easily chat with your community and field everything from customer service requests to questions about your products or services.

Pro tip: You can let your customers know that you're available to be reached by Messenger by creating a post on your page with the Send Message CTA. To do this, create your post and choose "Get Messages" before publishing. 

For more tips and tricks, here’s a guide to Page Messaging.

While your brick-and-mortar may be closed during the COVID-19 crisis, leveraging Messenger Instant Replies is an easy way to virtually stay connected with your customers. With Instant Replies, you can let customers know that you'll get back to them soon or simply thank them for contacting your Page.

Not only is instant messaging convenient, but it can also help your small business build relationships and inspire trust with customers. In fact, a Facebook-commissioned study found that 66% of people said being able to send a message to a business made them feel more confident in the brand.

To get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Instant Replies.

Communicating with customers is more important now than ever before—but seeing as we’re in the midst of a pandemic that has disrupted nearly every aspect of our every day lives, you may not be able to personally reply to each and every message that your business receives via Messenger (as much you may like to!).

To ensure that your customers receive a timely response even when you’re not available, you can set up Saved Replies to automatically (and immediately!) answer frequently asked questions like, “What time do you open on Monday?,” “Is your store currently closed?,” “What’s your phone number?” and more.

You can also let them know that you’re unavailable by utilizing Away Messages. Letting them know that you’re away will help will keep them up-to-date on your availability and manage their expectations for when to expect a reply.

You can schedule your Page's messaging status to match your business hours or manually change your Page's messaging status to away whenever necessary. You can also personalize your Away Message so that you can let them know when you’ll be back online and available to chat or answer any questions they might have.

To get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Saved Replies and utilizing Away Messages.

Want to learn how to get started with Messenger for your business? Take this free course from Facebook Blueprint for a deeper dive.

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“It’s So Important to Pay Attention to What Scares You"—Lennon Stella's Debut Album Will Give You Goosebumps (the Good Kind)

Courtesy of Columbia Records

When Lennon Stella answers my call, her voice is soft and sweet, but from the moment she starts answering my questions, it becomes immediately clear that this talented musician isn’t afraid to push past her comfort zone and enter unchartered territory either.

In fact, what scares her is what drives her. The talented singer-songwriter releases her debut album today—Three. Two. One.—and despite her tour being canceled (thanks to COVID-19), Stella is feeling very optimistic, and despite initial concerns, her fans have rallied around her in support.

If the success of her new song (and accompanying video), Fear of Being Alone is any indication, this album is going to be huge. Read on for our interview with Stella as she opens up to Create & Cultivate about the new album, canceling the tour, a behind-the-scenes look into the filming of Fear of Being Alone, and what she’ll be singing for her exclusive live performance at our Money Moves Digital Summit on May 2, 2020.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: So first off, major congrats on the new album—Three. Two. One. How do you feel?

LENNON STELLA: Putting an album out is like getting to know somebody entirely—you get to know them through the album, as an artist, and as a person. I just wanted it to be telling different stories (in this album) than I had before.

Your U.S. tour was supposed to kick off in May and has been postponed due to the pandemic. What was your initial reaction to the news and what do you have planned for the launch instead?

It was really unfortunate and upsetting, but at the same time, I’m trying to trust in the universe. And honestly, I’m just glad that the music and the album itself can come out.

I was so happy with how the response has been. I think everybody was so scared there would be a big backlash but somehow everyone has been so understanding and completely reassuring that they will be there no matter what month the tour is. It’s really sweet and makes me feel grateful to have such a supportive tribe. It’s really rare to feel no hate and no negativity.

The silver lining in all of this is how much it has forced us to be creative. Your Fear of Being Alone video is a perfect example. Shot in your living room during quarantine with your mom and boyfriend, and friend CeCe who dropped off all the lights. Can you talk us through this video? How did you come up with the concept, what it was like to shoot, and what were some of the biggest challenges? 

“My friend, CeCe really understands me and the way I like things. So she came over, and then me, my mom, and my boyfriend were kind of just winging it and getting experimental and creative. We loved the idea of it being at night with the lights on the outside, so there was a shadow from the lights. It all came together as we were doing it—just having fun. We moved everything out of my living room and filmed it all in there.

