Writers On The Move: Debra Eckerling

Showing posts with label Debra Eckerling. Show all posts

Social Media Goals

Social media is an essential part of doing business, whether you are a writer, marketer, consultant, entrepreneur, or all of the above. They key to successful social media is being social ... and setting social media goals.

On a recent GoalChatLive, I discussed social media with Holly Homer, Troy Sandidge, and May King Tsang. Holly is co-founder of Pagewheel; Troy is a growth strategist and podcaster, and May King is the original FOMO creator. The panel talked about the evolution and challenges of social media, along with ways to be more authentic, personal, and engaged.

Making Social Media More Social

Troy: Remember, social media is connecting minds, energy, and vision
Holly: We tend to over-complicate everything. Embrace who you actually are and act the same, personal way online as you would interact with people in real life.
May King: Being social is about being you, sharing the upsides and the downsides to your life, engaging with your community, and developing relationships

Watch Our Conversation:

Goals

Troy: Look at your platform of choice, find someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Share one of their posts, along with your thoughts. Amazing conversations will happen
May King: Brag; shout about your achievements, and include the backstory
Holly: Grow your email list
Bonus Goal: Message friends, just to say, “Hi, How are you?” They will be as happy to hear from you as you are to reconnect with them

No matter your favorite social media platform, when online, treat people with the same respect and kindness as you would when interacting in person. A little bit of genuine social interaction goes a long way.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you show up authentically on social media? Please share in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Prioritizing Personal Goals

In the constant search for work-life, writer-life, personal life balance, it's helpful to remember that personal and professional goals go hand in hand. When your personal life is going well, while it may not give you as much dramatic material, it does make your professional easier. The reverse is also true.

On a recent GoalChatLive, I dove into the topic of Personal Goals with Erik Fisher, host and producer of Beyond the ToDo List; Nona Prather, an author and speaker booker; and Michaele Weissman, author of The Rye Bread Marriage, along with other books and articles.

The panel shared their takes on personal goals, what stops people from prioritizing them, tips for finding balance, and more.

What Are Personal Goals

Erik: Checking in with yourself
Nona: Quality of life
Michaele: Managing work and family effectively

Goals

Michaele: Beyond networking, find your core group of supporters. And let them know/show how much you appreciate them
Erik: Get more and better sleep
Nona: Do at least three things per day that stretch you a little

Watch Our Conversation:

Final Thoughts

Nona: Don’t let your goals scare you. There’s never a perfect time to do the things you want to do
Michaele: Now is the time
Erik: Maybe now isn’t the time. But still write down the things. Soon may be the time

Even if all you do is schedule one appointment a week to prioritize your personal goals - though I hope you do more - it will certainly make a difference in keeping you productive, healthy, and happy!

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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What are your wins for 2023? What wins are you planning for 2024? Please share in the comments.

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Journaling Goals

There are plenty of benefits to journaling from self-care and emotional wellbeing to problem solving and productivity. It's one of my favorite tools!

Last month on GoalChatLive, I discussed journaling with Jen Jones Donatelli, Creative Groove; Lynda Monk, director of the International Association for Journal Writing; and cartoonist Chari Pere. The panel shared their early journaling experiences, as well as thoughts on the value of a regular practice, options for journaling, and so much more.

Journaling Benefits

Lynda: Journaling helps you to know – and craft – who you truly are. It’s one thing to think our thoughts, it’s another to write them down. Plus, knowing yourself improves you relationships with others
Jen: It gives you a reason to carve out time for yourself every day
Chari: You get to say things to yourself that you wouldn’t necessarily say out loud
Jen: Journaling also helps you track synchronicity
Lynda: Manifestation happens when you think about what you want, write it down, and speak it

Journaling Goals

Chari: Pick one thing to write about: gratitude, a good deed, etc. Then, put a doodle next to it. The doodle should add to what you are writing
Jen: Find ways to make your journaling routine really juicy: find your ideal spot, snack, or practice to make the entire experience enticing
Lynda: Join a journaling community

Watch Our Conversation:

Final Thoughts

Jen: Give yourself some grace around your journaling practice
Chari: Start by writing in 15 minutes sessions
Lynda: Write about your thoughts and feelings, not just what you see and experience

How, when and what you journal about is up to you. Your journal. Your choice. Commit to setting journaling goals and enjoy the benefits that come from it!

