Process to Profitability

This week, I wanted to jump on and talk about something that I've really been thinking about a lot as a website designer. And that is if you're not getting clients, where is the problem? Is the problem really with your website or is it somewhere else? So I want to go over how you can figure out if the problem is with your website design or if it's somewhere else along the way. So basically, you are a service provider or a coach. You're not getting clients like you want to in your business. Why is that? What I like to do when I'm thinking about this is start backwards. So the problem we know: we're not getting clients, but where in the pipeline is that happening?

In the age of the personal brand and social media, it's important to show your face in your business. But effective photos are more than just a basic headshot – your brand photos need to represent you, your personality, and resonate with your dream clients. Nathalie Amlani is joining me today to talk about how a brand photoshoot based in storytelling can help grow your business. She also shares her approach to planning a photoshoot and tips for feeling confident on camera. Topics Discussed: How brand photography helps a business How storytelling helps entrepreneurs grow their business and how brand photography plays a part Nathalie's approach to planning a photoshoot Tips for appearing confident on camera The props you need for your photoshoot Resources Discussed: Connect with Nathalie: Nathalie Amlani is the founder of Pictonat Branding Creative. She is a brand strategist, photographer, author, and podcast host. She has helped over 75 entrepreneurs elevate their brands and deepen relationships with their audience through visual storytelling and brand photography. Nathalie earned an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and has 17 years of experience in Financial Services specializing in project management, strategy, and marketing. During her corporate career, Nathalie found the most enjoyment and satisfaction in roles that allowed her to create a meaningful connection with customers. When she took the leap to build her own business, she set out on a mission to connect personally with each client and deliver an exceptional service that helps them succeed and grow. Working with Nathalie is a thoughtful experience designed to help clients share the essence of their business as a visual story and instantly elevate their brand. She draws on the unique story of each business (and those behind it!) to plan and capture personalized visuals that allow them to share this story and sell their products and services by building connection and trust with their audience. She enjoys working with women leaders to help them show up online with brand images and strategies that connect authentically with their audience. Website Instagram How to Plan a Personal Branding Photoshoot training

Today I'm going to be talking about the behind the scenes of my website design VIP Day. I've done a couple of these with clients and so I'm really excited to share with you not only what a VIP Day is and how it works, but what I've learned and answer some questions that I get as a talk about VIP Days frequently. Whether you have a  VIP Day yourself and you're looking to learn or you're interested in website design and what that process might look like, this episode is going to be helpful for you. Topics Discussed: Why I decided to offer a VIP Day My VIP Day process Answers to frequently asked questions Lessons I've learned from my VIP Days Connect with Samantha: Samantha Mabe, creative director and designer of Lemon and the Sea, helps service providers and coaches stop cringing every time a dream client asks for their website. She loves designing custom sites that empower business owners to raise their prices and feel confident that their online home finally reflects their brand. With her signature framework, Samantha has designed and customized over 25 websites over the past 6 years for all different types of entrepreneurs. When she is not digging into design and strategy, Samantha loves true crime podcasts, adventures with her toddler, and trying to keep up with her Netflix queue. Website Instagram Free Website Review

So many business owners get caught up in client work as their business grows and find themselves neglecting working on their own business. Today I'm talking with Ashley Kang about leveling up your business with a CEO Day. We chat about why CEO Days are different from admin days and their role in a growing business. Ashley also shares why CEO Days aren't taking time away from client work and what we should be doing during the time we're focusing on our business. Topics Discussed: How CEO Days are different from administrative days CEO Days and their role in growing a business The importance of having a set CEO Day each week Why taking time out of the week to do a CEO Day isn't a waste of time How a CEO Day works and what should we be doing during it Resources Discussed: ClickUp Airtable Done in a Day Connect with Ashley: “A real-life Hermione Granger” is a tagline used frequently to describe Ashley. She's been organizing, planning, and managing everything from a young age, from alphabetizing her personal library to coordinating group projects, to always having a to-do list and up-to-date planner. During the early years of her career, Ashley worked in customer service and client management. After completing her Master's in public policy and administration, she spent several years working as a project and policy manager, directly involved in strategy and project management at the executive level. AHK Business Management was born out of her desire to bring her love of strategy, implementation, and systems together in a holistic way. Today, she works with online service providers to navigate the overwhelm and chaos of running a business so they can have tangible action steps to make impact and grow as CEOs. When she's not working with clients, Ashley loves quilting, kayaking, and puttering around in the garden. And in true Hermione Granger form, a book is never too far away. Website Instagram Weekly Newsletter

