LevelUp Your Coaching Business

We're big advocates of everyone getting the rest they need - and that includes us! It's important to us to not only bring our unique brand of value to every episode, but to feel lit up and excited, in the inspirational “flow.”  So after this episode, we'll be taking a summer break from recording the podcast. Over the past year, we've spent a lot of intentional time and energy on unlearning hustle-y ways of thinking, and we realized lately we've been feeling the effects of being in go-go-go mode. This is an important episode to hear, because often we want to take a break or stop doing a certain thing, but we think our business or livelihood will suffer from it. We also want to be perceived as “consistent,” and to keep showing up for our clients. What nobody tells you is that consistency is defined by the individual - you. It takes a certain level of self-trust to go against the grain and rest instead of pushing through or forcing yourself through situations that probably aren't serving you. Also: rest and continuing to show up are not mutually exclusive!So give us a listen and reflect on how rest could look for you in your life and business. And we'll see you in the fall! 

When you're a goal-setter, it's really easy to think life will completely change for the better once you reach said goal. You'll think you've arrived:When you're consistently booking consultsWhen you get fully bookedWhen you hit your launch goalWhen you assemble a great business management teamBut more often what actually happens is not the utopia you imagined. You achieve the goal, or “arrive,” and it doesn't feel like enough. You don't have gratitude for where you are or what you've done, you move the goal post out again, and you keep striving and chasing the next achievement thinking relief is just around the corner.What are you making it mean to have this goal? What do you think you're going to get that you don't already have?Today we're talking about creating feelings ahead of time, building belief in your intentions, and recognizing when we're hanging all our hopes on an arrival fallacy.

At LevelUp Co., we're often leaned on to write content on behalf of our clients. Whether you're a new coach or you've been in the industry for a while, you already know that writing is a necessary part of marketing your business. Social media captions, email sequences, and media pitches each require specific skillsets to convey your message from a place of strength and value. Deciding to write your own content versus bringing on a marketing team to do it is up to you. But regardless of the route you choose to take, there are a few keys we want you to keep in mind to make sure you're writing content that connects. In this episode, we're talking about the importance of:Writing what's on your heartGiving value over trying to convertStorytelling and leaning into specificsTrusting yourself to be the credible authority in your fieldRemembering the know, like, trust journeyUnderstanding the difference between content writing and copywritingWhen to use a CTA and when you might not want to (gasp)Listen in on our conversation to get simple, effective takeaways that'll help you hone your writing skills and grow your community. 

We're almost through the first quarter of the year, and before we even rolled into 2022, Instagram made it abundantly clear that they'd be rolling out another wave of changes to the platform (insert collective sigh here). There's now a customizable home screen, among other things, leaving coaching business owners wondering what that means for the algorithm when your followers have the option to add you (or not) to a Favorites list.You might also have noticed your Instagram follower reach and engagement plummet around December and struggle to recover.  Engagement and interaction on Facebook (particularly in groups) has also decreased suddenly.You're probably wondering “What the heck happened? My content is just as valuable as it was before, but people either A) don't seem to be seeing it, B) are seeing it but not interacting with it, or C) they ARE seeing and interacting with it, but my follower count and conversions have stalled out.”Which just leaves the big question: What should you do when you're being consistent with great content and not seeing a payoff? First things first: it's not you - it's the platform. So take a deep breath and know you're not failing or fundamentally flawed when it comes to your social media content.Secondly, this episode is all about what we at LevelUp Co. are encouraging our clients to do to be as proactive as possible when this situation inevitably arises. We want to make sure that when IG and FB change up their algorithm, you're not expending all your energy trying to solve things that are outside your control -  all while knowing you have a solid marketing strategy in place to keep you in front of your people. 

Productivity. Time commitments. Fully booked schedules. Staying on track. Getting it all done. Some or all of these things often accompany our ideas around time management. But today's guest, Gretta Scholten, time management coach for women, will have you radically changing how you view your to-do list and its place in your life + business.In this episode, we talk about the cyclical nature of productivity, why it's important to shift our expectations of what we can get done in a day, and how to dig into the thoughts that have us chasing productivity in the first place. Get ready to re-think time blocking, understand your personal capacity, and learn how to set a healthy container for your day that promotes ease and flow over hustle and stress. Click here to connect with Gretta Scholten on Instagram.

