Finding Your It Factor

Welcome to The Ramble Refinery! After a year-long hiatus, the podcast is back—but with a whole new vibe. In this kickoff episode, I'm sharing the messy, real story behind the rebrand, why I almost launched seven different shows, and what finally clicked.We're talking about: 

Ok real talk— I almost didn't hit publish on this episode. After I finished recording I had serious “wait— I can't publish that trainwreck of a ramble” thoughts.But lately, I've been craving far more rambles and far less polish.And if that's you too— then hit play, because this one might just be what you need to hear. Today we're talking about hustle and why I will proudly continue to make it part of my life (why should we all should stop feeling guilty for working our tails off from time to time).  It's all about working with intention, and finding a flow that fuels you instead of draining you.In this episode, we'll talk about:My relationship with the word “hustle” and why I think it is necessaryHow I got my business off the ground in the first two years The key difference between hustling and being busyWhy being intentional is the new hustleThe importance of hitting pause in your business EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Ever wondered how to tailor your message when you have multiple audiences? Or how to change up what you talk about for different groups?  In today's episode, I've got the answers you've been searching for. Get ready to level up your speaking game and leave every audience feeling like you are speaking to JUST them.Hint: Grab your notepad because this episode is packed with actionable tips, Spicy Sager rants, and captivating stories you won't want to miss.Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:the secret to choosing the perfect topic for diverse audiences.why crafting one signature talk trumps constantly creating new presentations.the pitfalls of constantly reinventing the wheelfive key areas to customize in your talk make it resonatePlus, insider tips on the questions you should ask the host before stepping on stage to ensure your content is a home run. EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

I'm typically a plain spoken word kinda gal, but today we're getting fancy. The word?  Extemporaneous. The meaning? Spoken or done without preparation. Said another way — speaking “off the cuff”.As someone who makes money teaching others how to intentionally structure a message, it would be easy to dismiss the power of this word.But the truth is— extemporaneous speaking is one of the most powerful skills you must develop as a business owner. And today's episode will get you started Here's a sneak peek at some of the topics we cover:The power of extemporaneous speaking and why you should make this a priorityWhat happens when you just focused on getting every words right and missed to see the bigger picture→ Heather spills the beans on her own cringe-worthy experienceThe challenge most business owner face when it comes to extemporaneous speaking (aka speaking of the cuff)How understanding the overall structure of your talk (vs knowing the language sequence) can make a huge difference for you as a speakerExciting changes coming up with our training program→ we know what you need to amplify your message + get the resultsEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

I'm wired for goal setting. Chasing that next mountain top of ambition is in my DNA. But when the ball dropped into 2024 and everyone else was hunkering down, massive year on the wall calendars and color coded post-its in hand, I felt ZERO ambition for planning.But what I did feel was a desire to get quiet and reconnect with something I didn't know I needed which led to an entirely new way (for me) of goal setting.So in today's episode I'm sharing with you my G.O.O.D Plan for the year (along with a pretty epic story)  . I hope this episode gives you the space you need to gut check your goals and live out 2024 at your best.Tune in and hear:Why changing your goals isn't a bad thingWhat to ask yourself to ensure your goals are truly YOURSHow to set your baseline for showing up at your bestWhat exactly is the G.O.O.D Plan? Plus my EPIC birth story that will leave you with laughing tearsEPISODE SHOW NOTES

We've all heard versions of the phrase “there are really no new ideas” and “there are thousands of people who do what you do”, so when it comes to speaking on platforms and stages…How do you talk about something that has already been heard? How do you find an angle that's unique and refreshing? How detailed or broad should your topics be? Can I talk about stories? Does it all have to be “teachy” how to?So. Many. Questions. And if you're anything like my clients, the truth is you have DOZENS of things you *could* talk about. But the question is, how do you craft topics that are both compelling, but also align with your strategic business goals (remember those?

And we're BACK baby! Quite literally. I had a baby and had every intention of keeping this show going while I was on leave, but… life surely LIFE-ED me. On this special comeback episode, we flipped the script and my copywriter, Sara Vartanian (who knows my business and my offers better than anyone), took the host seat to interview ME about the biggest rollercoaster of a year in biz (and life) yet. From ending a partnership, rebranding the podcast (again), rebranding the biz (again), launching a new program with a new launch model… to moving my family across the state, and OH, having a baby right around the corner from turning the big 4-0… you know there's a ton of learning tucked into all this.Tune in for a candid convo about all the things, like planning live events, evolving programs, listening to your community, trusting your intuition and more. Buckle up — with postpartum brain, you know Heather's bringing all the good Sager Side Notes for this one :)Episode Highlights:Heather's “big why'' for helping others be seen, heard, and make an impact.The Signature Talk Accelerator (STA) Backstory,  why we started again from scratch.The power of asking for feedback The importance of knowing your strengths and adapting to suit them How hiring additional support in your team allows you to focus more on what's really important in your business and enjoy the creative process (hint: was it worth hiring a copywriter for the ENTIRE year?!?)EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Struggling to best present yourself in front of camera? Here are my 5 best on camera speaking tips to help you come alive, look natural and also connect with your audience more effectively than ever.  Touching on tips to equip you with things to consider, questions to ask yourself, lenses to look through so that you can fill in the gaps to be more engaging, effective and entertaining when you're speaking on camera.Quick note: this episode originally aired two years ago, so a few things mentioned in the episode are out of date like the name of my program and my mini course, but the message is TIMELESS.Check out my new program >>The Signature Talk Accelerator

