Darrah Brustein
Atlanta
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philosophy: design your life, build a biz to fund it + a network to support it. 5x founder, 1 exit-absent on twitter, follow: www.instagram.com/darrahb/
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Articles by Darrah Brustein
When Is It Okay To 'Toot Your Own Horn' As A Leader? Original
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb "As leaders and professionals, when is it okay to 'toot your own horn'?" Lori, the CEO of a multi-generational family-owned service-based business, shared this question, and it's a great one. It's common to focus on what's going wrong. It's rare (and easy to bypass) what's going well.
Listen to What Your Business Is Trying To Teach You
How to understand the ways your company can help you grow. It’s my belief that business ownership is one of your biggest crucibles for growth. All the stuff that we are meant to notice, learn, and grow through comes up and through your business. As with anything, it takes awareness to notice it and a decision of whether or not to resist the lesson (or else the lesson continues to repeat).
Quitters Can Win. Here's Why
LEAD Quitters Can Win. Here's Why A key component of starting any business is knowing when to stop. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
Stop Looking For Guarantees. Do This Instead
Stay away from a faith in your business that’s based in fear. I’d like to share some tough love (in case it applies to you) that I’ve shared with a number of clients recently: If you think that your best bet is doing everything in your power to hedge your bets and then ‘take a leap of faith’, that’s not faith because it’s based in fear, whereas faith is based in possibility. Why does that matter and why is faith a trait to seek (n general, as well as in place of fear?
7 Lessons On Creating A Service Experience That Does Your Marketing For You
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb As a lifelong student of all things business, I love to look for lessons in my everyday commerce-related interactions. After reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and getting inspired by the transferable lessons in top-tier customer service, I wanted to take it one step further and see the book in action by going to the famed restaurant it's about: Eleven Madison Park.
Quitters Can Win. Here's Why
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb I recently closed the doors on a program that i've been running (in partnership) for years. By all accounts, it was 'successful'. Yet, we both knew it was time to end it. This can seem really counter-intuitive, particularly in a culture that sends us the alluring message that 'more is always better'. In turn, it often lulls us away from tuning into that inner voice that's trying to get our attention.
When it Comes to Organization, Are You A Susan Or A Sammy?
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb If you've ever wondered why what you're building isn't growing in the ways in which you've hoped, there's a pesky culprit that could be at play. Join me for a quick imagination exercise: Scenario 1: Sammy has a lot of great ideas. She decides that the safest option is to test all of them at once to hedge her bets. Her mind is always spinning and she has trouble focusing on one task for too long before another one pulls at her.
How to Add More Margin in Your Day
If your schedule doesn't have margin in it (i.e. blocks of time between your scheduled items), I'd like to suggest that you consider adding some. Why? Because just as you need to work both sides of a muscle (cat/cow in yoga, for example), if you're only 'on' and are not taking time to pause, you are missing the opportunity for critical things to sink in, for disparate ideas to connect, and for insights to make themselves known to you.
Best Books of the Year (So Far)
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb If you're looking for a great end-of-summer read, I've rounded up some of my top picks so far for 2023 (although many were published well before that). You'll note that they fall primarily into the categories of personal development, business, and/or spirituality (and almost all are nonfiction). In no particular order: Educated by Tara Westover: I'm very late to the game on reading this book... alas, I'm so glad that I did.
How to Find More Pleasure and Delight in Your Entrepreneurial Journey
STARTUP How to Find More Pleasure and Delight in Your Entrepreneurial Journey How much space do you create for seeking enjoyment throughout your days? By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
How to Find More Pleasure And Delight in Your Entrepreneurial Journey
This story isn't meant to call you out. But it may be an invitation. I had a realization a couple of months ago that I'd gotten super skilled at things like efficiency, productivity, and finding ways to connect with enjoyment when I planned them well in advance (for example: a trip, a gathering with friends, or a concert).
How To Get The Most Out Of Coaching
It can be a powerful tool for growth, if you know how to best utilize it. After many years of coaching clients, I’ve come to find that there are specific mindsets, commitments, and strategies that one can deploy to maximize their experience and the efficacy of it. I’ve also come to find that it can be confusing for coaching clients to know what to expect and how to maximize their coaching engagement.