Transitioning from doing everything yourself to having help is not easy. You're used to doing everything alone, on your schedule, in your way. Because of this, you may think it will be simple to just tell someone else how you've always done things. But it is so much more than that. What are the indications you're ready to hire a team? What groundwork should you do before making your first hire? How will you communicate well with your new team?There is a lot that goes into hiring a team. It's critical you be prepared both procedurally and emotionally. You're going from being the doer of all things to the doer of just one or two things. In this episode, we discuss some of the preparations you should make before taking on help. First and foremost, you need to understand and own your new role. Then you must develop comprehensive procedures you can easily teach. On top of those fundamentals, your trust has to be extended, and your vision and energy imparted. It will be a challenge, but with proper preparation the transition can be much smoother. What You'll LearnSelf-trustYou can't hire for your belief gaps Do the ongoing belief work, it drives your businessYour belief is what is amplifiedTrust your teamAllow your team to do the work you've entrusted them to doHave a let-go mindsetExpect things to slow down but know more will get done in the long runRefocus your time and attention Check in with how much you're still doingRedefine your own roleFocus on getting your belief, energy and vision out there even strongerContact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Nothing that happens in your business is technically negative. Some things are simply meant to be and shape where you are going. But very few things are actually a huge problem. When you can shift your thinking away from seeing things as nothing but a failure, you free yourself. In this episode, Kacey and I (Suzanne) discuss how to reframe negative experiences. Kacey shares how this concept so closely parallels successful marketing and provides insights that apply to many business situations. When you can see every experience as an opportunity for growth and redirection, you and your business will thrive.What You'll Learn How successful marketing parallels reframing negative business experiencesRelease negative energyThe long, slow game that sets proper expectationsIt's a constant building processThose that do the best see results as a lessonQuit blaming and beating yourself upTreat results as neutralStop blaming and wasting energyDeeply examine and reflect: is it really bad? Or is there a positive here?Learn and adjustFocus on who you are servingStep back and see what is part of your journey and put it to healthy useBe okay with the truth that you won't always know how to handle everythingEmbrace the experiences of all the thingsSee opportunities, not burdensBring the energy of abundance, positivity, and belief. That's how you LevelUp!Connect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Finding your niche in the coaching world can be a real pain point. How do you know what's right for you? How do you push past the doubt and see your superpowers? Everyone has a strength but it isn't always easy to identify your own. To you, it comes easily and naturally so it's no big deal. But to others? It might just be the wow they need to experience a significant breakthrough in their life.In this episode, Kacey and I (Suzanne) talk with Veronique Vaillancourt, who is a Niche Life Coach and psychotherapist. She helps other life coaches recognize their unique gifts and abilities, and then hone those into a specific coaching niche. If you've struggled even a little bit to settle into your place, your niche in the coaching world, you won't want to miss a moment!What You'll LearnRecognizing your superpowersYour past, your presentYour strengths, your passions, your experienceWhat can you talk about for 15 hours?Why to specialize / choose a nicheSupports clearer marketing messagingPeople desire customization and specializationIdentifying pain pointsWhat are yours?What do you see around you?Building a course within your nicheTracking trends and commonalitiesReceiving input from othersDon't make assumptionsWhen to choose a nicheScaling with purpose and more easeAvoiding business spin and niche dramaExamples from Kacey and SuzanneThe 5, 5, 55 minutes, 5 people, 5 adjectivesReflected back to you Bring the energy of abundance, positivity, and belief. That's how you LevelUp! Contact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Veronique VaillancourtVeronique Vaillancourt, whose name happens to rhyme with Very-Neat, has been a psychotherapist for 25 years, and a TWICE certified Life Coach. After 17 years as a psychotherapist, she decided to become a life coach, but couldn't decide on her niche. So she kept on as a psychotherapist and used her coaching tools with psychotherapy clients. Finally, in 2019, she decided to get certified as a Life Coach (for a second time) through a different Life Coach School Program. But the difference that time was she made a promise to herself that she'd figure out how to end her Niche Drama and solidly commit to her PERFECT NICHE. After some hard work, she did it. Her experience is why she knows your struggle. She's been there. And she has the tools to help. She's worked at getting people's brains unstuck for a quarter of a decade, and helped many coaches find their PERFECT NICHE. Dial Your Niche in 5 Hours:veronique.mykajabi.com/dial-your-niche-in-5-hours myperfectniche.com veroniquevaillancourt.com Facebook.com/MyPerfectNicheCoaching Instagram.com/my_perfect_nicheConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Finding self-love and peace in where you are can be a challenge. As women, especially, we often tie our worth to our achievements. This can result in toxic thoughts that plague us and freeze us in one place. That can then become exacerbated by “positive” or “motivational” thoughts that aren't actually positive for our current situation or internal thought-process.In this episode, Kacey and I (Suzanne) talk with Burnout Coach, Katherine (Katie) Rapkoch all about learning to slow down and reverse toxic thoughts. We discuss how we all tend to be hyper aware of the flaws and achieving, rather than the beauty in our lives. But rewriting those thoughts by slowing down and allowing self-compassion can bring renewal, peace, and success both internally and externally. “It's the way we look at ourselves, as human beings in that we say… ‘I have to do something in order to be a worthy or a significant human being'... We put so much pressure on ourselves to accomplish all of these things… [and] this isn't an individual problem… This is all these bigger issues saying ‘You have to accomplish all these things to be worthy'. This is our parents' generation saying, ‘You can accomplish anything, so you should accomplish anything.'.”​ - Katherine (Katie) Rapkoch​What You'll LearnProperly framing mindsetBe realistic about resourcesRecognize bandwidthAcknowledge circumstancesLean into the gray areaPressured to look successfulTying self-worth to the appearance of successCultural pressureYou do not have to prove yourself to anyoneRepressing truthful vibes and emotionsIt's okay to not be okayTake a mental health (aka a bed) dayBook recommendationsDo Nothing by Celeste HeadleeThe science and history behind work schedules and moreWintering by Katherine MayHow humans are connected to the seasons, turning inward during winter, and moreBring the energy of abundance, positivity, and belief. That's how you LevelUp!Contact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Burnout Coach, Katherine RapkochKatherine (Katie) Rapkoch is a Burnout Coach who emphasizes de-emphasizing societal expectations of success. She encourages all to go deeper to examine the external pressures that become internal pressures. By doing so, Katie helps people reframe the cultural definitions of success, resulting in a proper level of self-compassion, self-worth and personal value.Instagram.com/katierapkoch | @katierapkochConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Human design affects how you grow your business and how you work in it day in and day out. I (Suzanne) believe that crafting your business around this concept can create energy and success you might not otherwise have.In this episode, Kasey and I define what human design is, and how it can energize your business and reduce frustrations. To help demonstrate the concept, Kacey tells about her recent experience with having her design read for her. She also shares how it has impacted her business and life in positive ways. Together we discuss how knowing your human design changes your approach to life and energizes your business.What You'll Learn What exactly is human design? Kacey's recent experienceSome of what goes into it How it makes you think differently Shows inconsistencies but defines them as neutralRestructures how you approach business and lifeGoes against expectationsGives understanding about the flow of energyRedefines how you view thingsApplying it to your business Some things are actually just neutralProperly define: Not good, not badAlign with what works for you, not what works for othersFlow fosters energy, creativity and higher value for clientsIdentify the energy of your businessBe accountable to your energy, that's what is amplifiedBring the energy of abundance, positivity, and belief. That's how you LevelUp!Contact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

