Idea Coaching 101: Personal Stylist
by Leigh Anne & Sherra on March 12, 2010
in Idea Coaching, Inspiration
Idea Coaching helps turn another great idea into a reality!
Q: Tell us a little about your idea.
A: I have been thinking about writing a fashion blog for well over a year. I wanted women to get to know me as a real person through my writing which would create awareness for what I do as a stylist. I envisioned this blog to be for busy women who have no time to pick up a magazine, surf the web or go to stores on a regular basis. My idea was to reach a variety of women from different age ranges that may need affirmation or a few tweaks in their style choices. I hoped to be relational and use my writing “voice” to speak to them on a level that showed I could relate. I wanted women to understand that it’s not about being a “fashionista.” It is about feeling comfortable and confident with your style every time you walk out of the house.
Q: Why did you contact FYSY to help you with your idea?
I have known Leigh Anne for years through our home based businesses. I have heard Sherra speak on several occasions and always loved her practical, thoughtful yet humorous presentations. I read both of their blogs, and really admired what they have accomplished in such a short time. I refer to them as my “idol bloggers.” I asked Leigh Anne if she would give me some tips to start (having no idea what truly is involved!) She told me about FYSY and the services she and Sherra were offering and of course I was all over it. I know I could never have accomplished this on my own.
Q: How did working with FYSY help you focus on your idea?
A: We talked a great deal about branding and finding the right name for me which is one of the most important aspects. We then focused on a tagline, designs and all the details. Sherra and Leigh Anne listened to all the aspects of my idea and tried to implement what I said. They were very quick to understand what I was trying to accomplish. Their great advice and suggestions all through the process were invaluable. In addition, they really helped me understand the powerful marketing tool I had in the works with a blog.
Q: How long did the process take?
A: It really went quickly. The ideas came together very fast. I learned the ins/outs of Word Press with Sherra helping me over the phone. I was set to go and start writing in less than a month. I have also appreciated their desire for my site to evolve even further in the last couple of months. We’re tweaking, making a few additions and they are always there to help me make it better. While I’m not overwhelmed with writing, some of the technical aspects still can make my head spin. Sherra is great at helping, teaching and always is concerned about making it “just right”. Their ongoing support both in the way of ideas and technical aspects has been phenomenal!
Q: How does it feel to have your idea become a reality?
A: Sometimes I still can’t believe I have my own blog connected to my name! While I cannot take credit for so much of the background work and design (and I’m quick to tell people that) it is exciting to receive the feedback over and over. “I love what you write, I love your blog—keep it coming” It makes all the hard work worthwhile when it becomes reality. I now understand that this tool can have such a positive effect on helping other women and that is a great feeling! Being this far in just a few months is truly a credit to Sherra and Leigh Anne. I am very grateful and highly recommend their work to anyone who is just “dreaming” about an idea.
I have been a Washingtonian all but 10 years of my life. I was raised in Lynden, WA, a small farming community in the NW corner, just a few miles from the Canadian border. After attending college in Michigan, I landed my first job in Denver, Co where I lived for 6 years and met my husband, Mike. His job in the lumber industry brought us back to the NW and in 1989 we settled in Vancouver WA, which is in the very SW corner of the state. Nestled in between Seattle and Portland OR, we love the small city feel which has been perfect for raising our two boys Ethan and Collin who are now 17 and 14. My previous career as a school teacher and home business owner has paved the way for beginning a new business in 2008. As a personal stylist I enjoy using my creativity in a whole new way. I love teaching women how to look, feel and dress their best.
Idea Coaching 101: Leadership Education
by Leigh Anne & Sherra on February 18, 2010
in Idea Coaching, Inspiration, Reinvention
Idea Coaching helps turn another great idea into a reality!
Q: Tell us a little about your idea.
A: I wanted to start a blog that would fulfill a need in the home education community for interaction and sharing of thoughts and ideas with specific regard to the Leadership Education model. But as lofty as this sounds, I also wanted it to include humor and reality! Anyone can look good in a contrived setting! 
Q: Why did you contact FYSY to help you with your idea?
A: I’ve had the privilege of knowing both Sherra and Leigh Anne for years. I’ve seen the “fruit” on each of their trees, so to speak, and am very familiar with their success. Their personalities blend and produce a balance that is very unique in the way that they complement one another. With this combined input they produce a blend that gives invaluable feedback and perspective to ventures.
Q: How did working with FYSY help you focus on your idea?
A: Well, again, the input that is jointly given by the two of you in the conference call portion of the program is invaluable. You are very open with your ideas but the environment for dialogue that you help to create and encourage immediate action and tangible results. You immediately set clients at ease, and being relaxed is a huge key in the ability to focus effectively.
In a cyberspace world, where it is very easy to get lost in the “click here to make payment” mentality, it is immediately apparent when someone begins coaching about their idea with you. Your attention is customized to the client’s needs/desires and this also helps the often “somewhat terrified” individual coaching with you to focus better! Nowhere in the time allotted, does someone feel rushed, pushed, or insignificant. This in and of itself is a confidence booster.
- You have both taken the time to research the individual’s interest, so you can know where they are coming from.
- Your questions are pertinent, individualized and meaningful.
- You show genuine interest in the other person’s success.
You’re not afraid to ask tough questions or to give tough insights, which is what it takes to help someone grow. However, these two things are always given in the context of kindness and concern so they are “an easy pill to swallow”, and leave a lot of room for further thought processes. This helps to keep the epiphanies flowing!
Q: How long did the process take?
A: The initial process was accomplished in the time frame that we set up. Most impressive! Leigh Anne and Sherra are both timely and conscientious. This also sets them apart from “I’ll get to you when I get to you” mentality that is very prevalent in the design/consultant world. You are more than a “name and number” with the two of them. They are all about effective relationships that accomplish goals. Their commitment to partner with good ideas and methodologies is very inspirational and boosts your confidence if you’re in the beginning stages of your concept.
Q: How does it feel to have your idea become a reality?
A: It’s really great to see your idea up and running! Once it is, you feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. As it is with most things like this, you now have a model to create even greater possibilities and additional ideas. You realize that this is the start of an exciting venture or journey.
Leigh Anne and Sherra don’t just leave you there, either. They check in, ask if they can help you and make themselves available to future developments and ideas that could come of your initial endeavor. It’s a win/win no matter what you’re trying to do and how your personal style goes about accomplishing the goal!
Their insights are amazing and tapping into them is like taking a huge leap towards your goal.
Teri Helms has been married to her husband for 25 years, and is the mother of 5 boys. They range in age from 21 down to 8. She loves living in Southern California, the land of sun, fun and fashion! It is essential that every day include at least 4 or 5 opportunities to truly bust a gut laughing. She blogs about Leadership Education and how it is incorporated into daily life at TommyMom.com.
