Laptops and Lattes Podcast

Do you feel pressured into constantly striving for the idealistic business life and "metrics of success" that you see on social media, but it doesn't actually make you happy? Or does it makes you anxious, overwhelmed and inadequate; feeling like you're not getting anywhere in your business?Then maybe you need to hear this podcast.Because growth, happiness and success doesn't always show up the way you think it does.It's not always about reaching 7 figures, or being so fully booked that you're exhausted, or having music on your Instagram stories!Growth isn't always about getting bigger. In fact, it can often be the opposite.So if you're tired of measuring your success by someone else's ruler, then tune into this episode. I work with inspirational women every single day, and you know what? Real growth can look very different to what you think.

If you've been running your business for a little while then you've had some time to figure out what's working and what's not. You've dipped your toes in the water - you've worked with quite a few different clients, offering a few different services.But now you're ready for things to start moving again. You're ready to take your business even further.Listen to this episode where I share 3 ways you can grow and scale as a Virtual Assistant.For more tips on building your business, follow me on Instagram or join my free Facebook group.

You've got a few blog articles gathering some cyber-dust but you know you should do something with them.Or you want blog articles to be part of your content marketing strategy, but also feel uncertain of their value.Any of those sound familiar?I confess, I'm feeling a bit of both. If you are too, then this episode will blow you mind!I sat down to a conversation with Katrina Tite, a strategic business writer with a wonderful way with words. She and I spoke about the seemingly endless benefits to writing a blog, as well as ways to really push the blog to it's limits, giving you the best return.We cover:Why blogs are a valuable part of your marketing strategyHow you can maximise the reach of your blogsWays you can repurpose your blogs (this is pure gold!)You can follow Katrina on Instagram or Facebook:InstagramFacebookWebsite

Do you currently work with clients you don't really gel with?Perhaps you've had some bad experiences in the past?Or maybe you feel like you're constantly signing on the wrong type of clients.What if I told that you that it is entirely possible to not only pick and choose who you work with, but to actually become a magnet for those people?You and your business can become a magnet for people who share the same values as you. You can actually love who you work with.Let me show you how - enjoy the episode!Follow me on Instagram or join my free Facebook group for service-based business women here.

Do you feel like you're currently "just getting by" and feel so frustrated about it?You're not alone.I was chatting to a fellow business owner recently who said that she's so sick of just getting by. She wants to get herself out of the survival mindset and actually enjoy having some money to spare.So I decided to chat to someone who knew how to help people climb their way out of this self-sabotaging mindset pool and start floating on the wealthy abundance cloud.That person, is Christine Corcoran. She's a Business Mindset Coach and works with a lot of women on their money mindset, so I thought she'd be the perfect person to interview for this episode.In this episode we'll talk about:What it's like to be stuck in the survival mindsetWhy we feel this waySimple strategies to help you out of this mindsetAbout ChristineChristine Corcoran is a Business Mindset Master Coach, Speaker, Co-Founder of the Rise Up Conference and Creator of The Energetics of Money Program.Christine has an incredible ability to get to the root cause of what's holding you back, uplevel your money mindset and set you up for success with unstoppable confidence and belief in your ability to succeed.She loves helping women rediscover their inner magic, overcome mindset blocks and ultimately get out of their own way, so they can flourish in the freedom and impact business they love.She is a qualified Practitioner in Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Matrix Therapies and an MBraining Practitioner with an extensive study of Human Behavioural Profiling, Hypnotherapy and Leadership Coaching. She specialises in doing the deep subconscious work in releasing limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviours to set you up with a CEO Mindset and helps you embody the next level version of yourself to achieve the success you deserve.The Next Level Life Podcast is Christine's bi-weekly drop of motivation and inspiration where she shares the mindset tools you need in order to excel in your business.

