One Next Step: Management Tips & Tools for Small Business Owners

If you find yourself thinking you need to grow before you can start bringing on help, you might have it backwards. Often, investing in the right people can free you up to focus on growing far more efficiently than you could on your own. Today's guests are a powerful team who have learned this truth through firsthand experience: Geoff Welch and Trúc Towns.Geoff is a leadership consultant helping growth-focused leaders simplify their work so they can accomplish more than they thought possible. When he was ready to delegate some of his administrative work, he brought on Trúc, an experienced executive assistant he found through BELAY. Trúc and Geoff talk with Tricia about their experience of learning to work together and their top tips for getting started working with a virtual assistant. Geoff also explains how delegation has allowed him to play to his strengths in both his career and his personal life. 3 Key Takeaways1. Every person with a remarkable impact started with a belief in what was possible. If you have an idea and a passion for carrying it out, there's no reason why you can't make an impact on a national or even global scale. The people you look up to now were once starting out just like you. 2. No matter your situation, there is help out there for you. Many of us think we need to grow more before we can ask for help, but we tend to have it backwards. No matter where you live or how small your business might be, there are steps you can take today to start investing in the support you need. And when you begin to delegate, it will give you the freedom to focus on growing your impact. 3. Delegation is a collaborative process.A great virtual assistant balances proactivity with a willingness to take things one step at a time. If you're not sure how to delegate, they can help you figure out next steps. It's OK to start small, as long as you're starting somewhere! Links and Resources: Geoff Welch's website BELAY Virtual Assistants See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, harnessing the power of technology and artificial intelligence has become essential for businesses and professionals aiming to thrive in their respective fields. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from a remarkable duo who have embraced the potential of AI to enhance their productivity and streamline their work processes. Wes Gay is a StoryBrand Certified Guide, Agency Owner, and Private Workshop Facilitator. And since 2016, he's helped hundreds of organizations find clarity with StoryBrand. Jodi Reiter is an accomplished Executive Assistant, bringing a wealth of experience from the marketing, advertising and photography industries as she supports Wes. They sat down with Ryan to share their experiences, strategies and success stories in utilizing AI to collaborate more efficiently and achieve remarkable outcomes. Listeners will learn about the most impactful AI tools on the market and how to weave them into your daily workflow. Welcome to Episode 128 of One Next Step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast, we have a special episode courtesy of our friends at the Maxwell Leadership Podcast. BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld sat down with Mark Cole recently to co-host an episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast about how to get time back as a leader. The conversation was so great that we wanted to be sure our One Next Step listeners could hear it too.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Tricia and LZ share how to identify and prioritize your most important emails so they don't get lost in the mix.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communication is a critical part of leadership. But managing email can be tedious and frustrating for busy leaders. In this episode, Tricia and LZ will discuss their strategies for email management and reaching “inbox zero.” Leaders will get new ideas about how to manage email, how Tricia and LZ  delegate to their virtual assistants, how they  prioritize their emails, and a lot more! Welcome to episode 126 of One Next Step. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Ashley Webb shares the one thing she wishes she would have known before starting this process of building relationships with potential partners and affiliates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B2B marketing can often be hit or miss. And determining and getting access to your target market can also be difficult. The best way to find and access that target market is to align yourself with companies who already have relationships with those people.  They can introduce you to that market directly using their relationship, trust and team. Our goal is for business owners to be able to more effectively leverage partnerships and affiliates in their sales and marketing efforts.In this episode, we'll be joined by BELAY Sr. Acquisitions Manager, Ashlee Webb. She will chat with us about how to build and scale your business using partnerships and affiliates. Welcome to episode 125 of One Next Step. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Theresa Summerlin breaks down the pros and cons of hiring a virtual assistant to help run your social media, versus hiring a dedicated social media manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a major difference between recognizing that social media is important and having the knowledge and skills you need to use it effectively. If you're struggling to find the time to devote to social media, or you want to take your strategy to the next level, it might be time to hire a social media manager. In this episode, BELAY VP of Marketing Amy Appleton talks with Solutions Consultant Theresa Summerlin about the different ways that hiring a social media expert can help your business' marketing, sales, and customer service. Theresa also shares some practical tips for leaders who are managing their own accounts and discusses a few key signs that it might be time to start outsourcing this piece of your business. Welcome to episode 124 of One Next Step.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Tricia and LZ share some of the key red flags to look out for when someone isn't right for the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes up the perfect virtual assistant? What should leaders be looking for when they are hiring this important position?In this episode, Tricia and LZ will share the key attributes that make up a great VA, from their decades of experience in interviewing, hiring, and being them. They'll leave our listeners empowered and equipped to find the right fit for the job, knowing exactly what to look for in a great VA. Welcome to episode 123 of One Next Step.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Ryan Fitzgerald shares what benefits business owners and leaders fail to think about when it comes to the hybrid, remote model. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we'll talk with BELAY's own Ryan Fitzgerald, who is our Senior Marketing Manager. He'll talk about the benefits of fractional, hybrid workforces. With so many businesses going remote over the last two years, Ryan has some incredible insight into the benefits they are beginning to see as remote companies, and what the business world looks like moving forward. Business owners who are on the fence about remote work should get a lot from this episode. Welcome to episode 122 of One Next Step.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Amy Appleton tells small business owners and solopreneurs without someone dedicated to marketing, where do they can go to get help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Return on Investment (ROI). Every business leader knows what it is, and knows it's important, but how many really have put a plan in practice to build a healthy ROI in their marketing? In this episode, Amy Appleton, Director of Marketing at BELAY, rejoins the podcast to talk with LZ about all things ROI. They'll discuss what a good ROI looks like, how to know when you're succeeding with ROI, what to do when things go wrong, what type of technology can help, and more. Welcome to episode 121 of One Next Step. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Madison Morgan share some of the characteristics that sets a great VA apart from the crowd during the interview process.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The process of finding a great virtual assistant can feel overwhelming, so it's important to make sure you know what traits you're looking for and how to screen for them in the interview process. In this episode, BELAY Director of Talent Madison Morgan will share an overview of BELAY's proven process for hiring great VAs. She'll also explain how partnering with BELAY can save leaders an enormous amount of time and stress. Listeners should leave this episode with an understanding of what it takes to hire a virtual assistant, as well as the benefits of working with BELAY rather than hiring someone on their own.Welcome to episode 120 of One Next Step.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the leader's job to chart the direction of the business. However, even with a clear vision, selecting the right goals can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when there are more options and opportunities than resources. Without specific goals, you and your team will struggle to focus and maximize the return on your effort.    Tracking progress often feels just as confusing. Even the most profit-minded leaders sometimes question if they're headed in the right direction and wonder how if what they're doing is working.    This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite (and first) episodes of the podcast in case you missed it back in 2020. In this episode, Tricia and Lisa interview entrepreneur, best-selling author, and investor of ABC Network's Shark Tank, Daymond John about taking control of your game by setting goals and tracking progress for your business.   Welcome to One Next Step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Carrie Fabris explains what “all in” means and shares a few tips for leaders to help them confront the barriers keeping them from experiencing everything life has to offer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to hire people who are good at what they do, but how do we make sure we're allowing our team members to play to their unique strengths? This is a question that Carrie Fabris has helped many leaders answer as a coach and a speaker, and in this episode, she's going to share her insight with our listeners. Anyone who listens to this episode should gain a better understanding of what it means to leverage your strengths in your personal and professional life, while also equipping others to do the same. Welcome to episode 119 of One Next Step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the most capable working professionals struggle with self-doubt, costing themselves time, money, opportunities, and their reputations.In this special episode, Lisa interviews Tricia, focusing on her approach to helping leaders harness their grit and trust their gut so they can defeat self-doubt, gain confidence, and make progress on their priorities.Welcome to this episode of the One Next Step Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, John Duisberg shares how building a great employee experience helps businesses attract quality talent, and how leaders can best communicate their unique culture to prospective employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