I don't have to tell you that getting your message noticed in this era of CONTENT OVERLOAD takes work.But did you know that you could actually be causing your ideal client to pass right by your amazing tips and juicy insights?It doesn't matter how deep your experience or good your results, if your ideal client never hears, what chance do you have for them to love it, sign up for your free guide or join your program?In today's episode, I'll share with you one of the top mistakes I help my clients correct when speaking to their ideal person. More importantly, I'll teach you how to FIX IT so that your message will get heard and get them into action. EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Could you accidentally be trapped in expertise overdrive? If your audience is smiling, nodding and saying, “Oh, that's really interesting,” you're facing a common problem of many online entrepreneurs–you're overwhelming your audience. In this recast episode from The Art Of Online Business Podcast, I live coach Rick Mulready's co-host Kwadwo (pronounced “Quayjo”), through a powerful exercise to tailor your message so your expertise never goes over your audience's heads again.I've never shared these insights on any podcast before, so bust out your notebook because you're about to reshape the way you communicate your expertise.This conversation is filled with GOLD and tangible strategies and I can't wait to hear how this one resonates with you.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

In the online space we're fed this idea that selling should be hands off–but could skipping sales calls be doing your business a disservice? By bypassing one-on-one sales conversations in favor of automated funnels, videos or webinars what kind of critical information could we be missing about our customers? Inside this episode I spill the details on how selling has shown up and evolved in my own career, both corporate and online business. Plus, I share insights to help you decide if sales calls belong on your calendar for 2024 (and what happens to your speaking skills if you say yes.)EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Think of your business as a three-legged stool…miss the mark with one (or neglect it) and the whole structure topples over. As a business owner, your most vital role is making sure there's a balance between all 3 legs—or as I call them pillars–so you can find the right growth path for this season of your business. Inside the episode I break down my 3 powerful pillar strategy to help you focus on the true needle movers as you build your thought leadership business.  Whether you're at $500k+ or on your way to $100k, I'm dropping specific strategies to help you hit goals without overcomplicating your to-do list,  falling victim to the perfectionism trap or wasting time with busywork. Plus I answered the top FAQs I always get asked related to speaking (visibility, pitching, and more) and created a special playlist of podcast episodes for you to burn through so you can get unstuck. EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Planning can be a brilliant tool, or a form of procrastination.Visions of what *could* be.And as we follow the plan, we quickly realize that the ideal map we've chosen to follow… looks quite a bit different than the reality we're faced with.It happens in our personal lives AND our businesses.Each year, entrepreneurs take the internet biting walk calendars, post-it notes and colorful pens to dream, map and plan out their perfect year.And if you've been a big planner in the past, yet still aren't where you set out to be.This is the episode for you.The season looks quite a bit different for me with baby #3 coming WAY earlier than expected (irony here is I DEF didn't plan for THIS)…But if I were in your shoes (aka not birthing a tiny human), here's exactly what I'd do to finish the year strong (not coast it through), to set myself up well for the new year.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

When was the last time you felt “stressed” in your business? Chances are: recently.As a business owner, you might have adopted the reality that stress is just part of running a business.I'm not here to tell you that I've figured out the secret formula to deal with stress (spoiler: there isn't one), but I will serve you up some Spicy Heather coaching about the SOURCE of your biggest business stressors.We'll dig  into the dichotomy of self-created stress vs pressure from others, plus my four non-fancy tactics for managing stress… and of course many Sager Side Notes to entertain you along the way. EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Holding space for a bunch of brave and bold entrepreneurs for a 3-day live virtual event is no joke.There were location decisions, tech snafus, bloopers, and more than a few happy tears. Get your notepad ready! My event producer, Krystal Proffitt and I demystify live events so you get a clear idea of what to consider and what to ignore. But, beyond the logistical to-do's, whether you're hosting a virtual event live, like I did, or are taking the stage for the first (or 25th time) at the end of the day, only one thing truly matters. Can you deliver exactly what your audience needs from you? If you want to make an impact with your message, it's your most important job and in this episode I share 3 takeaways to help you make it your top priority. Tune in now!EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Relationship building is a learned skill that becomes an epic growth tool when done right. Chances are though you've had some networking experiences that left a sour taste in your mouth. Sneak attack sales pitches disguised as friendly check-ins? Corporate style networking? Pass, pass.This episode is a wake up call packed with tactics on how to build powerful relationships and social currency that ACTUALLY feel good, even if you're an introvert like me. Plus, I break down how to use my Adjacent Ask tactic. It's my go-to formula for calling in aligned opportunities without any awkwardness. Tune in and steal it for yourself.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Business growth isn't a high school line graph, rather, it goes up and down depending on the seasons. Want to push past your current revenue? You've got to work with the data you got, and keep going–even when it's messy, and far from perfect. Our ego hates that reality, especially if we've had success in the past. In this episode, I'm taking you in a time machine back to the early days of my business to share everything I wish someone had told me, including where to invest my time, money, and focus. But fair warning, the dose of reality I share will body check your ego big time.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Real talk – how do you navigate pregnancy (or any big life change) while running a business? Especially one where you travel and speak? If you're self-employed planning maternity leave, or if you're simply looking for strategies to strike a healthier work-life balance, this episode will enlighten, inspire and spark new ideas for you. I sat down with one of my long-term clients, successful speaker and trainer,  who ALSO  is pregnant with TWINS.  Between us we have (or are brewing) 8 kiddos and we're sharing a candid convo on challenges and realities of juggling motherhood, pregnancy, speaking, digital courses  and all things entrepreneurship.Even if you're not pregnant, these insights are for anyone craving a good life beyond their business. Episode Quick Guide:0:00 Self-Employed Pregnancy and Maternity Leave3:58 Navigating Business and Pregnancy14:18 Transition to Short-Term Projects and Simplify Business Operations20:32 Travel and Work Independently24:58 The Challenges of Performing and Recovering35:31 Balancing Work and Rest in Self-Employment42:06 Simplifying Business and Avoiding Time-Wasting Activities48:31 Shift to Digital Courses58:29 Balancing Personal and Professional Brand1:04:08 Using Your Voice for Marketing SuccessEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Ever wonder how Taylor Swift built her diehard fan base? It's not the glitzy costume changes or famous boyfriends. Taylor's audience can't get enough of her songs because album after album, her lyrics make them feel like they know her. She puts into words the same experiences they're going through too. As business owners, you can forge those same genuine connections that turn you into an audience favorite. The secret sauce? Everyday, relatable stories. When you share these real snippets of your life, storytelling becomes your ultimate differentiator.The good news? You don't need to be a pop star to make it work for you. Tune into this  episode to unlock the secrets of relatable storytelling that will set you apart from others in your niche.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

