7 Benefits of an Online Retreat

Online retreats offer a deep connection and profound experience, sometimes more-so than in person.

Physical proximity is not a pre-requisite for powerful and moving group conversation, understanding or inner-standing (shifting perspective of self for the better). Some badass benefits await inside online retreats that you simply cannot get in person.

1 – A sacred, private space at your home

In order to experience the retreat, we make space in our home – practicing self-care and communicating boundaries – in order to have the quiet time to attend. Preparing your space can become a ritual. Asking others to respect your space is important for your ongoing mental health, especially if you struggle with boundaries.

Bonus: You no longer have to be in a huge venue, full of thousands of people, to achieve self-growth. Online access to small events like ours allows you invest in yourself and get ALL the benefits in your pajamas. Get inspired by others and feed off the group energy and receive 1:1 support.

2 – Easier transition

When I attend an in-person retreat, the transition home is sometimes a bit tricky. The deeper I go in my experience, the more challenging I find getting back into my house. The thought of what’s waiting for me – the busy schedule, spouse, kids, whatever – has made me wish I was back in the woods with my women, experiencing bliss. But during an online retreat, you are still in your home. At each break, we integrate and settle whatever has been stirred and deepened. At the end of an online retreat, I experience more ease in returning to my life. I am more grounded, yet I still experienced deep connections and shifts.

3 – The comforts of home

I really can’t stress this enough. A home space for retreat breaks is ideal for introverts. (We are less inclined to socialize). We can rest, eat food we like and relax at home. We can see our children and spouses, instead of missing them or having them miss us.

4 – No travel

Do I even have to mention that we don’t need to pack, fly and drive? Guess what this means? Not only less hassle and time, but FAR LESS expense. Gain valuable knowledge from thought leaders while never leaving the comfort of your home. View the conference presentations directly on your PC, phone or tablet. Online events allow you to attend from anywhere, paving the way for a larger, more diverse attendance. And that means broader ways for you to connect to others.

5 – Saves (a lot of) money

Online retreats are far cheaper (usually by more than HALF) since we don’t have to pay for accommodations, food, travel, nor do we rent space. You’re only responsible for the registration fee. This not only saves you money but also time since you do not have to worry about scheduling anything aside from time for the summit itself.

6 – Connection with others

Working remotely can make you feel that you are handling any issues that arise alone. But through the experiences shared during virtual events, you can see how other people are handling current situations and discover solutions to push your business forward. 

Our virtual retreats leave lots of space for sharing commonalities, bonding, hot seat group coaching and socializing. Many women over the years have made lifelong friends and partners for future ventures. 

7 – Discover new ways to normalize fears, resistance, blocks, limits and even trauma

What most women discover in our online retreats is they are experiencing almost exactly what everyone else is. And when we normalize emotions, we stop judging them so harshly. Hint: That’s the goal. When we step out of judgment, we make better decisions about what we want and how we will approach those things.

It’s pretty inspiring to see what can be done online. Video communication allows us all the benefits of deep connection and self-care, while never leaving the house. In my online retreats, I’ve been known to take the camera outside to the herd of horses so they can share their medicine too. There are no limits to designing your online retreat.

All retreats, online and in-person, offer so much goodness. It’s where the magic really happens. If you want to expand your vision, get support with a block or fear, or connect with others on the same journey, then attending retreats needs to become a part of your practice. 

The growth, connection, insights, learning and the power of group are foundational experiences. They undeniably benefit you and your business.

I believe people learn far better when having an experience than a conversation. A retreat allows you to do just that.

Our next virtual retreat takes place Feb. 24-25. Check it out here.

 

Everything old is new again

That quote has been attributed to Jonathan Swift, Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, and a character in a Stephen King novel.

It doesn’t matter who the author was. The point is salient.

The idea, of course, is that everything has already been created. Every story has been told. Every idea has been put out there. All we can do now is add our unique take on whatever we come up with.

We live in a time where, thank the gods, it’s not only possible to spread your take globally, but you can do it in seconds.

Nowhere is this more true than with coaching.

Observe…

Once upon a time, in the vast landscape of the internet, a humble corner existed where individuals poured out their thoughts, ideas and stories. This space, known as the blogosphere, experienced its golden age in the early 2000s. However, as social media platforms took the spotlight, the art of blogging seemed to fade into the background.

Fast forward to the present, and the winds of change are blowing once again.

The resurgence of blogging is not just a nostalgic echo, but a vibrant reality reshaping the digital landscape. Coaches, mentors, healers and others in the service industry rely on social media to get the word out. As more and more people join the industry, some believe it’s harder and harder to get the attention of prospects.

Hence, blogging.

In the realm of digital marketing, blogs have emerged as a dynamic asset for coaches seeking to amplify their online presence. According to a study conducted by HubSpot, businesses that prioritize blogging are 13 times more likely to experience a positive return on investment (ROI).

This statistic alone underscores the significance of weaving a compelling narrative through the written word.

For coaches in a competitive online space, a well-crafted blog becomes a beacon, attracting potential clients and establishing credibility. Content Marketing Institute reports that content creation, including blogging, costs 62% less than traditional marketing strategies while generating approximately three times as many leads. (Read that again.)

As a mindset and success coach, my unique expertise finds an ideal platform in blogging. A study by Demand Metric reveals that 82% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after reading customized content. This presents a golden opportunity for coaches to connect authentically with their audience through insightful blog posts.

Moreover, the impact on search engine visibility cannot be overlooked.

Data from Search Engine Journal indicates that websites with blogs have 434% more indexed pages, increasing the likelihood of ranking higher in search results. This organic visibility is a potent tool for coaches looking to be discovered by individuals actively seeking their services.

As we traverse the digital marketing landscape, it’s evident that blogging is not just a creative outlet but a strategic move for coaches to elevate their brand. The synergy between insightful content and increased visibility creates a pathway for coaches to not only share their wisdom but to thrive in the competitive world of online entrepreneurship.

Let’s look at a couple of fictitious coaching companies and how they could use blogging to leverage the hell out of impact and increase income…

Case Study: Mindful Mastery Coaching

Background: Mindful Mastery Coaching (I made up this name), a company specializing in mindfulness and personal development coaching, decided to revamp its online presence through strategic blogging.

Strategy: The coaches started a blog that delved into topics like stress management, mindfulness exercises, and personal growth stories. They consistently shared valuable content that resonated with their target audience.

Results: Over a six-month period, MMC saw a significant uptick in website traffic. The blog became a go-to resource for those seeking guidance on mindfulness. This surge in visibility translated into a 30% increase in client inquiries, showcasing how blogging established them as thought leaders in their niche.

Case Study: EmpowerHER Business Coaching

Background: EmpowerHER Business Coaching (I also made up this name), a company dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, recognized the potential of blogging to connect with their target demographic.

Strategy: The coaches started a blog addressing challenges faced by women in business, sharing success stories and providing actionable tips for female entrepreneurs. They leveraged social media to promote their blog posts and encourage engagement.

Results: The blog not only resonated with their existing clients but also attracted a new audience. The share-ability of the content led to increased visibility on social media platforms. This, coupled with the blog’s SEO benefits, contributed to a 25% growth in new client sign-ups, showcasing how strategic blogging can be a catalyst for business expansion.

Bottomline:

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

You don’t need to do things the way others do. (F*ck TikTok. I’m a word nerd.)

I started my business with a blog in 2008. I never imagined I’d be where I am now at the time, but we surpassed 7 figures years ago and there’s no end in site.

Do you blog? Let me know and feel free to drop your link in the comments, too, so I can check it out.