Creatively Belle

Well the Catherine Popesco earrings from last week are nearly all gone so some more while I still could (there’s a break between when I can get the next lot).

These charming garnet red enamel and swarvoski crystal earrings are simply delightful!

Must have Pink Enamel and Swarvoski Crystal Catherine Popesco earrings!

Dragonfly Jewelry! Catherine Popesco brooches - including this stunning Red and Pink Enamel Dragonfly brooch.

All of our Catherine Popesco jewellery comes with a certificate of authentication and a Catherine Popesco gift bag.

These always go quickly so get in fast!

All the best,
Belinda

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Feeling like the wheels are spinning and you’re not really doing what you want or getting where you want to be?

You do have a choice about this. You can build experience and networks so you can move into what you love doing and do it with financial security simply by starting part time.

One way to create the experience and create your own type of portfolio is to build up a part time income through an online business focused on what you love, on a hobby or passionate interest.

What makes for a successful online business is marketing and easy to use sites (usability). Neither are brain surgery - seriously, it is just a matter of learning how it is done and keeping on doing it.

Can’t think of a business idea? Don’t worry about that either. Just go over what you are interested in, what captures and holds your attention and start a blog that shares information and skills about that.

You don’t even have to be a writer to have a blog, you can write just a few paragraphs and use interesting articles from article sites. You use them in your blog making sure to include the authors details.

Once you start doing something you’ll have ideas and opportunities come to you. Even with a little experience it is easier to figure out what is worth following up and what isn’t. But if you’re not putting yourself out there opportunities won’t come to you because you’re not letting them.

So where’s the money? In lots of places and in heaps of ways. You can sell things like advertising space, affiliate referrals, information packages, goods or services, eBay, anything that works best for you.

So start with figuring out what you enjoy, then get a blog going and easy to launched to start your learning experience.

Once you’ve started learning what you want to be doing and how to do it then spend money on monthly fees and costs.

Education is key and can be started with free online courses but to get a big picture view you’ll find doing an internet marketing course like “The Inside Secrets to Marketing Your Business On The Internet” vital for getting ahead.

If you want an overnight big win then you’ll be disappointed. If you want to see good results from ongoing efforts you can really create what you want.

This Beautiful Earring Holder keeps your earrings together and easy to find!

Best wishes,
Belinda

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What’s daunting you at the moment? Is it something at work, making changes at home, exploring a new opportunity, bringing positive change into being?

I always seem to have something about that is daunting me. At the moment it is figuring out a work plan that includes launching new designs, creating e-books and quizzes for the site, getting organised with themed blog entries, reading e-Myth Strategy book and “The 8th Habit” by Stephen Covey as well as getting sorted for a busy time down the coast with festivals and finding time to do some social things (for a change) and there’s another dozen things I could rattle out but you don’t need me to.

Now writing that I’m thinking it sounds like I want to do too much - that it is too busy. But is it really?

What would be the impact of me actually taking some time to do some planning and prioritising?

I’ve just finished a big Bridal Expo that went really well but I’ve a bundle of follow-up work to complete now. These expos are great for the business but I have to be realistic about the time needed for preparation and follow-up. Why spend all that money on the expo if you’re not going to follow through and build the business from it?

I think this constant need to balance priorities and make things happen is true for all of us. My delightful neighbours upstairs and next door have both had new babies arrive as well as having bright mobile toddlers. These two families are in the midst of change and balance isn’t really part of their reality at the moment.

So there are different times in our lives where there are different priorities. For me now it is about building the business and bringing more balance into my personal life.

I’ve thought for too long now that to build the business I didn’t have enough time left for my personal life and I love doing things for the business enough that I reasoned with myself that was fine. But I’m thinking differently now.

So I’m going to take a leaf out of Michael Hewitt- Gleeson’s book “Wombat Selling” and write up a schedule for 4 - 6 weeks of what needs doing and how it is going to fit into the 168 hours a week I have.

To start with I’m going to work the biggest areas first - just like grocery shopping - put the big things in the bag first so the little things fit in around them. The same applies to painting, fill in the big spaces first and then the details are easier.

So I’ll block out the hours between 10 pm to 9 am as personal, equally 77 hours per week, leaving 91 hours from the initial 168 (7 x 24).

