Connexionista
163 Pitt Street K6H7B6 Cornwall, ON, Canada

It's Monday. The fiscal year-end for many government-funded programs is coming to an end. 2720842 projects need to launch by Friday, and I am SO here for it. This week, I'll be launching new websites/brands with The Co. Lab team for various types of clients like: An engineering firm... A golf course A registered massage therapist A physiotherapist clinic An accounting firm A realtor A tourism hot spot A beauty boutique The last few months have been BUSY, but I am so grateful for all of the work and opportunity to transform the way owners do business. Now, I better get out of Spilt Milk Photography studio space before she gets here! I just couldn't help it! Look how well my sweater matched her mirror!

O N T H E B L O G // How Well Do You Really Know Your Ideal Client? I've got a quick read for you about a couple of key factors determining who your dream customer might be. It may surprise you to read that it all goes beyond age group, income and lifestyle goals.... Here's something to give you an idea of what I'm talking about... My ideal client appreciates real talk, sarcasm and isn't easily offended by f-bombs. They're also not afraid to get their hands dirty. Check out the post by following this link http://bit.ly/2McsFEg And yes, I did use a lovely sunny time photo to promote this post because we are 28 days away from spring.

R E A L T A L K // There is no place for guilt when it comes to what you want out of your business. I had a strategy call with a client earlier this week, and she expressed her guilt when it comes to wanting more from her efforts. She's dedicated to her 5-year business plan without a fault and is sacrificing a lot to build a solid foundation. On the flip side, last week, I had a call with a client who prefers to have a simple, easy peasy... approach to her business. It's less about growing and more about the luxury of working for herself without the 9-5 burden. Both have a place. Both are valid. Both can be successful in their own way. The important thing is that both should never feel guilt or be apologetic for the direction they choose. The world is filled with reasons you should do things one way or another. But at the end of the day, it's on you to focus on what's important to you and make decisions that align with your goals. See more

The best way to get your clients comfortable in front of the camera is to be the best damn DJ you can be. This shoot with Stephanie and Jake included gems like: Barbie Girl Aqua... I’m Every Woman Whitney Houston The Bad Touch Bloodhound Gang Perhaps I’ll stick to business & brand strategies. More on this project soon!

That feeling when your favourite shops, restos, and coffee spots reopen. It's true. I've got all the feels this morning for my clients, colleagues and small business pals who can reopen their doors. If you can stop into your local shops, great! But if that's not a possibility for you or you're not comfortable venturing out just yet, remember there are plenty of other ways to lend your support.... Like, Share, and Comment on their posts. I know you think this has been said a million times, and it has, but it works. The more engagement your fav small businesses get, the more they'll have on their products/services. Write a review. This is REALLY helpful! Prospective clients who are ready and able to spend dollars will make an informed decision based on your experience. Bonus points if you drop your review in different places. Ex: Google My Business Page and Facebook. Sign up for their newsletter! When you sign up to learn more and stay informed, you're giving that small business owner a little boost. Plus, when you're ready to buy into their product or service, you'll have up-to-date information! I think we can all agree that when this is all behind us, we'll want all of the small businesses that we've loved over the years to be there. And the little things we do to encourage them now might be the difference between an open or closed sign in the future. See more

Lessons in lane picking: Sometimes you choose a lane for today. It's not the road to your final destination, but it's what is required for your sanity and well being. Sometimes choosing a direction means choosing to support you and your familysurvival mode to make it through some of the most difficult times.... Sometimes it's making the hard decision. Walking away from what is no longer serving you and focusing your energy on places where you can grow. When clients tell me they are overwhelmed, it's often because they are not choosing one direction. They have so much ambition, but instead of focusing on doing one thing really well, they dabble in all of the things to see what sticks. Want my secret weapon to making it stick? Picking a damn lane. Staying focused. Not giving up. See more

When you possibly bite off more than you can chew? Just remind her. Mom, I’m fine! The expansion of the lab continues! Soon you’ll be able to focus in this space or take advantage of Zoom Rooms!... But first...what will we do with these big bright walls!?

