Category: Stratejoy the Biz

Stratejoy Essay Contest Finalists + Season 6 Blogger Applications + PYOT Registration, Oh My!

posted 1st February 2012    Written by: Stratejoy    CATEGORY: Stratejoy the Biz

We have so so SO much awesome to share with you today. Buckle up, hot stuff!

PYOT Group Registration is OPEN!

When we want to do something “more” or “bigger” but are held back by fear of putting ourselves out there, we are going to be trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled desire.  When we care too much about what others might think of us, we’re not going to make the changes or take the risks that are necessary to put our brilliance out in the world or simply be comfortable in our own skin.  When we are waiting for a better, braver, more awesome version of our self to appear, we’re going to hold ourselves back from fully loving our current self.

I don’t want any of that to be part of your world.  I want to get you on board for 4 weeks of Fierce Love and Inner Confidence Training.

The Put Yourself Out There group is effective, inspiring and useful.  Strong bonds are shared. Fears are addressed in a safe and supportive way. Challenges are issued and rocked. I get truly amazing feedback from the women participating and it’s such a joy to witness some crazy big transformation.

There are only 10 spots left so get on it if you feel called. Groups start on the 6th and 8th.  I’m ecstatic to meet a new batch of women!

1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest Finalists Announced

We received 65 entries for the Stratejoy Essay Contest.  That is truly amazing, Tribe!

First and foremost, thank you ALL for entering. Your essays were bold, gutsy, revealing and kept us busy for the last few days. We loved it.  And couldn’t have been more impressed! The decision on which essays to choose was uber challenging, but we were able to narrow it down to the top 20.

In no particular order, nor the order they will be published, they are:
(we’ll be adding in the girls’ contact info as we get it confirmed with them!)

1. Eleni Zoe | @elenizoe | elenizoe.com

2. Sara Fry | @sarafrita | guidetobeingawesome.wordpress.com

3. Becky Shaw | @loveverydaylife | loveeverydaylife.com

4. Janah Valenzuela | @janlo3 | quarterlifecomeback.tumblr.com

5. Ashley Wilhite | @ashleyd | thatsuperawesomeblog.com

6. Katie Lamie | @katyz15 | the Daily Love.com

7. Jennifer Winter | @fearless_jenn |FearLess Jenn

8. Janet Brent |  @janetbrent  |   byjanet.net

9. Shannon Whitehead | @AllofUsRev | revolutionapparel.me

10. Tiffany Moore | @tiffanycmoore | tiffanymoore.net

11. Deanna Ogle | @deannaogle | Soul like a Spider

12. Christine Black | cybildisobedience.blogspot.com/

13. Nadine Karel

14. Shannon Curtin | @aboho | ablogofherown.wordpress.com

15. Deidre Flynn | @deidrewflynn | deidreflynn.com

16. Maria Ross | @redslice | Red Slice

17. Monica McCarthy| @missmmccarthy | monicamccarthy.net

18. Hilary Jarmin | @hurststatus | hilaryjarman.com

19. Brandy Vigen | @brandyismagic   | It’s Like I’m Mmmagic!

20. Jesse Blayne | @jesseblayne | survivingnarcissism.com

The finalists’ essays will be featured throughout the month of February (one per day).

On Wednesday, February 29th, we will open the voting for the winner of the $500 prize.

How will the voting go down?: On February 29th, we’ll post the link to the voting ballot for all of the essays. Then, you can have your friends, family, co-workers and everyone head on over and vote for you! Each person can only vote once! So spread the word! Of course, you’ll also get tons of love from the Stratejoy Tribe who will be casting their votes for the best essay. Also, voting will only be open for 3 days! After we tally the votes, BOOM, we’ll announce the big winner and everyone will throw streamers and sparkles all over. Sound good?

CONGRATULATIONS to our finalists!

Season 6 Blogger Applications Now Being Accepted!

 

I’ve been getting lots of e-mails asking about whether there would be a Season 6 of QLC bloggers and when applications were being accepted.

Good news: YES, there will be a Season 6 and applications are being accepted NOW!

Just in case you miss this at the bottom: 
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

WHY?

Here at Stratejoy we value Inspiration, Joy, Authenticity, Courage, Clarity, Camaraderie, and Honesty.  The ultimate vision is a practical and thriving “authentic happiness” movement that reaches woman worldwide. I aim to change the world by teaching women how to value their own happiness and strength.  In my mind, a world of fulfilled joyful women equals radical acts of goodness, widespread emotional and physical health, creative expression, equality, and core level compassion.