Next important block is exercise with about 10 hours a week, leaving 81 hours.

Markets take up about 22 hours so that’s 59 hours left.

Another 20 hours a week for the business takes us to 39 hours.

Looking at that I’m thinking most of those 39 hours are in the evening and I still have a home to run (clean, cook and shop) as well as wanting at least one afternoon a week off for socialising etc and I want to improve on my socialising time because I really haven’t been doing that.

So the secret for me lies in using those 20 hours on the business to the greatest effect. I do a lot of thinking things out during exercising - walking is great for that and after yoga solutions and ideas just seem to come to me so that’s good.

My risk is getting stuck into things and doing 40 hours rather than 20 hours and that’s what’s been happening.

I just need to now figure out what the priorities are for the business and what time they need to happen. It comes down to planning it out and writing it down.

I’ll draw up a calendar of what needs doing when and try that out for 4 - 6 weeks. I think I’ll have to realise that every month has something that takes me away from the standard routine so I’ll have to factor that in too.

May has had me down the coast for family things and then prepping and doing the Bridal Expo so there’s 1.5 weeks just there and there are always things like that. June has 6 days taken up with festivals and want not. So the only way to look after that is to accept it happens and work with it. There’s no use beating myself for not getting other things done and feeling daunted so I just get stuck.

So what about you? What can you do to help you be free of those feelings of daunted ness? What can you do with your weekly 168 hours?

I’m starting to think it matters more what’s achieved over a year than in a week.

It is the progressive accumulation of actions and building blocks that result in the completion of endeavour.

If I look back over the last few years I see them for overall things - last year was a family year yet I did also manage in the last few months to really kick start the online business. The year before was the launching of the jewellery parties and getting the car. This year I’m aiming to put a zero on the end of figures! Rather ambitious but worth it!

So what can you do to feel better about the things that get you stuck? As you can see for me it helps to rationalise things and to be kind to myself.

What does it for you? What to you want this year to be known for? Sometimes we don’t have a lot of choice about what is happening but we can choose how we respond to things and how we integrate them into our lives.

Do you want this to be a year of healing, of preparing, of sorting things out, of surviving, of growing, of creating freedom for yourself and loved ones, of expansion, of travel or hibernation. Question yourself and figure it out.

Then figure out how you’re going to get there. What skills will you need to make it successful? What do you need to learn and what do you already know and have as a skill set that will make it happen?

We can always let ourselves be daunted by things and it can seem easier to be that way than not but it is a matter of choice. It is a lesson I seem to be learning over the last few years but I think I’m starting to get it now. I’m learning the skills of how to accept and progress. I know I can be a bit like the Hare and get distracted but the Turtle in me is coming out more often (thankfully).

Just break down the big things into manageable chunks and figure them out. Get help on board if you need to, that’s fine and it can easily be the lesson you’re meant to be learning anyway!

So go create some freedom for yourself with a little rationalising and planning. If you’re daunted by reading that big book on the shelf that you know will bring good just start with a chapter and be pleased with yourself for doing that so you’ll continue.

All the best,
Belinda

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Like many of us I enjoy a good magazine read, especially articles about other women who have created their own successful businesses.

One of the commonalities I’ve noted is the use of business coaches and mentors.

So I’m investing in one. I’m finding it worthwhile, challenging and motivating; all the things I wanted it to be.

I think personal, professional and business coaching can be one of the best investments you can make for yourself. But does it really work and how can you make it worthwhile?

Here’s 7 tips on making the most of coaching and mentoring:

1. Have a good idea about what you want from the process. For me it helps to write things down either in lists, mind maps, or in a diary. This clarifies thoughts and is really useful to share with the coach to get you started in the right direction.

2. Review this list of what you want to get out of the process after 3 or 4 meetings as your vision will be clarifying and you will have moved past some initial blocks.

3. Be ready to work. You only get out what you put in and a coach is there to guide and motivate, no to do the work. Think of a swimmer, her coach can’t do the training to get her body into the condition it needs to be in for the Olympics, only she can. The same with you and a coach.

I’ve heard stories of people who start all gun-oh with their business coach but it just fizzles away because they don’t do the work, they don’t give it the time, they don’t prioritise it so nothing useful comes from it. Make your choice about being active and involved so it is worthwhile.