67% of employees say burnout has worsened during the pandemic, so it's more important than ever for leaders to prioritize the employee experience. In this episode, John Duisberg, co-founder of Cooleaf and host of “The Great Retention,” will break down some of the common problems he's seen when it comes to employee experience, and he'll share practical steps leaders can take to better engage their team members and improve retention in the process. Leaders who listen to this episode should feel convinced that experience and engagement are something they need to focus on, and they should each walk away with at least one practical action step that's applicable for their business. Welcome to episode 118 of One Next Step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Mike Byam explains how leaders can give recognition that resonates with employees and makes them feel appreciated but not create a sense of entitlement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For leaders dealing with hiring and retention issues, employee recognition is probably not their top priority. But Mike Byam believes it should be. In this episode, he'll explain why recognition is vital for a healthy work culture, and he'll break down the specific types of recognition and communication that today's employees are looking to receive from their employers. Leaders should walk away from this episode with a clear understanding of why recognition matters, as well as actionable steps they can take to build recognition into the routines of their business.Welcome to episode 117 of One Next Step. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Tony & Kristina Ebel share the biggest lesson they've learned about relationships from running a business together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many business owners who hire a virtual assistant expect that it will help them stay organized professionally, but people don't always realize that working with a VA can also empower you to build a healthier personal life. This is especially true for today's guests, Tony and Kristina Ebel, because they are spouses who run two successful businesses together. Tony and Kristina are the owners of The Pediatric Experience, which includes both a brick and mortar and an online business.In this episode, Kristina and Tony will talk through some of the biggest challenges they've faced while building their businesses, and they'll explain how hiring a BELAY virtual assistant has helped them grow both individually and collectively. Welcome to episode 116 of One Next Step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bonus Next Step, Kim Stone shares with LZ a few key signs that it might be time to step into something new.