That’s where you come in!  I want to share your story. I think it’s vital to share our tales of “hitting bottom” in our Quarterlife Crisis, as well as the journey we are on to put our own happiness first.  As a generation, we don’t want to be preached to… We want to recognize ourselves in the stories we read and feel a sense of connection.  We want to see that others go through the same struggles and be inspired by their success.

We don’t want to feel alone. That’s why I need you to share your journey!

HOW?

I’m looking for 4-7 women to guest blog once a week on Stratejoy for a minimum of 5 months. The posts will go live in March 2012, but the writing begins in February. I have had an amazing amount of interest thus far and are looking to find the right fit between diverse bloggers, a growing community, and reaching MORE WOMEN!

Position is unpaid, but super cool… You would be doing it out of love of Stratejoy or some need to document this part of your life. I would appreciate you, support you and give you access to all the tools, courses and inspiration I have available. Promise.

Desired

* Attitude. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have your own blog, but I need you to have sass! Or humor!  Or soul!  Or blistering intelligence! Or an amazing authenticity! Or an unique perspective on the world! Or some such combination of fabulousness…
* Desire to share your story in real time in order to inspire other woman without preaching or judging.
* Tech savy with WordPress or other blogging software.
* You’re between 20 and 35.  Yes, I realize I’m stretching the boundaries of “Quarterlife”.

Required

* Honesty. The struggles, the doubts, the celebrations and the breakthroughs.  This is not the place to pretend you’re perfect or create an online “brand”.  This is raw.
* Mad writing skills. Complete and utter love of the written word.
* One post per week with photo(s). Some will be posed questions/themes, most will just be personal updates from your life and require original thought from you.  Posts need to be completed ON TIME and with your best effort.  If you’re applying, you’re telling me you can commit to the workload. Please make sure you have time to write one post per week for the next 5 months.
* Posting with your first name, age, twitter account, city and photo. Last name NOT required.
* Conference call monthly (or at my discretion) with your proud mama (me) and the other bloggers.

Discouraged

* The reason you want to guest blog on Stratejoy is to promote your own business. It’s totally cool with me if you talk about your biz since it’s part of your life and your QLC, but that cannot be why you want to be a part of this project.
* You’re a freelance writer is who looking at this gig as a way to enhance your portfolio.  It will do that! But if that’s the only reason you’re here, it’s not the right fit.
* If you feel totally and radically finished with your Quarterlife Crisis. Good for you! But not good for sharing a real time journey…
* You are a Life Coach.  Sorry dolls, I’m running the show on this site! Can’t pretend otherwise. That said, I am always looking for collaborators/affiliates/business partners who want to get “Stratejoy” certified- so get in touch if you’re interested!

APPLY

I want to hear from you! If you’re interested in blogging for Stratejoy, please send the following information by Friday, February 17, 2012.  Don’t forget to follow all the directions!  (Seriously, I’m a bit of a stickler for directions…)

1. Name, day job, job-you-do-out-of-love-if-you-have-one, city, age, Twitter/Facebook links & metrics, website (if applicable)

2.  Phone number and best time to reach you.

3. Photo that expresses your most authentic self

4.  250 words on “Why I will make a Rockin’ Stratejoy Blogger”

5.  500-700 word introduction to you and your story. Great chance to tell me about your QLC…   Pretend you are writing your very first blog post!  Go back and read the first posts of Seasons 1-5 if you want to see some winning entries.

It would be most awesome if you created a word document or PDF with all the information so I can easily print and review. Please include your picture with the document, as I like to see your pretty face while I’m reading your application.  Hurrah! Also, if you applied for any previous season or entered the essay contest, it’s fine to apply for Season 6 as well – but I do need a new application from you!  Just let me know that you applied for a previous season.

Please know that each and every application is absolutely considered. Final bloggers are chosen at my discretion and based on several factors: writing skill, current situation, diversity, personality, love of Stratejoy and unique contribution.

Send all info to katie [at] stratejoy [dot] com.  Feel free to tweet Molly with questions.  She sucks at email, but rocks at Twitter.

Get writing ladies!

I am so ridiculously excited to read/memorize/adore your application and put together an amazing team for Season 6.

——————————————————————–

*Deep Breath* Told you we have lots of awesome happening around here!  And I’m fully 22 weeks along, working hard at growing this little boy person and figuring out how to keep Stratejoy rolling as I take the summer off for momma leave.  After a rough first trimester (no nausea thank goodness, but a huge amount exhaustion and some pretty crazy mood swings) I’ve been feeling like myself again lately!