There are so many tools, apps, and hacks to help business owners get everything done, but so many of us are still struggling with burnout. It's time to have a different kind of conversation around time management. Today Devin Lee is joining me to talk about redefining “good” and “bad” time management skills. We dive into the deeper issues and talk about viewing time management in a new way. Devin also shares how she helps business owners plan their time so they can avoid burnout and still run a business they love. Topics Discussed: Redefining what it means to have “good” or “bad” time management skills Where the current 40-hour work week originated Myths about how we view our relationship with time How business owners can improve their time management Tools and systems for business owners to better plan Resources Discussed: Connect with Devin: Devin Lee is a Certified Online Business Manager. She takes the dreams of visionaries who thrive on ideas and puts them into an actionable plan. She loves to outline the ultimate customer journey for her clients' businesses, find the holes and obstacles, and then patch them up. She loves elevating business owners to the next level and then watching a newly well-oiled business do its thing. And she loves to teach overwhelmed entrepreneurs how to change their relationship to time. In her spare time, Devin roller skates, listens to podcasts, studies the Enneagram, explores the best places to eat Sushi in Portland, and makes new friends. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Newsletter

Creating content for your business can feel overwhelming and often like you're throwing spaghetti at the wall in hopes that something will stick. Instead of trying everything you hear about online, it's important to create your content based on your values and strengths, which is what Zoha Abbas is joining me today to talk about. We talk about hustle culture and working in a way that works for you. We also talk about the importance of having an aligned offer and finding your strengths as a communicator when creating content. Zoha also shares the important things to consider when creating and sharing content that connects with your dream clients. Topics Discussed: How hustle culture shows up in marking Working the way that works for you The importance of having an aligned offer Finding your strengths as a communicator Using your communication strengths to create content Things to think about when creating content to connect with your dream clients Resources Discussed: The Fascinator Advantage Test Connect with Zoha: Zoha is a Values-Based Business Coach who is out to kill hustle culture one client at a time. She helps coaches create aligned offers and communication plans so they can share their work with joy, ease and integrity. Website Instagram Free Mini Course

Money can be a topic that many business owners avoid talking about or even thinking about, which means that often we put off paying ourselves. Today I'm joined by Amanda Neely of Grandma's Wealth Wisdom to talk about how you can make sure that you're benefiting financially in your business. We discuss how you know if you need to pivot your approach to money, why it's important to bring femininity into the money conversation, and what women who are starting a business need to know about money. We talk about the “Bank On Yourself” concept and how you can put yourself first when it comes to finances in your business. Topics Discussed: Why money is such a taboo topic and why so many business owners put off paying themselves Knowing if you need to pivot the way you approach money in your business How to bring femininity into a conversation about money and why is so important The top things any woman thinking of starting a business should know about money What it looks like for an entrepreneur to use the Bank On Yourself concept The STILL Method and how it helps business owners Resources Discussed: The Bank on Yourself Revolution by Pamela Yellen Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Connect with Amanda: Amanda Neely is a small business and financial professional. She founded and ran Overflow Coffee Bar, L3C from 2008 through 2018. Now, she shares her experiential knowledge through podcasting and through developing personalized financial strategies for individuals and couples and profitability strategies for businesses. Her goal is to work with people to take charge of their cash flow, leverage their assets, and increase their profitability in ways that would make their grandma proud. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube The Still Method Checklist

Brand is such an overused and misunderstood term. Even as a designer, I hear people use brand to refer to so many different things, which is why I'm excited to have Rima join me today to talk about building a magnetic brand. We jump into what that means and why a brand and a business aren't the same things. We also talk about the most important pieces of building your brand and mistakes entrepreneurs often make when identifying their target audience – a huge piece of the brand puzzle. Rima also shares tips on using your brand throughout your marketing for consistency and results. Topics Discussed: What a magnetic brand is How a brand and business are different The most important pieces of building your brand Mistakes entrepreneurs make when identifying their target audience Using your brand throughout our marketing to create consistency Resources Discussed: Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt Connect with Rima: Rima Imad Fadlallah is a serial entrepreneur most passionate about helping other business baddies magnetize their brands to the right audiences. She is the founder of her own digital consultancy, The Rimix, and the co-founder of Arabize Media, a digital storytelling brand for Arabs in diaspora. Rima graduated with her MBA from the Michigan Ross School of Business, where she was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. When she's not scaling her businesses, Rima is visiting family in Lebanon, Dubai and her hometown, Dearborn, Michigan. Website Instagram YouTube Free Custom Content Pillars Call