Whether you're a creative business or not you'll find times where you need to boost your creativity. Creating social media content, marketing campaigns, new service ideas, solutions to problems.If you are a creative business like a graphic or web designer, copywriter or artist, you rely heavily on your creativity.But when we need our creativity most, there are days where it disappears!As a former graphic designer, I relied on my creativity. So in today's episode I'm going to share with you 5 of my top tips for bringing your creativity back.

If you love to set goals but wonder why you don't seem to accomplish them, it could be your fears holding you back.In this episode of the Laptops & Lattes Podcast I teach you why we all experience fears, how they hold us back from accomplishing our goals, and what you can do to overcome them.I cover:What fears we're likely to encounterWhy they affect us and our businessWhat we can do to regain momentum in achieving our goalsIf you're a fan of journaling, I mention some excellent journal prompts in this episode to help you work through your fears.

When you run a business from home, it may feel like you're not running a "real business".Sometimes that's just a feeling we have. Other times it's a result of negative-but-well-meant comments from caring loved ones that make us doubt the seriousness of our business.Either way, it doesn't feel great.In this episode of the podcast I share 5 tips that I've learnt over the years that have helped my family and I take my business seriously. Links mentioned in the episode:Laptops & Lattes Facebook Community - Click to join

If you've been thinking about creating a course as an additional offer in your business, you'll want to tune in to this episode.Lisa Kniebe, The Launch Success Coach, joins me for a chat about course creation for service based businesses.We discuss the appeal of creating a course for our clients, and whether or not you can create a course for your business.Lisa covers some of the challenges you may face if you decide to create a course of your own (hello mind monkeys!)And my favourite part of the episode - what Lisa recommends as the first steps to take when venturing into the world of course creation.You can find Lisa:On her Facebook pageFree Course Creator's Club Facebook Group Over on InstagramOr book a Strategy Session

I recently asked the ladies in my VIP business membership, The Espresso Lounge, to ask me anything.Didn't have to be business-related. Just have fun with it.The rule was that I had to answer it!Here's what the girls asked:1) What is the most ridiculous outfit you have ever worn out in public?2) What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you in that position now?3) Share a joke.4) What's your favourite thing about your sister, and on a scale from 9-10, how badly do you totally wish you were her?? (No prizes for guessing who asked this one!)5) Who would be at your ideal dinner party - 5 guests (plus you). Living or dead, famous or not - who would make up your table?6) What's your dream meal (starter, main, side dish, drink and dessert)?7) If you could be somebody else for a day, who would it be and why?8) If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?9) Top 5 books that changed/had a significant impact on your life (either personal or business)? If not a reader, then top 3 favourite movies of all times.10) Your favourite other podcasts?11) Who is your celebrity leave pass?12) What is your favourite TV show to veg out with?

Have you been considering running paid ads on Facebook?Not sure if it's the right thing for you?Tried ads before but had no success?In this episode of Laptops & Lattes Podcast I chat with Sarah Thomson from Online Social Butterfly about paid Facebook ads as part of your marketing strategy.We talk about:Why people run Facebook ads and what other options there are3 mistakes business owners make when running adsWhether you should use paid ads, or continue with organic strategiesTo access the resources mentioned in this episode, visit: www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/episode30

Last week I went live in my Facebook group (Laptops & Lattes Community) so I could share a message to my members about goal-setting.Let's walk before we run.We're not born knowing how to set goals, so why are we so hard on ourselves when we don't achieve them?It's a skill we need to learn and practise. Naturally, there will be mistakes. There will be failed attempts. But that's all a part of learning.So start small. Prove to your self that goals are achievable. And then once you get the hang of it you can start reaching even further.Looking for goal-setting support?Free resources:Listen to other episodes of my podcast on goal settingRead my blog articlesAttend one of my free group goal-setting sessionsNeed more personal support?Book a 1:1 coaching session with meGet on the waitlist for my mentoring programJoin my membership

Do you find it easy to set your goals, but taking action on them never seems to happen?This episode is just for you, my friend. I know it's a difficult challenge for many women who want to achieve their goals but just don't seem to be able to make it happen. So I want to explore some of the reasons why invisible forces are stopping you from working on your goals. When you understand these reasons, you can take steps to overcome the challenge.Are you ready to achieve more goals? Let's go!