There’s been all sorts of growth behind the scenes with Team Stratejoy and it’s been incredible to have support of such cool chicks with so many new projects.

Speaking of new projects… THE FIERCE LOVE COURSE LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 22nd!!!  If you’re not signed up for the newsletter, you need to be.  Trust me.

I’m ridiculously excited to share this digital course with you, along with some of the launch goodies we have planned, like the ABC’s of Self-Love Blog Crawl and a Treasure Hunt! I’m such a believer in the transformational power of truly adoring yourself and this course will help you get there.  Seriously.  Let the countdown begin…

(This really professional pic was taken at 19 weeks- I’ll post a new one soon…)

Hope to be seeing your application in our inbox soon, sugar pop.

XOXO

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Stratejoy Essay Contest

posted 11th January 2012    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: Katie, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

So You Think You Can Write…

We’re very excited to announce a juicy opportunity for YOU not only to have your writing featured on the Stratejoy blog for the whole interwebs to see, but also to win some serious moola!  We’re talking $500, baby!

What would you do with $500? Decorate a room? Pay your rent? Donate it to charity? Take a class? Buy a smashing little black dress and flaunt it in a hot photo session? Here’s your chance to win some extra dough with a side of Stratejoy bragging rights…

Introducing: The 1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest!

We get to hear from 10-20 women each year on the Quarter Life Crisis blog (which we freakin’ love), but we want to hear from more of you. We see the heartfelt and loving comments you leave on the blog posts, the Facebook Wall and on Twitter. We know you have more to say, and we want to hear it!

If you’re spreading the word about this Contest, please use the hashtag #essaycontest and mention @stratejoy. Thank you darling!

Got questions? Let’s try to cover ‘em all.

**How do I enter the Stratejoy Essay Contest?**

We’re going to try and make this as simple as possible – we’ve even got your writer’s block covered.  The topic for the essay contest is:

“How do you live life on your own terms?”

Answer that question (in essay form) and send it in to katie (at) stratejoy (dot) com.

That’s it. You’re entered!  And yes, all entries need to address that question in some way, shape, or form.

**Is there a word limit?**

Try and keep your entry at 1,000 words or less.

**How do I know if you received my entry?**

Katie will shoot you a quick response letting you know she got your entry.

**I’m a Stratejoy affiliate / current QLC blogger / QLC blogger alumni /current client of Molly’s/ past client of Molly’s . Am I eligible to enter the essay contest?**

Yes. Yes. and Yes. This is open to any and all women of our tribe.

**What type of format should I send my entry in?**

Please send your essay contest entry in a Word Document. Please don’t send a PDF or any other non-editable format. We want to be sure we can copy and paste your text! Also, please use a readable font (like Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) While we love your creativity, sometimes hot pink/curliques/hidden picture essays are a little rough on our eyes.

**Can I include Pictures, Links, and Vidoes?**

Short answer?  No.  For this contest, we’re really looking for writing content — please concentrate all your love on the written words.  If you are chosen as a finalist, we’ll contact you for a short bio (where you can link it up baby!) as well as a picture for your post.

**Can I submit something that has been published somewhere else?**

Sorry gorgeous!  We are looking for original essays, created specifically for Stratejoy and for this contest.  If you’re not selected as a finalist, you’re welcome to publish your entry anywhere you like!  If you are a finalist, we ask that you allow the contest to reach it’s conclusion (when we announce the winner and hand over the cash!) before you republish your essay on your own site or blog.

**When is the deadline for entry?**

All eligible entries must be received by Wednesday, January 25th, 2011 at 11:30 PM PST. Any entries received after that will not be considered.

**How will the finalists/winner be chosen?**

After all of the entries are submitted by January 25th, 20 finalists will be chosen by the Stratejoy Team (Molly, Katie, and Nicole) based on a number of criteria — knocking our socks off, amazing stories, soul stirring truths, crystal clear writing, motivational mojo, and  adherence to all rules of submission.

Each of those finalists’ essays will be featured (one per day) through the month of February and we’ll be spreading the word far and wide.  We want to show off our talented Tribe!  At the end of February, we’ll open the public voting for one week and one week only. The grand-prize-money-maker $500 winner will be chosen by the intrawebs based on highest number of votes, not by our Team.

