Lori Bruton

Author | Writer | Lifestyle Blogger |Speaker

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter

Hope & Help for Your Life and Business in this Podcast Interview

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Are you an author, speaker, coach, consultant, or podcaster?

This is for anyone who is discouraged, frustrated, lost hope and needs help or simply wants more out of life.

Tune into this message. Listen to the video interview to hear the complete conversation and experience I had with Kat. Grab your coffee or favorite beverage and join us.

This transcript below is a partial edited, easy-to-read version of the interview I had with Kathy White on her podcast, Koffee with Kat.

Kat:  Happy Friday everybody and welcome to Koffee with Kat. I hope that you all have some coffee. I have my coffee mug here.

I am super excited because we have Lori Bruton on the line. She is going to talk about her book, The LORI Factor.

I’m going to let Lori introduce herself. All right Lori, can you tell the audience who you are and what you do?

 

Lori: Yes. Hi I’m Lori Bruton.

Speaking of coffee, I always like to say my last name is like brewing a ton of coffee. That makes it easier to pronounce.

I am an author and speaker. Some people call me Queen of Hope. I’ve loved to write ever since I can remember.

I’m excited to share my message today with all of you.

 

Kat:   Awesome. I know that your book is called The LORI Factor. Where did you come up with that name?

 

Lori:  That’s a good story. Yes, the title is The LORI Factor:  Live the Life You Were Born To Live.

The idea was born with Les Brown. Some of you may be familiar with Les Brown. He’s the international number one motivational speaker. He actually wrote the Foreword to this book.

I was at a virtual networking event. I got the opportunity to be interviewed by him and ask him a question. He asked me, “What was a defining moment in your life; a time where after that nothing was ever the same?”

When I look back at what popped into my head; the thing that came to my mind, oh my. It was live, in person, raw, and real.

That is where I told him about a story that happened to me, and life was never the same after that. From there, he called it The LORI Factor. He took the letters of my name L. O. R. I. and gave each letter a meaning. I can go into that now.

 

Kat:   Yes. Go for it.

 

Lori:  “L” is for Larger vision of yourself. You need to have a larger vision of

yourself despite your circumstances and where you are now.

“O” is for Optimism. Having an optimistic spirit that you can do anything. It’s possible.

“R” is for Reinvent yourself. You can take where you are now and make a whole new life for yourself if that’s what you want.

“I” is for Invest in yourself. Bet on you because you’re an asset so invest in yourself.

Those are the main points of L.O.R.I. in The LORI Factor.

 

Kat:   Oh, I love that. You said that the book is about giving people hope. You’re basically reigniting their hopes and dreams and giving them a place to read because of the stuff that you’ve went through.

Is there anything in your life that you want to share without giving your book away?

 

Lori:  Yes. It just came to mind, and I feel this is a good time to talk about this in general but especially this time of year. We’re in December right now. It can be a joyful time for many and yet it can be a really hard time for others.

I know the suicide rate is higher now than ever before plus what’s going on in the world. I, myself, went through a time where I felt hopeless. If you lose hope, then you wonder, why am I even here? You think people would be better off without you. You think there’s no way out.

But suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I want to give anyone who’s in that spot right now or if you know of anyone, there’s still hope; just hang on one more minute.

That’s the biggest thing is hope. You have a purpose. Your life does mean something even if you don’t know what that is right now.

You were born and created for a purpose. We need you.

Even if you don’t see it right now, you’re here for a reason. I really want to urgently say that and give that message. Choose life!

Everybody has a story and a message. Even if you don’t think it matters or it’s not important, somebody needs to hear your voice.

Our voices need to be heard. That’s one thing that I talk about in my book. I talk about how I was always quiet and invisible and known as ‘quiet little Lori.’

It took me a long time to get brave and speak up. Once I did, sometimes I got shut back down again. Then somebody told me that I reminded them of a turtle, because when I got brave and wanted to say something, I’d come out of my shell and speak up.