I'm a pretty open book. I don't mind sharing my challenges as well as my wins. In this episode, I talk about a few of the (many) mistakes I've made in my entrepreneurial journey. If it helps you overcome some challenges, or you recognise some warning signs, then you'll know to swerve and avoid making those mistakes yourself.In this episode I mention a few amazing women who have helped me along my journey and I'd love to share their links:Sheree Lowe - https://www.facebook.com/PaintTheTownWACourtney Rogers, Court & Co - https://www.facebook.com/courtncoZoe Richmond Coaching (Formerly The Numbers Hub) - https://www.facebook.com/zoerichmondcoachingKirsty Norton, Hustle With Ease - https://www.facebook.com/hustlewithease

So I had to do a thing. I had 2 units of my certificate to smash out in a ridiculously short time frame. It felt like an impossible goal, and I asked fellow students whether it could be done. They said no way! But I was determined.I decided to give it my best shot. I pulled out all of my goal setting tricks to give myself the best chance of success. And I did it!That was my inspiration for today's podcast episode. The tricks that I knew would help me get there are the same tricks I share with you in this episode. I want you to be able to achieve those goals that you think are just that bit out of reach. Enjoy!

We often see social media posts around this time of year prompting us to share our big goals for the new year. It comes from a place of excitement for the year to come, a fresh start, a time to reach for the stars.It's beautiful.But it can also make you feel a bit inadequate if your goals aren't the big ones they're telling you to set.As someone who helps women set and achieve goals on a weekly basis, I can tell you that the big goals aren't usually the ones that propel you forward. It's the small goals that do.Listen in to find out why.

Is a lack of confidence something that is holding you back from growing the business you want?How would you feel if I said that confidence wasn't the thing you needed first?In this episode I explore this with Mindset Coach, Sarah Sampana. We talk about how common a lack of confidence is, why it's not what you need to be aiming for, and what you can do to build a business you love even in the absence of confidence.

Do you find yourself stuck in a bit of a limbo where you have so many good ideas for your business, but then never have time to actually implement them? Or do you feel unsure as to which ideas you should focus on? Or how to start?Anything we achieve in our business starts with an idea. It's the starting point. So it makes sense to manage our ideas well so we can prioritise and action the right ideas that'll help us move forward in business.In this episode I share 3 things you can do right now to better manage your ideas, so that you're off to a good start with implementing them.

Do you post to your social media a little bit blindly?Do you have purpose and strategy behind what you share?If you answered no to those questions, then you'll want to jump on board with todays episode. I invited my guest and friend, Stacey Cranitch to the Podcast, and she shares 4 important elements of a good social media strategy.After you listen to this episode you'll walk away so much clearer on your social media marketing purpose, and you'll become more intentional with your social content.Stacey Cranitch is the champagne drinking, karaoke singing, social media coach from The Social Hub. You can find her here:Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesocialhubau/Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/socialmedia101society/Instagram: www.instagram.com/the__social__hub/

Social media content is one of those things that seems to be never ending. Like that pile of laundry!Sometimes ideas for social media flow freely, other times we can be staring at a blank screen or piece of paper, with no *good* ideas coming, no matter how hard we try. In this episode I share with you some tips on brainstorming social media content, as well as a nifty little activity you can do that will help you generate more ideas for your social media that are original, exciting, and relevant to your business.You can follow along and do the brainstorming activity while listening to the episode. Or if you're listening while driving or walking, or otherwise doing something that means you can't take notes, then don't worry. Enjoy the episode and do the activity when you're next in the mood for a good content brainstorming session.If you'd like to download the notes and activity I've created for this episode, then head to www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/episode21

In my Facebook group, Laptops & Lattes Community, I asked my members, "what are your biggest challenges and questions around gaining clients?" The reason for this is because I asked Marketing and Business Coach, Jessica Osborn, to come into the group to talk about gaining clients, and to help members overcome some of the challenges they're facing. I presented these questions to Jess and she provided such insightful advice that I just couldn't leave it there. I HAD to bring the interview to my podcast so that you could enjoy Jessica's advice too.So if you've struggled to gain new clients, listen in to this episode because you may just find the clarity you need to move forward.