Honestly, it’s my favorite video that I’ve done so far. It was so fulfilling. When I was thrown in the space to make a video all in one night at home and that we were able to do that was so exciting. I felt so much more love than I’ve ever received from a video. I think it’s because of how it was done. It’s obvious that there weren’t any other people pushing me—it’s very much just me. I think that’s why people were able to connect with it.

“Find the things that intimidate you, and know that’s where you should shoot towards because it scares you for a reason.”

Does this style of self-made video inspire you for the future? Do you think we will see more of creativity in the music space as a result of quarantine?  

I want to see now, and moving forward, what happens when I try to brainstorm on my own before I go to other people for their ideas and push myself a lot more creatively. I want to trust myself a lot more and trust my vision.

One thing that has been nice is seeing you film more acoustic videos on YouTube from home. This feels very authentic to where you began. What more can we expect to see from you during quarantine? Has it inspired you to write new songs?

I forgot how great it feels to play guitar and play the piano, and be alone with it for a bit. I don’t give myself that time or carve that out anymore. Being at home has been so nice, I’m doing acoustic versions for all my songs. What people respond to the most is when it’s really just me and the piano or me and the guitar and me not overthinking it. It’s been really nice to have time to do that and just be creative.

In an interview with you for our CC100, you mentioned that your writing process typically involves a session with you and a producer and another writer where you just write about how you’re feeling at that time. Are you still doing that via zoom now? How has quarantine changed your process or enhanced it?

I haven’t been writing because I’ve been busy putting the album out and doing all of the promo that goes along with that. I’m sure that as soon as the album is out in the world though I will immediately go back to writing.

This album proves you have really grown as an artist—you are so expressive in your vocals and the lyrics. How have you cultivated that confidence to be yourself and not be tied down by limitations? 

I think it’s so important to pay attention to what scares you and what you’re afraid of and to go for that. Find the things that intimidate you, and know that’s where you should shoot towards because it scares you for a reason. I think it’s about finding something that really rings true to you, that’s deep inside you—you have to trust that and follow that.

This is a particularly hard time for musicians who can’t connect 1:1 with their fans and their music. What advice do you have for your fellow musicians who are going through it right now and how can we, as fans, support them? 

It’s been really cool to see the way that we’re all connecting through social media. Because that’s what it’s originally all about. I think we’ve lost our way as far as Instagram goes and getting sucked into the toxic side of it. But ultimately it’s a way to connect and this time has really shown that.

To learn more or to purchase the new album (and exclusive merch!), visit LennonStella.com.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets to the Money Moves Digital Summit to see Lennon Stella perform three acoustic versions of her songs from the new album Three. Two. One.

Visit, createcultivate.com/money-moves-2020

Three. Two. One. Album By Lennon Stella

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Ask an Expert: How to Develop a Content Marketing Strategy That Resonates During COVID-19

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

Photo: Vlada Karpovich for Pexels

We’re in the midst of a pandemic, and there is no doubt that emotions are running high. As a marketing agency, it’s our job at Elevate My Brand to know when to adjust and pivot our own, as well as our client’s, marketing strategies. Because of all that’s happening with COVID19, you’ll likely have to adjust your messaging and be strategic in the way you approach your audience. Here’s how.

Step Up Your PR

While now may not be the time to be pushing sales, it’s a great time to step up your PR presence and get your name out there. Times are uncertain, but if anything is true, it’s that we’re all in this together. When COVID-19 started to unfold, the first thing I thought was, “How can I be of service to those who are struggling?”

As a small business owner myself, I saw it as my responsibility to use my expertise to help those around me. So, I wrote an article on 5 Marketing Tips to Stay Profitable During the COVID-19 Pandemic and our team worked their PR magic to push that article everywhere, with one goal: to reach and help as many people as possible during this difficult time. But one and done doesn’t cut it anymore, so we also penned the follow-up article, How to Elevate Your Brand, Strategize, and Execute in These Strange Days to give the next steps and a more positive future-looking perspective on how to approach things now that we’ve been in it for a few weeks. Things are changing rapidly, it’s your duty to support your community with whatever gifts you have. When you start there, you can’t go wrong and it’s clear that you aren’t tone-deaf or tackily selling.

