I mean… could it be a BETTER podcast title? The stationery secret that has made me millions?
Special shoutout to all my fellow stationery geeks because you are going to love this episode of the Heart-Centred Business Podcast. I’m diving into the stationery secret that has made me millions. Yep, you heard that right! If any of you need an excuse to go stationery shopping, this is it.
Plus as it’s Day 4 of #Tashmas I have a gift for you!
But first: What is #Tashmas?
I do it for both my birthday (1-12 March) and pre-Christmas (1-12 December) every year! You get a daily podcast episode, with a hot tip or practical strategy as per usual… but you ALSO get a present every day! It could be a freebie, a special offer, a competition… something fun every single day.
Today, we are looking at how STATIONERY makes us MONEY… I mean… COME ON!
Let’s jump in!
Here for the links referenced in the show notes?
Check out the special gift for Day 4 of #Tashmas – Quarterly Planning template with BONUS workshop!
Grab it here: tashcorbin.com/qplan
Embracing my love of stationery
Before I spill the stationery secret, let me share a story. I’ve talked about this before, and while some might tire of it, stationary lovers will surely enjoy it.
I used to live near the beach, making it easy to bike to Officeworks, a big stationery store here in Australia.
I had this electric tricycle with a basket for my purchases at the front and another at the back for Munchkin, my dog. We often stopped at Officeworks during our rides. I once told Davey I needed to buy some Post-its.
He sassily remarked that I had just bought some a few weeks ago, and asked how many I really needed.
BUT… Here’s the thing: I used those Post-its during a retreat to map out a course and some key tasks, and those very actions being implemented, and that course being mapped out… well it all turned into a $75,000 launch! Eventually, those Post-its helped me make $200,000.
Needless to say, from then on, every time we rode near Officeworks, Davey would ask if I needed more Post-its! This little system of mine is the stationery secret behind making millions.
Creating a system to turn stationery into income
It’s not just about buying loads of Post-it notes. It’s about creating a method to manage yourself and your tasks. This stationery system keeps me focused on generating income and staying productive. Tasks I’ve mapped on Post-its over the past decade have brought in millions for my business.
The moral? Find what works for you, no matter how it appears to others.
For the longest time, I’d remove my Post-it notes whenever guests visited because I thought it looked childish. I worried people would question the seriousness of my business. But over time, I realised having my plans visible using a colour-coded Post-it note system was a part of my neurodivergence.
It’s the method that works for me, and now I proudly leave it up for all to see.
Post-its and Financial Management
Interestingly, we used this same system for financial management during tight times. When I had surgery and had to take eight months off, our cash flow was tight. We used Post-its to organise expenses and income on the wall, managing money in and out during that period. It worked fantastically – and again, I would take it down every time we had visitors… because I was SO embarrassed that I was so childish about money management.
But in hiding it away, I realised that I was hiding a big part of myself.
I know I am not a fancy tech-guru like some people.
I know I’m not neurotypical.
And whilst I love a spreadsheet, it wasn’t enough for me to really nail my money management… because if I can ostrich about money and stick my head in the sand, I will often take that option.
It’s a process to unpack and uncover all the beliefs and programming that is under the surface – and in the meantime I REALLY want to look after my money.
From hidden strategy to inspirational system…
Since being more open about my Post-its on the wall systems, I’ve had business mentors and peers fascinated by my technique, some even inviting me to share it with their audiences.
Realising that others were fascinated by it, and wanted to know more, was a turning point for me. It showed I had simply created a method perfect for me, but in doing so I had also voiced some of the struggles that others faced with keeping their tasks, finances and priorities front of mind.
Not only that, it also really helped me to understand the importance of understanding my own unique brand of executive dysfunction – Object Permanence is a biggie for me (If I don’t see it, it doesn’t exist). Since having that little lightbulb, I now even print out my Quarterly Plan-on-a-Page every quarter and stick it to my desk! Because I know that if I see it every day, I am so much more likely to stay on track.
You might find something else that works for you, but the key takeaway is finding your unique system.
Which brings us to…
Your #Tashmas Gift
I mentioned having my Quarterly Plan-on-a-Page stuck to my desk… and because it’s day 4 of Tashmas, I want to gift it to you… with a special bonus!
I’ve popped my Quarterly Plan on a Page into a fillable and printable template, guiding you through my planning process. AND if you download it before 12th December, you’ll also receive a new training video – I’m delivering a special LIVE planning and productivity workshop privately… but if you grab the Quarterly Planning Template before 12th December, you’ll get an invite, AND I will send you the recording afterwards!
Grab it here: tashcorbin.com/qplan
Once you’ve downloaded it, be sure to come to my FB Page and look for the Day 4 post to share your feedback on this episode!
AND DON’T FORGET – there are DAILY podcast episodes for the 12 days of #Tashmas! See you tomorrow for another practical episode, and another special gift.
Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the podcast!
Until next time, I cannot WAIT to see you SHINE.