How To Get The Most Out Of Coaching
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb After many years of coaching clients, I've come to find that there are specific mindsets, commitments, and strategies that one can deploy to maximize their experience and the efficacy of it. I've also come to find that it can be confusing for coaching clients to know what to expect and how to maximize their coaching engagement.
Build a Great Online Content Creation Strategy
By Darrah Brustein, 4x founder, author, and coach@darrahb "When you create social media content, what does your creative process look like?" This anonymous question came in from a reader to my Q&A form. I'll happily answer because I suspect that others struggle with: 1. Overthinking this. 2. Spending too much time on it. 3. Not doing it enough/at all because of #1.
How to Know What Advice You Should Take
2 days ago The idea of servant leadership — putting your team’s needs ahead of your own — brought us to a more compassionate, human-centered work environment. But in today’s environment, it’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, the authors suggest a more impact-driven philosophy called “noble-purpose leadership,” …
How to Know What Advice You Should Take
"When you receive sound pieces of conflicting advice, how do you know to which to listen?" This anonymous question came in from my most recent call for questions and it feels a little bit ironic to offer advice on what/whose advice to take. Yet, I'll try because I know this is a quandary we all face at one time or another. First, story time (which hopes to offer some context for my advice): I started my first business at the ripe old age of 25.
Quiet Your Inner Critics With These Simple Steps
Does any of this sound like any of your inner monologue(s)?: 'Who am I to do/say/be that?' 'Yea right, that works for them, but it's not going to work for me.' 'Why can't I just figure it out/get it right already?' 'If only I could just ____ (insert self-flagellation)!' 'If I were _______ (smarter/prettier/thinner/more popular/etc) things would be different.' 'They're judging me.' I could go on but I suspect that whether or not any of these resonate, that you've contented with these unkind...
Use These Techniques to Improve Your Focus on Your Business
GROW Use These Techniques to Improve Your Focus on Your Business Why it's important to sync your schedule with your energy. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
Use These Techniques to Improve Your Focus on Your Business
Your mood and energy levels have natural daily rhythms. Because of that, you can structure your day and your tasks according to when each will be best suited for the highest outcomes. In Daniel Pink's book WHEN: The Scientific Secrets Of Perfect Timing, he dissects the science behind the best time to do just about anything. He and I spoke to break down the best times to connect with others, network, schedule meetings, edit out friendships, quit a job, and take in new information.
How to Get Started When You're Just Starting Your Business
STARTUP How to Get Started When You're Just Starting Your Business Building from the ground up is hard. Here are things that can help. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
3 things you need to know to build a strong network
The biggest misconception I hear about building and nurturing a strong network is that it takes a lot of time and is rarely enjoyable. Neither needs to be true. Here are three things to consider to make the way you grow and maintain a network one that works for you: You don't have to be "strategic." One of the most fruitful (and enjoyable) things you can do is to prioritize being in relationships with people you enjoy.
How To Get Started When You're Just Starting Your Business
"How do you get started when you're just starting out?" This question was posed to Brendan (my fiance') and me when we guest-lectured together at an undergrad entrepreneurship class in Hawaii. It had me reflecting back on my start 14+ years ago and some of the things that profoundly shaped my direction: 1.
3 Things You Need to Know to Build a Strong Network
Networking 3 Things You Need to Know to Build a Strong Network It can seem a lower priority when you're building your business, but a small-time investment here will pay off later. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
3 Things You Need to Know to Build a Strong Network
Illustration: Getty Images. It can seem a lower priority when you’re building your business, but a small time investment here will pay off later. The biggest misconception I hear about building and nurturing a strong network is that it takes a lot of time and is rarely enjoyable. Neither needs to be true.
3 Ways to Burnout-Proof Your Founder Journey
STARTUP 3 Ways to Burnout-Proof Your Founder Journey Read this before you need it. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
3 Ways to Burnout-Proof Your Founder Journey Original
After spending close to 15 years as an entrepreneur with five companies under my belt, I've come to see some patterns in the mindsets of myself and my fellow founders. One of those is that despite the odds telling us otherwise, we go in wide-eyed and hopeful that we will be able to take this seed of an idea and turn it into something real, lasting, and profitable.