With the new year coming, it's normal to look forward, to focus on business changes and goals we want to make. But what about looking backwards to gain proper perspective to look forward? Year-end is the perfect time to fully rest, reflect, and then reset. And to do so well is where gratitude comes in.Gratitude challenges our conditioning to constantly move our goalposts and stops us from short-changing ourselves. When we sit with what we've already accomplished, rather than rushing to the next thing, we choose gratitude over the grind. In this episode, Kacey and I (Suzanne) discuss what it means to look back in gratitude and share what we're personally thankful for. We heartily encourage all of you to do the same! What You'll Learn Looking back: Sitting in your accomplishmentsPush aside the temptation and conditioning to move the goalpostsSit with your accomplishmentsFailure to acknowledge your achievements results in feeling that you have nothingRedefine business growthSlowing down to be truly grateful is part of growthSelf-change affects everythingGratitude fuels openness, authenticity, love and readiness for the next levelBring the energy of abundance, positivity, and belief. That's how you LevelUp!Contact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

It's time to discuss the P word: Professionalism. We're conditioned to believe professionalism is not only desirable but preferred. However, the very guise of professionalism is often a myth. Both a help and a hindrance, if not handled properly, striving to appear “professional” can lead to some very unhealthy tendencies. While having professional standards and practices is wise and advised, recognizing the thoughts and feelings driving your choices is crucial. The mask of professionalism can be tempting to hide behind. It can become a shield to obscure what's really going on in your business and your life. The ambiguous concept of professionalism can even drive you to strive for unrealistic appearances and standards, edging into perfectionism. In this episode of LevelUp, we unmask the professionalism myth and talk truth about the emotions and expectations surrounding it. What You'll LearnWhat image pops into your head when you hear the term “professional”? Are there certain outward markers such as clothing, rank or location?Setting appropriate boundaries and properly defining professionalismHow is your concept of professionalism rooted in that image that comes to mind?Recognizing that professionalism is not superficialRespecting boundariesQuestions to ponder What were you taught about professionalism?What does it mean to you? Where do you fall in that spectrum?How are you redefining it and now owning that definition?Defining for yourself What is enough for you?Redefining professionalism through characteristics and respectRemoving the mask of professionalism Identify removed emotion and realityIntegrate your true self into your business; add more loveFoster genuine connectionContact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Frustrated by talking to a lot of clients but signing very few? You are likely forgetting a crucial fact: It's NEVER about you. You may be thinking this is obvious. Of course your business is all about your clients. So why aren't you convincing people to work with you? Aha! That might be the core of your problem.If you're trying to convince people… maybe even trying to convince yourself… You're missing your true target potential client: those that already need you. In this episode, Kacey and I (Suzanne), talk about how to present your services to the right potential clients, in the right way. With this approach, you may just be able to sign every single client you talk to!What You'll Learn It's NEVER about you Are you talking too much about yourself?Are you writing to yourself?Are you trying to be convincing?How to write to your ideal client Rewind and think back over your journeyBe personal and specific Avoid using coaching jargonResonate and focus on the resultMeet potential clients at the beginning of their journey Talk to another who is living where you wereRevisit emotions and thoughtsMake it 100% about them No might be just Not Ready Banish convincing energyNever promise what is really up to the clientNurture warm leadsLove on your lurkers Show people they are ready to work with youGive the facts  Be positive and powerful Speak to people where they areContact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Contracts for service agreements. Should you have them? Are they worth the hassle? In my opinion, no. Personally, I (Suzanne) discovered when I did use them that few of my clients signed them anyway. Kacey, coming from the freelance world, has had mixed experiences with them as well. In this episode, she and I discuss our opinions about signing contracts with clients. We talk about how they can potentially lock you continuing in a direction (with a client) you're no longer aligned with, why you should be choosy, how they won't fix the root of distrust, and