In the busy world of entrepreneurship, it's often challenging to say yes to when opportunities knock. When you're swamped with work, getting in front of new audiences can take a back seat. It's all too easy to fall into ‘when/then' syndrome, promising yourself that you'll make time later.But visibility helps consistently keep leads and clients coming in the door of your business-so your economic engine can keep chugging along. And the key to keeping it going? Your signature talk. It's the tool every business owner needs so you're empowered to confidently say yes, without needing to reinvent the wheel every time you take the stage. Tune into this episode to find out how to use a signature talk to keep you in the spotlight, build your brand, and cement your status as the go-to expert in your niche, even in your busiest of times. EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Be honest: Do you have a graveyard of talks you've delivered 1, 2 or 3 times? Do you feel like you're creating a new talk for almost every speaking opportunity?If you're picturing your Canva dashboard packed with slide decks, right about now, you're in good company.Many of my Signature Talk Accelerator students come into the program with a bunch of talks, before honing in on a signature talk topic that's versatile enough to be used over and over again. Nicole Hatherly, a Global Brand Strategist & Professional Speaker, was one of these students. As an already good speaker, she struggled with the idea of how to clearly articulate her expertise into one talk. But inside the Signature Talk Accelerator she found her ‘margarita message'

Is your message catnip to your audience? Clarity in your message comes from taking action over and over. The more you speak, the more you learn about what creates those “aha” moments where your message clicks with your audience.  Yet, so many business owners try to think their way through why their messaging isn't landing. They're caught in the perfection trap leading them to believe they don't belong on stage until everything is figured out. The truth is they'd get a lot further faster by testing it in front of an audience. That's exactly what Merritt Onsa, a dream coach, who helps Christian women step into their purpose, experienced. Fast forward to today, and Merritt just had FOUR speaking opportunities offered to her! Merritt dropped gems in this conversation that will hit home for any business owner wanting to improve their messaging, tune in to hear our conversation.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Imposter syndrome can strike anyone, leading to battles with self-doubt and an inner voice who notices every fumble so it hisses unhelpful things like, “you don't know what you're doing” or “you're an idiot.”After 20+years as a speaker, I know first-hand that voice never quite goes away. But, I've also learned there are plenty of ways to shush it. And that's what Sydnea Lewis, a Signature Talk Accelerator alumni, joined me to discuss. Sydnea is an experienced brand and marketing strategist and college professor, yet a year ago she found herself sharing her ideas and avoiding social interactions with peers and on social media.Yep, imposter syndrome had Sydnea in its grips, but her experience in the Signature Talk Accelerator gave her practical tactics to embrace the fear of speaking and move forward despite it.Fair warning: As always, you're in for a real discussion. None of us has it all together. We're all works in progress, but the insights you'll take away from our conversation will propel you forward on your journey to becoming a more confident speaker.In this episode, Sydnea and I discuss:The imposter syndrome struggle experts faceOne mindset shift which hugely dials down your nervesThe messy middle of getting your first talk doneA strategy to keep your talk focused even when you go off on a tangentTo script or not to scriptWhy critiques are a crucial part of improvement, even though they feel scaryThe joy of the speaking snowball effectHow getting comfortable with discomfort leads to growth in your personal lifeEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Dream of making an impact with your message?Whether you're a seasoned speaker or have a message in your heart you know the world needs to hear, your voice is the most powerful tool in your toolbox to reach the people you want to serve. By sharing your ideas and experiences it's possible to profoundly impact your audience's lives. In fact, I'll step up onto my soapbox and say if you have the ability to help others it's your duty to do just that. Often people with a desire to help people feel conflicted about muddying their mission by trying to make money, but to effectively be a catalyst for change, you'll need to confidently sell your ideas without guilt. And having a passion for helping others doesn't need to equal pennilessness, friends. If you want to keep sharing your gifts with the world, you'll need to make money too. In this episode, you'll hear…Why honoring your audience is the cornerstone of driving real changeOne shift that elevates how you serve others with your messageThe relationship between money and missionHow competence leads to confidence on stageThe real deal on feeling weird about your callingA tough love pep talk on speaking with purposeWhat it means to sell your ideasEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Are you an 11th hour presentation prepper? Pride yourself on your knack for ‘speaking off the cuff' on stage? Consider yourself charismatic? While these qualities can help you navigate all kinds of scenarios, if you've developed a habit of preparing your talk at the last minute, then there's a good chance your message is getting muddy.Consequently, making it difficult for your audience to decide if they want more from you, because you're forcing them to weed through stories, details, and ideas that aren't necessarily relevant to them. But what if you decided to strategically plan how to land the plane on your next talk, so your audience felt deeply seen and heard and you felt confident you're on the right track to hit your goals?Well, I know what would happen, and my instinct is you do too. Your next talk would have a more tangible ROI than praise, claps, or kudos. Tune in and hear:Why winging it on stage is an ego play, not a strategic moveWhat your audience wants from you every single timeWhy being prepared isn't the same as being boring or scriptedThe reputation and revenue riskWhether you might be a ‘Winging it Wanda' How to start preparing for the wins you want from the stageEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Every opportunity to speak on someone else's stage is a privilege because they're trusting you with their audience..But where is the line between it being a great opportunity to grow your business