With everyone shifting their focus to digital, now is also a great time to push your message out on socials via content collaborations. Instagram Lives have skyrocketed in popularity, with many large platforms hosting live takeovers, such as Create & Cultivate’s Ask An Expert series, which you have hopefully had a chance to see! Since we’ve all been #WFH, social media usage and engagement have increased over 30% so take advantage of this and reach out to as many sources as possible to see if they are willing to share your message.

Not only will you be helping your community, but you’ll be building brand awareness as well. This means that when things do open back up, you’ll have built some new top of mind awareness that will help you get back on top quicker. 

Adjust Scheduled Content

Running on a schedule makes life so much easier, I know. But in a time like this when life is so unpredictable, it’s important to step back and take things day by day and that includes your marketing strategy as well. If you scheduled content to go out on your social channels and blogs, you’ll definitely want to take a look at it and see if it’s still appropriate for the times. At Elevate My Brand, we have had to pivot a little bit with our blog posts, pushing back topics to make room for content having to do with COVID-19. Sometimes, adjusting your content is as easy as changing a caption for a photograph. Want to post that picture of your product with a group of people? Be sure to let your audience know that this photo was taken pre-quarantine so your followers don’t get upset that you’re not following social distancing rules. 

It takes a lot of work to properly plan and execute a successful marketing strategy, and you don’t want all that hard work to go to waste. While scheduled events and meetings may have been disrupted by COVID-19, that doesn’t mean that they should be canceled. We’re lucky to have technology on our side so that most of these scheduled events can be converted, rather than having to be canceled. Each year I host a women’s networking event called our Elevate Spring Salon, which is a schmooze and booze that supports a different non-profit each quarter. Obviously we can’t proceed as planned, but we have decided to convert the event to digital which should still give us a community feel, support the cause that we’re standing behind and, continue building brand awareness and visibility. P.S. fun isn’t canceled, it’s just converted. 

Don’t Be Tone Deaf 

As I mentioned earlier, emotions are running high right now. Everyone is reacting to the situation in a different way, so it’s crucial that you take note of your audience’s heightened sensitivity during this time. Listen to your community. What is it that they want and need right now? With social media and surveying tools like Survey Monkey, you can actually ask, what a concept! 

Ultimately, you have to trust your instincts. Maybe it’s not the time to push that ad or sell that product. Now’s the time to be authentic and really showcase your brand values. Funny, positive and uplifting content is always welcome, just be sure that you’re being sensitive to the current situation and adding value, not just acting as if nothing has changed. 

We’re going to be in this for a while, even after shelter-in-place orders are lifted. So the faster you can shift your messaging and positioning, the more successful you will be long term, and the less of an uphill battle you’re brand will have when this is truly over.

About the Expert: Laurel Mintz, J.D., M.B.A. is the CEO and founder of award-winning, Los Angeles-based digital marketing agency Elevate My Brand. Laurel’s gift is connecting with people and their stories. After all, companies are made up of people, and stories are just narratives that are the foundation of great marketing. Laurel’s energy has been the driving force behind the agency’s growth since it launched in 2009. Her awards include the 2017 Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Award, the 2016 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Company award, the Los Angeles Business Journal 2016 Women In Business Award, and more. 

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!

Opinion: How to Stay Focused on What Matters During Times of Great Upheaval

Photo: Stephanie Stanley

With shelter-in-place orders in effect across the globe because of the novel coronavirus, many have suddenly, and unexpectedly, found themselves without access to the physical spaces (offices; fitness studios; places of worship) and basic structures (daily commutes; relationships; jobs) that previously shaped their day-to-day lives. I know firsthand how unsettling this can be, even without the added anxiety of contracting or spreading a deadly virus that has already infected more than a million people around the world.