much more. DISCLAIMER: The information discussed and opinions given on this podcast are in no way legal advice and should not be taken as such. The ideas shared are based on personal experience and should be viewed as opinion and observation only.What You'll LearnContracts can trap youAvoid creating false realitiesDon't get tempted by guaranteed incomeClick into someone's vibe and be choosy Trust is key, use your intuition A contract won't fix distrustIs there actually something you'd go to battle for? It is likely not worth it to hold someone to a contractWhen a simple, general contract might be worth havingAssess your feelings about contractsIs there a legitimate reason you need protection or is it only insecurity?The arbitrariness of appearing “more professional”Ask yourself whyContracts can just be distractions Everything has a time and placeDo what's rightStay aligned, show upContact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesSuzanne: Levelupco.netKacey: Kaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdaytonFacebook.com/kaceyhhayesInstagram.com/kaceyhhayes suzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

Intuitions, borne from your natural reactions to situations, can be very powerful. They can help you move forward in making a business decision or reassure you to go after an opportunity. Or they can steer you away from a wrong decision or guide you to a better alternative. But how can you know if those intuitions are reliable? How can you differentiate a knee-jerk reaction of emotion from a wise inner prompting you ought to follow?Because intuition plays both a frequent and important role in business, Kacey Hayes and I (Suzanne Dayton), explore the complexity of it in this episode. There are so many expectations and voices influencing what (they believe) you ought to do in your business that your own inner voice can be drown out. But tuning into your instincts and following your gut can mean the difference between business growth or business decline.What You'll LearnThe power of following your intuitionDeviate from the expected normA real-life example from KaceyHow intuition should steer business decisions, especially marketing choicesDon't do what is expected just because it's expectedGive yourself permission to listen to your gutDifferentiating intuition from feelings, fear or uncertaintyProcess your way, not someone else'sHonestly sit with your concerns and emotionsWhy there really are no mistakes in businessGuide decisions using your gutThe bigger vision intuition has in store for youContact Info and Recommended ResourcesConnect with Suzanne Dayton and Kacey HayesLevelupco.netKaceyhayes.comFacebook.com/levelupcoveaInstagram.com/suzannebdayton/Facebook.com/kaceyhayeswritesInstagram.com/kaceyhayeswritessuzanne@levelupco.netkaceyhayeswrites@gmail.com

I'm joined again today by Kacey Hayes, content creation expert at LevelUp Co., and we're pulling back the curtain on the business behind the show. Or at least, the people running the business behind the show. We're challenging all the things we've been told we're “supposed to” be doing to create success in our businesses. For example, showing up all over social media every single day, working long hours to be worthy of your success, or maintaining a huge email list in order to be a good business owner - big fat nope. It's so easy to blame external factors about how we think we should be showing up in our business. But we think a lot of it has to do with the conversations we have with ourselves internally and the energies we hold in our bodies.Ultimately, YOU have the ability and power to choose what to believe about yourself and your business, and let that inform the actions you take.If you:Started your coaching business to make an impact, but you feel drained instead;Don't realize you have the freedom to opt out of hustle culture and mainstream biz advice, orFeel unfulfilled in your business but don't know why, then this episode is for you! Join us for this important conversation, and consider how to apply these concepts in your own life and business. 

The heart of your business is about more than deciding on your brand colors, fonts, creating a logo, and having professional photos taken.So much more.So why do you spend all that time thinking about your website, tweaking your logo, and deciding which photo to share on social media? Because so many of us start our businesses with no idea where to put our focus, so we hide behind our branding (plus, we think great branding lets our friends and family know we have a legit business). I get it. I did the same thing in my first business. But in LevelUp Co., I did things differently, and it's made a major impact for the better.So in today's episode, I'm sharing the hard-earned wisdom I've gained about when branding matters. I'll go over how much branding focus is enough, the best time to go all in on your branding, and most importantly, how to show up authentically as the face of your brand. Remember: people buy from people. 

