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ICYMI: Ellen from The Ask

As is ever-increasingly the case as I get older, April just flew by. I’m grateful for the forcing function of this newsletter to look back and reflect on what actually took place.

First, I took a punt. I decided to compress what was initially a six week course (Authority Letters) into just five hours. As I came off the workshop yesterday on a high thanks to the engaged, curious folks in that zoom room, I realised that format really does have a big impact on the content itself. It got me thinking - what other formats (consulting, coaching, teaching, resources) might also work just as well - if not better - in a different form? That’s a question I suggest you sit on for your business, too.

I’ve been cooking up some changes at The Ask HQ across offers, tools and processes and will share meaningful ones very soon. But one that took a lot of configuration and experimentation, was building this assessment tool! Across all the consultants and coaches I’ve worked with over the years, to help them to start, grow or pivot their businesses, I’ve detected four clear stages of operations.

If you’re curious about where you’re at, and what your next move should be to grow your Authority, take the quiz and find out.

April’s Newsletter Round Up

^{Everything I shared last month to catch up on ICYMI}

1/ Most people I work with want similar results (meaningful work that fulfils them and is flexible, well paid and gives them status in the market). But their starting points into this work? They vary wildly.

READ: Where are you starting the race to Authority Status?

2/ Authority Letters In A Day took place yesterday and it was a blast. To learn the BTS thinking that went into it, and why I’m such a fan of this programme, I shared it all here.

READ:  Authority Letters is back... and this time it’s different.

3/ One of the biggest (and least spoken about) objections to Authority building is the requirement to choose a lane. That's where the resistance lives. Because of the implications of that strategy: that you'll have to stop being quite so… interesting. Are you ready for that?

READ: Are you ready to be bored?

4/ Esther Perel is the absolute GOAT when it comes to Authority building. She’s listed as the career inspiration of many who I work with. So it was very cool to not only use her case study in my business, but have her read one of Authority Letters members’ Hero Pieces!

READ:  This One Big Idea reached Esther Perel

Community Conversations

Highlights from The Ask clients & community

1/ Want the radically honest guide to building a sustainable solo media career? Isabel Woodford has put it all in one place and I’ve read it. It’s great. The Business of Freelance Journalism offers both new and established freelance writers alike, a real, guided take on making it in the industry. Go grab your copy.

2/ Internet friend Alex Smith has recently evolved his long-standing newsletter (where we first connected) into his new publication The Rare Mind. I enjoyed this essay, Welcome to the era of hyper-abundance, detailing the impact of the fact that each year goods and services created only multiply, yet our capacity to make use of them stays the same. Hyper abundance’ in the realm of coaches and consultants is real, and a big reason I tout Authority building as an antidote!

3/ Looking for headshots? A client who I introduced to brand photographer Ellie Smeaton recently had theirs done, and they were truly excellent. If your authority needs the photos to accompany it and you’re in the UK, you’d do well to check out Ellie’s services.

Work with Ellen

Support with your Authority led business

I work with founders whose ideas, judgement, and thinking are the product.

If you have been considering support but feel unsure where to begin, I created a short enquiry form to simplify the process.

How it works: Share a few details about your business and what you are working toward. I’ll reply with the support options and investment levels I believe will suit you best. If that feels aligned, we’ll schedule a chemistry call to explore working together.