Make It Count – the 10 day challenge

Posted by Julia Barnickle

Casey Neistat was commissioned by Nike to make a film about what it means to Make It Count.

Instead of making the kind of corporate film Nike were probably expecting, Casey blew the money travelling around the world with his friend, Max, and filming their adventures – until the money ran out. It took 10 days!

The resulting film shows, very clearly, what it means – to Casey and Max – to Make It Count.

The question is – what does it mean to YOU?

What would YOU do, if you were asked to make a film about what it means to Make It Count?

Then I challenge you to do it!!

Watch Casey’s film here, and then leave a comment to let me know what amazing thing YOU would like to do in the next 10 days, to show what it meanhs to Make It Count!!

Posted in Inspiration, Time Management | 2 Comments

Are you a “go-getter” or a “caller”?

Posted by Julia Barnickle

are you a "go-getter" or a "caller"Nona Jordan (the Business Yogini) talks about how some business owners go out and “get” clients, whereas others “call” clients to them. After a painful year of trying to be a “go-getter” – mostly through cold calling – this year I’ve come to the realisation that I’m more of a “caller”.

Don’t get me wrong – being a “caller” isn’t about sitting on your behind and visualising clients coming to you in their droves! The Law of Attraction simply does not work like that, although there are some people who would tell you otherwise.

No. As a “caller”, you still need to put yourself out there – to get yourself known. You still need to network, blog, or use social media to connect with other people.

The difference is that, whereas a “go-getter” would then pursue people relentlessly with e-mails and phone calls (and I apologise right here to the people I pursued last year!), as a “caller”, your job is simply to get yourself known in the right circles. To tell your story. To talk about what you believe in, what’s important to you, and what makes you laugh.

As people get to know you, they will ask about working with you. Two of the people who have contacted me so far, this year – both of whom I’ve known for a while – said: “I don’t really know what it is you do, but I need help with something, and I thought of you.”

It might take a little longer to “call” clients, rather than going out and “getting” them. And it might seem as though you’re not in control of the process. But if you’re an introvert (which I’ve realised I predominantly am), it feels more comfortable, not having to push – allowing your personality to shine through and win people over, rather than having to blow your own trumpet all the time.

When people want to work with you because of who you are, and because you’ve made a connection with them – rather than it just being about what you can do for them – it’s a great feeling!

If you’d like help using social media and online marketing to connect with people and call clients to YOUR business, call me on +44 (0)845 838 7906 or get in touch with me via the contact form

Posted in Business Tips, Client Attraction, Law of Attraction, Success | 2 Comments

Susan Cain – The Power of Introverts

Posted by Julia Barnickle

Susan makes some interesting points about acknowledging the value of what introverts bring to a project. I also learned a new word – “ambivert”, which describes a person who is sometimes an extrovert and sometimes an introvert. I’m probably an introverted ambivert! What are you?

You can buy Susan’s book: “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” from Amazon.

Posted in Creativity, Identity, Inspiration | Leave a comment

5 Things Zumba Can Teach You About Business

Posted by Julia Barnickle

Business Lessons from ZumbaI went along to a Zumba class for the first time, two weeks ago. It’s great fun, although I think it will take me several months to master all the steps – and several more to be able to do them at the right speed. I keep comforting myself with the thought that it’s building lots of lovely new neural pathways in my brain which, at my age, is a very useful thing!

It occurred to me, though, that Zumba could teach us a thing or two about doing business – so here are some of my thoughts on that subject.

  1. It doesn’t have to be an original idea to succeed
    Zumba isn’t a totally new idea. It’s made up of lots of bits of other dance styles and exercise routines. It’s simply packaged differently, in a fun and – dare I say it? – ‘sexy’ way.
    How could you package your business in a new, exciting and refreshing way?

  2. It can change over time
    Zumba is one of a long line of crazes that come and go. Enjoy it while it lasts, but don’t get too hung up on a particular craze. Learn what there is to learn, adopt and adapt it, and then move on.
    How can you avoid being too attached to a particular way of doing things in your business?

  3. It should be simple and effective
    The purpose of Zumba is to help you get fit and lose weight, and each routine is designed to exercise different parts of the body. It’s effective because it’s simple and doesn’t feel like exercise.
    How can you simplify your actions so that they achieve the results you want?

  4. It can be intentionally FUN!!
    Because Zumba is exercise done to music, and is basically energetic dancing, it doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s fun, which means you’re more motivated to do it.
    What can you do to put more fun into your business?

  5. It should stretch parts of you that you didn’t know existed!
    Stretching yourself doesn’t always have to be hard work – with Zumba, because you’re having fun, you don’t realise you’ve gone beyond your comfort zone until later!
    What small change could you make to stretch yourself and make a difference in your business?

If you’d like help to apply these lessons to YOUR business, call me on +44 (0)845 838 7906 or get in touch with me via the contact form

Posted in Business Tips, Success | Leave a comment

Inspiration – Mel Robbins

Posted by Julia Barnickle

I haven’t put an Inspiration post on my blog for a while, so I thought it was about time.

This video inspired me to publish my 2012 Manifesto instead of keeping it to myself. If you’ve ever wondered why change is so hard, this video will help to explain it.

By the way, when you get to the part where Mel says “no wonder you’re bored!”, just take a look at the audience’s faces!! :-)

You can buy Mel’s book: “Stop Saying You’re Fine” from Amazon.

If you’re struggling with change and need some help acting on your ideas, call me on +44 (0)845 838 7906 or get in touch with me via the contact form

Posted in Goal Setting, Inspiration, Success | Leave a comment