I used to stay quiet out of fear. Now it’s a choice when I go into my shell. I don’t stay there too long.

Be brave and have hope.

I talk about a lot of stories that happened in my life. You’re not going to believe some of these stories. You’ll be like, “She did what?”

Here’s a good place to say I’m glad I’m not that person anymore. God didn’t give up on me. I gave up on myself for a little while, but I’m still here. I’m glad I’m able to talk to all of you today.

Stories show that you can be in the darkest place or even a silly place or whatever kind of place, and there’s always a way out.

You’re an overcomer!

People called me that; you’re an overcomer. Huh? I didn’t see myself that way until I looked back on the things I’ve been through and I’m still here to talk about it.

You can overcome even though it might not look like it right now or even if you don’t know how. There’s a way.

Having that belief and keeping the hope, the how will come later.

 

Kat:  That’s awesome, Lori!

 

Kat asked me to read an excerpt from my book. I chose the part that starts with, “This book has the potential to become the avenue to your miracle…”

That excerpt goes on to say… “I wrote this with love. Come with an open mind and heart. Let this message not merely inform you but transform you.”

Find the hope and help you need from me. What does that look like? Maybe some of you want to read my book. You can get a copy here: https://thelorifactor.com/

Do you need a speaker or a virtual assistant who specializes in writing? Do you need help creating or repurposing content that will expand your business and those you serve? Those are services I provide.

Text “VA” to my text only number:  1-844-394-4798

This blog also serves as an example of my skills such as transcribing videos (and audios), writing in a conversational tone, creating content for blogs, social media posts, and more.

I look forward to hearing from you so that we can create massive value and impact together.

Thanks for stopping by. May you be filled with hope, love, and joy.

Here’s to your happiness and success in all you do. I’m here to help you.

In Gratitude,

Lori

 

 

Can I Bring Anything?

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Can I Bring Anything?

 

Do you ever have holiday or social gatherings where each person or family is assigned to bring something? How does that work out?

One advantage is that the work is shared among everyone. Each person makes a contribution, which is helpful. Therefore, the work and expense doesn’t fall just on the host.

[Keep reading to discover 5 juicy solutions.]

What can be some downfalls?  The people who are chronically late offer to bring the appetizers. That is not helpful, because the meal is ready by the time they get there. No appetizers were served since you were waiting for them to arrive ahead of time so that everyone could enjoy hor d’oeuvres and mingle before the meal.

I had a family member who offered to bring appetizers and was always late. The lesson I learned was tell her no thank you and that she didn’t need to bring anything. That was the solution to politely decline her offer to bring a dish. I could have assigned her dessert, but I enjoy making the desserts.

When my mom served a meal, it was always on time. She didn’t penalize the ones who got there on time instead of rewarding those who were late. She wasn’t going let her hard work result in a ruined and cold meal by waiting for the latecomers. She was a wise woman.

Respect the host and be a good host.

What standards are you setting personally and professionally? Let’s say you are holding a webinar. What are your expectations? Once you have invited people and promoted your webinar, you expect people to show up on time, right? The attendees are investing their time and also expect you to show up on time as well. Yes, sometimes there are technical issues, but that aside, everyone needs to show up on time, especially the host.

Start. No matter who is on or not on the webinar, start on time. Those who are already there deserve to have their time honored. Anyone who jumps on late can tune in from wherever you are in your presentation. Maybe they can catch the replay for the part they missed. There are legitimate reasons why people could not jump in on time. That’s not the point. The point is that they will join when they can. It’s their responsibility to catch up. It’s our responsibility to start our webinars on time. It’s frustrating for those who are already there when you say, “We will wait a few more minutes for more people to join us.” Tick, tick, tick. Just start and honor your word.

Replays. Not everyone can tune in live. Thankfully, many people record and offer the replay. Different schedules and time zones make it challenging for everyone to tune in live every time. Important note:  When you promise a replay, be sure to deliver it. Keep your promises no matter how you think the quality turned out, people need that content.

