Facilitator Profile: Julia Somers

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What do you do? (The brief version)

I’m an eCommerce consultant based in Los Angeles. I love helping small businesses grow their online platforms through strategic editorial direction and email marketing.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for people considering joining the program?

Don’t be afraid to invest the time and energy in yourself and your business! You and your business are worth the reflection, planning, attention and strategy that the program provides. If you’re really on the fence, read the testimonials, fill out the application (it’s non-binding!) and schedule the intro call with Sarah to discuss whether you’d be a good fit. Your future self with thank you.

Why were you initially drawn toward the A&O Program? (As a participant)

I first learned about Sarah and A&O through the Have Company podcast. I related so much to Sarah’s story and connected with her humor and humility right away. When I came across the Program, pretty instantly I knew that here was a course I would really benefit from.

Don’t be afraid to invest the time and energy in yourself and your business! You and your business are worth the reflection, planning, attention and strategy that the program provides.

At the time, I was running myself ragged juggling 5 different clients with no systems, boundaries or structure in place. I was unsure of what to charge for my services and of what to call myself or my business. I knew I wanted to work with small, independent businesses who were committed to making products locally and with integrity but didn’t really know my next steps or how to carve out a sustainable future for myself.

After a few emails with Sarah, I booked my intro call. She was so kind and warm of the phone and reassured me that even though I felt like I didn’t technically have a business yet, the Program would beneficial in laying out a solid foundation for when the clarity came. She was 100% right.

What are your favorite parts of the program?

Everything! Haha - really though. It’s a complete foundation for any small business or freelancer. When I took the course, the initial Discovery writing assignments, Ideal Weekly Schedule, and Cash Flow were my favorites to work through and look at - it felt so empowering to look at everything objectively with my facilitators and make a plan that felt sustainable and realistic.

I was unsure of what to charge for my services and of what to call myself or my business.

In the year since taking the course, I still regularly go back to Ideal Weekly Schedule and Cash Flow whenever I feel like I need make a pivot with a client or with pricing.

Apply Today | Visit Julia’s Website

What is the program, anyway?

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A few things you should know about us and the Business Foundations Program:

  1. We don’t do “sales” — you won’t find us doing “free webinars,” nor are there discount incentives, or false deadlines. We’re a no-BS type of crew. We KNOW the work we do works so we don’t need tricks or gimmicks or formulas. If what we say resonates, we’d love to explore that with you.  

  2. We don’t have all the answers and this isn’t a silver bullet — this program was built around experience with hundreds of businesses and a one-on-one support system to tailor the program to support each participant.

  3. This program is not for everyone and there is an application for a reason — the process helps us figure out if you are a good fit for us. After the application is complete, Sarah (our founder) will schedule a call so you can talk about what you’re facing and she can explain the program in its entirety.

  4. We coach not cheerlead — we want to you achieve your goals so we create a game plan with a clear finish line. We’ll pick you up when you fall, but you’re in charge of your destiny.

I decided to join the program—quite honestly—before I was ready, but I knew that this was the kind of work I needed to be doing if I was going to position my business to truly grow. It was an absolutely necessary investment that has allowed my reality to consistently scale toward my vision.

We’ve written a few posts with brief information about the program. Including …

Some logistics:

  • The next cohort begins Monday, July 1

  • Applications are now open — & the application is not binding! We just want to get to know you.

  • Once you apply, we will set up a one-on-one call.

“The course materials were presented in a really accessible way—it was a wonderful mix of your research and the interpretation of that research (written in your own voice). It made the materials feel relatable. The lead-ins to the assignments were helpful as well, *especially* when you provided your own examples as a way to guide me through and learn how to complete the assignment.”
— ZINZI EDMUNDSON, KNIT WIT MAGAZINE

Your Investment Includes

  • A dedicated facilitator

  • 6-months of resources to guide our conversations

  • 6-months of assignments to solidify all subjects

  • Encouragement to find a “special project” to work on with our guidance

  • Bi-weekly group calls with facilitators

  • Five hour-long, one-on-one sessions with your facilitator (these are essential to your success)

Meet The Facilitator: Sarah Schulweis

What are your favorite parts of the program? This isn’t a “part” of the program, but the result of it -- I LOVE the epiphanies! I love to see the light bulb turn on in someone’s mind at the exact moment when it all comes together and they have a moment of clarity. Read more from Sarah.

Want more info NOW!? Ok ok! Here ya go! Ready to go? Fill out the application now.

What We Aren’t

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We are not: Convenient

There’s never enough time unless you make the time. You can wait until next quarter, next year, or next decade. There will never be enough time unless you prioritize it.

We are not: Creating “passive income” for ourselves

There are a lot of online programs available these days, which is great - the more the merrier! We built ours to be interactive, malleable and, of course, effective.