This is your Black Friday reminder that it's okay to take advantage of special offers over the next few days, but try not to forget your local merchants, community supporters, and friends. Shop small. Support local. Be kind. Happy Friday!

Real talk. The content you share in your feed is only the start of your relationship with your client. It can be as pretty and polished as you like with branded photos, cool reels and lovely social cards, but what happens after someone connects with you to buy into what you're selling? Do you feel confident that the experience they're having with you online is the same once you have their buy-in?... What does your intake process look like? Is it easy and seamless for your client? Are you delivering on all of your promises? Can you back up your fancy posts with value? I think a lot of folks spend time trying to look cool online but forget that a successful business means a lot more than like, follows, and shares. Today's pro tip? Don't forget about your clients' experience outside of social. It's just as important as your feed. Lies. It's even more important! See more

I see you over there waiting to get started because you don't feel like everything is perfect enough. You're convinced that until all of your ducks are in a row, you can't launch, share or even talk about your next move. But when are we REALLY ever ready to leap?... In my experience, starting somewhere is better than not starting at all. You would be amazed at how much you learn when you allow yourself some room to grow. If you're struggling to get going because you don't feel like you're ready, I'm here to say you'll be waiting a REALLY long time. Nothing is ever comfortable in entrepreneurship, baby. Especially when we're talking about making moves. So, what's it going to be? Another 6 months of thinking, plotting, and dreaming? Or are you finally going to make some magic happen? I'll let you decide. See more

Oh, hi! So, The Co. Lab is kind of getting intense. Like in all of the best ways. Who would have thought that picking your lane ACTUALLY works!? I mean, I totally did. I built my business on the whole idea. But damn.... I’m currently in the process of training someone new, hiring more help, AND playing with design ideas for the other 1000sq ft we’re about to add to the space. Small business owners often tell me that they fear getting too specific about their message, their work, their ideal client. I’m here to tell you the freedom and growth that comes from choosing one direction is exactly why you should. How confident do you feel in your lane?

Trying to remain hopeful that the cleanup I did on my laptop last night will help me get through the day! If all else fails, I’ll come back home and snuggle with these two. Oh, the funny things we tell ourselves as entrepreneurs. I’m welcoming all memes and humour today, so please slide into my inbox. Happy Friday!

My computers are all crashing. I'm not exactly sure what's happening, but it seems the universe is trying to tell me something. 1. You need better tools to complete your 279 tasks.... 2. Close one of your 47 tabs, you maniac. 3. B!tch, please. Slow down and breathe. So, I'm sipping on some strong coffee, making Framed Photography (Jason McNamara) document my fresh mani from Emily Simply Wellness and making plans to upgrade my angry equipment. For some reason, a black screen is proving to be difficult for productivity. How's your week going?

It's strange for me to be at a loss for words when sharing here. I'm in a heavy period of transition with the updates/changes The Co. Lab Processes need to be updated, workflows improved, and I'm still in the thick of organizing and setting up the space. Add an additional thousand square feet to plan and furnish, plus the ongoing projects and clients? This girl is damn near at capacity. But I wouldn't have it any other way. While my appea...rances here are a bit scattered, it doesn't mean I won't continue being your business and brand ass-kicker. It just means that right now, I'm gearing up to be MUCH more effective in the weeks and months to come. For now, consider coming spending the day at The Co. Lab with me. Coworking is now open, and I'd be thrilled to see you. This little downtown spot may be just the ticket to shaking the funk and energizing you as we transition into a new season. See more

And we’ve got cozy seating. I’m not quite done with this setup but it’s nice to have the extra lounge space in the mezzanine. This coffee table also doubles as a desk! Winning! Coworking starts next week and I’ve already got a few people booked in!... Connect with me if you want to safely get away from the kitchen table and spend a day The Co. Lab. Happy Friday!

How often do you make decisions in your business based on what someone else is doing? Probably more times than you'd care to count. Today's pro tip?... Choose a direction that aligns with your goals. Focus on actionable items to get you to that goal. Stop f'ing following everyone else's lead, do you, baby! We all have a different 'why,' and it's about damn time you focus on yours.