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Business, Blogging & Money tips for creative small business owners. Reclaim your freedom. Create a passive income & read about running a passive business and blog so you can enjoy your life and travel more!

  • Do this every day for a year and you'll be financially free in 365 days

    Do this every day for a year and you’ll be financially free in 365 days

    I didn’t start this Substack because I needed another platform. I have enough to do’s on my marketing plate! I started it because my nervous system couldn’t handle performing online anymore. To working misaligned.

    For years, consistency meant pressure and visibility meant self-abandonment.
    And “just showing up every day” slowly pulled me further away from myself. There is a different way and I’m claiming it in 2026.

    This space is my way back. To writing instead of performing. To building in a way my body can actually sustain.

    Everything below comes from that place.

    When I started my Substack on a whim yesterday, I didn’t realize I’d be so excited. Not in the sense of ‘shiny new object’ but in a sense of finally feeling at home again.

    After 10+ years of being lost in the world of social media. About building a marketing system that works against my own system. This abandonment of self was a lot, especially for someone who had been blogging for over a decade, was chronically ill (without a diagnosis for years) and was educated in marketing. Would this be my future from then on?

    My nervous system hit its max and I’d often crash out. Meaning, I wouldn’t post on my Instagram account. I had built it to several tens of thousands of followers, but the more followers I gained, the more stress and pressure I felt.

    My solution?

    If I could just monetize my lifestyle I’d be happy.

    I would feel at ease because all I would have to do is live my life.

    So I became a digital nomad and traveled full-time.

    For a while that was amazing. Especially because I could bring all my clients with me and I had an influencer agency abroad that would have much more possibilities to work with brands now that I was living on the other side of the world.

    But after a few weeks as my savings got really drained, I must admit I’d enjoyed the backpacker party life meets working in cafes for eating out 3x a day a little too much.

    Top that with the many tourist tours to explore the areas I did that cost over a hundred a day, I needed to get to work.

    And the pressure started again.

    Posts had to be perfect.

    Captions had to be perfect.

    Posts had to have a certain amount of likes (engagement, especially with paid posts). This gave me a lot of stress – did I post at the right time? The right nuance? Not too sales-y but selling the product?

    I would be constantly creating content, when I got a coffee, when I got with friends. Nothing felt fun anymore, everything felt like work.

    I did it and it didn’t feel right.

    I could never enjoy the moment. I didn’t live in the moment anymore at all.

    My nervous system got even more overloaded with stress, pressure, and a lack of rest. It was bad.

    So let’s get back to my title.

    Do this everyday for a year and you’ll be financially free in 365 days

    This is a quote by Russell Brunson. Funnily enough, at that time I also was an affiliate for his company, Clickfunnels. But I found him to be one of the most annoying people on the internet because the product was really good but felt really spammy. Every click would open a new video or funnel sales page. He was ahead of his game.

    So now, ten years later I learned about him again from my business coach. And his books are game changers.

    And okay, I know you’re here to hear how you can become financially free. So I grabbed Russell Brunsons strategy and added the layer of my nervous system work to it, because it’s very important if you want to succeed.

    And I feel like 2026 is the year I’ll also show it to you how I’m doing it. Because don’t do what I say, do as I do.

    Do this everyday for a year

    So all you have to do is publish daily?

    Challenge accepted! But not just posting. You need to know the right framework. Random posting isn’t productive and even harmful.

    Thanks for reading this post. If you’re accepting the challenge, please share the post to help me build my Substack as I’m brand new here! This post is public so feel free to share it.

    It’s quality over quantity. So how do you do this?

    If you ask me, a holistic therapist, it’s feeling safe in being seen. It’s feeling confident in your output. It’s working aligned with your system, soul and body. It’s feeling no pressure. It’s also very practical, how do you do this without losing quality but fitting the time in your already busy schedule?

    I’ll help you. This is the same system I teach my high achieving, burned out business owners clients. It’s a unique combination of holistic & somatic work combined with business & marketing strategies.

    It’s proven to work as long as you’re willing to do the work.

    First one: create a daily routine to create safety in your body

    You do this by doing daily nervous system work. Even if you don’t feel like you have a safety problem, it’s important to do this. As feeling unsafe will show up in ways you won’t immediately recognise as being unsafe. Over time it builds up until your system says: no more.

    Second one: work aligned

    Easier said than done. I would suggest (if I was someone else) that you pick one standard time a day to work on your project. This way, it’s easy to stay consistent and get things done, every single day.