In November 2017, I was working at a prestigious corporate law firm when The New Yorker revealed that my employer had retained Israeli intelligence operatives to spy on the women coming forward with their stories about Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. The news was particularly disturbing to me as someone who, just a few weeks earlier, had made the difficult decision to come forward publicly to The Washington Post about my own experience with sexual harassment as an 18-year-old intern. 

About two months later, I left to launch the Purple Campaign, a non-profit organization to address workplace harassment in the wake of #MeToo. In a matter of days, I went from having a job in which I was assigned a steady stream of specific tasks—and required to track my time in six-minute increments for billing purposes—to being my own boss in an uncharted foray into social entrepreneurship. I suddenly discovered that the organizational systems I’d relied on for years no longer met my needs, and struggled to prioritize and balance the day-to-day demands of my new career path.

“I was having a hard time focusing on work because I was terrified of the uncertain future ahead of me, both personally and professionally.”

Staying grounded in my work became even more challenging that fall, when I separated from my husband and partner of 11 years and moved out of the house we shared. In the span of a year, I lost the two fundamental structures of my life (my job and my marriage) along with the physical spaces (my downtown office and my home) that contained them. As much as I loved the creative and intellectual challenge of building a new organization, I found it increasingly difficult to translate those abstract goals into day-to-day tasks.

The dramatic societal change currently underway has prompted a flurry of think pieces about how to create a work-from-home schedule and the importance of establishing a morning routine to boost productivity. Don’t get me wrong: this kind of advice is important and useful. Over the past two years, I’ve learned—through a lot of trial and error—how to balance my competing needs for flexibility and discipline. This has included establishing not only a morning routine (which consists of a daily prayer, meditation, and self-led Ashtanga yoga practice) but an evening one, too (which I’ll admit is largely dominated by my elaborate skincare regimen), along with other rituals that keep me grounded.

But while my routines help me start each day with focus and clarity, they haven’t always made it easier to get substantive work done—and that’s especially true when the future I’m working toward feels as uncertain as the present moment I’m living in. I often finished my morning routine only to find it impossible to sit down and focus on the work tasks in front of me. I’d procrastinate by doing other “productive” things instead (going for a run; meal prepping; organizing a friend’s bachelorette party), putting my work off until a deadline loomed, or an email landed in my inbox that demanded a response.

As my one of my work-life gurus Adam Grant wrote in a recent COVID-era column, there’s an explanation for this: people tend to procrastinate “when a task stirs up feelings like anxiety, confusion, or boredom” or when “you’re working alone on tasks that seem ambiguous and meaningless.” As passionate as I am about the work I do at The Purple Campaign, entrepreneurship came hand-in-hand with an underlying anxiety that I didn't fully appreciate when I dove headfirst into it two years ago, and which only increased in the wake of my divorce. I wasn’t having a hard time focusing on work because I lacked good routines—I was having a hard time focusing on work because I was terrified of the uncertain future ahead of me, both personally and professionally.

“Regardless of the tasks sitting on each of our to-do lists right now, we’re all grappling with unprecedented uncertainties.”

Over time, I’ve found a way to get unstuck in such moments: by reframing the task to focus on the people instead of the project. If my to-do list looms large with things that are intimidating or feel “ambiguous and meaningless,” I spend a few minutes focusing on the why behind them: the people affected by the anxiety-inducing or seemingly mundane assignment in front of me. As Grant explains, “we’re more likely to stay on task when we know other people are counting on us,” and re-framing to orient a project around them “can bring focus and meaning” to the work.

A few weeks ago, for example, when I found myself putting off signing the contract for our latest #MeToo Meet Up, I paused for a moment to think about the people behind the administrative task: the individuals who find community and healing at our Meet Up events; the survivors I’ve partnered with to develop the series; the employees at the Outrage who depend on fees from events like ours to operate their small business. The same approach works when I’m faced with a task that feels daunting rather than boring, like putting together the agenda for my first-ever Advisory Board meeting last December.