The world of paid ads is always changing, but it's important to have a solid foundation before diving into adding them to your marketing plan. Alex Ramirez is here today to help us know what foundations we need to have in place before using Facebook ads. She's also sharing what is working with ads for 2022 and how you can maximize your lead generation efforts through ads. Topics Discussed: What you need to have dialed in before running Facebook ads The two major business milestones you should be hitting before running Facebook ads What's working with Facebook ads in 2022 Maximizing lead generation through Facebook ads Resources Discussed: Avoid The IOS14 Update With This EASY Facebook Ad Tutorial! Connect with Alex: Alexandra Ramirez is the owner and founder of The Facebook™ Ad Freedom Agency dedicated to helping coaches scale their businesses and create freedom through Facebook and Instagram Ads. After her husband was diagnosed with Lupus along with two other blood disorders, Alexandra, who goes by Alex, began her entrepreneurial journey to serve as a breadwinner for her family. Over the course of nearly five years, a VA business, a trip down Fiverr, and starting her own ad agency, she is now generating multiple 6-figures annually with one focus –freedom for her family and her clients. Along with operating a successful ad business, Alex serves as the host of her YouTube channel and has been featured on podcasts including Fully Free with Taylor Lee, Savvy Podcasting For Entrepreneurs, Advanced Freelancing and more. Alex is a woo-friendly, mother of two who loves a good Netflix binge and dismantling the hustle culture. Website Instagram YouTube

When you're a business owner, it's important to spend as much time as possible serving your clients and working on growing your business, instead of in the weeds of sending contracts and making sure questionnaires go out on time. That's why a CRM system is so beneficial for business owners and why Colie James is joining me today to talk about using a CRM to book and deliver your signature service. We dig into how automations can benefit you as a business owner if you offer a signature service, as well as Colie's favorite automations that you can use for yourself. Topics Discussed: How much time a CRM can save you in your business The benefits to using a CRM if you only have one signature service Subscription services you can eliminate when switching to a CRM The first step to using automations in your CRM How to know what automations to use and when you need different workflows Some of Colie's favorite automations to help save business owners save time How Colie uses her CRM for her VIP Days service Resources Discussed: Dubsado Connect with Colie: Colie James is a family filmmaker and systems strategist based outside Boulder, Colorado. In addition to making art that reflects the reality of parenthood, she helps photographers and other creatives build businesses that are sustainable and profitable using automation. Website Instagram

You've probably heard the term messaging, but you may not be sure what it really means for your business. Today, Erin Braford is going to share what brand messaging is and why it's important for you as a business owner. She shares how your purpose, vision, and values tie into your brand messaging and some quick tips for refining the messaging you've already been using. We also discuss how messaging might differ based on whether you sell products or services and mistakes Erin sees business owners making when creating and effectively using the brand messaging. Topics Discussed: What brand messaging is and why it's important for businesses The importance of your purpose, vision, and values for your brand messaging Quick tips to start refining your messaging How messaging differs for service-based and product-based businesses Mistakes business owners make when creating and using their messaging Connect with Erin: There's a point in your business when it's time to double down on what's working, bring in outside help, or gain visibility so they can grow. That's when your brand needs to start pulling its weight and working for you. Erin Braford helps service providers develop a strategic messaging system so they can communicate clearly, confidently and consistently with less effort. Erin believes deeply in the power of small businesses to change lives for our communities, team members, families—and yes—even the world! She's here to help gusty entrepreneurs go all-in on their best ideas. Erin lives in Richmond, VA with her handsome husband and three beastie children. Website LinkedIn Instagram Brand Jam monthly roundtable

When you're launching a new service or course, one of the most time-consuming steps can be designing your sales page. You want to clearly communicate your offer and have it look great, but it's hard to know what to focus on and what to let go of. In this episode, I'm sharing my ABCs of an effective sales page design so you know the three main areas that I look at when designing and evaluating sales pages that convert. Topics Discussed: My new Website Design VIP Day Why you should treat your services page like a sales page Choosing the signature service that you want to highlight on your website The ABCs of an effective sales page design Connect with Samantha: Samantha Mabe, creative director and designer of Lemon and the Sea, helps service providers and coaches stop cringing every time a dream client asks for their website. She loves designing custom sites that empower business owners to raise their prices and feel confident that their online home finally reflects their brand. With her signature framework, Samantha has designed and customized over 25 websites over the past 6 years for all different types of entrepreneurs. When she is not digging into design and strategy, Samantha loves true crime podcasts, adventures with her toddler, and trying to keep up with her Netflix queue. Website Instagram Free Website Review

