I returned from Peru last Saturday night (in May 2019) and have been in catch-up mode this past week. I feel like I’m constantly jumping from one thing to the next as I think of people who I need to get in touch with and projects I need to handle. I do have a task list, yet there’s always something else that comes up that’s not on the list!

I probably need to follow Connie Green’s productivity challenge to get a better handle on my time!

Here are 5 things I have been reading, watching and checking out:

1. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love this article in Bon Appetit called Where Potatoes Pass From the Ice to the Sun, about having lunch at MIL restaurant outside of Cusco. I read this article two days before leaving for Peru and immediately texted my friend and guide, Silver Ballon to see if he could get our group in for lunch after our 5-day trek. He was successful and we enjoyed an amazing 5-hour, 8-course lunch. You can see some of my pictures here.

2. I didn’t get much reading done while in Peru which means I’m still working my way through The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran for our book club discussion next week in the Marketing Trailblazers Community.

3. You may know that I’ve been practicing Intermittent Fasting for nearly 10 months, inspired by my colleague, Dr. Ellen Britt. If you’re curious, here’s a TEDx talk that does a nice job of laying out the benefits of fasting. I’ve lost 37 lbs and feel fabulous!

4. Video creation and marketing take up a lot of my brain space as it does with my clients: what are the best tools, what platform to use; square vs. portrait vs. landscape video… This announcement from Instagram caught my eye yesterday. They will no longer only require portrait (vertical) videos on IGTV. You can now upload landscape videos as well. If you have a ton of landscape videos (under 10 min) languishing on YouTube, why not give them new life on Instagram TV?

5. And finally, a recommendation for a tool I use a lot: Rev. It’s a transcription service that costs $1 per recorded minute. Transcribing your videos, whether they’re 1 minute or 30 minutes, is a cost-effective way to create repurposed content from audio and video. Whenever I’m interviewed on a podcast or video program, I almost always transcribe the video so I can pull out the best parts to create new blog posts, social media posts, and emails. It’s well worth the investment to save time and energy and create new content. You can get a $10 coupon for Rev here.

What have you been reading in the last few weeks? Please let me know in the comments, below. And, feel free to share the post with your friends and colleagues!

Denise
You Guide To Better Visibility on the Web

This post was originally published as an email on May 24, 2019.

Click here to catch up on previously published 5 Things emails.

Photo by Reinis Birznieks on Unsplash

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Throughout the course of every day, I use the Google Keep app on my phone and on the web, to save and make notes about what I want to share, review, read, and remember. I tag the notes liberally since there’s a lot of crossover between my interests and my work.

This morning I was perusing the notes that I had recently tagged “Content to Curate” and “Travel.”

Here are 4 things I have been reading…

1. Ann Handley: WHY WE NEED SMALLER STORIES IN CONTENT MARKETING. Ann makes the case for honing in on the specific, detailed stories that we’re telling to create content that helps our audience relate to our message.

2. Peru: take the high road to Inca glory – I’m obsessed with Peru (as you might know). I love the country and I went back recently for two weeks to share my love of the Andes with a group of women and their daughters. We trekked to Machu Picchu. This article reveals how much more there is to Peru, beyond MP.

3.   I read A LOT. And I read many genres, including world literature. Yesterday, I found out that Amazon is giving away 9 Kindle books by authors from around the world, to celebrate World Book Day. You can download any or all of the books here. I downloaded 8 of the books since I had already read one of them.

4.  In the Marketing Trailblazers Book Club, we’re reading The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months* by Brian P. Moran. The book was recommended by my colleague, Sue Painter of Confident Marketer.

What I’m Checking Out

5. The geek in me loves trying out new marketing tools. In fact, when I did my taxes, I discovered software was one of my biggest expenses last year! I justify it by telling myself that it’s my job to experiment with tools and software in order to make the best recommendations to my clients so that they can be more productive and efficient with their time and energy.

I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about the launch of a tool called iTaggz*, software that helps you find the best, trending hashtags on Instagram. I bought it yesterday and logged in this morning to give it a test.

Impressive. Hashtags are the secret sauce of Instagram. It’s how your content gets found and seen by a wider audience. It’s how you find influencers and grow your following.

The iTaggz software is easy to use to research what hashtags brands and niche businesses are using and the amount of engagement they’re getting. You can save and categorize your research and even have daily emails sent to you with the top recent posts and hashtags in your niche. Make a list of the top hashtags and use them in your IG posts (make sure they make sense for YOUR content). The tutorial videos are short and simple to understand and implement. iTaggz is currently $49.