**How will the voting happen?**

On February 29th, we’ll post the link to the voting ballot for all of the essays. Then, you can have your friends, family, co-workers and everyone head on over and vote for you! Each person can only vote once! So spread the word! Of course, you’ll also get tons of love from the Stratejoy Tribe who will be casting their votes for the best essay. Also, voting will only be open for 3 days! After we tally the votes, BOOM, we’ll announce the big winner and everyone will throw streamers and sparkles all over. Sound good?

**If I’m a finalist, how do I get people to vote for my essay?**

Blog about it.  Tweet about it.  Shout it from the rooftops. We’ll give the specific details on HOW to vote once all of the finalists’ posts have been featured.  Feel free to start rallying your troops early. More Love = More Votes!

**When will the winner be announced and what will they win?**

The winner of the Essay Contest will be announced on or around March 2nd, 2012. (Or as soon as we tally those votes!) You’ll not only win some serious bragging rights and congrats from us via Social Media Land, but you’ll also be the sole recipient of the $500 Grand Prize!  And Molly will probably call you to squeal in excitement…

Any additional questions? Shoot Katie an e-mail and she’ll gladly answer them for you. (katie (at) stratejoy (dot) com).

Remember, the deadline for entry is January 25th (2 weeks!).

Molly Mahar is the founder of Stratejoy, a positive corner of the Internet that provides thousands of women the tools, strategies and camaraderie to lead authentically joyful lives. She is a full-time coach, facilitator and creator of the online Joy Equation Course , Joy Juice Prompts, and Create Your Magical Year Kit.  A dynamic speaker, Molly has lead workshops for lululemon, The US Army, Ladies who Launch, The Junior League, and CRAVE Business.  She helps women live life on their own terms, celebrate their worth, and change the world through individual fulfillment.  With enthusiasm! And action!  Molly adores any excuse to travel, belt 80′s tunes, drink red wine, and discuss the meaning of life. Oh, and she was just named to ProBlogger’s Top 20 Bloggers to Watch in 2012 and will be speaking at SXSW Interactive Conference this March. Wahoo!

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Introducing: Team Stratejoy

posted 28th November 2011    Written by: Katie    CATEGORY: Katie, Stratejoy the Biz

Team StratejoyThis post is long overdue, but it’s no less important now than it was a week ago when I wanted to post it. For those of you who don’t know, I’m Katie, and I’m the Communications *slash* Community Manager of Stratejoy. Although, I’m researching new cute titles like “Happiness Advocate” and things of the like.

Anyway, this is totally not about me, but I do have the wonderful privilege to introduce you to a special group of gorgeous girls who have been doing extreme behind-the-scene magic for Stratejoy. Not only are they working to make current products and designs more functional and fun, but they’re diving head first with Molly, creating new products too.

Something I’ve learned over the last year of working with Molly is that running a business isn’t easy. While Molly has done a spectacular job running the ship herself, sometimes you need someone to be your lookout while you take the wheel and steer. Or, in this case, five someones.

Those lovely faces up there are  Nicole, Michelle, Kahea, Morgan and Whitney. They are Team Stratejoy. They’ve been “officially” on the Team for a few months now, but we’ve all been busy little bees trying to get some super cool stuff ready to go for your guys.

You can learn tons more about these ladies right here.  

 

Sidenote: Today is the. last. day. to sign up for the Council: Holiday Edition. It’s officially LIVE right now,  but if you really quick signup, we’ll get you access to the Facebook group immediately and you can dive right on in and join us as we wave goodbye to 2011, and welcome 2012 with a new outlook and kick-ass attitude. This is it – This is your year, love. Let’s make sure of it. 

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The Council: Holiday Edition

posted 15th November 2011    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: Molly, Stratejoy the Biz, Tips & Tools

Last spring I got to know 40+ of you through a little party we called The Council*.  Guess what?  It’s back, even better than last time!

I’m not going to put out a huge pitch about the Council or spend a lot of time trying to sell you on this, because it’s not that kind of thing.  If it’s for you – amazing!  I can’t wait to get to know some of you on a more personal level- to interact with you on more day-to-day basis for 21 solid, rockin’ days while we wrap up 2011 and starting dreaming and scheming for 2012.

*And yes, if you did The Council in the spring, you can totally do this one!  Brand new material and even some new surprises!

The Stratejoy Council

council: An group of persons called together for consultation, deliberation, or discussion.

Yes! Our Council will be addressing the juiciest issues that come up during the end of the year and the Holidays in an inspiring and useful way.  It will be a safe place for learning, sharing, and growing. With typical Stratejoy moxie, energy, and honesty of course!