Messaging is a big part of what business owners think about, especially when they are trying to market and sell. But so many times we're trying to change our messaging because we feel stuck when that doesn't address the real issue. Alex Shea joins me today to help us figure out why we're really stuck and why messaging isn't the problem. We dig into why we want to play with our messaging as a first response and what's actually behind our feeling of being stuck. Alex shares why it's so important to address the root of the problem and clarifying without tinkering with our messaging. Topics Discussed: Resources Discussed: Why messaging is the first thing we try to fix to find our dream clients Messaging beyond business owners and entrepreneurs What's actually happening when we feel unclear or stuck Ways to clarify our business without changing our messaging The importance of addressing the root of why we feel stuck Connect with Alex: Alex is a multi-faceted creative entrepreneur who enjoys slow living. She ran a successful copywriting business before finding her calling as a coach helping courageous humans who want to do life differently break the cycle, regulate their nervous system, and reclaim their reality through radical self-awareness and self-worthiness. Website Instagram TikTok Facebook Email List 1:1 Coaching Spots (4 available)

As a business owner, it's easy to get overwhelmed thinking that you have to keep doing more and more in order to keep up with everyone you see online. But as a business owner, wife, and mom, I've found that constantly adding more isn't effective for me or my business, which is why I'm so excited to have Ashley Gartland back on the show to talk about taking a subtractive approach to business. We talk about why so many of us have the tendency to keep adding more and why the subtractive approach is different. Ashley shares the key areas where you can apply this to your business and what it can make possible for you as a business owner. We also talk about how to know if this is the right approach for you and your business. Topics Discussed: Why business owners have a tendency to focus on adding more and more to their businesses The subtractive approach to business and what it looks like The key areas where you can apply the subtractive approach in your business What taking a subtractive approach makes possible for you as the business owner How to know if this approach is right for your business Connect with Ashley: Ashley Gartland helps small business owners set a time freedom goal for their business and identify the shifts and solutions that will help them achieve it so they can make time for what's most important. She's all about taking a subtractive approach to business, and finding ways to do less, better - and not so her clients can grow faster and be more productive but rather so they can live more rich, fulfilling lives. Ashley is also the host of the Better Than Big podcast, where she talks with small business owners about the strategies, shifts and solutions that have helped them create more time freedom and flexibility in their own businesses. Ashley runs her sustainable coaching practice in 25 hours (or less) a week, leaving her plenty of time to enjoy what's most important to her including long trail runs, good books and lots of family time. Website Instagram Better than Big Podcast Time Freedom Training

LinkedIn is growing in popularity in the online entrepreneurial space because it can make a huge impact on your business, but it still isn't as understood as other social media platforms.  Alia joins me today to talk about using LinkedIn for business, including how it compares to other platforms, what you need to start generating leads and creating a sales funnel and building genuine relationships with potential clients. She also shares the common mistakes that she sees business owners making when using LinkedIn to grow their business and generate sales. Topics Discussed: The types of businesses that can benefit from using LinkedIn How LinkedIn is similar and different from other social media platforms What you need in order to start generating leads and creating a sales funnel Using LinkedIn to build genuine relationships with potential clients Mistakes business owners make on LinkedIn Connect with Alia: Alia Khatib is a LinkedIn and Marketing Consultant for high-achieving online coaches and service providers passionate about transforming lives and making an impact. She's spent over 12 years in the business and marketing world and now applies that expertise to help her clients create tailored action plans and systems so they can make giant strides forward from the simplest steps. She's with them every step of the way because nothing excites her more than seeing their businesses flow with clients that light them up. Website Instagram LinkedIn Beginner's Guide to Get Started on LinkedIn

Pinterest can be frustrating for many entrepreneurs because we know that it can lead to traffic and sales, but it's very different from other social media platforms. Today Mackenzie Armstrong joins me today to talk about growing your audience organically with Pinterest. We talk about using Pinterest for business, setting up your profile, and what you should be pinning. We also talk about the difference in how brick and mortar stores and online stores should use Pinterest strategically, as well as the best tools available. Topics Discussed: How entrepreneurs can use Pinterest for their business Setting up your Pinterest profile up to attract dream clients The types of things businesses should be pinning How Pinterest different for brick & mortar stores and online stores The best tools for using Pinterest effectively The mistakes people make when using Pinterest for business Resources Discussed: Tailwind Canva Connect with Mackenzie: Mackenzie Armstrong is the owner of Armstrong Virtual Solutions where she empowers podcasters to populate their courses using Pinterest. Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Audit Checklist