There's a flow and a process to how each of us makes decisions in our business. Pros and cons lists, asking other business owners what they've done, or just determining what you think you ‘should' do and deciding from that place. But what is your natural, innate decision-making process? You may have never considered that before - and with good reason.We're taught to rely on our brain's conditioning to make decisions, instead of the way we're born and designed to. You know that awful feeling when you make a decision with a crappy outcome? That was your brain deciding. But your brain is not how you make the best, most reliable decisions for you and your business. Your brain shouldn't be making the decisions at all. Wild, right? By now, you're probably wondering how in the world anyone can make decisions independent of their brain. That's fair. And this episode will clue you in.As you listen, I want you to imagine this: If we know how to make decisions that will get us closer to where we want to go, we will be able to go through life with more flow and less resistance. If you're ready to stop throwing sh*t at the wall trying to figure out what's going to work for you and what isn't, then let's put your natural design and your marketing strategy together to help you create successful decisions every time. 

Great programs and service providers will tell you this truth up front: their service and program works, IF you own it and commit to it. If you still show up.  When clients sign on with us to help take a lot of the admin and social media marketing off their plate, I am very honest about their results. Their results on social media are still completely dependent on how much they show up, stay engaged, and interact. Hiring out your social media isn't a magic wand you wave and someone else can create reach, engagement, and ultimately sales for you. Selling via social media still requires you as the heart of your business to show up. Write only the way you can to attract and convert your ideal clients. Engage in only the way you can, answering questions with real, valuable answers. Go all in and commit. That's where you will see your sales come from. That's how you'll get exactly what you want.

I used to think company value statements were just words - until I had my own business and started growing with a team. That's when I realized how in-touch with my values I needed to be in order to make sound business decisions. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by my first LevelUp Co. team member, Kacey Hayes.  Our values have been closely aligned since day one, and it makes for a great conversation I'm excited to share with you. As you'll hear, Kacey and I discuss a number of topics under the umbrella of values in business, like how to define your values, how to consider what they really mean for your business, and how values become more than words. We go into lessons learned about ourselves, intuitive guidance, and how starting a business has proven to be one of life's greatest teachers. It's a good one!_______Kacey is an entrepreneur in content and virtual support. She offers content strategy and creation to coaches and creative business owners looking to connect authentically while scaling their businesses. Visit her website at KaceyHayes.com or follow along on Instagram at @kaceyhhayes.

All throughout school, college, and the business world, we're taught that we can't be successful without strict processes and procedures that we repeat like robots. Now, don't get me wrong. Consistency is good and helps us all gain traction in our businesses. It helps us show up and connect with our ideal clients. Processes and procedures help us scale and bring on new team members. But it doesn't have to be done perfectly.In this episode, I explain why the best thing for your business is to ditch the deadlines and procedure and instead embrace what YOU think is the best way to do things.People will be attracted to you when you are in an energy of love and service, not in an energy of  “I'm doing this because I have to.” 

Today, I'm talking about the one thing that no matter how slow you grow, or how many new skills you need to learn, or how many times you doubt yourself, if you keep this one thing in mind and going you won't fail. It's staying focused on providing your clients with the best experience possible. I call it client-focused scaling, and it's the number one thing that will make or break you. When companies experience fast growth, they often shift focus on handling the growth (i.e., processes and procedures) and not their customers. The client experience tends to fall by the wayside, and if not addressed, people begin to leave in droves. Even worse, they spread negative word of mouth. So it's important to properly manage your growth. Make sure you're not overpromising  or selling a service or outcome that your growth doesn't really support any longer. Make sure you check in with yourself and your business often. Analyze as many client relationships and experiences as possible. Ask for consistent feedback. If you approach scaling this way, then you guarantee your success. 

The other I was debating with myself about my own social media accounts. It's kind of ironic, because at this point in my business, I run successful social media accounts for multiple online clients, yet I don't really put any content on my business feed. I share this podcast, and that's about it. Are you at the same point? So many of the clients we serve at LevelUp Co. are looking to move into scaling their businesses and know they need social media to do it. Their business model is build on social selling, which is a newer marketing technique that's really effective and low to no cost. In today's episode, I share my professional recommendations for where your social media content should be to optimize the value you offer to potential clients. Whether you're just launching or ready to scale, these tips will help you reach and land more of your ideal clients.

When it comes to network marketing on social platforms, it can feel like it's a jungle out there. One post from a potential client gets hundreds of comments from other online service providers, so how are you and your business going to stand out? Well, spoiler alert: not by dropping your scheduling link and peacing out.One thing I've learned in my time as an online business owner is that people buy from people. Potential clients learn a lot about you in how you choose to respond to their inquiries. That's why communication with no value, no insight, and no empathy will sign you no clients. Today's episode is about how to: show up as a human for your potential clients, tell them exactly what you can do to solve their specific problem, and connect with them in a way that feels meaningful and makes a positive impact. 