4. Be honest with yourself and your coach. You will make a heap more progress by being straight with yourself and your coach. Part of the process is looking at what you do, why you do it and how well it works for you. By being honest about this with yourself you can make the changes where they are needed and get to where you want to be - both personally and professionally.

5. Think about the money. I had always thought that I couldn’t get a coach or mentor because of course it was way too expensive. So I didn’t go seeking it out. This is the wrong way to do it. A friend of mine with similar financial considerations recommended her business coach and the price is right and the coach is right.

There are also government business groups doing really affordable and valuable programs. I have a friend applying to the NSW Government’s Regional Business Development Mentor 6 month program and it is tremendous value.

So if you want it go looking for it.

6. The first meeting should be free. It is about scoping each other out and seeing if you are a good mix. You should talk about money and find out if it is the right financial solution for you. If it doesn’t fit have patience and look elsewhere.

7. Track how you are going. Have your goals set out and keep note how you are going with them. The idea is to be creating progress, some weeks are slower, some weeks are faster but it is the overall result that matters.

As for whether a coach or mentor works it comes down to how prepared you are to make it work, to put the effort in. It is an investment of time, effort, care and prioritising. Then it will be successful and you will get what you want.

Having a business, professional or personal coach is about bringing positive change into your life. It is constructive and liberating.

Handmade lampwork drop earrings by Creatively Belle.

All the best,
Belinda

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Yes, I’ve managed to get in a new range of the Catherine Popesco of La Vie Parisienne collection!

Catherine Popesco is always a much loved French designer and her jewellery is a personal favourite of mine.

This Charles Rennie MacIntosh roses inspired brooch shows the connection between France and Scotland, even after all these years. The Swarvoski crystals are protected by an encasing finish so they always stay in place to highlight the beautiful enamel flowers.

I have quite a few Catherine Popesco brooches now in, including a beautifu black enamel and crystal love twist brooch.

Another new design are these charming pink enamel and Swarvoski crytal drop Catherine Popesco earrings.

Click here to see the new collection of French designed jewellery.

All the best,
Belinda

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I was talking to friend from my corporate days about some of the outfits being worn to the office now and how so many of the old rules of success still apply. So we came up with a list of do’s and don’ts to help our younger female colleagues make sure they get ahead:

1. what you wear communicates many messages, including how you want others to think about you in the work place. Plunging necklines and tiny skirts are great for our socialising and picking up but in a professional environment they don’t work - they say you’re sexually available and that’s what you want to be known for. I haven’t met a woman yet who wants that message communicated about her in the corporate world.

2. work on pulling together a wardrobe that reflects your true professional self. Sure, it can be a bit cheeky but be sure it shows the side of you that delivers quality, valuable work as well. Adding an accent colour with a solid suit colour for a bit of a flourish is a great way to show your spirit while keeping the balance between going overboard and being too conservative.

3. you can easily get away with beautiful, colourful, stylish jewellery, even in a very male dominated conversative organisation. From experience it takes a very colourful and strong personality to pull off big bold statement jewellery. If you’ve got the personality and position and love this type of statement jewellery go for it. If you’re climbing the corporate ladder in a conversative place then think out your jewellery approach. Either way, you can still wear beautiful pieces of jewellery that reflect your style, just keep in mind moderation can make a better impression than going for the full effect shown in the fashion magazines.

4. take care of your accessories like shoes and handbags. Do you see anyone succeeding at the higher positions with poorly kept shoes and bags? I haven’t. Wearing thongs and flip-flops to work and changing into sky-scraping heels in the office gives mixed messages. Getting an elegant pair of comfortable ballet style shoes to wear between home and office looks so much better than thongs.

5. have a look around at the other women you think are getting where you want to be going. Learn from them about what to wear and how to wear it. You’ll probably see they have a very simple way of jazzing up an outfit to head out of the office in the evening that transforms it from dressing for corporate success to having a fun night out. It is easy to bring a change of jewellery in a jewellery roll in your handbag, bring some make-up along to freshen up and a small bottle of perfume. Keep life simple.