    But the thing is, often this doesn’t work, because life happens. So find a way that works for you. I personally have a hard time staying consistent because life happens, the luteal phase happens and I sometimes have to deal with chronic pain. So doing my best, is all I can do. Finding a way to work aligned with my system is all I can do. And I can’t guide you to your alignment, but I can help you with the framework. Consistency starts with the body, so see the first point I made.

    I personally work in bursts. I think it’s a Projector thing. But also as a woman in tune with her cycle, it’s only natural to not be able to deliver 24/7, 30 days in a row. So what I do is I follow my inspiration and then I take aligned action. So usually I have a few posts scheduled, because I’m only inspired a few days out of the month. If I feel inspired, I know I have to drop everything or I’ll lose it (been there before!). I must admit it’s hard if you have a 9-5 and a business, but I know I’ll lose it if I don’t. So that’s why I always have my phone close to me when I shower, because that’s when my brain truly shuts off all worry and to do’s and activated its creative parts.

    Find out what works for you and honour that (last part is very important and takes some practicing!).

    Third one: strategy that feels aligned for you

    We all heard the story of the influencer with 2.6 million followers that couldn’t even sell 36 shirts to her audience.

    Link.

    This was in 2019, so it’s not new, but it’s an important lesson to always make sure you have a strategy. And not just any strategy, an aligned strategy. This is why I don’t necessarily teach MY strategy to my clients, because while it feels aligned to me, it’s personal and you deserve a custom made marketing strategy that works for you. Having no strategy, just sharing bits of bobs of your life also won’t work. People will follow you for different reasons and will be too broad to sell to. Even lifestyle influencers should have a ‘niche’ if they want to successfully monetize.

    I’m a big advocate to slow marketing and not following algorithms. It’s a losing game if you chase someone else’s speed and rules.

    So figure out what works for you. Reverse engineer your buyer sequence. Start with what you sell, and map out the exact steps buyers follow. Then, come up with the level you want to step in with your content – do you wanna serve people that are orientating and looking for a solution or people that are already on a buyer level ready to purchase looking for the perfect solution? (I recommend the latter). Cater only for those, so don’t create content that will work on awareness, but create content that helps with buyer questions and focus on why your product and not your competition.

    If you have the right strategy, it literally doesn’t matter which platform you pick.

    Fourth: Pick the right platform

    I now feel stronger than ever that writing is my jam. And guys, this is only day 2. It sounds optimistic but it really is. I can now see how misaligned creating videos is for me. I have so much inspiration, I literally explode. But as soon as I try to capture it in a video for TikTok, I’m misaligned. I’m happy when I actually get to filming. When I get my ideas out. But as soon as I need to edit the clips, captionize it (lol) or write the actual caption that goes along with the video, I freeze.

    I have so many videos on my phone that are unedited but not suitable to be posted like this. Such a waste – this makes it so hard for me to be consistent.

    While I’d always already write down my ideas on the go. This should have given me the hint that writing is my thing but, oh well

    So picking the right platform is very important. I picked podcasting for my first challenge of posting daily, and it was perfect for me. I did 90 days of daily posting then twice weekly because it was a lot of content I was pushing and I noticed that the audience I picked for this business, wasn’t exactly keen to buy, but very interested in listening. So I knew, if I’d continue to post daily I’d start to feel resentment, for putting in all the work with little to no return. So I had to pivot because it took all my joy. I’m good now, now I’m pivoted.

    So pick your platform and audience wisely! This (of course) works much better if you already have a successful business and carved out your niche.

    I just happen to try this out with a new business venture to take some big steps quickly.

    And because I checked myself before I crashed and lost all my joy, I think it was very successful in taking quantum leaps!

    Fifth: Make it your lifestyle (against my previous advice and experience)

    So if you’ve read until here, you know that making it your lifestyle isn’t ideal. You’ll never feel well rested because everything can be monetized and used for work.

    So what I mean here, is document, don’t create (excellent quote by GaryVee). I recommend you watch this video to learn more:

    So how I’m bringing this to practice is sharing my holistic healing, up-leveling and business lessons as I go. Reflection is something I already need to do for my life and business, why not share it?

    Think about what you can document and share, that will save you time creating.

    Make it your lifestyle by adding a daily creation/publishing time slot into your day. Make it a priority. I prefer to do it first thing in the morning.