Important Reminders You Need to Hear as a Founder
It's important to ask what benefit the conveyer of a message has in sharing it. For example: you see a documentary on why eating 10 servings of red meat a day is going to improve your health and well-being. You're suddenly reconsidering your diet and googling the nearest butcher shop.
Your Business Can Be A Vehicle To Access Time And Financial Freedom
I'm rarely a believer in one-size-fits-all advice because we're not all 'one size'. Meaning: we each come to the table with a variety of experiences, scars, fears, circumstances, privileges, opportunities, and on and on. I'm an (elder) millennial and people mock us to say that we think we're all 'unique snowflakes'. In this case, I'll take that intended insult and agree: we are all unique in what motivates us, what we desire, and how we attain said desire.
How to Create More Reliable Revenue in Your Business
Outcomes > hours. I hope to be able to convince you of this by the end of this article. Why? Because if you're looking to create more reliable revenue in your business, this question from Abby (and my subsequent reply) will offer some insights for you: Creating a sustainable business model as a solo service provider that takes your capacity into account, hits your financial goals, and well-serves your clients is both an art and a science.
Grow Your Business and Promote Your Work Without Fear
GROW Grow Your Business and Promote Your Work Without Fear Consider these tips to get over the fear of sharing your work by shifting from a mindset of performance or promotion to one of service. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
Grow Your Business and Promote Your Work Without Fear
If you've ever created something and then hesitated to promote it because you didn't want to come off as being self-centered....then today's question from Todd will resonate and my response will have some insights for you: "I'm publishing my first book this year: a how-to guide on startup culture for founders. While some part of me fears coming across as self-promoting, I also know that founders of growing companies need help with culture.
How to Shut Down Your Business
Today's question from Asa in Sweden may not pertain to you directly, but I have a hunch that whether or not you plan to shut down your company, there's learning in this lesson for you, too. She asks: "I have decided to shut down my life coaching business (after 5.5 years) and focus my efforts on my passion project. I started a podcast and am enjoying the process and learning more and meeting new cool people who have opted out of the rat race and sharing my journey and learning from others.
How to Shut Down Your Business
Illustration: Getty Images. Five different considerations and options. Today’s question from Asa in Sweden may not pertain to you directly, but I have a hunch that whether or not you plan to shut down your company, there’s learning in this lesson for you too. She asks: “I have decided to shut down my life-coaching business (after 5.5 years) and focus my efforts on my passion project.
6 Steps for Effective Goal Planning
Illustration: Getty Images. Use these to do the groundwork for any objective. “How do you recommend planning for the upcoming year? Setting monthly goals? Mixing personal and professional goals each week? Creating quarterly profit marks? I’m new to goal planning and I want to get great at it.” This question comes from Mollye, a regular reader of this column.
6 Steps for Effective Goal Planning
"How do you recommend planning for the upcoming year? Setting monthly goals? Mixing personal and professional goals each week? Creating quarterly profit marks? I'm new to goal planning and I want to get great at it." This question comes from Mollye, a regular reader of this column. I have six steps for effective goal planning that are rooted in the belief that without a destination in mind, we can't make a map to get where we want to go, and we end up meandering aimlessly.
14 Books To Read as a Growth-Oriented Entrepreneur
Books 14 Books To Read as a Growth-Oriented Entrepreneur Advice to help you learn and grow your business. By DARRAH BRUSTEIN, 4X FOUNDER, AUTHOR, AND COACH, @darrahb
14 Books To Read as a Growth-Oriented Entrepreneur
After devouring 60 books over the last year, I've whittled them down to my top 14 to help you find something you'll love and that will support your growth this year. Because what I do lives at the intersection of life coaching and business strategy, my reading over-indexes in the personal development and business genres.
14 Books to Read as a Growth-Oriented Entrepreneur
Photos: Courtesy publishers. Advice to help you learn and grow your business. After devouring 60 books over the last year, I’ve whittled them down to my top 14 to help you find something you’ll love and that will support your growth this year. Because what I do lives at the intersection of life coaching and business strategy, my reading over-indexes in the personal development and business genres.