Effective businesses have effective systems in place to help them grow, but how do you know where to start? Today I'm joined by Rebecca Kay to talk all about automating and systematizing your business. We start by talking about letting go of trying to do everything yourself and then Rebecca shares where you should start when creating systems and automations. She shares her favorite tools, the difference between automating and delegating (and when to do each), and common mistakes she sees business owners making. Topics Discussed: Letting go of doing everything for yourselves in your business Where a business should start when systemizing and automating Tools and apps to help Automating and delegating Mistakes entrepreneurs make it comes to the backend of their business Resources Discussed: Asana Dubsado Airtable Zapier Loom Connect with Rebecca: Rebecca is a Systems & Automations expert who is passionate about helping other female entrepreneurs scale their revenues and burnout-proof their businesses. Rebecca has helped women around the world organize & automate their businesses, enabling them to be ahead of their growth curve, focus on CEO-level activities and create more white space for them to thrive without sacrificing the things that matter the most to them. Rebecca, a mom of 3 including twins, runs her online business alongside her high-pressure corporate job in the largest global audit firm. Rebecca leverages off her corporate experience in the systems she uses to manage her client portfolios and the team she leans on to get things done effectively. Rebecca has built two online businesses while working full-time and attributes these achievements to the systems and team that have helped her run her businesses on a limited time schedule. She is a self-proclaimed spreadsheet nerd and loves any tech tool that will give her one less manual thing to do. With everything you will learn from Rebecca's methods, you'll finally be able to say goodbye to burnout for good, take guilt-free weekends off your business, and step into the CEO role that is rightfully yours! Website Instagram Solo to CEO Facebook Community Your Next Best Move to Scale Your Business Quiz

In an online space where so much is automated, it's important not to forget the importance of human connection and relationships as you scale your offer. Today I'm joined by Sara Vartanian to talk about what human connection means and how we can use it as online business owners. We also discuss how you can automate without losing connection by weaving it through our businesses. Sara also shares opportunities to connect with our dream clients or customers that many entrepreneurs miss. Topics Discussed: What human connection means and how can we use it with an online offer Why does human connection matter? How do connection and automation work together? Weaving human connection throughout our business Missed opportunities to connect with our dream clients or customers Resources Discussed: Videoask Connect with Sara: Sara Vartanian is a launch copywriter and strategist who helps people-focused business owners tune into the words that make the people they love to serve, feel seen, and heard so they can foster genuine connections and make more sales. Website Instagram Launch Map

Launching a course is a huge task filled with to-do list items, including writing copy for all the pieces, which can be really intimidating for business owners. Kim is here to help us focus on what's important when writing your launch copy, including the process she leads clients through and specific tips for writing your sales page and email sequence. We also talk about when you should consider hiring a copywriter to help you and mistakes business owners frequently make when it comes to launching. Topics Discussed: Why copy is such an important part of a launch Advice for your first launch The process for launching a course/program The important copywriting pieces of a launch strategy Tips for writing a course sales pages and sales email sequence When you should hire a copywriter for help Mistakes business owners make when it comes to launching Connect with Kim: Kim is a launch copywriter and strategist who loves sharing copy and strategy tips to help coaches and experts build authentic connections with their audience and have feel-good, profitable launches. Before founding Copy with Kim, she was a PhD scientist working in corporate. Her science background gave her the tools she needs to ask questions and gather data to craft custom strategies for her clients that turn their leads into paid customers. You'll find Kim with her hair pulled back when it's "go time" writing and strategizing. She's fueled by bubble tea and plant-based foods, a firecracker at her CrossFit classes, and a strong believer that education is a basic human right for all. Website Instagram LinkedIn Freebie

When you're a parent and an entrepreneur, it can feel like you're constantly juggling everything and just trying to prevent anything from falling through the cracks. Today I'm talking with Lanisha about her journey to start a business while also being a mom and working a full-time job. She shares how her business has evolved with her life, why she decided to offer a VIP Day service instead of retainers, and her best advice for busy moms who want to start their own business. Topics Discussed: Why Lanisha started a VA business Finding time to run a business, work a 9-5, and manage a household How business and life evolves in different seasons Choosing the right type of service for your business and your life The number one piece of advice for busy moms who want to start their own business Resources Discussed: Dubsado Canva Creator Studio Anxious for Nothing by John MacArthur Connect with Lanisha: Lanisha is the Founder of B.E. Crowned, Virtual Assistant support Services. Lanisha is a registered nurse of over 10 years, a virtual assistant, and a certified Dubsado Specialist. In her free time, she spends time with her 3 girls and her husband. Lanisha is passionate about providing expert support to the entrepreneurs who inspire her: those who are working hard and passionate about their business. Website Instagram Facebook Dubsado Checklist