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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What are your tips for creating courses? Please share in the comments.

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Goals for Creating Courses

Writers tend to be entertainers, informers, and educators. Have you ever thought about creating a course to share your expertise, as well as your passion?

On a recent episode of GoalChatLive, I spoke about creating courses with Course Creation Expert Nancy Giere and Business Growth & Marketing Strategist Jason Van Orden. Nancy and Jason shared the why and how of creating courses, what stops people from taking and creating courses, and more.

According to Jason, people create courses to take their intellectual property farther. He also believes it's helpful to have a course idea in mind when writing a book, since the content supports each other. Adds Nancy, having a course and a book enables you to "bundle your brilliance." Plus, she says, the more ways you engage, the more people you can serve.

The First Steps of Course Creation

Jason: Know who your course is for and what is the outcome? Be specific.
Nancy: Identify what are they going to be able to do/know/feel after they complete your course – what’s the transformation? It will give you, the creator, focus
Jason: Break it down into meaningful milestones. Milestones = lessons
Nancy: Also decide if it’s a course or courses

Course Creation Goals

Jason: Do customer discovery interviews. When you have that information, it makes your course-creation process so much easier
Nancy: Take a look at your content to see what information you already have for your course. You can also look at AI for content ideas. Think of AI as you assistant; a starting point.

Watch our conversation:

Final Thoughts

Jason: You are someone’s playlist. There’s something about you and what you provide that will draw the right people toward you
Nancy: Often times with music, fans start by loving a single song and then see what else the musician offers. Think about what individual course you can create that will bring your audience to you and get everything started

No matter your expertise, if you have knowledge to impart, consider creating a course. It's yet another way to reach your audience of readers, prospects, and fans!

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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What are your tips for creating courses? Please share in the comments.

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Writing, Reading & Learning

As writers, we are always looking for inspiration, whether we want to revitalize old writing projects or start on new ones.

Last month, on GoalChatLive, I discussed about writing, reading, and learning - and how all three work together - with authors Judy Baker, Guy Morris, and Lisa Niver. Judy Baker is the Book Marketing Mentor, Guy Morris specializes in intelligent action thrillers, and Lisa Niver is author of Brave-ish. The panel shares their writing journey and projects, thoughts on reading, advice for writing, and so much more.

Their Writing Proceses

Guy: Begins with the premise, does 2 to 3 years of research, then outlines, writes first draft, edits, edits, edits, does more research, more edits.
Judy: Starts by dictating to get the ideas out, since she edits too much when writing. Also, she uses music and aromas to get in the zone, since the more senses you can involve, the deeper your writing.
Lisa: Uses her teaching background and gives herself homework. She seeks inspiration - music, notes, videos - and uses that as resource.

Writing Goals

Judy: Find something you are grateful for and write about it. It sets you up for a positive mindset … you will be far more productive
Guy: Learn to love to learn. Find out what you want to know and then learn it.
Lisa: Get a book out of the library and start reading it.
Summary: Write for 5 minutes a day, learn for 5 minutes a day, read (or listen to an audiobook) for 5 minutes a day

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Lisa: Take advantage of the change of season to set goals and make new plans.
Guy: Never let your past define your future. Keep moving forward. You and your writing will get where you want to go.
Judy: Your book marketing is like growing a garden. Plant new seeds every day.

Whether your focus is on fiction or non-fiction writing, look at things differently, so you can breathe new life into your work

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you reinvigorate your writing? Please share in the comments.