So many of the services LevelUp Co. offers are not the conventional virtual assistant business offerings. My brain naturally tends to think about big picture goals and strategy when it comes to providing value for my clients. I love nothing more than sitting down with each of the clients in my business and offering thought partnership to them as we create plans for their timeline.But it took me a little while to get comfortable with what I offer. Traditionally, the virtual assistant industry runs on a core concept of task lists and checking boxes, and nothing is wrong with that. I just wanted a different approach. My team and I genuinely care about every one of the clients we work with and do everything we can to ensure their success.I'm willing to bet you already know what you need to do in your business.  I knew it - I just needed to listen to my intuition. In today's episode, I encourage you to think about how your business might look if you listened to what you already know, and took action from that place.

Many of us got the message that as female entrepreneurs we were expected to be strong, independent, and 100% self-sufficient at all times. In order to be taken seriously, we could only afford to rely on ourselves. If we needed help from anyone else, it meant that we were doing it wrong and that our business wouldn't find the same level of success.I used to believe that if I needed help from anyone or couldn't "figure things out on my own" that it meant something negative about me and my business. I needed to be able to control all the outcomes, and the only way to do that was by doing everything myself. Now that I've created my own success, I know these were just thoughts, and that they're simply untrue.In today's episode, I'm asking you to consider the ways that you may be trying to feel independent in your business - at the expense of your freedom. You don't have to do it alone, and you were never meant to. Once you understand that we are better together, you can step into the business success you've always wanted. 

If you've been through business school (and even if you haven't), you've heard the overarching message from society and the business world at large: if you don't want to miss out or get left behind, you have to compete with others in your industry. I don't see it that way. Business is like a community - particularly the female entrepreneurship  industry.Getting on calls with potential clients, I don't think about competition. I consider the client's needs. First I use a lens of service. My purpose is to help clients solve their problems. Am I the right person for that role? Then I use a lens of matching. Is the potential client a match for my business and are my skills a match for their requirements? I answer these questions honestly, because I know that if we're not a fit - it's not a problem! There's plenty of opportunity out there for us both.Today, I'm sharing what I believe about competition. Namely that I don't believe in it.  Surprising coming from a woman in business? It shouldn't be. I value an abundance mindset that attunes to the truth: there is enough for everyone, and we are better together. When you leave behind the scarcity mindset of competition, it becomes effortless for clients to find you and the options in your business expand naturally.

Do you ever wonder why you are not landing clients? It might be because, to quote my business coach, you've been acting weird. Like sending emails that sound salesy and phony because you're copying someone else's strategies instead of creating your own. Sharing content that doesn't resonate because you didn't write it from a place of authenticity. Hosting Facebook groups that don't foster connection because you aren't willing to show up fully as you. When we're trying to be someone we're not, we have no choice but to seem weird. And yet we've all been there - particularly when we're new to business ownership. We desperately crave certainty. We want someone else to give us the one magic solution or strategy that we think will unlock the floodgates and let the clients come pouring in.In today's episode, I'm sharing the key thing each of my successful clients does consistently. It's not a magic template, but it is what keeps them fully booked and in-demand with people who want their unique experience and expertise. If you are not landing clients and want that to change, you can put this one thing to use in your own business and watch the results unfold.

Here's a truth bomb for you: there's no wrong way to run your business. In fact, to think there's only one right way to do anything in your business is just mind drama.Recently, I caught my thoughts starting some mind drama of their own by shoulding all over me: judging me about how I should be growing,  how I should lead my team, and how I should serve my clients. These shoulding thoughts and the energy they created really started to hold me back from confidently running my company.  Then I was reminded of the gray area we live within as entrepreneurs. Instead of beating myself up for everything I thought I should be doing, I remembered how beautiful it is that different methods work for different people, and that I was free to do what I wanted to do.Today, I'm sharing the one key question that reminded me to follow my instincts, and how you can do the same to take your business to the next level.

As top-performing female entrepreneurs with high standards, there's one common behavior I see in my clients, my team, and myself: the urge to be perfect.Many of us have the thought that our past success came from producing perfect results. Once we have this thought, it starts a perfectionist cycle. We pressure ourselves to never make any mistakes. We spend too much time perfecting non-revenue generating tasks. We see any imperfection as evidence we've failed and spiral into analysis paralysis - then wonder why our business growth has flatlined. In today's episode, I'm discussing how you can start to phase out your perfectionist thinking. Your past success was not based on an unattainable standard of perfection, but by providing meaningful results to your clients. Ditching perfectionist thoughts frees you from fear of failure and allows you to show up for your clients in a spirit of service, ready to deliver the value only you can deliver. 