    Sixth: Build in disappointment

    Move slow. Build in disappointment if things don’t (immediately) go as expected. This is the test. The test that only winners will overcome. If you don’t get traction quick enough, keep going. You’ll most likely need a lot of holistic healing like limiting beliefs work and nervous system work. I offer a breakthrough digital NEI session, that takes max. 90 minutes and you don’t need to do anything but give me permission. I offer it via Whatsapp and it’s my best selling offer, because it doesn’t take any talking about your traumas or history but it helps you breakthrough your limits (and I do all the work energetically!).

    Neuro Emotional Integration (NEI) is a holistic approach that helps individuals identify and overcome emotional roadblocks and limiting beliefs that may be affecting their lives. It combines techniques from psychology and energy medicine to restore balance and promote personal growth. I’ll share more on that later.

    But doing the work in advance before disappointment hits is a must if you want this challenge to succeed to become financially free!

    So how is this making you financially free?

    The way I look at it and experienced it, it’s never a bad things to be visible. Opportunities will come your way. Your audience will most likely grow. You’ll build discipline that will spill through all the other areas of your life. You won’t immediately make more money. But it will open doors you never knew existed. You show up. And by doing so, your confidence will grow. You’ll get really good at something, instead of being medium at a lot of things. These are skills for life! So pick your platform, whether that’s audio, video or text and just start creating (read: documenting!). Finetune your audience and message and see how your life changed in just 365 days.

    Come back to this post on January 4th 2027 to check-in?

    Fall in love with your craft (all over again!) and accept the challenge in the comments!

  • Selling to manufacturers: a modern playbook for entrepreneurs

    Selling to manufacturers: a modern playbook for entrepreneurs

    If you sell B2B and want larger, steadier contracts, few buyers are as attractive as manufacturers. They buy in repeatable cycles, value long-term partnerships, and pay for reliability.

    The catch? They’re allergic to fluff (LOVE THIS, because, same!). Winning these deals isn’t about shouting louder; it’s about speaking the language of throughput, uptime, and risk.

    Below is a practical playbook to help entrepreneurs land (and expand) accounts in the manufacturing world without bloating your sales team.

    Lead with a line-stop problem, not a product

    Manufacturing leaders prioritize issues that halt production or drain margin. Frame your offer around a measurable pain:

    • Downtime: minutes saved per line per month
    • Yield & scrap: percentage improvement and cost recovered
    • Cycle time & throughput: units/hour gained
    • Safety & compliance risk: incidents prevented or audit time reduced

    Impact statement formula:
    “In Plant X, we reduce unplanned downtime on Line Y by Z minutes/month, worth €A in recovered capacity within 90 days.”

    Use this (everywhere): website hero, first slide, cold email, and procurement summary.

    Map the buying committee early

    Most manufacturing purchases involve a small committee:

    • Operations/plant manager: cares about uptime and labor efficiency
    • Quality/EHS: cares about defects, recalls, audits, and safety
    • Engineering/Maintenance: cares about integration, spare parts, MTTR
    • Procurement/Finance: cares about total cost, contract risk, and payback

    Book three short stakeholder huddles instead of one long demo. Your goal is to surface hidden blockers (IT security, calibration schedules, union rules) before they derail the deal.

    Make your proof stack bulletproof

    Manufacturers trust what’s documented and repeatable. Build a simple “proof stack”:

    1. 90-day pilot plan: scope, KPIs, responsibilities, and exit criteria
    2. Before/after data: real baselines, not modelled estimates
    3. Process validation: how you maintain accuracy, traceability, and change control
    4. Service plan: response times, spares, training, and preventive maintenance
    5. Risk & compliance notes: CE/UL/ISO references, data security, and liability

    Package this as a one-pager that procurement can forward without you in the room.

    Price to land, not to scare

    Large quotes die in procurement. Use a two-step model:

    • Step 1: Pilot/limited scope. Low friction, clear KPI target, fixed timeline.
    • Step 2: Scale plan. Pre-priced options to roll out by line, plant, or region.

    Add a “self-funding” clause: if pilot KPIs are hit, a portion of the savings funds the rollout. It reframes cost as risk-managed investment.

    Be integration-friendly

    Nothing earns trust faster than playing nicely with the stack they already have.

    • Offer lightweight data connectors (CSV/OPC UA/API) before pushing heavy IT work.
    • Document security posture in plain language.
    • Provide offline workflows for low-connectivity areas on the shop floor.
    • Keep your training hands-on: line-side SOPs beat long manuals.