This global pandemic is affecting us all in both different and similar ways; simultaneously transcending and exacerbating the deep pre-existing socio-economic divides in our society. Regardless of the tasks sitting on each of our to-do lists right now, we’re all grappling with unprecedented uncertainties: the health and safety of our loved ones; knowing when we’ll next see cherished friends and family; finding financial security in an economic crisis. Focusing on the people at the heart of it all isn’t a cure-all solution, but it is a way to reconnect—and hopefully keep moving forward with—what matters most to each of us during this time of great upheaval.

About the Author: Ally Coll is the president and co-founder of The Purple Campaign.

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4 Simple Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle (Even If You're Too Busy)

Photo: Daria Shevtsova for Pexels

Did you know 8 million metric tons of trash are dumped into the ocean each year?

This trash also kills around one million marine animals and birds every year. Not a day goes by without pollution of some kind. Whether it’s the fumes from cars, the plastic bag holding our PB&J sandwich, the cheap graphic tee you bought last week, or even the plastic water bottle you bought with your salad on your lunch break.

But no matter how busy your days are, everyone can (and should!), find the time to care a little more about this place we call home. It’s time to do our part to reduce this toxic waste and find smarter ways to keep our planet clean and safe. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to kick off an eco-friendly lifestyle, even if you’re busy.

Be Mindful of Fast Fashion

Clothing is an essential part of our everyday life. What we pay for clothing, how we feel in it, and how long it lasts are all important factors to keep in mind when purchasing clothes. Fast fashion is inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest style trends. This allows companies to create cheaply made clothing that will likely not last long for the consumer—ever wash a shirt once and the thread string comes out, or it shrinks three sizes?.

Sustainable fashion is the process of fostering change to clothing products towards greater ecological integrity. There are several ways to become a trendsetter without giving into fast fashion and its grand marketing scheme. A string of companies are popping up around this sustainable drive offering easy ways to consign fashion and buy used clothing—hint Poshmark, thredUP, The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Depop, and eBay. They are all doing their part to promote sustainable fashion at an affordable, not cheap, price. Buying secondhand and investing in clothing that is high quality and made with organic and durable fibers are the best ways we can support this sustainable clothing initiative. Did you know fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world behind oil? Let’s change that, ladies.

Invest in Sustainable Food Storage Containers

Work life consists of various foods and snacks to get you through your day. This includes plastic containers, plastic zip-top bags, maybe even plastic bags as lunch bags. Look for food containers that have silicone lids instead of plastic. Silicone is long-lasting, free of all estrogen-mimicking chemicals that are usually found in plastics, doesn’t contain petroleum, and is not harmful to the environment.

Stainless steel is another noteworthy material to use for storing food. People often forget that stainless steel is a highly recycled commodity. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, the rate of stainless steel recycling has increased to 90% while plastic recycling remains at 1% with most remains dumped into a landfill. If you tend to bring a big lunch everyday, you might want to purchase a reusable lunchbox. This gives you the freedom to keep all your food in place and cold, while also reducing plastic bag use.

So, next time you make a Target run, take a peek at the containers section to make your ecological footprint a little less toxic. 

Bring Your Learnings Into Your Building

Most office and apartment buildings should be following all recycling rules no matter what, but if you’re in a building where they don’t pay attention, then now is the time to inquire.

Contact the building management company and ask them any questions you may have about how to recycle properly. Make signs, set up bins, and do your part to educate your fellow employees and residents on recycling and how to do it the proper way. Provide lists of resources for people looking to get rid of plastic bags, old toys, clothes, food, or even electronics.

Print out recycling guidelines with handy pictures so people can learn at-a-glance how to appropriately dispose of their trash. Talk to your building manager about implementing these recycling guidelines and ask if you’re able to hold an info session to teach employees or residents about the do’s and don’ts of recycling (once social distancing restrictions are lifted). The more people we educate, the better our quality of life will be.

Reduce Plastic Use Where You Can

We all know plastic is the big criminal here. One of the biggest actions we can take is to stop purchasing plastic water bottles, and particularly, plastic water bottles in mass quantity. Not only does this waste affect our marine life but can also affect public health by spreading diseases and other illnesses as a result of burning waste. 

