Diary: February 2021
I often get asked what my life looks like since becoming a Health Coach, so each month, I dedicate a post to a behind-the-scenes look. This is of course the highlight reel, there are many more (mundane but essential) tasks that go into building a business (which I teach in the Bootcamp).
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHT REEL
Recorded two new segments on The Doctors TV
Completed the initial formation of my soon-to-launch second company. (yay!)
Mentioned in Vogue.com
Before Highlights, Coconut
I can’t write a diary post without sharing a photo of Coconut, so here he is. Your welcome.
He has been helping me keep a work-life balance and easing my work-a-holic tendencies. It’s amazing how making time for free time makes you more productive during your work time. Even if you don’t have a pup, here’s your reminder to take breaks, take time for yourself, take time for walks, nature, whatever you need to clear your head, stay sane, and feel good.
How To Get Invited Back On TV
I recieved an invite from the producers at The Doctors to return to the show for not one, but two fun segments that we filmed this month but will air in March. As you may remember, I appeared on the show back in the Fall, so I was super excited to be invited back so soon.
Getting invited on a TV show in the first place takes some strategic work and outreach, which I teach you how to do in The Bootcamp. It’s not easy. So, once you do get the initial invite to appear on a show, here are some tips to help ensure you get invited back for round two.
Pre-Taping
Over-Prepare. Write out a script and practice it multiple times, so that you know exactly what you want to say, and what main points you must get across. When you’re on the air, you’re on a shot clock, and usually only have a few minutes and ONE-TAKE. This is true even on shows like The Doctors, which are pre-recorded and not live.
Over-Communicate. Producers are BUSY and have seemingly a million and one segments and things to think about at any one time. Make their life easy by sending over what you plan to talk about in bullet points. Include links to citations for any claims. Let them know what visuals you plan to use. Be quick to respond, as you will likely get booked and be on the air in a matter of days or a week.
Calm Your Nerves. I tend to be more on the anxious side, although a regular meditation and breathwork practice has helped bring it down a few notches. Regardless, of how many times I’ve done this, my heart still starts to race before going on air - even from my own kitchen! Doing a meditation or breathwork session an hour before showtime helps calm me down and ensures I speak slowly and deliberately.
During The Taping
Make It Visual. TV is a visual medium of course, so anytime you can have visuals, it’s a win. For some segments, that may just mean curating a beautiful or clean background. For cooking segments, that means making your table or counter look really full. Have your ingredients plated, and perhaps even different stages of the cooking process. Whenever trying to explain a new concept or idea, use visuals if you can. And that may be something as simple as using your hands to emphasize the size of something, or using props to compare and contrast something.
Show Your Personality. By doing some nerve-calming exercises beforehand, hopefully, you’ll be a bit calmer and can let your personality shine through during the segment. Crack jokes. Laugh. Show enthusiasm. Answer questions thoughtfully and articulately. Of course, it will almost never go exactly as planned or scripted, so go with the flow.
Help The Producers Out. Since shows are taped at home now, you’ll also be the camera and lighting woman. Film near a window if possible (with it in front of your face, not behind) or use a light source if needed (like this ring light I use, since we recorded at 1 AM, my time). If you’re doing a cooking segment, you can get an additional, detail shot by setting your phone or ipad up on a tripod. That will make the segment look even better, as with zoom, you’ll lose a lot of the detail.
After The Taping
Send a Thank You & Any Additional Footage. Follow up swiftly with a thank you and any additional footage, photos, or whatever they ask for.
Pitch Another Idea: This would also be a good time to briefly plant a seed for a future episode. At the end of your thank you email, you can add a line about what segment you’d like to do with them in the future: “I really enjoyed working with you on this segment, and I had an idea for another one I think your audience would love: [insert idea]. Happy to talk it through further in the coming weeks if you think it would be a good fit!”
My Second Company Was Formed
I’m very excited to be launching a second company, that is an extension of everything I have been doing for the past 8-9 years. Essentially, I’m taking my own advice of really niching down, and building a new business around one of my core offerings. And it will include a physical product. I’m not ready to share all the details yet, but it’s coming!
Some of the initial steps I took:
Got clear on the idea first and started working on the product. Mapped out exactly what needs to be done to bring this idea to fruition.
Set up my LLC through legal zoom - it’s fast, easy, and cost-effective.
Hired a designer to create the logo and brand identity - it’s so important in this day and age where everything is digital and so visual.
In my Bootcamp, I walk you through all of the above (and more), so you can get organized and get started in building a solid health coaching business.
Happy Spring friends!