What can you bring to your present and potential clients? Value.

I mentioned in my previous blog about your plate being too full. When you are juggling everything in your life, some of those plates will fall and break. That can result in breakdowns. Breakdown in communication, breakdown in completing and keeping up with all you have taken on, which may lead to personal breakdown and burnout. You don’t want to end up there.

Here are 5 recommendations:

  1. Value yourself and value your clients. Don’t let your overbooked schedule affect your clients. Look at what to keep doing and what is too much. That’s when you need to get help, have a backup, or remove some things to lighten your load.
  2. Be prepared. Are you taking time to be prepared for your meetings and webinars? We often forget to factor that in. We rush around and start a meeting without reviewing and preparing first. Our clients and prospects can tell.
  3. How can you be better prepared? If you are on Zoom, make sure your lighting and surroundings are good. Make sure all your equipment is plugged in and charged. Have water near you to drink as needed. Have all your notes and slides on hand and ready to share. Read through, review, and practice first so that it is fresh at your fingertips and fresh on your mind. Don’t try to run around and do errands or fit in something at the last minute that will cause you to be late to your own meeting. Make sure you take a bathroom break ahead of your meeting start time. Allow for connection time. Be in the Zoom Room a few minutes early, especially if you have it set up where you need to let people in the room.
  4. Hire a Holiday Helper. There are virtual assistants who can help you on a short-term basis, especially during the holiday season. That solution can turn into long-term assistance if you discover you need the continued help, which frees you up. Think about what tasks you can outsource. For example, maybe you need social media graphics and posts created or blogs and articles written. Do you need videos or audios repurposed? Do you need thank you notes written and sent out? Those suggestions should whet your appetite. Message me if you need a holiday helper as I provide VA services and know others who do as well.
  5. Hire a Holiday Shopper. Some things are nonnegotiable in your business and must be done by you. That may not leave you time to do personal things. For example, you want to give special gifts to your staff and colleagues, but you don’t have time or know what to get. Keep in mind that is a service I offer, contact me if you want to know more.

Now that we have reviewed the menu, what would you like to bring to the table? Remember you can assign some dishes to others. If you rather cook it all up yourself, I hope these tips were helpful.

Wishing you the Best and much Success,

Lori

Author, Copywriter, VA

Is Your Full Plate Devaluing Your Client’s Time and Projects?

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It was a requirement by my mentor to attend certain events. The motive and intent were for my good. Learning the same business and personal training was a valuable experience.

As I observed her life and the craziness of the event, she said to me, “If you want what I have you have to do what I’ve done.”

Without hesitation, I said, “I don’t want what you have! Weeks without seeing your husband, working so hard and long that you collapse and hardly get any sleep. That isn’t my definition of success. That isn’t how I want my life to look. No thanks.”

I know it’s one thing to be driven and “hungry,” but you can’t be so out of balance for a long period of time without it literally making you sick and tired, burned out with damaged relationships.

My dad often said I needed to work three jobs, come home, pull weeds, and cook a hot dog, and go, go, go every minute. Work hard, yes. However, that pace and method look different for everyone. Many people brag how many jobs they are working while building their dream and business. They wear it like a badge of honor and may discredit people who aren’t working as hard as they are and even label others as lazy.

Is it worth it? Have you taken on more than you can handle? What consequences have happened?

I see it often. Business owners are taught they need to sign up for every program, group, and training. Keep in mind to choose what works for you and not get caught up in the marketing aspect of it.

On top of that, you are told it’s necessary to lose sleep, sacrifice time with your family, and work until you drop.

Yes, sacrifices are necessary, but at what cost? That can’t be the only way to achieve your dreams. Fair warning, it may result in resentment from your family, friends, and clients.

Pushing yourself to burnout isn’t benefitting anyone. Working multiple jobs while building your dream will affect how and if you show up. That will compromise your reputation and whether or not people can trust you.