6. if you’re a little lost to how to bring a wardbrobe of outfits together look to putting together your own storyboard of colours and styles around what you want to achieve with work. There are a growing number of women who are brilliant at what they do getting themselves a stylist to help them present themselves for success get to the next level and doing very well with it. A stylist can be found in any good designer fashion shop - look at places like Jigsaw or where you can get an entire ensemble for work and play and coming along with your own fashion storyboard makes it easier for the stylist to get your ideas really quickly.

7. figure out whether you want to be known as a fashionista or someone having her own style that incorporates timeless pieces with the best of the season. This will make a difference to your budget with style being able to be built up over a few seasons in comparison to having to get a whole new look every season. Both ways communicate different messages about your values and what is important to you.

Remember, management will make their decisions between promoting two equally performing candidates on what information they’ve been given through attitude and presentation. You can present your individuality so easily through your jewellery and fashion sense at work with a thoughtful approach that shows the best of you.

An earring holder full of beautiful earrings makes it easier to get out the door in the morning - you see what you have and pairs are kept together - bliss!

Cheers,
Belinda

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With a sunny weekend ahead I made sure I was getting ahead with making more jewellery designs. So I decided to finally catchup with making some of the popular charm bracelets.

I made the music, sea-side and girl power themed designed charm bracelets the night before market. One of the things I really enjoy is being quickly rewarded for doing work, so when a group of young adults from an Orchestra found the music charm bracelet and decided to get it for their conductor I was delighted.

They all chipped in  and came back to get the bracelet for the woman who was responsible for making their dreams of playing at the Sydney Opera House come true.

I love it that my jewellery is being given as such a present, it is such a delightful reward for working.

Themed Charm Bracelets - online and at The Rocks Markets.

Smiles,
Belinda

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This morning I had the most perfect winter snuggle with the quilt and flannette sheets just right. There’s got to be something said for having all the bedding just perfect. I do enjoy winter for these lovely mornings (now that I don’t have to get up at 6am in the cold to head into the city to work 5 days a week).

Sadly, I had to get up. Strangely enough it had suddenly turned into Friday again with the week rushing away in a blur. Tomorrow and Sunday are market days - The Rocks Markets - so long days out working, so no sleep-ins.

I have done quite a bit this week, making heaps of new stock for market and getting the online advertising forms sorted for SheInspires (much more work involved in that than I’d realised).

Today I’ve collected new earring stand stock, joined the gym and got some online marketing done so that’s good too, but I’m still feeling like I haven’t achieved enough - the bane of an achievement motivated soul!

This is a lovely pendant in the Online Jewelry Sale!

Cheers,
Belinda

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Getting the word out with clever internet marketing tactics that work gets you look at a heap of publications, often wincing at the high prices being charged for their advertising products and hoping that this one will bring in all the sales.

Well I know I have felt that way when looking for online sites to promote Creatively Belle. I’ve been stunned by some of the greedy pricing I’ve found and getting to use the sites has been really hard.

So when I was setting up SheInspires I decide that if I was to have advertising in it then I’d make it work for all involved - useful for my readers so they get great products and news, affordable and effective for my online advertisers and easy for me to run.

What’s come about is a series of ways to advertise your online business with us. There are listings in the Online Shopping Directory, Sale Promotions, Online Competitions, internet articles and all announced in the email newsletter. 

You can also join us at Yahoo and advertise in the SheInspires Group for free!

Want to check out SheInspires online - click here.

Cheers,
Belinda

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Sydney really can turn it on in winter with stunningly beautiful sunny days like today at market.

After a couple drab late autumn weeks it was delightful to get a big dose of sunshine, it just makes you feel better, it must be all those vitamins.

I’ll admit to finding summer a little too long in Sydney, being out in it both Saturday and Sunday at market, even when it’s 42 degrees like it was twice this year, just gets too much. You end up longing for some of those beautiful cooler days where it’s comfortable to have the sun on your back rather than scorching.

Now it’s much more comfortable to make stock in the evenings, get heaps of sleep in the cooler nights and enjoy the warm winter sunshine.

Sydney certainly does get a hot summer but not much of a cold winter. We might get a couple of weeks of mid-teens temperatures but that’s about it. Nothing too miserable for too long.

Thinking about it, the only thing that I’m missing is swimming in a beach pool at Coogee. Instead I can swim at the gym’s pool.

Lots of colours at market - come for an explore at The Rocks Markets each Saturday and Sunday.

Smiles,
Belinda

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