    Speak the language of kaizen

    Manufacturing cultures embrace continuous improvement. Show how your offer fits kaizen rhythms:

    • Daily Gemba: quick win the team can see on the board
    • Weekly standup: one metric you help improve (e.g., OEE, first-pass yield)
    • Monthly review: simple Pareto chart showing where your value concentrated

    When your value shows up in their existing rituals, expansion feels inevitable.

    Use partners to shorten the trust gap

    Distributors, system integrators, and niche consultants already have plant-floor credibility. Partner with them to co-sell and implement. A single trusted introduction can replace months of cold outreach.

    (Link opportunity) If helpful for your readers, you can add one relevant resource here that curates reputable [manufacturers] for partnership research and market mapping.

    Create three assets that actually move deals

    Skip the glossy brochure. Build these instead:

    1. ROI worksheet (one page): lets a plant manager plug in downtime rates and see payback by line.
    2. Pilot success memo (template): a short internal note your champion can send to their VP with results and the scale plan.
    3. SOP card (front/back): a laminated quick-start for operators or techs that removes adoption friction on day one.

    These documents sell when you’re not in the room.

    Set expectations like a pro

    Manufacturing buyers reward honesty about constraints.

    • What you won’t do: name one thing outside scope to signal clarity.
    • What you guarantee: one KPI with a conservative floor.
    • What could go wrong: list two risks and your mitigation plan.

    Mature posture > shiny promises.

    Measure what predicts renewals

    Track a short list, weekly:

    • Pilot velocity: days from first call → signed pilot
    • Time-to-first-win: days to the first visible result on a line
    • Operator adoption: % of shifts using your SOP correctly
    • Expansion ratio: revenue from the initial plant vs. other plants in the same group
    • Support load: tickets per 100 active users (declining = product-market fit)

    These are the numbers execs care about—share them proactively.

    Email and meeting scripts you can steal

    Pilot close (email):
    “Based on last week’s walk-through, we can remove ~42 minutes of unplanned downtime/month on Line 3 within 60–90 days. Attaching a 2-page pilot plan with KPIs, roles, and a Friday start date. If we hit the goal, we roll to Lines 1–2 on the same pricing. Does anything here make this a ‘no’?”

    Expansion nudge (post-pilot):
    “We hit 47 minutes/month on Line 3, worth ~€18,600/quarter. Running the same playbook on Lines 1–2 gets you ~€41k/quarter. Want me to pencil that into the maintenance window next Wednesday?”

    Final thought

    Manufacturers don’t buy buzzwords; they buy certainty. If you anchor your message to uptime, yield, safety, and risk—then prove those gains in 90 days—you’ll build the kind of recurring revenue most entrepreneurs dream about. Keep it practical, keep it measurable, and make it easy to say yes.

    You might also like to read:

  • How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting a Business Grant in Canada

    How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting a Business Grant in Canada

    Securing a business grant in Canada can significantly enhance your venture by providing non-repayable funds. However, competition for grants can be intense. To maximize your chances of success, you need to be strategic, thorough, and prepared. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to improve your prospects of obtaining a business grant in Canada.

    Understand the Grant Landscape

    Before applying, familiarize yourself with the types of grants available and their specific requirements. Grants for businesses in Canada come from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as private organizations. Understanding where to look and what to expect can help you find the most suitable grants for your business.

    Research Thoroughly

    Identify grants that align with your business goals and sector. Each grant has unique criteria, so thorough research is crucial.

    • Eligibility criteria – Ensure your business meets all requirements, such as industry, location, and business size.
    • Objectives of the grant – Tailor your application to demonstrate how your business aligns with these goals.
    • Application process – Familiarize yourself with deadlines, required documents, and submission processes.

    Develop a Solid Business Plan

    A well-crafted business plan is essential for any grant application. It should clearly outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. This document serves as a blueprint for your business and showcases your vision to potential grant providers.

    Demonstrate a Strong Value Proposition

    Clearly articulate the unique value your business brings to the market. Explain how the grant will enable you to achieve specific objectives and contribute to broader economic or social goals. Highlighting the innovative, impactful, and scalable aspects of your business can make your application stand out.

    Follow Application Guidelines Meticulously

    Grant applications are often detailed and require specific information. Ensure you follow all guidelines meticulously to avoid disqualification.

    • Provide accurate information – Double-check for errors or omissions.
    • Complete all sections – Ensure every part of the application is filled out.
    • Write clearly and concisely – Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand.

    Seek Professional Help

    If you’re unsure about the application process, consider seeking professional help. Consultants or grant writers can provide valuable assistance.