Life happens and we all have missed or been late for meetings and appointments. It’s when it’s more the norm than the exception that causes problems.

Keep in mind when you set a date and time for a meeting and are late, unprepared, or a no show, what message does that send to your client? Repeated apologies get old real fast.

Your plate is not only overflowing, its breaking. The tasks you forgot to do or put aside affects more than you, it spills onto your clients. You tell them their project is being worked on, but is that just an excuse due to the way you managed or mismanaged your schedule?

If none of this matters, and the way you are doing things is working for you, keep doing what you’re doing. Success looks different for everyone.

Those of you who are ready to admit you can’t keep up your current pace and there is too much on your plate, maybe these 8 recommendations will help.

  1. Evaluate your current status. How many jobs do you have? How many trainings and groups are you in? Are you able to give your best to all of them or do you just pop in to make an appearance? Invest in yourself, yes. However, if you are in too many things at once, no human has the capacity to reap the full results and benefits.
  1. Does anyone get your full attention? Multitasking is an illusion. Active listening is a skill. How many times has someone been talking to you and you only heard bits and pieces, if anything, because maybe you were texting or doing other things while pretending to listen? Did that save or cost you time? What message did that portray to the person in front of you? Important note: If you rarely give full attention to your spouse, one day you make look up and they’re gone. If your marriage isn’t important and you prefer to be away from each other, then that may not matter. Love and happiness look different for each couple. 
  1. Who and What are Your Priorities? We are all created by God for a purpose. That doesn’t mean you have to cram too many things into each day. God wants us to enjoy life in abundance. What does that look like for you? Stop and see the big picture. Dreams are important, but when you’re on your death bed will you wished you worked more? Or did you work so much it literally killed you? These are things we often don’t consider because we are racing the clock every day. Personally, the harder I push myself results in sickness and exhaustion which is costly in many ways. That doesn’t make me a wimp or lazy. Discover what’s right for you and prioritize accordingly.
  1. Pace yourself and know your limitations. Rest is a must in these human physical bodies. If you don’t, your body will rebel at the most inconvenient times, which will affect not only your health, but the commitments you made with your clients.
  1. How is doing everything yourself working for you? Hanging onto control of it all will cost you one way or another. For example, did you schedule a webinar, but you didn’t show up on time? Everyone has a learning curve with technology, but that’s when it’s good to practice or get help. If you or others were promoting a specific day and time and inviting people to the webinar, but it ended up changing at the last minute, that will affect whether or not people show up and wait for you or not show up at all. Before your meeting or webinar, assure that you have correct logins, resources, and presentations ready to go and you tested them ahead of time.
  1. No More Delays or Assumptions. It isn’t always about a client’s expectation of when each phase of their project gets completed or not. It also involves how you schedule your time and anyone on your team. Setting and meeting deadlines involves many people and their priorities. Missing meetings, not responding to messages (especially in a timely manner), and assuming your client will contact you all result in delays. Clear and timely communication is essential.
  1. Get Help. If you are exhausted and not able to keep up with everything and everyone, it’s time to get help. You can’t afford not to. Otherwise, you are risking your reputation, trust, and business.
  1. Remove things off your plate. When you keep piling on more things, other things will get buried, including yourself. There is a time and season for everything. Not everyone can successfully juggle too many jobs and clients and fit in family and fun. It will be like a house of cards waiting to fall. You may end up oversleeping and not hearing the alarm.

Hopefully, this was a wake up call for you and provided valuable considerations and solutions. Look at what is packed into each day. Make changes, adjustments, deletions as needed.

Observations and personal experiences brought me to write this message. Reach out if you need recommendations for assistance in managing your life and business.

Wishing you wellness, success, and happiness and the time to enjoy it.

Writer VA Ready to Serve

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Hi, I am Lori, Author, Speaker, Copywriter, and founder of The LORI Factor. I help people who feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure of their purpose get unstuck and transform and discover the life they were born to live so that they come alive in a new way and are excited to wake up every day with a deeper love and passion.