What have you enjoyed reading and experimenting with in the last few weeks? Please let me know in the comments, below. And, feel free to share the post with your friends and colleagues!

Denise
You Guide To Better Visibility on the Web

This post was originally published as an email on April 19, 2019.

Click here to catch up on previously published 5 Things emails.

Photo by Reinis Birznieks on Unsplash

The post 5 Things… Peru, Smaller Content and Hashtags appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

This is personal…

If you’ve been following me around the Web for the last three years, you know I’m passionate about Peru. I made two trips in the space of three months, both of which changed my life in many profound ways. You can read about my trek to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon, but what I want to share with you now is the experience I had on my second visit, to Amaru, what’s become my passion project.

High in the Peruvian Andes, about two hours north of the sprawling city of Cusco, Peru, is Amaru Village, the tiny mountain home of a cooperative of Quechua (pre-Inca culture) women who work together weaving and providing an authentic ‘homestay’ experience for travelers who want to stray off the beaten path.

The ladies of Amaru are budding entrepreneurs, learning how to create and run a hospitality business, as well as sell the gorgeous woven items they create. After spending two days in the village at the home of Rufina Cruz Ccana, president of the women’s’ cooperative, I longed to bring back a little bit of this enchantment and beauty to my friends and colleagues.

During my stay in Amaru, the ladies patiently showed me how to find and gather the special plants they use to create natural dyes for the wool they card, spin and dye, before hand weaving it into gorgeous belts, clothes, and bags. I was simply entranced as I watched them dye and spin the wool, then create and weave their intricately beautiful patterns that unfolded like multicolored magic before my eyes.

In 2013, working with my Peruvian guide, Silver Ballón Valenzuela, and my dear colleague Ellen Britt, we commissioned the ladies of Amaru to create a special woven pouch just for you. This 6” x 10” pouch is made of hand-woven wool dyed using plants native to Amaru.

It’s my dream to help this cooperative of Peruvian women realize their dream of building viable businesses which can help to support themselves and their families while allowing them to preserve their way of life and culture. In 2013, we commissioned 68 pouches. It was the biggest project the ladies had done as of that date.

Peru Passion Project Update 2016

I’m doing it again! I’m going back to Peru. I’ve been in touch with the women in Amaru and they are eager to do another weaving project. This time, I’ll be picking up the pouches in person and bringing them back to California to deliver directly to you. You can help me help my friends by ordering one or more of these special pouches. You can get all the details here.

The offer is only available through Friday, June 10. Then I’ll place the order with the ladies. My goal is to give them an order of at least 100 pouches!

Thank YOU, for supporting these wonderful women weavers as they expand their entrepreneurial skills to provide for themselves and their families! Just go to this URL to get your hand woven pouch and beaded wrap bracelet.

This post was originally published on September 13, 2013, and updated on May 22, 2016.

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Previously I mentioned I had been challenged to give a TED-style talk at a mastermind meeting. It was optional, but in keeping with my new approach to life, I took up the challenge. And it was a challenge for me.

When it came time to present the rough draft of what I’d written, my mentor challenged me again to go without the script.  It was uncomfortable, but I did it. There is no record of that presentation, so I recorded and posted it here for you. I chose a small moment on one of my recent trips to Peru, to illustrate personal growth that can happen when one tiny decision is made, and how it can apply to marketing your business on the Web.

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(7:26 min)

Text of audio (with pictures!) Like many people, I’m a mix of cautious and curious. I like to think things through before I act.  I’m also introverted and have a tendency to social anxiety. If I feel anxious about an outcome or like I may make a fool of myself or things may not turn out as I envision in my mind, I’m apt to say no without trying and move on to situations and activities where I have more control or skill or comfort.

Have you ever felt that way? I know I’ve missed out on a lot of potential experiences because I’ve been too concerned about what other people may think of me. Or, I don’t participate because I’m afraid I’ll stand out and people will notice if I say something stupid or look silly. I stand to the side and observe instead of participate.

In the space of three months, my life changed when I made one simple decision about how I wanted to experience my life. I’m here to tell you that I have learned what it means to say “What have I got to lose? Give it a try”.