Today I'm joined by Jenny Melrose to talk about attracting new customers with blog content. Blogging may not be talked about as much lately, but it's still a hugely impactful piece of your business. Jenny shares how she creates content that helps her audience and drives them to sign up for her email list. We also talk about using your website to sell products or services and the strategic way she points people to her opt-ins from her blog and website. Topics Discussed: Why blogging is impactful for businesses Using blog content to attract new customers The things that go into content creation The number one mistake people make when creating blog content The best way to create a website to sell products or services Resources Discussed: Ubersuggest Connect with Jenny: Jenny is a former reading specialist who “retired” from her teaching career when her blogging income far exceeded her salary. Through hard work and dedication, her lifestyle blog, The Melrose Family, became regularly sought out by nationally recognized brands such as Neutrogena, Smuckers, Glad, Costco, Stanley Steamer, Sara Lee, and many more. She is a content strategist that helps entrepreneurs better understand their messaging and unique position in the online space. Now, she's combining her passion for teaching with her extensive experience of creating strategic content for online business owners via JennyMelrose.com and her podcast, Influencer Entrepreneurs with Jenny Melrose as well as her first book Influencer Entrepreneurs: The 4-Step Framework to Building Your Audience, Growing Your Business, and Making More Money Online. Website Instagram The Influencer Entrepreneurs Podcast Growing an Email List Guide

As your business grows and you're ready to raise your prices, launch a new service, or start a podcast or course, your website needs to reflect the value of what you do. You have the expertise, but you need a website that clearly communicates that to your dream clients. Today I'm going to share why I believe that a simple website is the best choice for many business owners. I'll also help you create a design that speaks to your value. Learn about the four pages your website needs and the key elements you can't forget in order to get your dream clients to take action. Topics Discussed: Why a simple website can be the best choice for service-based businesses Creating a design that speaks to your value The four pages your website needs The key elements of each page to move people from browsing to buying

I'm excited to cover this topic with Mariana because it's something so many service-based business owners are considering as they plan for business growth. We start by talking about why creating a course from your signature service is beneficial for your business and how to know if a course is right for you. Mariana shares what you need to have ready before creating a course and the steps to go from service to course. She also shares about the difference in your visibility efforts when promoting a course and common mistakes she sees business owners make. Topics Discussed: Why it's beneficial to create a course from your signature service How to know if having a course is right for our business What you need in place to turn a service into a course The steps you need to take to start transforming our signature service into a course Creating a course that keeps people engaged and getting results Tips for switching your visibility efforts to focus more on reaching students for your course Mistakes people make when creating a course Connect with Mariana: Instructional designer for purpose-driven online business owners who want to develop a red-hot, unique-to-them signature service or certification program that feels like a true representation of them and transforms their clients on a deliciously and unusually deep level. Instagram Facebook Website

In this episode, Stephanie helps us to use gifting strategically to create a great client experience. We talk about the key features of great gifts, when you should send them, and how you can create a system to make gifting automatic. She shares how you can use gifting to increase referrals and sales, as well as the people that we should send gifts to who are not clients. We also talk about the mistakes people make when it comes to gifting in their business. Topics Discussed: Using gifting to create a great client experience When you should send gifts The key features of great client gifts Creating a system to make gifting and gratitude automatic Using gifting to increase referrals and sales Other people we should consider sending gifts to The mistakes people make when it comes to gifting Connect with Stephanie: Stephanie is a business gifting strategist and founder of TheGiftConnection.co. She helps service-based businesses generate nonstop referrals and revenue-boosting partnerships through her heartfelt strategic gifting system. This system sets business owners free from the pressure of sales and marketing and unleashes a 24/7 sales force and PR team that works on their behalf. Through her work, Stephanie has discovered that you're only one gift away from your next game-changing business connection. Instagram Blueprint

I'm excited to cover this topic, not only for podcasters, but for all business owners. Rosa shares the importance of repurposing your content and which types of content you can use for this strategy. She also talks about taking advantage of the new platforms that are becoming popular, mistakes people make when repurposing content, and her favorite tools for repurposing and sharing content. Whether you're a podcast host, podcast guest, or you create your primary content in another way, this episode can help you create more content in less time. Topics Discussed: The importance of repurposing your content Which types of content you can use for this strategy The types of information you need when repurposing guest features Taking advantage of the new platforms that are becoming popular Mistakes people make when repurposing content Tools for repurposing and sharing content Resources Discussed: Canva ai Wavve Headliner Facebook Creator Studio Buffer Adobe Audition Connect with Rosa: Rosa Sarmento is a podcast manager, content creator, and founder of Ideablossoms. She used to be a fashion buyer in Brazil, her home country but has been working online for over 2 years. Ideablossoms is an innovative agency that makes podcasting simple and frees up capacity for busy female coaches and course creators. Services range from podcast launch, audio editing, podcast management, content repurposing, and social media management - including reels, and IGTV videos. Her team thrives and excels at making engaging content that keeps their client's listeners coming back. Rosa is a traveler, an adventurer, and an ex-pat. She lived in Chile and Vietnam for a couple of years each and is heading to Mexico next. She absolutely LOVES the mobility and freedom this work gives her. Website Instagram Podcast Launch Calendar