Are you creating exactly what you want in your life and business? If you're not, you know it. You feel discouraged or inadequate, your confidence takes a nosedive, and you start to use all this evidence of your struggle as proof that you're 'doing it wrong.'But what if I told you that you're not doing it wrong? What if I told you that you have the ability, right now, to create anything? If you struggle with the 'how' of creating results, the idea of creating anything might seem impossible. But creating your ideal result is possible, and I'm explaining exactly how. Today, I'm outlining three action steps that will allow you to envision whatever it is you want and make it real in the world. And good news: once you've envisioned yourself exactly where you want to be, you've already taken the first step. All you need is a little practical guidance to make it happen.

I love data. It can tell us so much about where we're excelling and where we can improve in our businesses. But not all data is created equally. That's why you've been studying marketing reports, trying to implement all the techniques, and still not seeing the results you want. I can explain.The key to using data to your benefit, ie: using it to create results, is knowing the specific data to use at specific points in your business. Listen to YOUR data. Most conversion statistics and marketing techniques you'll come across reflect strategies for advanced brands and companies, not small or beginning-stage businesses. It's important that you use business tactics that will work for you right here, right now - not five years from now. In this episode, I'll share the strategies you can use in your small or early-stage business that align with your goals and generate the data-driven results you want to create.

Oftentimes, when marketing our businesses, we try to talk to too many people in one message. That's when our message gets lost - it doesn't resonate. And no one takes action.So what happens next? We get caught up trying to find the next shiny solution, forgetting that our written content and how we position it is how we guide our potential clients along their journey to working with us. When you carefully consider each step of your client's journey, you can begin strategically using your content to reach your goals. When you fully understand your client's frame of mind and motivation behind seeking you out, you can create content that speaks to them exactly where they are.Today, I'm sharing two examples of how targeted content can guide your clients to your services, plus three key action items you can take to better understand your client's journey and create offers that will solve their problems.

The major turning points in my business have always coincided with a phone call.As you think about where you'd like to take your business this quarter or this year, consider that we can never know what's right around the corner. The next connection we create, the next decision we make, and the next call we take will lead us somewhere new. In this episode, I'm talking about how staying open to opportunity and in a mindset of abundance can bring about real change and give you real freedom.Learn how to consistently use small moments, like a phone call, to show up with empowered energy to consistently create progress and positivity in your life and business.

Your story is your voice. It uniquely sets you apart and it is why others WANT to work with you! But how to define your story and then use that in your content can be overwhelming and confusing. In this podcast episode, I talk with Monica Miller, a business coach and marketing expert, on how to develop your story and strategically use it to land clients. Monica helps mom entrepreneurs sell more high-end offers to reach 6-figures faster so they can live lives they love. She focuses on content and marketing coaching and strategies to get you there. She gives A LOT of great advice and examples of how you can implement this advice in the areas of:How to Turn Your Message to ContentCreating Your Unique Content Strategy PlanHow to Create Incredible Opt-Ins to Boost Your List and RevenueAre you ready to breakthrough to 6-Figures by having a customizable strategy uniquely for your business? Schedule your free Breakthrough to 6-Figures Strategy Session at www.speakwithmonica.comJoin The 6-Figure Momma Community and be with other high-level entrepreneurial mommas just like you who are wanting to grow their businesses to 6-Figures and collaborate along the way! Join the community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211275780732800Connect with me via Facebook by becoming my friend: https://www.facebook.com/monika.lynn17Website: www.monicawrites.comEmail: monica@monicawrites.com

How do you reach your goals?I see so many women self-sabotaging their businesses. Really! So many times when I get on strategy sessions with clients I realize that they are distracting themselves from their one main goal. In this episode, I talk about how you need to stay focused and consistent on reaching your one main goal. Meaning every decision you make, every piece of content you create should lead your client to make a choice that is in line with your one goal. Learn what key areas you should focus on to ensure you are hitting your goals this year. 

Today I wanted to talk about why you don't need someone like me, a Virtual Executive Assistant or Virtual Assistant, in your business. Yup, you don't need me. Why?Because you might not be ready to outsource.... yet. This comes up a lot for me and the women I speak with. People want to outsource things they feel are taking away from their ability to create more clients and money. There are two main categories I explore with you in this episode to know you are ready to outsource. These categories include business guidelines for outsourcing AND enoughness.  And there is a time and place in every business to outsource. It will be slightly different for everyone. But there are some general guidelines I have put into place to ensure that I'm giving clients as much value as I possibly can. And I recommend you use these same guidelines so that when you are ready to outsource you also GET as much value as you possibly can. So, at what point do you outsource? Listen to the episode this week to find out. 

In this episode, I teach you how to get clients immediately, whenever you want them. A tried and true method that works every time you need it. Keep these in your back pocket for the time you are feeling like business is slow or not growing the way you want it to. For the days your confidence might be a little low and you need a reminder that you can create your results anytime you want to. This method will work for you if you are launching your business,  in the exploration phase,  and trying everything you see and hear to get clients. This method will work for you if have already built a solid foundation for your business and have a regular six-figure income, but some days just feel like the business isn't doing well and you need a boost of confidence. This will also work for you if you have run a successful business before and are now moving into something new. Maybe you need to either remind (or sometimes prove to) yourself that you can succeed again; in something completely new. Listen today to learn the exact method I used in my business to create clients my very first month of business. 