How to Focus and Move Past Your Destructive or Distracting Inner Narratives
I love a good story, don't you? But what about the stories we tell ourselves? Have you ever paused to consider how those stories are impacting you? Here's an unflattering example of a narrative I created that went like this: "Darrah: You're not cutting it with this client.
Beware of This Trap as You Map Out Your Goals and Growth Plans
Have you ever received a compliment that once would have made you puff up with pride, but now feels like an ill-fitting shoe? I recently caught up with a group of people with whom I was in a networking group about eight years ago. While in a conversation, one of my former colleagues off-handedly said to me, "You were one of the most hardworking people I knew back then." His words caused me to pause and think to myself: 1. That's true, I was. 2.
Beware of This Trap as You Map Out Your Goals and Growth Plans
Have you ever received a compliment that once would have made you puff up with pride, but now feels like an ill-fitting shoe? I recently caught up with a group of people with whom I was in a networking group about eight years ago. While in a conversation, one of my former colleagues off-handedly said to me, "You were one of the most hardworking people I knew back then." His words caused me to pause and think to myself: 1. That's true, I was. 2.
It's Time To Get Off the Emotional Treadmill of Your Business
"When ____ happens, I'll feel _____," Does this MadLibs-style sentence feel at all familiar? Fill in blank 1 with any of the following: I... hit X in revenue get X more customers start a consistent meditation practice work out again sign up for therapy get X more followers on Instagram have a great relationship/get married/have kids am in the dream house/dream car/dream vacation home Fill in blank two with an adjective.
How to Get Press for Your Company
If you've ever thought: "It would be great to get what I'm working on featured in the press". Then you were met with crickets when you tried to pitch, or didn't go beyond the thought because you weren't sure how to make that happen. Let me share something with you. Press hits can be a great way to get your name out there as well as to build your credibility. As a long-time writer for major outlets, I get about 3 emails per day with cold pitches. Want to know how many I've said yes to? Less than 5.
Have You Been Ghosted In Your Business?
It was a workday like any other. I refreshed myself on my new client's notes from our initial consultation. With headphones on, I looked at the clock as our start time came and went. After a few minutes, I sent a text. "Ready when you are!" No reply or incoming call. So I called. It rang and went to voicemail. 20 minutes passed and I realized I wouldn't be hearing from him and became concerned: 'Is he ok? Has something happened?'. I sent a concerned email and text.
13 Reasons Why Some People Achieve Their Goals and Others Don't
"What do you see as the key differentiators between those who achieve their goals and those who don't?" I was recently asked this question, and it was an opportunity to really reflect on what makes someone successful. To me, there are 13 key elements. People who succeed: Define success for themselves first. In so doing, they can then orient their steps towards it, not getting side-winded by other people's metrics.
Let's Audit Your Calendar. It Will Only Hurt A Little
If your life feels full-throttle, your calendar is screaming for some margin, and/or you hear yourself lament how busy you are a few times too many... Then maybe it's time to do a quick audit of how you spend your time (and energy) to see where it's really going, and how it stacks up to what you say you value. For example: You say you value time with your spouse, but you haven't connected, truly, for longer than you care to admit.
It's Quitting Time. Here's Why
Were you raised to believe that "winners never quit and quitters never win"? Allow me to debunk that and tell you instead that: Deciding when to stop is not quitting, it's a skill.
How to Stop Holding Yourself Back and Achieve Your Goals
Is there anywhere in your life where you're holding off from making a decision or taking action because you're afraid of making the wrong choice or moving in the wrong direction?This is how it happens: Instead of using the information you have and trusting yourself enough to make the best decision you can given that information, you stall.
The Most Important Thing that Will Help You Get More Consistent Referrals
If one of the best ways to grow your business is through referrals (it is), but you don't have a steady stream of clients, how do you get referrals? Start with your existing network and thoughtfully ask for introductions to people who work with your ideal client. Build great relationships with them so that they feel comfortable and enthusiastic to send referrals to you. And, when possible, send them value-add introductions and referrals, too.
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