Category: Stratejoy the Biz

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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Glee Season 3! Glitterbombs! Half Off Joy Juice! Today Only!

posted 20th September 2011    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

There is no other point to this post except to say that “Glee Season 3 starts tonight!”   Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!  I wish I was obsessed with something that more hip, but alas, it’s Glee all the way for me…

To celebrate — I’m offering the Joy Juice Journaling Prompts at 50% off.  Instead of $38 they are just $19! For ONE DAY ONLY!  This gleeful offer is good starting *NOW* until 8 am PST on Wednesday September 21st. After that, it all goes back to normal. Why?  Honestly- it just feels like such a joyous day!  I wanted to share that with YOU!  Glitterbombs!  Slushies! Quinn with Pink Hair!

Click Here to Purchase the Joy Juice

I’m so excited. It’s slightly embarrassing to admit, but there is nothing like a good episode of underdogs singing and dancing to light me up.  I will admit — I’m a total Gleek.  I even saw the 3D movie!  And watched the Glee Project!

Enjoy the Juice!  And the premier of Glee Season 3!

XOXO

Molly

p.s  I definitely feel like I’m defying gravity today!  I do not have cable, so I will faithfully avoid Twitter and Facebook tonight, because I’ll need to watch in on Hulu tomorrow.

p.p.s. Don’t stop believing in yourself, babe.  You can share your true colors with me anytime.  And if you’re a loser like me, we’ve got this amazing freedom to light up the world on our own terms.

p.p.p.s.  I promise to reign in my exclamation points after today… (!)

p.p.p.s.  There are 4 spots left in Monday’s Fierce Love and Inner Confidence Training Group.  Registration closes tomorrow, so if you want in, now is the time.

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