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Creativity Goals

Creativity is a foundational element for any business. This is true for writers, marketers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and/or all of the above. To keep things fresh - your projects, your perspectives - it is extremely important to try different things. That's why you want to set set Creativity Goals.

On a recent GoalChatLive, cartoonist Chari Pere and creative producer Damion Taylor joined me for a conversation on creativity. Chari and Damion shared their backstories, what stops people from being creative, how to tap into and/or replenish your creative spirit, and so much more.

Tapping Into Your Creativity

Damion: Work on the things you can control and stop worrying about the things you can’t. You may come up with solutions when doing other things
Chari: Get outside of your head. Try running, exercise, brainstorming
Damion: Spend time alone, even if it’s only for 5 or 10 minutes
Chari: Give yourself permission to explore. Curiosity and collaboration are also super-helpful

Creativity Goals

Damion: Challenge yourself. Find 15 red things (or green things or blue things) and write down why are they connected. See how they tell a story about you
Chari: Take 15 minutes to do what you want to do for yourself

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Damion: It’s okay to give yourself permission to enjoy things. It's such an important part of the creativity process.
Chari: Just do it!

Even if you consider yourself creative by nature, there are always new mediums to try. Are you a creative writer? Paint a picture. Are you a fine artist? Take an improv class? Do you have lots of "creative" pursuits, try cooking, gardening, or a new sport.

Taking the time to develop your creative muscles, makes it a win-win for you and your audience/clientts.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you explore your creativity? Please share in the comments.

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Self-Advocacy Goals

Whether you are building a business, a writing empire, or both, you need to be known. And to do that, you need to step out of your comfort zone and start advocating for yourself!

On a recent GoalChatLive, I discussed self-advocacy with Jackie Bailey, founder, The Speak Feed Lead Project; Jamie Martin, a life and leadership coach; and Bob Wheeler, host of the Money You Should Ask podcast. During our conversation, Jackie, Jamie, and Bob shared what self-advocacy is, the value of self-advocacy, how to get better at it, and more.

Self-advocacy is ...

Having the ability/courage/desire to speak up for yourself (Jackie), Coming from a place of alignment, so you can voice your values (Jamie), and becoming your own champion (Bob).

How to Self-Advocate

Jackie: Stop worrying about how everyone will react to what you are doing. Ask yourself:

What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
What’s the best thing that can happen if I do this?
What’s the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?

Bob: Get clarity. If you know your purpose, it helps you align with self-advocating, since it’s in service to others.

What do I want?
Why do I want it?
Why don’t I have it?
What am I willing to do to get it?

Jamie: Practice.

Take a video of yourself self-advocating!

Self-Advocacy Goals

Jamie: Become aware of what stops you from sticking up for yourself. When that happens, write it down, so you can objectively look at what is happening.
Jackie: Write long-hand where you are vulnerable and why, and why you hesitate about advocating for yourself. Then think about how you learned it and change the story to include “I can do this.”
Bob: Make a list of top 5 things you are not self-advocating. Pick the one that is least scary. Set a deadline to get it done.

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Bob: Gratitude. Being grateful goes a long way.
Jamie: You have a voice and it needs to be heard, so others can learn from you.
Jackie: Your voice is your superpower. Advocate for others, as well as yourself.

When you advocate for yourself - when you build a platform and shout from the "rooftops" - you not only help yourself. You help others who need to learn from you, understand your message, or be entertained by your work.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you self-advocate? Please share in the comments.

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Pivoting Goals

Sometimes in work - and in life - you need to alter your course aka pivot. This can apply to a writing project, a marketing initiative, or something entirely different. How you embrace change, whether by choice or by circumstance, can make all the difference.

I had a wonderful conversation on pivoting - aka left turns - last month on GoalChatLive. My guests were Matt Bailey, founder of SiteLogic; Cheri Ruskus, whose company is Business Victories' and Jennifer Watson, co-founder of Twister Twins LLC.