and selling yourself short?Yes, free speaking can be a powerful tool in your marketing strategy…however without a purposeful plan in place you can end up adding another to-do item to your task list without any real payoff for all your hard work. A worthwhile trade-off for speaking on stage for free can and should be something that's aligned with your bigger business goals. Before you commit to your next unpaid talk, let's dissect the nuances of free speaking—understanding the real costs it requires, how to filter opportunities that come your way, and if you have to say no, how you can decline gracefully without slamming shut doors to future collaborations.This episode is a gold mine of insights to help you navigate and make smart decisions for leveraging free speaking gigs as the massive marketing opportunity they can be for your business. In this episode, you'll discover:What essentially is free speaking and the intangible cost it requires Understanding the Law of Reciprocity—the balance between what you're giving vs what you're gettingThe Pros and Cons of speaking for free— is it right move for you to market and grow your businessClarifying questions to help you filter if an opportunity is going to be worth your timeHow to gracefully say no to opportunities that aren't great fit for you (without feeling like a total jerk)Plus some examples and tactics to use free speaking opportunities to grow your business and monetize your time off stageEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Have you ever beat yourself up when things don't play out like you planned? Oftentimes, we become so obsessed with our expectations, we feel disappointed or give up when things don't go perfectly. Even though we logically know that life rarely goes as planned.In today's episode I'm sharing with you the behind the scenes of my life and business on how “plans” have evolved in little AND big ways over the last 6 months.  Fom selling our home in a difficult market, the surprising twist of merging two brands only to untangle them 6 months later, to the super specific tech decision I had to make this month (plus answering the big question about my surprise third pregnancy: was it planned?!)Change isn't easy and sometimes it's downright scary! But when you learn to pivot and adapt with purpose, you'll become even stronger.Tune in for an episode packed with real-life experiences, actionable strategies and tips that will help you navigate life's unexpected twists (and of course I weave this into how to embrace unexpected challenges when speaking live). Ignite your hustle with a fresh perspective on the importance of flexibility in business and life! In this episode, you'll learn:What happens when you tend to get tied to an exact plan or become obsessed with your process How can you be more flexible and embrace change not only in your business but also when it comes to speaking (hello tech snafus or unexpected disturbances)Reflection questions to help you cut the clutter and simplify things in your businessWhy your ability to make swift decision is more important than what you decidePlus exciting updates for what's next with Team Heather SagerEnjoyed this episode? You also might love: Ep #187 - Hot Take: I Failed, Publicly and Here's What I LearnedEp #161 - I launched a new businessEp #55 - How to handle tech surprises when virtually speakingEp #44 - Make Fear Your Homeboy with Judi HollerEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Creating amazing content is half of the marketing battle…the other half comes from rolling up your sleeves and earning eyeballs on your business.Maybe one of those questions you've wondered about is this:How do I get more eyes on my content if I don't have a large following?It's a question I've heard on repeat over the last year that's why I'm tackling it on today's podcast episode.So if you've been frustrated by slow audience growth, feeling like you're constantly creating but the only people who engage with your content are your sister and great aunt…this is the episode you need to listen to on repeat.It's a recast of an oldie but a goodie episode from two years ago where I walk you through 5 specific ways to increase your visibility even if you have a small audience. It's  filled with tactical ways and actionable advice to help you get fired up,  step up to the mic, start making an impact and truly help people regardless of what size your ‘following' is.In this episode, we'll dig into:Getting clear on what your audience size is and what exactly it means for youThe importance of consistently tracking your metrics and the incremental changes in your businessWhy you should stop waiting for your ideal person to come to you (and what you should do instead)5 specific places to look at  to get in front of your ideal audience Plus tactical ways and examples on how you can approach this to help you reframe your mindset if you feel awkward pitching yourselfQuick note: this episode originally aired two years ago, so a few things mentioned in the episode are out of date (like the name of my program and my opt-in freebie, but the message is TIMELESS). EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Are you ready for a mind shift that could change your life?Join us in today's episode as we do a throwback to my interview with the incredible Jill Stanton of The Wealthy Course Creator duo and The Millionaire Girls Club.Get ready for a deep dive into the power of our thoughts, how they can either uplift us or pull us down and the crucial role of mindset to reach our goals.Jill offers insight into how to recognize these negative thought spirals that often hold us back—interrupt them and then redirect our thoughts towards growth and positivity giving us the ability to see life's challenges from a fresh perspective.Tune in and ignite your mind with this transformative conversation and learn how to replace fear, self-doubt and disempowering beliefs by embracing one's vulnerability and switching that default mode of worrying to being willing.In this podcast interview, Jill shares:Her struggle of self-doubt, how her past experience shaped her beliefs and behavior and how she stays future focused The importance of choosing thoughts and beliefs to catch oneself when spiraling into negative or disempowering thoughtsThe power of asking better questions to redirect one's focus and perspectiveThe strength that comes from embracing vulnerability and being unapologetically youSwitching to impact goals instead of income goals (think of the people you're meant to serve!)And of course, how she approaches speaking on a stageQuick note: this episode originally aired two years ago, so a few things mentioned in the episode are out of date (like the name of BOTH our programs, but the message is TIMELESS). EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