What have you got to lose? What would happen if you just said yes? Click to Tweet

When I stepped off the plane in Puerto Maldonado, it was about 90 degrees and 80% humidity.  Walking across the tarmac to the tiny terminal felt like pushing through a wall of heat and my clothes were damp by the time my friend and I picked up our duffle bags.

Carlos, our driver was there to greet us. With relief, we climbed into the cool mini van. My friend and I had arrived at the gateway of the Amazon rainforest in Peru and were expecting to begin our 3-hour journey to a lodge in the heart of a protected wildlife reserve on the banks of Sandoval Lake. Instead, we were informed that we had a 4-hour delay while we waited for a couple who were on a flight coming in from Lima.

“Since we have some time, would you like to go to el Serpentario?” I was asked. The what? A sanctuary for rescued snakes.

Uh, I guess so, I said, without enthusiasm. It’s really interesting, Carlos told me. My first thought was that I don’t like snakes. Then I remembered the pledge I made to myself at the outset of my adventure. Ok, let’s go. Little did I know that “snake” really meant “boa constrictors” and “anacondas”. To me, those were scary snakes that poison people or squeeze them to death. In that oppressive, tropical heat, Carlos took us on a tour, showing us other rescued animals, an owl, a blind feline that looked sort of like an ocelot.

Then, we got to the building with the serpents.  I saw many big and small boa constrictors. Admittedly they are beautiful creatures when you study the patterns on their skin. Then Carlos asked me, “do you want to hold one?” What???? NO! is what I said in my head. No way! Again, I remembered the pledge I had made before I left Los Angeles.

I stood still as a statue while Carlos took a 6’ boa constrictor out of its cage and put it around my neck. I wondered if it was like other animals and could smell my fear. What if it wrapped itself around my neck and strangled me to death? I tried to relax. I touched its skin. It was cool and smooth. I held its head in my left hand. I was still trying, somewhat unsuccessfully to relax. I look pretty silly in the pictures my friend took.

But I did it. I said “yes” because I had promised myself that I would say yes to everything that I didn’t think would put me in mortal danger. I said yes, because I had said “no” and stood on the sidelines for too long. I said yes, because when I thought about it rationally, Carlos was not going to suggest I do something that was dangerous. He didn’t want me to get hurt any more than I wanted to get hurt.

I said yes. Plus, I had the words of my “glamour technician” aka hair stylist who I’ve known for 10 years, running through my head…. “If you don’t go, you won’t know.” I added “if you don’t go for it, you don’t know”

Two trips to Peru changed my life.

The first trip reminded me how much I love adventure and showed me I can meet any challenge I set for myself.

The second adventure showed me how much richer life can be when I say “yes.” Being a solo entrepreneur, I couldn’t help but equate a lot of what I discovered to business and my clients. In fact, in my business life, on the Web, I’m more extroverted and adventurous than in my “real life”. I experiment and try new tools and marketing tactics all the time. But a lot of my clients don’t feel that way and when I put the spotlight on how I behaved in my private life, you know, more cautious, less willing to put myself out there, I felt so much empathy for the men and women I mentor. I think this is a common experience…

Have you ever had an idea or big goal you wanted to achieve in your business? You imagine what it will be like when you’re there, how great it will be, how beautiful and perfect and simple to achieve?

And then you start thinking about the details, what it will take to make it happen. How hard it might be, how uncomfortable.  That you’re going to have put a great deal of time and attention into marketing your thing? You start feeling anxious and maybe a little fearful. What will people think of it? They’ll think I’m crazy or stupid. They’ll judge me. What if it doesn’t work, or I don’t make it. I’ll be a failure. You think, “Maybe I’ll just skip it.” It’s too hard and complicated and it probably won’t work or I won’t be able to pull it off.

And nothing happens. You move on, feeling disappointed maybe, and also relief because you didn’t fail or make a fool of yourself. Right? You ever feel that way? I have. And I’ve missed a lot of opportunities as a result. What would happen if you said “Yes, what have I got to lose?”!

My passionate belief is that you can be successful building an attractive, powerful presence on the Web when you let go of fear and doubts and embrace uncertainty. When you say “yes” to trying and experimenting, even when the outcome is uncertain… when you open up to the fun and joy of sharing what you know and do so well, with those whose lives you can transform for the better… the results may surprise and delight you.

I said yes and I discovered that boa constrictors don’t eat people and they aren’t venomous.  It’s highly unlikely that a human would be killed by a boa. I surrendered to the experience and it’s now a special memory from my Peruvian adventure. When you say yes to the prospect of revealing yourself on the Web and embracing a new path to more visibility, you may discover more fabulous opportunities than you ever let yourself dream of.