Matt, Cheri, and Jennifer discussed how they’ve made left turns … and in some cases have come full-circle. They also talked about how to avoid the advice abyss, pitfalls when pivoting, strategies for success, and more.

What is a pivot? Matt says whether it's actually a pivot depends on how far you are turning. Cheri believes pivoting involves getting out of your comfort zone. This is a good thing, just be sure you are making a change for the right reasons. Adds Jennifer, pivoting can be as simple as following your heart.

Things to Keep in Mind

Cheri: When you are exploring new things, people may try to throw a safety net over you and dissuade you; stay away from the safety net people. Use your instincts
Jennifer: Trust your gut. And, trust the process.
Matt: You can take a left turn and still stay in your area of expertise.

Pivoting Goals

Matt: Read a story to your children. Kids don’t remember the grand gestures. They remember the quality time. Don't have kids? Spend quality time with yourself
Cheri: Get out in nature. Cheri has a morning momentum practice
Jennifer: Start reading a book that can inspire you. Reach out to someone you’ve always wanted to meet; get out of your comfort zone

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Jennifer: Just do it!
Cheri: Trust yourself, trust the journey you are on. Be the happiest person in the room!
Matt: Sometimes left turns happen to you; be aware of the opportunity!

If you think you need to make a change, you are probably right. Whether it’s a big change or little, personal or professional, embrace who you are and what drives you, so you can start heading in the right direction.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you embrace or seek change? What tips do you have for pivoting? Please share in the comments.

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Woo Goals

What is woo? And how can you use it to elevate your writing ... and your business?

Last month, I talked about the business of woo with Christy Maxfield of Purpose First Advisors, Mindset Answer Man Cliff Ravenscraft, and Annie P. Ruggles founder of Quirk Works Consulting and the Non-Sleazy Sales Academy.

Christy says, "The things you care about are woo!” According to Cliff, "Peace, love, and joy are found within you and by tapping into that higher power." "Woo," Annie believes, "is your personal energy and the energetic world of your business."

To Tap into Your Woo

Cliff: Try meditation. Dedicate 5-10 minutes a day for starters.
Christy: Practice gratitude and extend blessings to others. Tell the universe that you are open to blessings – be clear, but leave it open. Trust!
Annie: Practice radical self-forgiveness

Woo Goals

Annie: Take the one thing off of your todo list that is nipping at you
Christy: Take action on the thing that will make a difference. Invoke the woo and take the energy to act
Cliff: Read a book that will introduce you to new ways of thinking

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Christy: Trust yourself and trust the universe
Cliff: Whatever you focus on consistently, you will tend to manifest into your life
Annie: Be kind to yourself

When you love what you do, it shows. When you don't love what you do, it really really shows.

If you are not feeling it, perhaps it's time to take a step back to remind yourself what it is you love about your writing projects and your business. Get back in touch with your purpose and you will discover your woo ... and find ways to share your woo with your audience, prospects, and clients!

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you woo? Please share in the comments.

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Nourishment Goals

As a writer it's essential to keep yourself balanced, this includes nourishment in your fuel, relationships, surroundings, and work. Achieving your goals expert Debra Eckerling offers help.

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It's important to set nourishment goals. When you nourish yourself - mind, body, and spirit - you are way more productive.

In April, I had a wonderful conversation about Nourishment with Natasha Feldman, Nosh With Tash and author of The Dinner Party Project; Michal Levison, a speaker, cookbook author, and founder of Seasoned Moments; and Nicky Pitman, Director of Shemesh Farms, a social enterprise that offers community and employment for those with diverse abilities.

Natasha, Michal, and Nicky talked about their connection to food, the relationship between nourishment and community, how they nourish themselves, and much more.

Nourishment is "being able to live a life that’s fueled by your community," Natasha says. According to Michal, "You don’t sit down to eat vitamins and minerals; you sit down to enjoy a meal. Nourishment is the holistic view of how food makes you feel." Nourishment is "what fills you, what fuels you," Nicjy believes.