Lead magnets, optin incentives, freebies... there are a few different names for it. Whichever name you use, the purpose is still the same. A piece of value that you offer to encourage potential clients to join your email marketing list.In today's episode I chat with amazing content strategist, Mel Daniels, all about lead magnets and how they can help us create and nurture positive relationships with our clients. We'll cover:What makes a good lead magnet (and what makes a bad one!)How to plan and set up a lead magnetWhere to promote your lead magnetWhat to do after someone signs upAnd what happens if your lead magnet doesn't workKeep your pen and paper handy because Mel shares some incredible insights into the world of lead magnets, email marketing and the client journey.You can follow Mel on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/meldbusiness/

Have you ever had an amazing idea that you wanted to set in motion, but struggled to set it in motion?It's easy to get stuck especially when you come up against procrastination, lack of confidence, overwhelm or just no idea where to start.In this episode I'm going to share a simple framework that'll help you map out a plan of action to make it easier to turn this idea of yours into an accomplishment.I'll also share a little gift to help you along! To get my freebie visit the podcast show notes here: www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/episode18

Goal-setting in business is pretty important. It helps you identify and acknowledge where you want to be, as well as map out how you're going to get there. Problem is, we're not all born knowing how to set goals effectively. If we set goals but don't achieve them it can put us off the whole process. Procrastination, anxiety, disappointment, hopelessness. They're all the emotions I've seen women experience when they don't achieve their goals.Goal-setting is a learned skill. We won't all get it right at first. Let me share with you some of the top reasons why we don't achieve the goals we set, along with easy tips that'll help you improve. That way you can set more effective goals that you're more likely to accomplish. We all want growth in our business, don't we?If you'd like to join any of my guided goal-setting sessions, either 1:1 or group sessions, then come and join the Laptops & Lattes Community, a Facebook group for like-minded service based business owners. You'll find me there, or you can DM me on Instagram. You've got this!Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/laptopsandlattesInstagram: www.instagram.com/laptops_and_lattesWebsite: www.laptopsandlattes.com.au

There are many factors that influence our decision to start a business. Redundancy, flexibility around family, or even just the long time dream of being your own boss.Unfortunately for some, a big factor is chronic illness and pain. Business can be tough, but when you suffer ongoing illness and pain it can bring additional challenges to the day-to-day management of your business. In this episode I chat to Sarah Thomson, founder of Online Social Butterfly, about how she manages a successful business alongside the pain of endometriosis. She shares her story as well as helpful tips on how you can navigate the challenges of chronic illness while running a business.You can find Sarah here:Facebook: www.facebook.com/OnlineSocialButterflyInstagram: www.instagram.com/onlinesocialbutterfly/Website: https://onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au/