Who are you looking for? Is it me? I am a WRITER. In fact, I am a WRITER VA. VA stands for Virtual Assistant. I write content including blogs, articles, and social media. Key points from a blog can be turned into social media graphics for posting. A service I offer is repurposing audios and videos by transcribing them and creating new content, such as workbooks, eBooks, blogs, and more.

If you want value and expertise, let’s talk. However, if you are looking for an entry level VA and you require tests, proof, and hoops to jump through, I am not the one. You are reading the proof right here, right now. Business owners willing to invest in quality are welcome. If that’s you, I would be happy to serve you.

A huge project that I poured my heart and soul into is launching between November and December of this year 2021. It’s my second book, The LORI Factor:  Live the Life You were Born to Live.

My messages and stories have and will impact many lives. A couple hashtags I like to use are #lorisstories and #lorisstoriesbythewater. By the water is my happy place, which reminds me of my favorite kind of writing, Travel Writing. I am published in magazines, which you can check out on my portfolio page.

Words, written and spoken, are my passion. That is why I came out of my shell and became a speaker. Mentored by the Legendary Les Brown in the Power Voice program, Les also helped me develop The LORI Factor. I am thankful that Les wrote the Foreword for my book. Anyone looking for a speaker, feel free to contact me and check out my speaker page. It’s time for my voice to be heard and add value to many audiences.

Editors and Business Owners looking for a copywriter, feel free to reach out to me. I continue to hone my skills and have taken many courses from AWAI (American Writers and Artists Institute). I have written for other authors, speakers, and coaches.

Now you know what I offer and if anything fits your needs, connect with me. Here is to your success. Have a fabulous day!

Lori Bruton

Lori’s Story of a Snail

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Hey Snail, what’s your story?

What made you show up at my house?

Do you have a message for me?

 

What can I tell from your attractive spiral shell?

Could it be that I am going in circles?

Am I going too slowly?

 

A snail’s pace is often an accusation of laziness.

But, what if, it’s a sign to slow down and rest?

You are a gentle creature who comes in peace.

 

Wherever you go, you are at home.

How do I know? Because you carry your home with you.

You make your own trail and travel at your own pace.

 

You bring a message of patience and I’m right on time.

No need to get caught up in the ways of harried humans.

I’ll take a clue from you and will not participate in the pressure.

 

What else may I glean from your visit? Ah, it’s time to pivot.

Look at potential dangers and what’s not working.

With a shell of safety and protection, explore a new direction.

 

You appeared to me so that I could see your mobility.

I stopped to observe and consider other possibilities.

I ask myself what are my undiscovered talents and abilities?

 

Speed is not the key to success.

Your colorful, spiral shell reminds me to cherish each season.

Life is fragile. I am here for a reason.

 

Thank you, Snail, for crossing my path when I have much to handle.

You showed me your mobile home, and how to survive alone.

There is a time to be still and a time to move, help me find my groove.

You Need Help but Don’t Know How to Be Helped: 7 Ways to Lighten Your Load

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Need help?

I get it. You are doing everything yourself. You know you’re overwhelmed. You need help, but you may not think anyone else can do it all as good as you can.

You think you have all the control by keeping it all in your hands. You think every detail must be perfect every time.

What result are you getting by doing it all yourself? This is the picture I see. You strive to accomplish all your goals and build your business while you keep working your job, taking care of your home and family and more. It’s all too much. You are burned out and stressed out. You push yourself. You’re not eating right (if at all) and you’re hardly sleeping. You are running on empty.

Your life is so out of balance that all your plates are crashing to the floor. Have you ever seen the circus guy spinning all those plates?

Is that what you want your life to look like? What if I could provide a better way?

Let’s dive deeper into each of the 7 ways to lighten your load.