When most entrepreneurs think of speaking, they think of either professional speakers charging a fee for their talk or speaking for free to get experience to eventually command a fee. But this concept of trading money for time wasn't why you built your business, and speaking for free without a strategy isn't going to lead you towards the results you want. The good news is that this isn't the only way to speak to get results in your business.  In today's episode, I'm sharing with you my interview on the Sweet Life Podcast with April Beach where I explain the two types of speaking business models you can use to grow your business. We're going to dig into my unique approach to sales and will share with you the step by step process to effectively use speaking opportunities into a money maker for your biz.This conversation is filled with GOLD and tangible strategies so be sure you don't miss this one!In this podcast interview with April, I share:How speaking fits into your business and how you can leverage this to grow your businessThe types of Speaking Business Models and understanding which one aligns with your goals and strategiesThe importance of having a signature talk—one that connects to your offers and to the solutions that you provideWhy listening to your prospect and understanding the context of their problems are critical steps for a successful sales callMy unique approach to sales—3 steps that you can follow to effectively use speaking to grow your businessEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable entrepreneur, Gloria Chou as we challenge the go-to definition of success and dive deep into Gloria's transformative journey.Gloria is an expert in helping small business owners, especially bootstrapped founders and women of color, amplify their message and be seen and heard in the world. Despite her unconventional path to the world of PR, Gloria has unlocked the secrets to success in her own unique way.In this episode, you'll discover:The driving force behind Gloria's passion for helping others be seen, heard, and valued.A deep dive into Gloria's early entrepreneurial days, where she shares her evolution, pivots, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.The pivotal moment that compelled Gloria to reassess her relationship with money and her tips for transitioning from a scarcity to abundance mindset.Insights into how Gloria shows up in her business and effectively leads her remote team.A fresh perspective on hustle culture and an alternative definition of success that will challenge your beliefs and inspire transformation in your own life and business.Join Heather and Gloria as they delve into Gloria's incredible journey, from her background as a U.S. Diplomat to the rapid growth of her own business over the past two years. This inspiring conversation will make you reevaluate your relationship with money and redefine your own path to success.Tune in now to gain powerful insights from Gloria Chou and embark on a transformative journey to redefine success in your life and businessEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Whenever I share that I'm a speaking coach,  I always hear a version of…“Omg I need you, I ramble too much.”The struggle is real when it comes to getting your ideas out of that brain, through your mouth and easily understood by your audience.Now the question is, how do I fix this problem?In today's episode, I'm sharing my specific recipe—the exact exercise that I follow and I've used all the time to train my mind and mouth to sync faster and get better at articulating my thoughts. This will be the least sexy, yet most effective activity you do moving forward to get better thinking at your feet.Tune in to learn and build the skills to help you become a more charismatic and magnetic communicator in your business.In this episode, you'll learn:Understanding WHY we rambleThe REAL reason why we get annoyed when others ramble (it's not what ya think)How to keep yourself from rambling in moments that matterHow critical is being “concise”? What it takes to trust your voice and build your communication skills PLUS the go to drill I've taught thousands to get better at thinking on their feet EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

I see it all the time. Working with my private clients, talking with my students in my group coaching program, the conversations in my Instagram DMs…one of the biggest struggles in starting and growing a business is feeling confident in the most important part of the process —selling! Whether it's selling your ideas, yourself or your offers, selling can feel uncomfortable. And if you feel icky about it, or think you're not good at it, or simply the thought of selling your stuff makes you cringe (even though you KNOW it will help a lot of people), get ready for some SPICY HEATHER today to help you change your relationship with SALES.The truth is selling is not as scary people make it out to be. I'll share with you my five most compelling sales strategies that you can apply to your own sales process to take your selling skills to the next level and deliver results.Enjoy listening to my weird analogies (seriously, this one is a bit off the rails) as you learn simple ways to seamlessly and confidently SELL.In this episode, you'll discover:The reason why most online business owners struggle to make money in their businessWhy we feel uncomfortable with the idea of selling and why we suck at itWhy is getting on a sales call with your prospective clients (to some degree) a pivotal part of salesConsistency and repetition: the keys in driving sales successThe top struggles of experts and entrepreneurs when it comes to selling And the 5 strategies that you can do to strengthen your selling processEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