Are you trying to run your business while juggling kids? Let's be honest, it's a tough gig. But with support from like-minded mums in business, it can be a bit easier to manage the tough times, and the good times are all the more enjoyable.In this episode I've done things a bit different. Instead of recording my podcast in the office as I normally do, I've recorded it whilst playing outside with my kids. You know why? Because sometimes there is no separation between mum-life and business-life (no matter how hard we try!)I reached out to members in my Facebook group, Laptops & Lattes Community, and asked for their top tips for running their business while caring for kids. I've collected some of my favourite tips and shared them with you in the episode. And you'll hear from my son and daughter a few times throughout because we all know they like to have their say!If you'd like to join the Laptops & Lattes Facebook group visit: www.facebook.com/groups/laptopsandlattesMany thanks to these amazing mums in business for sharing their tips in the community:Emma Heuston, The Remote Expert, www.theremoteexpert.comDiandra Jones, The Admin Mama, www.theadminmama.comDayarne Smith, Hello Copy Co, www.dayarnesmith.com.auVicki Clothier, Resume Writers Australia and Clothier Careers, www.resumewritersaustralia.com.au and www.clothiercareers.comSteph Gobraiel, Virtual Associate Services, www.virtualassociateservices.com.auChelsea Miller, Breathe Skin Body Mind, www.breatheskinbodymind.comKim Baker, AppleBlossom Admin, www.appleblossomadmin.com.au

Just wanted to pop by and say that it's ok. It's ok to feel overwhelmed by all the things people are telling you that you "should" be doing. This business gig is hard, and it's natural to feel daunted by some things. There's a few things I want you to remember, and a one special technique that'll help you make progress with less of that overwhelm.If you ever want to chat or to vent your challenges, my virtual door is open. I'll leave my details here for you ;-)Email: michelle@laptopsandlattes.com.auInstagram: www.instagram.com/laptops_and_lattesFacebook: www.facebook.com/laptopsandlattes

If you've been refining your niche lately and you're making the transition from being a generalist service to a specialist then you may be wondering if you're on the right track. It's not always a quick process (well not as quick as we'd like anyway!) so I wanted to share a few signs to look out for telling you that you're starting to be seen as the go-to woman in your field of expertise. Signs that can reassure you that you're well on your way to being the expert in your niche.

You know that marketing principle know, like and trust? We know that in order to encourage clients to want to work with us we need them to know about us, to like us and for us to have earned their trust.There's one thing we can do as part of our ongoing marketing and communication strategy (that you can start doing right now too!) that will help you achieve all three stages of know-like-trust - by educating your target audience.In this episode I quickly walk you through the know-like-trust marketing principle, and share insight into how educating your target audience not only strengthens your relationship with future clients, but also attracts the kind of clients you WANT to work with. Stay until the end because I'll share a nifty little brainstorming exercise that'll help you create some educational content in just a few minutes.

You know you want to niche your business, but you're stuck between 2 or 3 different options for how you can focus your niche, and you...Just. Can't. Decide. Does this sound at all familiar? Oh I've been there, my friend, and I know how difficult it can be.In this episode I want to share a few tips to help you move forward, and I talk about some of the fears or doubts that may be stopping you.

Have you ever felt, with all those ideas floating around in your mind, that you have a bit of a creative curse? Believe me, you're not alone in feeling that way. I've met plenty of business owners who feel like they're buried in "idea overload". In later episodes I'll teach you tips and strategies that'll help you manage all of your ideas so you can turn them into achievements. But for now, I want to share a quick and casual episode where I'll do my best to convince you that your ideas are an absolute blessing rather than a burden.If you can't wait and want some tips and tricks on idea management now, pop over to my Instagram page or visit my website:www.instagram.com/laptops_and_latteswww.laptopsandlattes.com.au

It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the great ideas you have, all the projects you want to set in motion, along with everything else that business and life demands of you.A common problem experienced by business owners I work with is they have more than enough good ideas, but where they struggle is getting those ideas off the ground. It may be due to overwhelm with everything else going on, or perhaps they're attempting to work on too many ideas at once. Or they just plain don't know how or where to start.In today's episode, I'll guide you through the process of idea to achievement. Everything we've ever achieved in our business went through this process. So when you understand it, you'll better understand where you are in the process and therefore what your next steps should be.So if you've got the ideas, but stuck with your next steps then listen in and I'll help you get there.www.laptopsandlattes.com.auwww.facebook.com/laptopsandlatteswww.instagram.com/laptops_and_lattes