As someone who's spent 25 years advancing through the top organization's in sports and entertainment, including the Miami HEAT and Golden State Warriors, Kim Stone is an expert at seeking out new challenges and opportunities within her organization. In this episode, Kim is going to explain how she balances staying hungry for new opportunities with enjoying the present and conserving her energy to lead for the long haul.  Welcome to episode 115 of One Next Step.

In this Bonus Next Step, Bruce Ackerman talks about the most important things you can do to create a lasting partnership with your new VA right from the start.

When scaling a business, it's natural to reach a point where you feel like your limited capacity is slowing down the business' growth.  In this episode, LZ will talk with Bruce Ackerman about his experience hiring a BELAY virtual assistant. Bruce is the founder of Printavo, a software company that helps screen printing shops stay organized as they grow. Bruce will also talk about some of the biggest challenges he's overcome while building his business and will share advice for other entrepreneurs. Welcome to episode 112 of One Next Step.

Brian Dodd is the Director of New Ministry Relationships at Injoy Stewardship Solutions. In this bonus episode, he'll answer the question: If there was one sports figure that you most respect - who is it, why, and what's one of the big lessons from them?

In this episode, Brian Dodd will talk with LZ about everything he learned while writing about leadership in 2021. The goal is to help leaders measure their success, build winning cultures, understand the true difference between success and failure, and a lot more. Leaders should walk away with a wide range of knowledge after listening to this episode. Welcome to episode 113 of One Next Step.

In this Bonus Next Step, Jon Gordon explains how positive leaders can create a greater impact by inspiring positivity in their team members. He also describes how a positive, relationship-focused mindset can strengthen your team's connection and commitment. 

Positivity is not sticking your head in the sand to ignore challenges, but rather facing them head on with optimism and courage. In this episode, author and speaker Jon Gordon explains how positive leadership can transform your organization. He also shares success stories he's seen firsthand from some of the world's top organizations, and he lays out some practical steps you can take to start becoming a more positive leader today.  Welcome to episode 112 of One Next Step.

What worked for your business on social media in the past — even six months ago — will probably not work today. Social media is constantly changing, and keeping up with the latest trends and growth strategies is a full-time job. So in this episode, BELAY Social Media Strategist Jessica Doehling provides a state of the union on social media in 2022. She breaks down the biggest trends, explains how to determine which platforms you should focus on, and gives an overview of the most important things to include in a social media strategy. Whether you're running your own socials or just want to better understand the landscape your marketing team is working in, this conversation is packed with useful information.  Welcome to episode 111 of One Next Step.

What do you do when you think you need to make a change, but you're not sure which path to take? Jeff Henderson is incredibly familiar with this feeling, and he's learned through experience how to identify, prepare for, and take the next step.  In this episode, Jeff shares some of the key lessons from his new book, “What to Do Next.” He breaks down a few key signs that you might be ready for a change, explains why it's so important to create optimal options, and shares some strategies for building and accessing your personal network. Whether you're a leader who's currently in the midst of a transition, or you want to prepare yourself to make a change in the future, this episode is full of valuable insight! Welcome to episode 110 of One Next Step.

Communication is one of the most important parts of a leader's job, and yet 66% of leaders report feeling uncomfortable communicating with their employees. In this episode, BELAY Vice President of Operations Matt Seaton unpacks four necessities for communicating effectively with your team. He also shares practical tips for implementing those strategies and explains how leaders of remote and hybrid teams can build connections even without physical proximity.  Welcome to episode 109 of One Next Step.

Every entrepreneur's journey is unique, but there are a few key characteristics that can increase your chances of success at whatever business you choose to build. In this episode, Monica Allen talks through some of those characteristics and shares the biggest lessons she's learned throughout more than twenty years of entrepreneurship. Monica is the co-founder and COO of Zeus' Closet, owner of Monica Allen Interiors, and host of the “Become Your Own Boss” podcast. She discusses some of the common issues facing today's entrepreneurs, shares a few of her favorite resources, and explains why she's focused on calibration instead of balance.  Welcome to episode 108 of One Next Step. 

To create a great organizational culture, you first need to establish your mission, vision, and values. But it doesn't stop there. Leaders also need to find ways to consistently communicate those values in both words and actions.  In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld and CEO Tricia Sciortino break down the process of building culture, from defining your values to integrating those values into your team's daily routines. Tricia and Lisa also share some creative examples of the ways BELAY has implemented the core values of gratitude, fun, and vision.  Welcome to episode 107 of One Next Step.

