Val Marie paper is author of The Finishing School and owner/creator for Val Marie Paper. Since 2013, she has sold over 30,000 prayer journals and recently launched the Yearly Prayer Journal for 2018. There are so many things I admire about Valerie, but what I love the most is her attitude towards life and her ability to make the best of any situation. She is consistently sharing her heart, her faith, and her tricks for becoming a better mother and more efficient entrepreneur, and I am so excited for you guys to listen along today!
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IN THIS PODCAST:
- How to best handle criticism?
- What are the keys for a successful product launch?
- How to be efficient with your time?
- How to balance relationships and entrepreneurship?
- Piece of advice for those beginning the journey?
How to handle criticism?
Rather than focusing solely on the criticism, Valerie constantly feels encouraged by emails she receives from others who support what she is doing. This is what keeps her going. I recommend everyone save the encouraging and uplifting comments you receive, and read through them when you feel discouraged!
Two keys to a successful launch
Recently, Valerie’s Yearly Prayer Journal has sold more copies in the past 14 days than the entire year prior! The difference between this year and the previous year is the time Valerie spent diligently preparing for the launch. This year, Valerie really focused on her website copy and took a class with Ashlyn Carter to make sure her website really explains who she is and what she believes. In addition, Valerie also utilized Facebook Ads and recorded on Facebook Live to talk about the launch. She learned how important it is to do the prep on the front end, and have it ready to go before the big launch!
How to be efficient with your time?
Over the years, Valerie has learned how to prioritize, which means saying no to many things. This sometimes means that she must even say no to emails asking for her advice. But, when she gets enough of the same question, she writes a blog about it and then directs the questions to her blog post which gives the post value, but does not take too much time. She has also found Text Expander to be helpful with creating email templates for the emails she found herself typing more than once. Valerie wrote a blog post about all of the things she does not do, I highly recommend you guys check it out! It is about figuring out what is worth it, making it a priority and cutting back on the other things that slow you down. Valerie now maintains the same salary, with working just half of the time.
Relationships and Entrepreneurship?
Valerie and her husband, Tyler, are blessed because their busy seasons are always opposite. When she is busy, things are slower at work for him… and vice versa. It is important to Valerie to not only makes time for her children, but also her relationships and herself. Moms who are entrepreneurs and running their own businesses can get creative with the best ways to manage it all, whether that be recording a blog post while walking their children in a stroller.. whatever works! With all the responsibilities that come with running a business, it is necessary to set boundaries, but sometimes this comes with its’ own challenges. It is important to take time to relax, whether that be going on a walk, reading a book, or taking the time to spend time with friends and family. For me, spending time with loved ones is so important that I schedule them into my calendar and make them a priority, because they are!
Advice for yourself 10 years ago?
If Valerie could speak to herself 10 years ago as she was just starting out, she would pray for her younger self to have a heart for people, and not to be selfish. Sometimes starting your own business can take over the majority of your time and thoughts. But now, her business is focusing on other people, which was not the case 10 years ago. Serving others brings Valerie so much joy!
RESOURCES:
Felix Gray: Glasses to protect from blue light screens
Natalie Met Lewis: Valerie’s Twin Sister’s Blog!
CONNECTING:
Website: www.valmariepaper.com
Instagram: @valmariepaper
SPONSORS:
Showit – User-Friendly Web Design Platform: Use code MAGIC for 10% off your subscription!
Black River Imaging – High Quality Online Print Site: Use code MAGIC for 20% off your order!
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