A Better Way
  1. Start with your mindset and perceptions.
  2. Know that perfection is an illusion.
  3. Holding onto control results in losing control.
  4. Make a decision.
  5. Make a list.
  6. Identify the type of people you need and get referrals.
  7. Hire a coach and/or a virtual assistant or whomever has the right skillset to fill your needs and lighten your load and bring your life into better balance.

 

1) Start with your mindset and perceptions.

We are our own worst critic. You recorded a video and end up holding onto to it or deleting it because it’s not “perfect” or whatever you perceive is perfect. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s who needs your help. You are robbing the people you could be helping by not sending that video, not writing that blog or book, not giving that speech, or not sharing your products and services. How do I know? I almost gave up on writing my books and thinking I wasn’t a good enough writer, speaker, coach, and teacher.

I kept going when I saw how my services and content were truly making a difference in many lives, even saving lives. Yours will too.

2) Know that perfection is an illusion.

What is perfection anyway? Most would agree it means without flaws or defects. Life in general has plenty of flaws and defects, especially we humans. It’s those flaws that show our authenticity. It lets people know you’re real and not afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Of course, you do all you can to make it your best. But when you strive for perfection, think about how much more time is being stolen from you. Embrace who you are, flaws and all. See how letting go of the illusion of perfection frees up your time, gives you peace, and brings amazing people into your life.

3) Holding onto control results in losing control.

When we hold onto control, we think we keep the power. Resistance is the enemy within. Resistance has power over us. It rears its ugly head whenever we set out to better ourselves and others. Especially with personal and entrepreneurial endeavors, resistance wants to win so that you don’t. It keeps you distracted. It wants you to give up. When you release control, watch how things will flow. You will breathe easier and feel more relaxed.

4) Make a decision.

You are no longer stuck in the illusion of perfection. Good job! You are releasing and no longer resisting. Excellent! Now it’s time to make a decision and give permission to allow others to help you. You are unique but that doesn’t mean other people can’t do work that will please you. Stay in your lane and let the ones who have the skills you don’t or the skills that are similar and will complement yours come alongside, lighten your load, and produce amazing results.

Make a List

5) Make a list.

Grab a pen and paper or your computer. Write down all the tasks and projects you are doing now. Include business and personal.

I know a colleague who brought in help to clean her house and care for her children while she worked on her business. That gave her focus and productivity, and she didn’t have to face a sink full of dishes. That’s a win if you ask me.

List what you are getting done and what needs to get done. List what you enjoy doing and what you don’t. Delegate what you don’t enjoy or don’t have the skillset to do. Make a wish list of the whole picture and what it looks like when everything is in place and running smoothly. Do what you do best and delegate the rest. Speakers speak and writers write.

What are the pieces someone else can do for you? Maybe it’s social media posting, blog writing, repurposing videos and audios to use as social media content. You may need email or calendar management or someone to make calls or do bookkeeping for you. What about technical needs, such as website and webinar support? For domestic needs consider a nanny or housekeeper.

6) Identify the type of people you need and get referrals.

You made a decision. You made a list. Look how much progress you made so far. Prioritize your immediate needs. Identify the type of people who can support you. Assistance comes in many forms personally and professionally. Ask around and get referrals.

7) Hire a coach and/or a virtual assistant or whomever has the right skillset to fill your needs and lighten your load and bring your life into better balance.

If you didn’t know what to put on your list, hire a coach to evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and help clarify how to get there. This may sound like it’s costing you more time and money. In the long run, it will save you time and money. Find a way to fund your immediate needs. The tasks you are not getting done, get help or be okay with those not getting done. Your revenue will grow. You will have overflow. Right now, it may seem daunting and overwhelming. There is a better way. One step at a time and readjust as needed.

Now that you know how to be helped, how can I lighten your load? Let’s have a conversation and discover what I can provide or who I can refer you to. Text “HELP” to my text only number: 844-394-4798 or go here: https://loribruton.com/contact/.

Here’s to your success, lighter load, more balance and living a life you love.

Lori Bruton
Author, Speaker,
Copywriter, VA