If you struggle to price your services, just know that you're not alone. It's a very common problem, especially with solopreneurs like us. It can seem that pricing products is far easier than pricing services, but whether you're selling products or services it all comes down to one thing. Value - value in the mind of your clients. Typically, new service based businesses will use an hourly rate to price their services. But Pricing Expert, Courtney Deagon, shares some of the reasons why hourly rates aren't doing you or your business any favours. To grow a sustainable and profitable business, and one that makes you happy, you need to explore Value Based Pricing (VBP). Courtney explains how Value Based Pricing will help you determine a price that is fair for both you and your client, resulting in a win win. You'll learn why this method gives you more freedom, and room to grow.You can learn more about Courtney here:Website: www.courtneydeagon.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/courtncoInstagram: www.instagram.com/court.and.coTo access the Pricing Cake graphic, please visit https://www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/podcast/

It's overwhelming, right? So many ideas floating around in your head. So many things you want to do. All. The. Things!I get it. My mind is full of ideas and project wishes too. Let me share a simple strategy that'll help you organise and manage your ideas so that you can achieve more without the overwhelm. It's called "The Messy House" concept. Enjoy!If you'd like to access the resources mentioned in this episode, please visit https://www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/podcast/

Have you been thinking about your niche lately? Have you defined your niche, or are you deciding if it is the right way to go for your business?In this episode, I'll cover your questions on what a niche is, why you would want to define your niche, and some of the fears you may have. The information that I share is specific to women who run service based businesses, and I use relatable examples so that you can gain a better understanding of this topic.To access the resources I mention in this episode, visit: www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/podcast/

I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend and the first guest to the Laptops and Lattes Podcast, Dayarne Smith. As an SEO Copywriter, Dayarne works with many female business owners in helping them create powerful, playful and persuasive words to help them build their brand and engage with their customers. I invited Dayarne to the podcast to chat about some of the mistakes that business owners make on their website, and what YOU can do to avoid making those same mistakes. It's vital that your website works hard for you in communicating the right message to your prospects. You want them to get excited about working with you! What we don't want, is for your website to turn them off through costly mistakes.In this episode we cover the top 5 mistakes that business owners make on their website, including;not using photos of them selfnot investing time and effort in SEOpoor copywritingdifficult navigationnot making the most of social proof More importantly, Dayarne shares some quick and actionable tips that'll help you avoid making those mistakes on your business website. Dayarne is an SEO copywriter from the Hunter Valley in NSW. You can find out more about her (and get your copy of her free Essential Checklist for a Brilliant Business Website) on her website: www.dayarnesmith.com.au

One sure way to keep you moving forward in business is by setting and achieving goals. In today's episode I'll gently persuade you into making sure goal setting is high up on your list of priorities. I'll also share secrets that'll make sure time spent setting goals is valuable time spent working on your business. You'll learn:how to set realistic goals that align with your bigger pictureto be crystal clear on what you hope to achieveto include key details that'll give you higher chances of achievementhow to avoid unrealistic and overwhelming goalsTo access the free resource mentioned in this episode, visit www.laptopsandlattes.com.au/resources

Are you busy creating a meaningful brand identity for your business? You'll need to make some decisions on colour very soon. As a service based business owner, there's a few things you need to consider first. Let me take you through 4 of the most important factors to consider before you make your choice. Should you choose your favourite colour? What about client preferences? I'll chat all about it in this short and sweet episode.

Having good ideas is crucial in keeping things moving in your business. The best way to generate good ideas is quite simply, to brainstorm them. But are you limiting your ideas and creativity through unproductive brainstorming? In this episode I share 4 important rules of brainstorming that will unleash your creative thinking, encourage effective brainstorming and provide you with more ideas than you thought possible.

This is it! The very first episode of the Laptops and Lattes Podcast. In a short and sweet introductory episode I'll introduce myself as your host and share my vision for this podcast.