In 2010, Sarah Kauss founded the company S’well with an important mission in mind. Kauss wanted to rid the world of plastic bottles. She molded fashion and function together to create a product that consumers couldn’t resist. The bottles are designed to keep your beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. S’well is a woman-owned company with a strong and clear vision to make the world a cleaner place.

Instead of polluting the Earth every day with more plastic water bottles, reuse your own cute and sustainable water bottle that is entirely yours (and you’ll save so much money). You can take it with you pretty much anywhere you go. It’s the easiest way to make the world a cleaner place.

About the Author: Abbey Adams currently works at a digital marketing company while also maintaining her music blog, blondieandthebeat.com, of six years. Throughout her time as a freelance writer for a women’s magazine she’s learned to share every story and empower as many women as possible. You can usually find her writing in bed binging “Sex and the City” (for the 10th time) or at the gym sweating out her anxiety on the stairclimber.

This story was originally published on July 6, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Ask an Expert: Why Tapping Into Consumer Sentiment Is Key to Success in COVID-19

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

Photo: Courtesy of Jenny Gorenstein

As a brand, it is more important now than ever to listen to and connect with your consumers. We are all isolated and feeling alone in the midst of the chaos of COVID-19. Consumer needs are changing, the economy is heading for a downturn, and there is no way to get face to face with customers, so we have to step up our virtual communities.

In this installment of our Ask an Expert live series, we tapped Jenny Gorenstein, the chief growth officer at Foria, to talk us through how forging connections now can carry brands through COVID-19 and allow them to thrive on the other side. Scroll on to read some of the best advice from the conversation and be sure to follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram to join us for the next one.

Now Is Not the Time to Push Products

“There is no playbook for how to market through a pandemic. We are leading with compassion now more than ever about how we are showing up in people’s inbox and on people’s feeds.”

“It’s not about pushing product right now.”

“Don’t focus on your own brand’s initiatives, show up through goodwill.”

“People just want to know how they can feel more connected to themselves and others and that’s the content we’re putting out right now”

Digital Content Is Key

“We’re all always on our phones. We’re addicted to our phones. That is how we are connecting now. From a brand perspective, there’s a lot of ways to meaningfully connect. Don’t put out things that are overproduced, show up raw, and give things that allow that person-to-person connection. Let people into your homes. Tap into influencers who already have the trust of others and are helping people get through.”

“We scrapped all of our marketing plans, which hurt because you take months building those plans, but we want to create content in the moment. We’re working harder than we ever have because we can’t plan.”

“You want to show up in a way that is resonant with what people are going through and what their life looks like.”

“We have a really playful brand and are leaning into that.”

“We do a lot of content that allows people to pause and take notice of nature around them and that is doing well right now. This is nature’s greatest reset, were all feeling more connected to the outdoors than ever.”

Work With Influencers and Reach Their Communities

“If you don’t have a budget for influencers, that’s okay. I think the organic route is the way to start anyway.”

“Start with gifting product. First and foremost, you want to make sure they love your product and your brand before working together. Try: Affiliate networks and giveaways.” 

“Think about promotions you can do that keep your profit margins but make your products more accessible. If people are curious that gives them a reason to try and once you have them you can get a consumer for life.”

Embrace the New Normal

“Success can come in so many forms you can use Instagram as a means to drive business, you can use Instagram as a means to drive engagement or you can use Instagram as a means to educate.”

“The world of tech has opened up the most amazing toolbox for brands to create dynamic conversations.”

“Lead with the people behind the brand. Lead with heart. Lead with compassion.”

About the Expert: Jenny Gorenstein has focused her career on building innovative and iconic brands and media companies. Prior to joining Foria, she spent 15 years launching InStyle.com's digital ad business from the ground up, helping to grow Refinery29 from $0 to $100M in revenue, and joining pre-IPO Snapchat to take it’s retail business to the next level. Always drawn to mission-driven and early-stage startups, Jenny is passionate about driving cultural currency and sustainable revenue growth. She is a people and idea connector.

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!