Many leaders wait until they're completely overwhelmed to start delegating, but hiring someone before you reach that point can help you build a more successful working relationship.  In this episode, BELAY CEO Tricia Sciortino talks with Chick-fil-A operator Rob Herold and his BELAY virtual assistant, Mindy Brewer. Rob and Mindy share practical insight about the process of onboarding and beginning to delegate to a VA. They also explain how their partnership frees Rob up to focus on the things he does best. Whether you're currently working with a VA or you're considering hiring one but aren't sure if you're ready, this episode is full of valuable information.  Welcome to episode 106 of One Next Step. 

As a leader, you're responsible for setting the tone when it comes to your team's productivity. But in a culture where many of us confuse busyness for productivity, it can be difficult to find the daily rhythms and structures that help you and your team accomplish your most important tasks.  In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld talks with Director of Marketing Amy Appleton about four strategies leaders can use to be more productive with their time, physical space, meetings, and delegation. They share practical tips for becoming a better delegator, setting up a physical space that's conducive to productivity, structuring meetings for maximum effectiveness, and more. Welcome to episode 105 of One Next Step. 

When you work with other people, hard conversations are inevitable.  In this episode, Lisa talks with Krisha Buehler and Lori Friedman from BELAY about the framework they use when having difficult conversations, and they'll talk through the specific approaches they would take in three different workplace scenarios. This conversation will be full of information that listeners can start implementing in their own conversations right away. Welcome to episode 104 of One Next Step. 

Strong relationships are one of the keys to building a great company culture, especially for remote or hybrid teams. In this episode, BELAY CFO Lisa Zeeveld shares a few key hacks for leading with empathy, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where feedback is encouraged.  Whether you're new to working with hybrid teams or you're an experienced leader who just wants to learn more, this episode is full of practical advice and insight.  Welcome to episode 103 of One Next Step. 

When you're looking to grow your business, the answer is usually less about working harder and more about delegating effectively. That's why Stacy Tuschl is so focused on helping business owners stop getting in the way of their own growth.  In this episode, Stacy shares practical advice leaders can use to start delegating, creating more accountability among team members, and setting up systems that allow the business to keep running smoothly. If you are feeling burnt out or overworked, or you've been trying to grow and just can't seem to make it happen, this episode will provide some valuable but simple next steps you can take.

Social media and email marketing are powerful tools for reaching new customers and prospects, but using them effectively requires a shift in perspective. To talk about this topic, we're joined by Kevin Jennings, owner of Junction 32.   Kevin will share some practical tips for making the most of your social media presence, measuring your marketing success, and helping people transition from followers and subscribers into customers. If you're a business owner who's struggling to get traction with social media and email marketing, or you don't have a strong online presence yet and want to get started, this episode is full of great advice. 

In this episode, One Next Step is hosted by Tonia Benas, BELAY's Talent Acquisition Recruiter & D&I Committee Co-Chair, and Beth Thompson, BELAY's HR Generalist. They will talk about the importance and value of diversity and inclusion in business, and they'll also explain BELAY's journey in making this topic a priority.  The audience should feel motivated to help make their workplace more diverse, and they'll have the strategies and resources to do just that.  Welcome to episode 100 of One Next Step. 

In this episode, LZ and Tricia will talk to busy leaders about the importance of taking time off.  Too many leaders and business owners go so hard that they don't take time for themselves. LZ and Tricia will help leaders understand why vacation time is so important, both mentally and physically. And they'll explain some strategies and techniques leaders can use to help them implement healthy processes that allow them to get away. Welcome to episode 99 of One Next Step. 

Tim Schurrer is the former VP of Talent Management and Culture at StoryBrand, and the author of a new book, “The Secret Society of Success.” He is dedicated to helping leaders stop chasing the spotlight and redefine success so they can start making an impact that goes far beyond themselves. If you are a leader who is tired of trying to climb the ladder of success, or you're struggling to figure out your purpose, this episode can help. Welcome to episode 98 of One Next Step. 

Harris III is a professional illusionist, speaker, storyteller, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about helping solopreneurs move out of their old life and old ways of thinking and find the new life they want to live. His transformation map and concept of the Wonder Switch are life-changing tools for entrepreneurs. If you are an entrepreneur or leader who feels stuck and possibly unmotivated, this episode is just for you. Welcome to episode 97 of One Next Step.

Some business owners don't understand the value of having a bookkeeper. They might not even realize how beneficial bookkeepers are until they have one in place.  In this episode, Catherine Bowman will talk about her first-hand experience as a BELAY bookkeeper, and how bookkeepers help their clients save time and money. She'll also talk about how they help entrepreneurs wisely manage and spend their hard-earned dollars.  Welcome to episode 96 of One Next Step.