Nourishment Goals

Natasha: Set up a dinner party. Make it monthly/weekly!
Nicky: Go outside and take a breath – breathe deep, long, and take a moment to feel the elements. Do it daily-ish or multiple times a day.
Michal: Try to take a lunch break every day! Step away from your work and sit at a table, preferably with another human being. Spend 20-30 minutes or longer. Take mindful bites. Build up to a daily routine.

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Michal: Savor all the moments; you can savor a meal, a conversation, a relationship. It’s an important way to get in touch with gratitude.
Nicky: Stay open to what nourishes you, and allow what nourishes you to change.
Natasha: Food – like everything else you do in life – should be fun. Enjoy it!

Nourishment comes in many forms. And proper nourishment starts with taking the time to refill your mind, body, and spirit.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you nourish yourself? Please share in the comments.

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Empowerment Goals

Empowerment and Fun are like peanut butter and jelly. They are fine solo, but even better together. Whether you are working on a writing project or building a business, when you empower yourself - and add fun into the mix - you set yourself up for success.

During Women’s History Month in April, I hosted a wonderful #GoalChatLive on Empowerment and Fun with Bryce Batts, Carla Howard, and Deborah Pardes. Bryce Batts is a career coach and host of the Wine After Work podcast, Carla Howard is a change strategist, and Deborah Pardes is VP of Stories and Voices at Swell. The trio shared their own empowerment aha moments, as well as their thoughts on empowering yourself – and others, how to have fun, and much more.

According to my guests, empowerment is helping people find their natural gifts and supporting them (Carla), giving someone the confidence to go after what they want (Bryce), and being able to define your own success and knowing you are worth being listened to (Deborah).

Goals for Empowerment & Fun

Carla: Do one thing for the next 30 days that will make you healthier (drink more water, go for a walk, read). It will positively impact you professionally, as well as personally.
Bryce: Write down your goals/dreams. Look at them often.
Deborah: Pick a buddy to be your accountability partner.
Deb: Gift yourself the time and space to figure out what’s next.

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Bryce: Try new things; do something fun so you will feel empowered.
Deborah: Be easy on yourself.
Carla: Surround yourself with kind and ambitious people.

When you empower yourself, and have fun in the process, it shows in everything you do!

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you empower yourself? Please share in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat, #GoalChatLive on Facebook and LinkedIn, and The DEB Show podcast. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Heart-Centered Goals

Good writers leave their heart on the page ... whether it's fiction, non-fiction, novels, screenplays, essays, or anything else. Writing is also a business. When you put your heart into the business of writing, it shows an authenticity that prospects, clients, and your audience will respond to and love.

I recently spoke with Marketing Magician Dean Hankey, Spiritual Intuitive Life & Business Coach Erin MacCoy, and Mali Phonpadith, Founder & SEO SOAR Community Network on an episode of #GoalChatLive about what it means to be heart-centered in business.

When you lead with your heart (Erin), express yourself from a place of truth (Mali), and your choose to be nice, it shows in all you put our in the world.

Heart-Centered Goals

Mali: Find a practice that works for you to uncover what you want to focus on. For example, meditation and journaling.
Erin: Practice gratitude. Write down 3 things you are grateful for every day.
Dean: Ask yourself these questions: Who can I help? How can I help? Help people identify and cross the “caring” chasm. Think VIP. Add Value to people that adds Impact for others, so that everyone Profits

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts

Dean: Find ways to be value, service, and support to others
Erin: Let bliss be the primary motivator
Mali: Practice self-love and self-compassion

Your heart needs to show in all aspects of your creative work - not what's just on the page. Lead from the heart and all else will follow.

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For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!

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How do you put heart into the business of writing? Please share in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat, #GoalChatLive on Facebook and LinkedIn, and The DEB Show podcast. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.