"You have so much to offer as the person you are right now." 💁🏾♀️ ~Robyn Conley Downs
Thank you overfranalyze for buying me a coffee and I hope you enjoyed your first issue of #jesspicks!
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While we still have a lot of work to do, it's so great to see the lifting up of Black voices and creators. I hope it continues well beyond this week/month and we are all more intentional about supporting diverse voices and creations going forward.
While thinking about my own creations and starting to ease back into a routine, I've been spending some time getting caught up on Russell Brunson's 30-Day Traffic Secrets book challenge.
Prior to that, I had only heard Russell’s name in passing. And knew he was the founder of Clickfunnels. But I figured this was an opportunity to do a challenge (which is a great structured thing) and learn a thing or two about getting more traffic to my blog.
Over the past few months, with the pandemic, it’s forced me to get used to a new normal of working from home, sure. But that, and my ankle injury, has given me some brain time to think about what I’m trying to do with my business. As well as making me focus and prioritize a bit more.
In the beginning of the challenge, we focused on defining our target market, what some challenges are, and what types of things could they be searching for when they were looking for us.
After doing some research into this group of people, I solidified the idea that I am a part of my target market. Just a few steps ahead of them. So a lot of the things that I search for and am inspired by, my audience might be as well. That includes newsletters, social media content, and other things.
Which also led me to this elevator pitch:
I help folks who love their 9-5 but want to create something of their own and are overwhelmed by the HOW. When they work with me, I give them the resources and support so they get clarity on exactly what first steps they need to take so that they can create a side hustle they love that fits within their life.
It's been a great challenge and it wraps up next week! Check out my Facebook page to see more of the learnings and posts over the past month.
My goal is to come out of this experience and the next few months with a clear idea of who I’m helping, how I help best, and how I fit that into my world. I feel like I'm on my way which is clarity I haven't felt in awhile.
On to the picks!
P.S. If you have supported Black funds or creators, my friends at &yet will match your donation. More details here.
Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase that means I may receive "thank you money" at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#loves 😍
📺 Watching: Watchmen. I have yet to watch this “timely, poignant series that explores the legacy of systemic racism in America”. HBO is making it free for all to watch this weekend through 6/21.
🎧 Listening: Side Hustla! I enjoy listening to this curated playlist I created for us. It's a mix of inspirational upbeat tunes that you can listen to while working on those passion projects.
📚 Reading: Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World. I definitely struggle with overthinking and I am enjoying this book that has tips for stopping the thoughts and "protecting the head." 💆🏾♀️
📷 Tool: Honey. I forgot about this nifty tool that can be your coupon-finding sidekick when you are ordering online. It's a free extension that lives in your browser and it'll pop up when you are checking out to see if you can find a better price before finishing your order. 💰
#sponsor: I Can't Side Hustle on 7/16
If you've been wanting to start a side hustle and had no idea what to do, where to start, or where to find the time, this workshop on 7/16 is for you!! It's always fun to partner up with Saya Hillman. Bring your ideas, fears, and questions and we'll talk it out!
Anddd for my Black friends, my gurl and fellow Broadway dancer Kristin "Baker Bettie" Hoffman is offering to buy your ticket for you. 🙌🏾 Think of this as a way to "treat yourself" and pursue those side hustle dreams you may have been thinking about for a while. You can apply for that here.
#reads
What I've Learned and Applied from 49 Awesome Entrepreneurs — www.sidehustlenation.com
Some great tips from guests on the Side Hustle Nation podcast over the past year. My faves are:
You don’t have to quit your day job. 🙌🏾
Don’t be afraid to get started. If it doesn’t work, stop, you can always adjust.
Spend an hour a day on your own dream.
Identify your top 3 priorities every day.
How To Make a Profitable Newsletter — www.indiehackers.com
I love writing #jesspicks every week so I'm always looking for ways to improve my newsletter strategy. Some great tips in here for getting started and growing.
Why Dancing Is Good For Your Brain — darlingmagazine.org
"Dancing releases endorphins that can relieve stress and boost your mood. There’s a healing quality in exercising free movement to connect your mind and body, and it’s the kind of therapy that is accessible to anyone, anytime."
In the past year and a half, I have found dancing as a form of movement that I can stick to. And I love the extra benefits. Moving to music, learning choreography and putting my own spin on it has so many mental health benefits for me. I can't wait til I can dance again.
What form of movement has those benefits for you?
#icymi
😍 Last issue’s most clicked pick was: The 21 Best Content Marketing Tools in 2020
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria, Avery, Adam, Monale, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L'Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️ Want to help support this newsletter? Buy me a coffee.