We've all been in moments where we question our own ideas or capabilities. Heck, even the most successful entrepreneurs openly talk about experiencing impostor syndrome.The question is, how much of your time is sneakily stolen by doubt or worry?If you find yourself in seasons where you can't seem to make progress, chances are it's far more than you think.In today's conversation, I'll share with you exactly how I navigate those moments and build what I call, your Belief Bank Account.You'll also hear the one thing that has served as a catalyst and has contributed to my consistent success in life and business. I'll give you a little pep talk and maybe some much needed kick in the tush to help you move forward despite uncertainty.So get comfy, grab a coffee or cocktail and get ready to get a confidence boost!In this episode, you'll learn:What typically most experts online do when things didn't go as planned aka they launched and had zero sales (and why you shouldn't be doing this!)The real reason behind why you're really not getting the sales you wantWhat happens when we spin in cycle of self-doubtFunding and managing your Belief Bank AccountMy catalyst for success both in business and in personal life4 things to do to beat self-doubt and start seeing momentum in your businessEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: Be sure to Register HERE for The FREE 3-Part Live Training taught by business coach, James Wedmore, The Rise of the Digital CEO starting on June 1st.It takes a lot of work to run a growing business.  It's always this constant pursuit of growth—personally, professionally and financially. And with all the plans to execute, targets to reach, content to create and more, you might find yourself feeling stuck, constantly running on a hamster wheel of busyness with all the back-to-back client calls, podcast guesting, little admin tasks, and you can't get out!But the beautiful thing about you being an entrepreneur is you get to choose how you run your business……you get to choose what you don't want to do…you get to choose what you can delegate to your team…or flat out what you can delete that's not essential to your businessYOU get to make those choices. So what can we as thought leaders that people look to and what to learn from do to navigate in this season of ‘crazy busy' without the stress?Listen to today's episode — it's an unscripted conversation on how you can best show up, bring a little bit more light and fun to your business and your audience.In this episode, you'll discover:Choosing the season that feels right for you in your life and business How it's important to dedicate a season of growth in all areas of your lifeWhy I banned the word ‘busy' from my vocabulary (and why you should too!)Why hustle is absolutely necessary in seasonsHow you show up makes the biggest difference for how your brand is perceived by other peoplePlus I share my own story (that I had never shared on stage before)—the biggest experience of my life that taught me how to handle myself under stress and pressureEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: Be sure to Register HERE for The FREE "Game-Changing" 3-Part Live Training by my mentor and business coach, James Wedmore, The Rise of the Digital CEO starting on June 1st.When it comes to starting and growing your business, there's A LOT to think about— from creating your products and programs to lead generation, making sales, operations… etc.It's challenging to get your head around all these moving parts..but as my Mentor and Business Coach James Wedmore says—how you see business determines what's possible for you.In today's episode, I'm welcoming James back to the show for a fun and valuable conversation around the most important things you need to focus on in your business and how you can design it to serve the lifestyle that you want and desire.  (Check out Ep #151: How a Phone Call Changed Everything: Building a 8 Figure Business with James Wedmore– it would be a really good follow up to listen to today's episode)We covered a lot of ground today—from VOCALITY on how you deliver your information (obvi my love language!), ways to position yourself as an authority, what it takes to create an irresistible offer and a simple sale strategy to turn your passion and purpose into a real, scalable business.I love James' approach to business and the inspiring stories he shares about other business owners achieving incredible results in the last 12 months.  I hope you get as much from it as I did.In this episode, James shares: The important distinction between show vs tell when positioning yourself as an online expertWhy people underestimate the value in creating a simple path and solution Pivoting to prioritizing profit over perfection Why a lot of what leads to success is fricking boringExamples of online business owners hitting huge goals by going all in on one offerTurning your audience objections into an opportunityHis viewpoint on what's at stake every time we speak to our audienceEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: be sure to grab this FREE Online Course for Digital Product Creators: DISCOVER HOW TO ATTRACT YOUR FIRST 100 LEADS THAT ACTUALLY WANT TO BUY YOUR STUFF!Freedom and flexibility is one of the main reasons most people want to be an entrepreneur and become their own boss. I mean, who doesn't want the freedom to decide what work you do, when you do it, and where you do it?! If you're thinking you'll never ever go back to being an employee, you're my people, because it means you've decided this business of yours will be a success.The honest truth is…wanting it just ain't enough because it doesn't happen by default or manifestation alone..Success follows from the efforts behind your intentions. But with so many moving parts, it can be easy to get swept up in  the shiny, fun parts of building a business, like creating social content and graphics, fancy tactics your favorite business leader used in their last launch, and distracted by trying to make it just so before putting your website and offers out into the world. Doing too many tasks and trying to make them perfect, takes your time, energy and attention away from what you actually need to be doing if you're going to have a successful business-focusing on making money.Your success becomes inevitable when you align your activities to your goals.That's why in this episode, I'm going to help you take specific action by digging into the different phases of online business so you can get full clarity on which phase you are currently in and which areas you should be focusing on to make money.  I hope this episode meets you exactly where you are today and gives you a few golden nuggets that help you show up as the expert you are, be a little bit more bold with your decisions, and unapologetically make money for your expertise. In this episode, you'll learn:What does achieving a big ass goal require? Why is consistency and predictability in your revenue so important in your business?The 4 Phases of Online Business—and where  you should focus when it comes to revenue generation?Shifting your energy and aligning your activities to the level needed to achieve your goalsHow success requires more from us than just a goal or big visionEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: be sure to grab this FREE Online Course for Digital Product Creators: DISCOVER HOW TO ATTRACT YOUR FIRST 100 LEADS THAT ACTUALLY WANT TO BUY YOUR STUFF!On today's episode, we're talking about a cornerstone of any successful online business: building an email list. I know that you know how important this topic is— yet so many experts place it far too low on their list of just do activities.As an online business owner, you likely spend a lot of time creating content, whether it be through courses, digital products, social posts, blogs and more— but if you're not actively building your email list, you may be missing out on a significant opportunity to connect with and nurture potential customers. In this episode, I'll share exactly what I did right, and where I have regrets building my list, and how email fits into speaking on stages. Episode Highlights:The importance of providing ‘real' value to your audienceWhy building list is so important and how focusing on getting ‘quality' leads is a mustHow your email list has direct correlation to your business health (aka your ability to sell your programs)The connection of email list building to speakingTwo things you need to consider when growing a healthy email listStrategies / sustainable ways you can leverage to help you expand your email listEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: be sure to grab this AMAZING resource written by my mentor and business coach: FREE Online Course for Digital Product Creators: DISCOVER HOW TO ATTRACT YOUR FIRST 100 LEADS THAT ACTUALLY WANT TO BUY YOUR STUFF!Hustle is one of those things that's required to achieve big goals, but it should not overtake your life—remember, we're building our business so that we can live.If you're wondering what it takes to really create a sustainable and profitable online brand using the Hint of Hustle philosophy—meaning we know it's gonna take work, but it doesn't mean it needs to consume ALL of our time and energy!Today I'm going to share with you 7 specific habits that will set you up for success—these are not daily routines, tactics or strategies. Most of them are SKILLS that I see surfacing in the online space that separates those who are thriving from those who are constantly struggling.So whether you're crushing your goals this year and would like to continue the enthusiasm or you're on a struggle train and can't seem to gain traction— today's episode will help you: raise your awareness level for how and where you're spending your time and where you're focused with your thinkingidentify an opportunity for you to lean in and establish healthier mindset habits so that your business can thriveEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Before we jump to today's episode: be sure to grab this AMAZING (and free) ebook written by my mentor and business coach: HARDWIRED FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Discover the 17 Ways That Successful Entrepreneurs Think Differently About Business, Marketing, and SUCCESS!Money can be a sensitive topic for many of us, and it's not uncommon to feel embarrassed or ashamed when discussing finances– business, personal or otherwise. But did you know that these feelings can actually be a block to your next business breakthrough?On today's episode, we're taking a deep dive into the world of money mindset and exploring how our beliefs about money can impact our ability to earn and grow our wealth. I'll be sharing with you my super raw and personal experience attending a 2 day “money mindset” workshop last week and exactly what I uncovered about my own relationship with money (hint: it was NOT what I expected!)Through our raw and unfiltered conversation (wait, can I call it that if I'm the only one talking? Oh well, I just did), I hope to inspire you to become more conscious of your own money mindset, so that you can start generating more revenue for your business and transforming the lives of those around you.In this episode, we'll cover:How the money stories and beliefs we adopted as kids can impact our ability to achieve success in business and in life.How to uncover your own relationship with money and spending, and identify the limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.How to choose which story is going to be true for you, and start questioning the narratives that we run in our mind.The three key aspects to look at when it comes to money, so that you can gain clarity and improve your relationship with money.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