The key differentiation for us is that the materials aren’t the end, they’re just the beginning. You work and our writing is where we start. Throughout the program we’re right there with you, checking your assignments, answering your emails, showing up to workshop days, and having one-on-one sessions.

We are not: For everyone

We’re dedicated, a little “woo” and really care for our people. We take a holistic approach to your business and don’t feel that every answer/road/path is for everyone. We leave room for questions, new perspectives, and boundaries.

We are not: School

We aren’t the principal waiting to slap you on the wrist if you don’t finish an assignment. You’re in charge of your destiny, but we do hope that you will use your time with us wisely.

“Worth every penny! I can totally understand people feeling trepidatious and I remember being nervous myself about making the investment BUT the monthly payments turned out to be super manageable and the support given in the group / one on one calls and via email immediately made it feel like I was getting a really high return on investment. Not to mention the positive effect I’m already seeing the program have in my life.”
— Julia Somers, E-Commerce Consultant

Want more info NOW!? Ok ok! Here ya go! Ready to go? Fill out the application now.

Finances & Market Analysis

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Talking about money is very hip these days — and it’s about time!

You’re running a business, and even if you’re a QuickBooks wiz, cash flow and strategy is a whole other ballgame.

As we told you before, when we talk about “growth” we mean  “strengthening” and what’s that code for? SECURITY. And that will come with a deep understanding of your money and learning how to anticipate what’s coming (or not) - all of that wrapped in a neat bow we call analysis.

We’ll help you uncover your personal and business financial responsibilities, make sure your goals align with your pricing and service offerings, then explore your cash flow analysis.

When we’re done with finances, we’ll move on to exploring your market. No small feat! We believe in the internet being a beautiful place of information, exploration, and creative fodder. Even if it feels uncomfortable, we want to look at who is doing what you’re doing and figure out where you fit in your industry.

“Anchor & Orbit’s Business Foundations Program gave me the tools and philosophies I needed to get my business and my projects on track through process architecting and cash flow analysis. I now have a clear picture of what I’m working with, what I need, and more importantly, what I want.”
— Shannon Byrne

Want more info NOW!? Ok ok! Here ya go! Ready to go? Fill out the application now.

Schedule & Goal Planning & Systems

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We heart planning—

The first few weeks cover key components of the program with introduction journals, uncovering your current daily/weekly/monthly schedule & tasks. This is the first “what’s really happening” for you. It gives us peek into your real life. When we know what you’re up against, we can know more about how to help you.

Next, you’ll fill out the discovery docs, which leads to working on your BIG goal planning docs. The systems section shows up at the end, but it’s worth mentioning here that throughout the program we are working on the systems for your business. It’s hard work that takes time!

As you’re working on these first sections, you’ll have opportunities to engage with your facilitators during your “workshop” hours and have your first (or second) one-on-one call.

“Sarah helped me to outline my goals for the future of my business and then break them down into actionable steps. ... I feel so much more secure in my role as a biz lady after taking the A&O course!”
— Meghan Navoy, AWOOLSTORY.COM @AWHOOLSTORY

Meet The Facilitator: Devin Pope

What are your favorite parts of the program? The Discovery section will always have a special place in my heart because that’s where I was able to get things out of my head and start to make sense of them. My secret favorite part of the program is that the assignments keep growing with me. There is never “done forever,” and I love that. I might get my competitive analysis done to a point that serves me well, but then a month or two later I can go back in and add to it and make new discoveries. Read more from Devin.

Want more info NOW!? Ok ok! Here ya go! Ready to go? Fill out the application now.

Facilitator Profile: Devin Pope

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Tell us a bit about why you facilitate this program: Because I believe in its philosophy and purpose down to the last detail! As you see on the sales page, I’m a alumni of the program and owe so much of my success and happiness in my work to what I worked through in the assignments, learned in the resources, and discussed in the one-on-one calls.

What are your favorite parts of the program? The Discovery section will always have a special place in my heart because that’s where I was able to get things out of my head and start to make sense of them. My secret favorite part of the program is that the assignments keep growing with me. There is never “done forever,” and I love that. I might get my competitive analysis done to a point that serves me well, but then a month or two later I can go back in and add to it and make new discoveries.

“My secret favorite part of the program is that the assignments keep growing with me. ”


What has most surprised you about your work as a facilitator? People’s inability to see their own wealth of knowledge. (And I know I’m like this, too.) A lot of what I do as a facilitator is looking and asking questions. I see people’s goals, and ask questions that the answers to will provide clarity and direction. The answers are alllll the participant’s and have usually been there for some time, they just needed the questions to be asked.

Apply Today | Visit Devin’s Website