I'm so thrilled to have Nadia back on the show, this time to talk about preparing to hire in your business. We start by covering how you can know it's the right time to hire and the steps you need to take before bringing someone into your business. Nadia talks about budgeting for future hires and choosing between a contractor and an employee. We also discuss how you can evaluate if an employee is giving you a good return on your investment and the mistakes she sees people make when it comes to finances and hiring. Topics Discussed: How does a business owner know when it's the right time to hire The steps you need to take before hiring someone Budgeting for hiring in the future The difference between a contractor and an employee and deciding which is the right fit for your business Evaluating if an employee is worth the investment Mistakes Nadia sees people make when it comes to hiring for their business Resources Discussed: Free Guide Connect with Nadia: Born, raised, rooted, and rising in Richmond, Virginia, Nadia S. Anderson is a believer, a connector, and a dreamer. A proud graduate of Richmond Community High School and the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, Nadia is an accounting expert, certified public accountant, and certified wedding and event planner with twenty years of experience. She enjoys sharing her smarts, giving practical advice to boost confidence with money matters, and inspiring others to choose a life they love.  A serial entrepreneur, Nadia supports small business owners and non-profit organizations through The Anderson Accounting Group. She combines creativity with her business experience to delight and inspire clients and guests of Virginia Grace, an event management company that will reopen in 2022. Later this summer, she'll launch Lavender Hill, a co-working space that seeks to be an oasis of ease and enjoyment for entrepreneurs. In all her efforts Nadia seeks to protect her peace and promote the value of rest and play in the rhythm of productivity.  She's currently imagining a resource to help you stress less and chase joy, and byblackrichmond.com, an initiative designed to close the racial wealth gap by cultivating Black excellence. Website Instagram Lavender Hill Virginia Grace Events

I'm excited to chat with Amy Eaton today. She explains why the photos we choose to share on Instagram are important for increasing engagement and the types of photos our clients really want to see. We also talk about using Instagram to build relationships and the importance of having a consistent style. Amy shares her recommendations for finding photos and tips for DIYing some of your own. Topics Discussed: Why the photos we choose for Instagram are important for increasing engagement The kinds of photos our dream clients and customers want to see on social media Using Instagram to build relationships instead of as a catalogue of work The importance of having a consistent style important and how to achieve one Amy recommendations for finding the right images Quick tips for taking DIY photos Resources Discussed: Lightroom Mobile App Unsplash Alex Light Connect with Amy: Amy is a product and brand photographer turned educator and teaches creative entrepreneurs how to take gorgeous photos for their own businesses. Through her online courses, blog, and YouTube channel, Amy shares the "how-to" of brand and product photography in a simple and uncomplicated way so her students can learn quickly and effectively. She also hosts her own podcast, Bold Company, where she chats with other creative entrepreneurs candidly about their business journeys. Amy is a champion for creative business owners and is a strong advocate for creatives making a profitable income with their craft. Instagram YouTube Bold Company podcast

Esai is joining us today to talk about why quiz funnels are such an effective tool for building your email list. She walks us through choosing an idea for your quiz, planning and writing the questions and results, and what comes after someone submits. She also shares he recommendations on quiz software and how to build a quiz that brings the right people into your funnels. Topics Discussed: Why quiz funnels are such an effective tool for building an email list Deciding on an idea for your quiz Planning your quiz and where it should lead people How many questions and how many results are best when creating a quiz Writing questions that lead people to the right result What to deliver after someone completes your quiz Esai's recommendations on quiz software Resources Discussed: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick Amy Porterfield Jordan Gill's ‘Which Type of VIP Day Should You Create?' Quiz Salma Sheriff Website Design Done-in-a-Day ActiveCampaign Hootsuite Buffer Interact Outgrow Allison Carpio's Quiz Funnel VIP Day Chanti Zak's Quiz Funnel Opt-In Connect with Esai: Esai was an experiential learning specialist who spent 12 years researching and creating frameworks for helping people change their behavior. Since 2016, she has been using her expertise in helping introverted copywriters create and sell productized services, courses, and high-touch masterminds. One of the ways she does that is by creating Quiz Funnels that build highly engaged, and qualified email subscribers. Website Instagram LinkedIn Step-by-Step Guide for Creating a Quiz Funnel workbook