The stories we tell ourselves and how we let the world affect us matter so much around money—that's why it's crucial to choose what story is going to be true for you.Scarlett Cochran, attorney, financial expert, entrepreneur and the founder of One Big Happy Life, shares  her approach in understanding and growing  money in a way that is aligned with your unique vision of what a rich life looks like (​​rather than following society's definition). We also dive into the  money stories that stop us from reaching our financial goals–breaking these stories down to allow space to build new, better ones. Whether you're just getting started as a business owner or you've been at it for years, tune into this fun and  inspiring episode that will help you improve your relationship with money, push you to start moving toward your big goals and create the rich life that you deserve, on your own terms.Episode Highlights:The overall taboo relationship people have with money and how it impacts our ability to generate itDefining what your version of a rich life is and why it's important to feel good about your finances no matter where you are in our financial journeyHow to recognize and overcome the unconscious money stories that stop us from hitting our financial goalsThe mistake we make when it comes to our finances that leads us to binge spendPlus Scarlett shares how she builds a one year spending plan + her approach to budgeting so you can grow your wealth at the speed you need to while still living your best lifeEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

It's the whispered question that I get asked a LOT.…Working with a coach on an upcoming keynote presentation for a conference of 5000.…An executive for his debut TEDx talk.…A digital course creator for her upcoming masterclass.I even get it when chatting with peers about doing a meet up at a conference."But Heather... what should I wear?"When it comes to showing up as a personal brand, your style should be consistent and intentional. Not only can you become more familiar to your audience, it just does a little somethin' somethin for your swagger when you show up in your power pants.So the question is—are you bringing the best version of you, the most confident version of you? If you want to attract your ideal audience...this is a must.I think we could all use a little nudge in this area. And if that's you, you'll love today's episode! We're doing a waaaaaay back throwback to Episode #3 to encourage you to consider how you're presenting yourself to your audience through your STYLE.Melanie Kluger, a personal stylist and entrepreneur (and also my first ever guest on the podcast) talks about the connection between our style and building a more magnetic personal brand. We're bringing a different way to think about showing up for your brand with confidence and authority by owning your style. Tune in to learn:confidence boosting (and super practical) tips on dressing for a big presentationthe thing that's sabotaging your morning routinewhy our closet keeps us stalled after life transitions (like changing careers or having kids)how to dress for the work from home (but video ready) life styleplus balancing mom life with business and Instagram story hackEPISODE  SHOW NOTES

What is it about those top personalities in your industry that seem to have this natural ability to shine, seemingly effortlessly?You might be over here just trying to keep up with the latest tactics and marketing strategies touted online, that showing up in a big way feels… out of reach.So the question stands, does “success” really come down to tactics? Or is elevating your presence online more about the way in which you show up?In this episode, you'll hear the 5 incredible breakthroughs that have helped me rise in my career and have helped me skyrocket my business—these are specific beliefs about yourself, others and the worlds around you that must be embraced to break through the noise and find success in business.I am serving you up a recast of an oldie but a goodie episode taken out of my own Hint of Hustle playbook that is filled with tangible lessons and actionable advice to help you be inspired and show up with renewed energy in your life and business.Tune in to hear my thoughts and soak up all the valuable information that's shared in this episode so you can master your mindset for business success.In this episode, you'll learn:Where to begin so you can grow and build your influenceWhat successful people do to trust themselves and not worry when things go wrongThe secret to getting better plus how you can be seen as an authorityThe 5 specific beliefs aka biggest tangible lesson that successful people perceived (all of these have helped me rise in my career and have helped me skyrocket my business)EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Do you find yourself constantly busy, but unsure if all the activity is actually leading to anything meaningful for your business? As an online business owner, it can be challenging to navigate the distractions and stay on track with your core goals. But what if we told you that working harder is not always the answer?  Or that it isn't about being more productive or disciplined? In this episode, we're talking about the "I'm too busy" mindset and the challenges entrepreneurs face when building their brand. I'll share practical tips to help you stay focused, avoid distractions and build your biz with INTENTION.In this episode, you'll learn:The underlying belief of the "I'm too busy" mindset and how it can hold you back from achieving your business goalsThe challenges entrepreneurs face when building an online business and how to overcome themA simple mantra that can help you stay on track with your core business goalsThree specific things you need to look at to create a business with intention and avoid distractionsPractical tips for staying focused and avoiding distractions, so you can invest your time in what matters mostSo tune in to learn how to build your online business with intention and achieve the success you're after.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Have you ever wondered how to customize a talk for a different audience? It's a question I get asked all the time.In this episode, I'll share with you the approach I teach my clients to craft and tailor their message. You'll learn tactical tips on how to expand or contract your talk, and the three levels of engagement that you can use to create a customized engagement activity that resonates with your audience.In this episode, you'll learn:Why having a signature talk can help establish you as an industry authorityHow to be intentional with your speaking by framing your ideas in a way that connects with both your audience and the hostWhat makes your signature talk so unique Key questions to ask when preparing for speaking opportunities and customizing your talkThe three levels of engagement that will help you fully engage your audience and inspire actionPlus practical tips for customizing your talk for different audiences while staying true to your core messageSo if you're ready to take your speaking to the next level, tune in and discover how to create a signature talk that truly resonates with your audience.EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