Over the summer, I read the book "Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person" by Shonda Rhimes. Her book was so relatable for me and my fears around having my own business. I am not someone that normally posts all over social media and was definitely not someone that EVER saw themselves creating a podcast. Being in business is not natural for most people, and that is OKAY. You can love business and what you do for others but still not love everything about it. In this episode learn how saying yes can skyrocket your business and self-esteem. Think about what and why you are saying no (or ignoring it) and be reminded that business is about service to others and connections. So every time you say yes you open up an opportunity to meet that perfect client. Yes. 

Whenever I take on a new client the first thing I do is emerge myself in their business. It is important for me to understand who they are, what they are about, then what their business is about, their offers, how they speak, write, and convey their message.Through this process, I learn a lot about the client. But I have also learned a lot about the number one thing that helps make someone successful in business.There is one (1) key difference in clients I work with that are already having success.Find out what it is in this episode, The #1 Skill Successful Women in Business Have in Common, and what you can do to develop this critical skill in your business. 

Sometimes we feel like there is only one way to run a business. We think that we have to follow the "norms" and do everything the traditional way. But, the truth is we succeed in business when we are true to ourselves. When we share our unique skillsets and views with the world. Our impact and reach can be so far when we run a business that matches who we are. Emily Fenger, the founder of Mindfully Home, is an excellent example of creating a business in real estate around who she is. Bringing her unique perspective on what it means to be home and buy a home into an industry that is usually very traditional. Listen to how Emily is approaching real estate differently. Learn how you will be more successful when you trust yourself and bring YOU into your business. Emily Fenger is putting the OM in home. Mindfully Home doesn't just help you find your next physical home, but supports you and honors your journey to finding out what home mentally means to you. Connect with Emily: Web: http://emilyfenger.com/Facebook: facebook.com/mindfullyhomerealestateInstagram: mindfullyhome_Email: emilyfenger@kw.com

Do hashtags even work still?It is a valid question because there are some people that do not see any growth or benefit in hashtag usage on social media.So the short answer is yes, they do still work. The long answer (and the real answer) is of course there is a strategy behind it when using hashtags do work. Find out the two main reasons I see hashtags not work AND how to change that so that hashtags bring your ideal clients to you! 

As I recorded this episode I reflected on what today means. It is a day to honor Martin Luther King Jr., but this year today has so much more meaning. Listen as I explore the idea of being anti-racist vs. just being not racist. Walk the path of exploring how we have live by the words of Dr. King in our business. Because ultimately, business is about service to others. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” Have you thought about this question? What are you doing for others? How are you serving others? How is your business answering the call to serve and the call to not be complacent when it comes to social issues and current events?

In this episode find out why it's a lie that multitasking will save you time and increase your productivity. Actually, it does just the opposite! One of the best time-saving practices I use in my business (and life) is to intentionally focus on one task at a time. And NOT to multitask. Check out how I block focused time off, get a lot done in one hour, and get out of the cycle of "never having time." 

Most people I talk to have one thing in common that is standing between where they are in business now and where they want to be. They are often at the point where they feel overwhelmed, drained, and frustrated. They feel disorganized in their strategy to attract clients and what to offer when they do. Can you relate to this? Listen to understand the power of one in your business and how it can dramatically change your business results. 

One of the things I like to help my clients think through is, "what is valuable to you?" Not just in or as it relates to your business, but what in your life do you value? Often the things (and people) that we value are the core reasons we started our businesses to begin with. But sometimes we are not able to experience value from our business or we are having a hard time sharing our value with the world. There are three main reasons I see my clients struggling with giving and receiving value. Are you experiencing one of them? 

There are two types of traffic strategies - warm and cold. Both can work, but it depends on what stage you are at in your business. Find out which strategies work to build a foundation and then grow your business based on where you are right now. 

People do not usually equate their time to money. But at a certain stage of your business, spending time on things you could outsource literally begins to cost you money. There are a couple of indicators for when you need to bring on your first team member. The indicator I dive into for this episode is what level of businesses you are in and how you know it is time to level up. 

LevelUp Your Coaching Business is the podcast for life coaches who want to increase their impact, reach more clients, and make more money. As marketing strategists, content creation experts, and the founders of the premier Virtual Executive Assistant Agency, LevelUp Co., Suzanne Dayton and Kacey Hayes have been helping coaches up-level their businesses while saving time and making more money. In their podcast, they share personal and client stories, strategic marketing and social media advice, alongside tools you can use in your coaching business that will help you go from burnt out and overwhelmed in your marketing to clear, strategic, and landing clients. Learn more today at LevelUpCo.net.