I have a story to share about how I started as a solopreneur simply wanting to be my own boss, using my creative and healing talents to improve life for others. I knew nothing about marketing at that time but I could see very clearly that it was essential for my business.

Like or not, I would have to learn and I would need to get used to putting myself out there. This was the only way my business plans were going to work. I certainly could not afford to employ someone to do the marketing for me but I did avail of some on-line courses and I kept up to date by reading articles on the latest trends in social media.

The digital world was, and still is, changing rapidly, so learning has been a constant feature of my work, alongside creating artwork, writing books and providing reflexology treatments and all the additional nuts and bolts of growing and maintaining a business.

"Some people might say I am just lucky, that such opportunities come my way. I can say for sure, these opportunities are not accidental. I make my own luck. Luck comes while I am busy preparing for its arrival."

What helped me most was an attitude that I had been cultivating through 20 years of study in the creative and holistic field. With an attitude of positivity, curiosity and taking action I was able to take on the tasks of learning and applying the knowledge I was acquiring. My vocal studies instilled the importance of being authentic and allowing my passion for what I love to be more evident. Being authentic meant I had to be more definite in my actions and words. This too has made a huge difference, not only to the work I produce, but to the results I achieve in my use of marketing and business networking.

Over the last two years especially, I’ve become more strategic in my use of marketing. I write blog articles and create content for social media. I create schedules for posting my social media content.

Networking on and off-line is also important, so I attend regular network events and seek opportunities to speak on radio or TV, and to feature in magazines and local press. Sometimes these opportunities are presented to me without active seeking and I’ve been blessed too with offers from fellow bloggers to review my work. Opportunities that have come about as result of these continued efforts.

By using twitter to promote my first ever book of poetry (self-published), I made a connection with Nordic author and digital communications specialist Maria Lehtman. Maria purchased my book of poetry and sent me a lovely review.. Maria also loves nature and has many interests and talents which include, photography, writing, healing and digital marketing.

Nine months later, Maria invited me to be featured in her book entitled The Dreaming Doors. This was an exciting collaboration. Maria and I have never met in person, we completed our project entirely through digital channels. The Dreaming Doors was published in June 2018. In October of 2018, Maria contacted me again, this time to purchase one of my tree paintings entitled The In Between. I was very proud to be sending a piece of my artwork to Finland for the first time.

In February of 2019, Maria introduced me to the on-line network of Biz Catalyst 360. I have been invited to contribute some articles there and have already been featured thanks to Maria’s article entitled: What can you learn from a STEM specialist pursuing a creative path?

These opportunities are not accidental. I disagree with people who think others have more luck than them. I make my own luck. Luck comes while I am busy preparing for its arrival.

Developing Authenticity

Developing authenticity is not an accident either, it takes time and effort. The path towards authenticity is as unique as each person who seeks it. I simply wanted to express myself better as a singer and as a result of following that path, I realised I needed to change how I used my mind, my behaviours and my whole self.

I was a teacher at the start of this journey, my subjects were Maths and Science. Now I write books, I exhibit my artwork, I sing & I help people who want more authenticity & wellness to achieve happiness and success. My teaching ability is still in-tact; it has just taken a different focus.

"The path towards authenticity is as unique as each person who seeks it."

While practicing as a holistic therapist many of my clients were professionals and business people. Some wanted to start their own business, others wanted to change career. Often these transitions can be stressful with a lot of uncertainty too. I found myself helping these clients by sharing my own experience of having travelled those paths, I knew what they were experiencing and could share strategies for maintaining, clarity and calm. Having an insight into the world of starting your own business has also been an advantage to my clients. This is how my Authentic Path coaching and wellness courses have come about.

For success with your goals, personal, business or both, check out my books, courses or coaching programme or sign up for Authentic Path inspiration and offers.