    • Grant consultants – Specialists who can guide you through the application process.
    • Business advisors – Organizations like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) or local chambers of commerce offer advisory services.

    Build Relationships and Network

    Networking can play a significant role in securing a grant. Building relationships with grant officers, industry peers, and business advisors can provide valuable insights and support.

    Prepare a Compelling Pitch

    Some grants may require a presentation or pitch as part of the application process. Be prepared to present your business plan compellingly and confidently.

    • Practice your pitch – Rehearse multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.
    • Seek feedback – Refine your pitch based on advice from trusted advisors or mentors.
    • Use visual aids – Enhance your presentation with slides or prototypes.

    Monitor and Follow Up

    After submitting your application, monitor its status and follow up as needed. Persistence can pay off.

    • Track deadlines – Keep a calendar of important dates and deadlines.
    • Follow up politely – Check on the status of your application if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
    • Seek feedback – If your application is unsuccessful, use the feedback to improve future applications.

    Explore Alternatives to Grants

    While securing a business grant can provide significant financial support, it’s also wise to explore alternative funding options. Grants can be highly competitive and may not always align perfectly with your business needs. Here are some alternatives to consider:

    Loans

    Business loans are a common way to finance your operations and growth. Banks and other financial institutions offer various loan products tailored to different business needs.

    • Term loans – Provide a lump sum that is repaid over a set period with fixed or variable interest rates.
    • Lines of credit – Offer flexible access to funds up to a certain limit, similar to a credit card.
    • Microloans – Smaller loans often provided by non-profit organizations, ideal for startups and small businesses.

    Merchant Cash Advances

    A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) provides a quick infusion of cash based on your future credit card sales. This option is popular among businesses with steady credit card transactions and immediate funding needs.

    Equity Financing

    Equity financing involves raising capital by selling shares of your company. This option can be particularly useful for startups and businesses looking to scale rapidly.

    Government Programs

    Beyond grants, various government programs can provide financial assistance and support.

    • Subsidies and tax credits – Programs that offer financial benefits to businesses engaging in specific activities, such as research and development.
    • Business incubators and accelerators – Provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help startups grow.

    Bootstrapping

    Bootstrapping involves using your own resources to fund your business. This method allows you to maintain full control over your company without taking on debt or giving up equity.

    Persistence Pays Off

    Securing a business grant in Canada requires diligence, preparation, and strategic planning. By understanding the grant landscape, developing a robust business plan, and following application guidelines meticulously, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, persistence is key. If one application doesn’t succeed, use the experience to refine your approach and try again.

  • How To Choose The Best Assessment Software For Your Business

    How To Choose The Best Assessment Software For Your Business

    In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. One area where this is particularly important is in the realm of employee assessments. Whether you’re evaluating job candidates during the hiring process or conducting performance reviews for existing employees, having the right assessment software can make all the difference. But with so many options available on the market, how do you choose the best one for your business? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting assessment software that meets your needs.

    (more…)
  • Debt Consolidation Strategies: Creating a Debt-Free Financial Future

    Debt can feel like an anchor weighing you down, preventing you from enjoying financial freedom and peace of mind. Whether it’s credit card debt, medical bills, or loans, managing multiple debts can be overwhelming. But fear not! In this post, we’ll explore debt consolidation strategies that can help you chart a course towards a debt-free financial future. And don’t forget to read more in the Ultimate Guide To Finances. Let’s dive right in.

    (more…)
  • What to Do When Your Staging Site Won’t Load: A Troubleshooting Guide

    Have you ever experienced the frustration of a staging site not loading when you needed it the most? As a content marketer and professional blogger, I understand how crucial it is to have a smooth website development process. So in the period toward launching my new site, I’ll share my personal experience with a non-loading staging site and offer helpful solutions to get you back on track. Plus, discover why email marketing becomes even more vital when your website is down.

    (more…)
  • Small business owner working on laptop during government shutdown

    Impact of Government Shutdown on Small Business Owners

    As a small business owner, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with current events that may have an impact on your business operations. One such event that can bring about uncertainty is a government shutdown. In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens during a government shutdown and provide practical tips for small business owners to navigate through these challenging times.

    (more…)
  • Had a bad year in business? Start preparing now for a more successful 2018

    Had a bad year in business? Start preparing now for a more successful year

    As we slowly approach the end of the year, business owners are starting to get a clear picture of how the year went for them. If it’s already obvious to you that last year has not been a great year for your company, it’s time to start planning for next year. You’ll want next year to be a better one for the business, so here are some of the things you can start to do today. (more…)