Lindsay Rogers is a former journalist and founder of Raw Strategy where she teaches people to tell stories for a living, yet she found herself facing something relatable: having difficulty figuring out how to tell her own story and how to translate the message in her marketing materials to the stage.That's why when she was asked to speak, Lindsay raised her hand to join my signature talk program and later on, work 1-on-1 too.  Lindsay's story is proof you don't need to earn the right to get paid to speak by putting in time on different stages. Instead, she knew she wanted paid speaking as a revenue wheel from the get-go. If you've ever wondered if your message or expertise is worthy of earning you money as a paid speaker, tune into this inspiring episode that will have you shooting for the stars.In this episode, Lindsay shares: Why she had to dismantle herself from the inside out to translate written messages to spoken messagesAll the internal junk that popped up, leaving her feeling exposed and how she handled itHow she got paid well to speak right from the beginning Why learning to trust yourself is the key to feeling confident on stageHer experience combatting the curse of knowledge with my Script-ish and bucketizing process Figuring out what to do with her body on stage On-stage moments that made her realize she was doing the thing she was meant to doHow one talk led to $100,000 in the last year EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

MY FREE AUDIO TRAINING: Becoming The KNOWN Authority: https://thespeakerco.com/authority----Liz Wilcox is the Fresh Princess of Email and a keynote speaker, a former client of mine who built her signature talk in my program.She's got a big vision in mind, but she's flexible about how she's going to get there. Right now, Liz focuses on building towards that future one talk at a time. Because each talk she gives is an opportunity to connect with another person, build a new relationship and share her expertise to people who need it.Over the last 12 months, Liz has spoken on over 100 stages, and as she says, “Baby, I'm taking over the internet!”. It's true. Liz has used her talks to share her framework for making email marketing fun (and profitable) and as a result has added hundreds of people to her email marketing membership.So, if you've ever wondered what speaking can do for your business, or you've had doubts that a signature talk can be used over and over again…this is the episode for you. In this episode, Liz shares: The atypical launch results that illuminated her gift for email marketing and made her realize she had a message people needed to hearWhy she decided speaking was the best way to make a bigger impact How her personal circumstances gave her no choice but to push past ‘head junk' and speak even when though she still breaks out in a rashHer thoughts on why talent will only get you so far and how Michael Jordan inspired her to get disciplined with her speaking practiceThe simple ways she tweaks her signature talk and Why her signature talk is still relevant over three years later EPISODE  SHOW NOTES

In August, I merged my speaker coaching business with Emily Hall's presentation design agency… and last week we announced our decision to untangle ourselves back to separate companies. I won't try to hide it – it's been an emotionally difficult few weeks, but we're both super optimistic (and still BFFs). In this episode, I'm getting real, raw and vulnerable as I share with my the behind the scenes that lead to this decision, what I've learned along the way and a message to remind you that when you learn to change and adapt with purpose, you'll become even stronger.Episode Highlights:Elephant in the room: let's talk about my business failure highlight reel (Ugh! I can't help but cringe at the memory)Messy conversations in business—learn how you can courageously lean into this and serve you wellUntangling my business partnership— why we're going back to solo entitiesA peak at what's to come in this now solo chapter of The Speaker Co, including the WHY behind my new program, Signature Talk AcceleratorRATE & REVIEW

The way you communicate impacts how others perceive you and your business.When you sound polished and professional, you're seen as knowledgeable, trustworthy and confident – which establishes your credibility and helps you attract new clients.And poor communication skills are COSTLY because when others don't understand what you do and how you can help them, they certainly won't buy from you. That's why raising your level of awareness and being intentional on how you communicate with your words, with your tone and with your body language is critical– and that's what this episode is all about.Today I deep dive on  the common mistakes I see so many entrepreneurs making when trying to elevate the level of polish and professionalism with how they speak and more importantly, how to correct it. I also share some power tips + activities you can do (plus a heck of a lot more!) that will help you raise your level of confidence to create a bigger impact on your business.In this episode, you'll learn:Why communication skills are paramount in your businessFormality vs Professionalism: two terms that are often used interchangeablyThe Power of PracticeUnderstanding polish and professionalism and how it boils down to three communication buckets (and the mistakes that happen when you elevate your polish and professionalism) Plus power tips + game-changer activity(you're gonna hate and love me for this!) you can do to become a better communicatorRATE & REVIEW

Stages are the BEST way in 2023 to accelerate your authority, build trust and generate HOT leads who want to pay you (not just download your free stuff).Now, does that mean that you should chase all of these stages and say YES to every opportunity? Heck no. While booking more stages could get you bigger results— the reality is it's what you DO with those opportunities that matters most.  So the question is — what do YOU do when you have the mic?In this episode, I dive into how you can show up intentionally and serve your audience well. Plus my fav strategies that I see as the biggest opportunity for 2023. You'll learn:Redefining what a stage is and why it's so critical to double down and create your own stage this yearThe different phases of the buyer's journey and how it circles back to creating your own stage opportunitiesHow do you make the most of your on stage momentsPlus 4 strategies that can help you reimagine your mic moments in 2023RATE & REVIEW

Putting the work upfront allowed this guest to create a business that fueled her passion.Meet my friend, mastermind buddy and award-winning photographer, Kristine Richer. She made the leap to full time online teaching in 2020 and has now taught thousands of students how to create stunning images of the Milky Way. The one in the sky, not the candy bar ;)In this episode, Kristine shares how she hustled through her twenties to establish her career to now running a business that literally fuels her creative gifts.I think you'll find this to be a truly inspiring episode, so let's jump in! In this episode, Kristine shares;How she develop her expertise and why did she  pivot into online businessDoing launches in her business and innovating this (if you hate live launching—you gotta listen to what she said!)Putting in the hard work to create the life and the business that she wanted— discover Kristine's secret recipe for what she embraces both from an attitude and skill perspective Her relationship with the word hustle, how it evolved—learn her advice for other business owners who are trying to navigate a season of hustleHow to get more confident and comfortable in putting yourself out there and finally take that courageous leapRATE & REVIEW