Working Smarter

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“So, what do you do?” — I bet you’ve been asked this almost every time you meet someone new, huh? And if you’re a creative like me, this question can be exhausting and frustrating.

Just the other day I spoke with a web design client/healing colleague who expressed their dismay around not being able to properly communicate what they do in their work… What’s their title? What’s their work called? How do they describe something that’s so nuanced and dynamic? I get it.

For years I was challenged with those same feelings. In my heart, I KNEW what I have to offer is powerful and valuable, yet when asked to define my work in a short “elevator pitch” style summary, my confidence would wane.. I’d stumble over a few vague sentences trying to make it make sense to others. I’d even be asking myself sometimes, what IS Held In The Heart?

I struggled with describing this space, my work and my offerings — what were the right words that would accurately convey what it all is? I grappled with and resisted assuming any professional titles or labels (I still often do!), as none seem to really hit the nail on the head — there’s no ONE that can encompass it all. I invested years (and many dollars) in support to help me clarify what the hell I’m actually doing here and how to reach the people who I could help.

And that right there is the good news! There are ways to get clear about it. And the clearer you are about the intentions behind — and benefits of — what you’re offering, the clearer the energy will be that you’re sending out. And therefore, the easier it will be for your people to find you.

For many years in Los Angeles, I worked in the retail fashion industry.

In that world, the mannequins are known as the “silent sales people”. And my job as a visual stylist/display artist was to make sure all the windows and mannequins were effectively communicating the clothes, the lifestyle, etc... If a window design is innovative and well-executed, it catches peoples’ eye and they walk in the store; and if the mannequins are impeccably styled, customers feel a certain something, and the clothes “sell themselves”.

Mannequins in window displays are working for retail stores ‘round the clock. Your website is doing the same. And it’s either connecting with people, or they’re moving on to the next thing — these days, in a matter of seconds.

Most of what people need to know about you they will learn through what they feel. With your website, it’s what they see that determines what they feel. This is why there’s nothing more important than being clear in who you are and what your work is about, and accurately presenting it visually — because this energy is felt, and it’s how the people who need what you have to offer will know you’re the right person to help them.

Having a solid website/online presence does so much of the work for you. Just like strangers wandering by a window display after a store is closed, your new people will find you on the internet at all hours of the day and night. And in those oh-so-significant moments, it will be what’s presented there that’s doing the speaking for you.

Do you already have a website? If yes, ask yourself — is my site working for me like a star employee? Or is it just sitting there like an unmotivated one making the least amount of effort? Start here, and be brutally honest with yourself.

And if you don’t have an online presence yet, ask yourself — how might my business, my reach, and my impact increase if I invested in the right support to make my work visible ‘round the clock?

In either case, this is where I can help you with in my Intuitive Design & Creative Copywriting support. I guide you through a thoughtful process to develop your language and clarify your services, so you are able to effectively communicate your gifts. We arrive together at the best words, colors, icons, and images to represent YOU and therefore authentically express your essence.

Your inner self expressed in the outer world.

— this is what happens with the right words and visuals. Your authentically designed website becomes your impeccably well-styled mannequin, serving up just the right message in your kick ass window display. Working for you, 24/7. There’s no employee more valuable to your business.

Curious about working with me in this capacity? Head over here to learn more and schedule a free consultation call with me. I’ll be so honored to explore your project with you!

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