What does The Council include?

**Three 60 minute Training Teleseminars on Tuesdays at 5:30 PST, 6:30 MST, 7:30 CST, 8:30 EST. The calls will be recorded for those of you who can’t make the live calls & still want to be involved.

**Follow-up Challenges & Exercises To Be Completed During our Time Apart. No more than 2 hours a week of challenges, ’cause we’re all busy women.  I’m even making art filled worksheets for you to  savor 2011, set intentions for 2012, and really plot out the kind of year you’re craving.

**A Secret Facebook Community where the Council can gather to report on the challenges, share roadblocks, and celebrate success together. This is a really fun part of our weeks together! It’s where we’ll connect with each other on a personal basis and offer support, laughter, and stories of our own experiences.  The Group Page will go live on November 28th and end on December 19th.  And yes, I will be ACTIVELY involved in the page.  (And the even bigger question: Yes, this means we’ll get to be Facebook Friends and you can stalk all my old wedding, backpacking, drinking night out pictures.  Don’t judge me, okay?!)

**Loads of Love to your Inbox.  You’ll get an email on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the council with some visual inspiration and a 30 minute audio recording interview with a Gutsy Girl about how she approaches goal setting/resolutions/manifesting/big dreaming.   9 sweet emails + 6 motivating interviews to keep your energy up, provide some accountability, and help you stay grounded during the pre-Holiday craze.

Who will I be interviewing?   Jenny Blake.  Nicole Antoinette.  Kate Northrup.  Kyla Roma.  Chelsea of Chelsea Talks Smack. Alexandra Franzen.  Ev’Yan.  And then that’s just me in dark sunglasses filling a empty spot in the collage.  I’m the one doing the interviewing…

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND OF THE COUNCIL. That said, keep your eyes peeled for a New Years Package to get your hands on the recordings & worksheets!

Investment: Because this Council is going to require a significant amount of my time, I can’t offer it for free.  I thought about it, but it just wouldn’t make sense! But I can offer it at the most affordable option possible as a huge THANK YOU for being part of the Tribe.

It’s $49 for everything.  I hope that price makes you happy!! I truly hope it’s something you want to do for YOU and for an ushering in an amazing 2012.

When you sign up for your course, you’ll get an receipt from PayPal telling you that you’re all set.  I’ll be sending out the welcome email with instructions for the calls and more details on Monday the 28th. In the meantime — after you register, friend me on Facebook so I can invite you to the secret group!  If you need anything before the 28th, just reach out sugar.

Let me know you’re joining us — Ping me on Twitter and use the hashtag #joycouncil!  We can meet each other there while we wait for the 28th to arrive.

QUESTIONS?  Comment away!

XOXO

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The Aftermath: Joyful Living in a Messy World

posted 18th October 2011    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: Life Lesson, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

If you don’t feel like watching, here’s the very short version of what I say…

Last Thursday’s post opened up very candid conversation about so many different topics: children with disabilities and special needs, the value of a human life, pregnancy, infertility, abortion, adoption, genetic testing, ablelism… Talk about a can of worms! So many strong feelings, but in the midst of the madness there is a lot to be learned about our own choices, language, and the way we treat others online.

I do not believe that by publishing this post Stratejoy is giving implicit “approval” of ANYTHING, except the freedom for each of us to make our own decisions and hard calls. That said, there was absolutely a level of editing that should have been done at my level to make sure the language and tone was not hurtful or discriminatory. I failed to do that and for that, I apologize to you all. Truly.

I can tell you honestly as someone who would never imagine others would accuse her of being anything but loving, accepting, and supportive, I really had to examine my own role in this.  I learned a whole hell of a lot from both this experience and many of the thoughtful comments.

Stratejoy is a community that respects different opinions and is a tool for each one of us to discover OUR OWN TRUTHS.  It’s a platform for my bloggers and clients to make their own decisions based on their own situation, level of knowledge and opinion. That is the kind of joyful living I’m in support of — YOUR own personal version. I’m a facilitator, coach, and teacher; not someone casting judgement.

So what good came of this post? I know that many conversations were had offline between partners, mothers, and friends about ablelism, the choices they would make in a pregnancy, and the power of our words to hurt. They were brought to light because of the intensity of the online response– we were all forced to sort out our opinions.

Thank you for those of you who shared your growth, respectful disagreement, knowledge and experience, and very personal stories and choices with me.

YOU are acknowledged, loved and respected.

XOXO

Molly

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