What have you got to lose? Give it a try… just say yes! Have you ever said “yes” to something you would have normally said “no” to? What happened?

The post What Have You Got To Lose? [Audio] appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

You’ve probably heard the quote or seen it on motivational posters…

“Success is a journey not a destination.” ~ Arthur Ashe, Jr.

I had never paid much attention to the quote. Seemed a bit trite and obvious. Then, I experienced it in an intensely personal way that surprised me and forced me to consider the meaning more deeply.

The complete quote, which speaks best to my experience is:

“Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome.”

While on a seven day trek in the Peruvian Andes, hiking from Cusco to Machu Picchu, I had a lot of time to contemplate journey vs. destination, especially the day we finally reached the destination I had dreamed about visiting for nearly 25 years.

Since the mid 1980’s I have wanted to go to Machu Picchu.  The pictures and history fascinated me. I wanted to experience the site and explore and learn about the Inca culture. At the time, in the 1980’s a terrorist group was very active in Peru and it didn’t seem like a good idea to travel there, so I went to Italy instead. But my dream and desire didn’t go away.

Fast forward to early 2012, on long runs with my Dash ‘n Dine crew, we would talk about travel – where we’ve been and where we’d like to to go – and Machu Picchu came up time and again. In April, four of us decided to go for it. Rather than travel to Machu Picchu by rail, the most popular way, we decided on an “adventure trip” and booked a 7 day lodge to lodge trek through the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru through REI Adventure Travel.

This was one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made and it was one of the most AWESOME vacations I’ve ever had.

The trek from Cusco to Aquas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, was physically challenging, gorgeous, wet, muddy, hot, difficult, rewarding, fulfilling and luxurious. Everyday we hiked 5-10 miles up and down mountains at very high altitudes (breathing was difficult on the ascents). At the end of the day we arrived at beautiful lodges where every need we had was met with grace and warmth and gourmet cuisine. It was amazing. Way beyond anything I imagined the trek would or could be.

Our guides, Silver and Ruben, educated, inspired and motivated us every day. I was grateful for their encouragement and reminders to take it one small step at a time when I was struggling up a narrow mountain trail. I appreciated their depth of knowledge and the conversations about Andean, Peruvian, Inca and world history, flora, fauna and local customs.

On the seventh day, we arrived at Machu Picchu. My destination…my dream…my goal, finally realized after nearly 25 years.

I was in awe. [An overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like.]

And Machu Picchu was everything I thought it would be, and more. There is no choice but to be impressed with the majesty and ingenuity of the Incas who conceived and built the city on a mountain surrounded by mountains.

Yet, when I think about my vacation, what always comes up first in my memories and when I tell my stories, is the journey to get to Machu Picchu. I was shocked to admit to myself that the journey made more of an impact on me than the reality of being at Machu Picchu.

The 41 mile trek through the Andes tested me and I passed! The challenges of the terrain, weather and altitude (as high as 15,400 feet) did not defeat me – I never had to ride the 911 horse – and everyday I experienced joy and excitement at being surrounded by beauty and the privilege of sharing it with dear friends and new friends who became mi familia.

What does this have to do with anything?

As simplistic and obvious as it sounds, throughout  my hike, I couldn’t help but contemplate how much my experience was similar to that of being a solo entrepreneur: the challenges, the ups and downs, the relationships with colleagues and clients, learning new skills, strategies and tactics from mentors and guides who have walked the path before you, and the awesome feeling of  joy when you achieve success and meet your business goals.

In fact, as Arthur Ashe says, “the doing is usually more important than the outcome.”  I often remind my clients that every big project is made up of small steps and when feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s important to remember to “look back down the mountain” to see how far they’ve traveled and accomplished on the journey to their goal. That usually puts things back in perspective.

Where do you want to go?

If you’re ready for a new adventure and a journey to take your web presence and business to new heights, let’s talk. I’m scheduling strategy sessions the first week of January and taking on a maximum of three new VIP mentoring clients. If you’re ready to join me, click here to schedule your complimentary strategy session and discover how we can work together on the journey to reaching your goals!

I’m thrilled I finally had the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu and I’m grateful for every step of the journey it took to get there.

Want to see more of my pictures from Peru? They’re posted on my Facebook profile. Click here.

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