I'm so excited to be interviewing Jordan Gill of Systems Saved Me all about getting started with VIP days in your service-based business. Whether you've heard of VIP days but don't know if they are right for you, or you've never heard of them at all, this episode is for you. We're going to be covering exactly what VIP days are, who should consider a VIP day service in their business, and the types of VIP days you might offer. We also talk about tech, marketing, and mistakes to avoid. Topics Discussed: What VIP days are and how they work Businesses that could benefit from offering a VIP day service Deciding what type of VIP day to offer and who to target Creating a VIP day that works for you The tech you need to have in place to offer VIP days Marketing your new VIP service Mistakes to avoid when creating a VIP day service in your business Resources Discussed: Dubsado Zoom Connect with Jordan: Jordan Gill, operations consultant and founder of Systems Saved Me, helps overworked one-woman shows become streamlined solopreneurs. Her jam is creating a cohesive operating system for managing your tasks, files, and inbox. She's been on podcasts like What Works and CEO Vibes sharing her love of replacing monthly retainers with one-day virtual intensives. She currently lives in Dallas TX with her cavapoo Vivienne and collection of 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles. Instagram Podcast Website Done in a Day virtual conference

Finances are a topic that many entrepreneurs shy away from, even though they know it's crucial for their business to succeed, which I why I'm so excited to talk with Kenia Newell of Wealth Over Now about creating a financial plan for your business. We talk about prioritizing what's important in your finances and why you need to have money goals. Keina shares what a financial plan is, why it's important, and the most important pieces you need to include. She also gives us tips to help determine your business budget, creating an emergency fund, and evaluating your financial plan as your business grows. We wrap up with a discussion about how business finances affect personal finances and the mistakes she sees business owners making when creating and implementing a financial plan. Topics Discussed: Prioritizing what's important in your finances Why having money goals important when creating a financial plan What is a financial plan and why is it important for your business The most important pieces of a business financial plan Determining your business budget and how much to relegate to each piece of your financial plan Emergencies fund for businesses Evaluating if your financial plan is supporting your business How business finances affect personal finances Mistakes people make when creating a financial plan Resources Discussed: You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Money Mammoth by Brad Klontz, Edward Horwitz, and Ted Klontz Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny Freedom and Flexibility free download Connect with Keina: Keina Newell is the founder of Wealth Over Now, where she works with professional women and solopreneurs to create new possibilities with their money so they can save more, pay off debt, invest in themselves, and stress less about money. She is passionate about her work and finds no greater satisfaction than helping her clients start managing their money with joy because they've learned to feel possibility where they once felt shame, guilt, overwhelm, and anxiety. When she is not coaching, Keina is spending quality time with friends and family and encouraging herself to workout! To learn more about Keina head over to Wealth Over Now and explore her tips to manage your money well. Instagram Facebook Group Website

I'm excited to cover webinar funnels with Angela today. We start by talking about what an evergreen funnel is and how it works. Angela teaches us why webinar funnels can be so impactful for business owners and what we need to have in place before creating one. She shares the steps we need to take when creating a webinar funnel and her favorite tools. We also discuss how you can make sure your funnel is converting and the mistakes Angela sees people make when creating evergreen webinar funnels. Topics Discussed: Evergreen funnels and how they work Why webinar funnels are so impactful for business owners The things you need to have in place before creating an evergreen webinar funnel The steps to take when creating this type of funnel Angela's favorite funnel tools Making sure your funnel is converting Mistakes to avoid when creating an evergreen webinar funnel Resources Discussed: Zapier Leadpages Easywebinar EverWebinar ActiveCampaign ConvertKit SamCart MemberVault Connect with Angela: Angela is the founder of The Systems Rx and she currently resides in Tampa, Fl. As a tech and automation specialist, she has supported online coaches and course creators with the tech and automation buildout and maintenance for multiple 6 and 7 figure evergreen funnels. When she's not working on funnels, you can find her watching her favorite TV shows on repeat, eating Häagen-Dazs ice cream, or singing along to Whitney Houston hits. Instagram Website Evergreen Funnel Tech Strategy Guide

I'm so excited to have Brandi on the podcast today to cover this topic! She shares how business owners and course creators should think about accessibility when it comes to courses and the benefits of having an accessible course for both students and business owners. You'll learn what you need to include to make video lessons accessible and how to set up your course so it's easy for students to find the information they need. Brandi also talks about alternate formats of lessons to help students and the types of supplemental materials that don't actually help your students. Topics Discussed: How business owners and course creators should think about accessibility when it comes to courses The benefits of having an accessible course for both students and business owners What you need to include to make video lessons accessible Setting up your course so it's easy for students to find the information they need Alternate formats of lessons to help students The types of supplemental materials don't actually help your students Choosing a course platform that allows for accessibility Resources Discussed: Kajabi Thinkific Teachable Podia Groove Searchie YouTube Rev ai Connect with Brandi: Brandi Good is a systems specialist and tech integrator supporting businesses that need to spend less time on frustrating tech work and more time on generating revenue. With caregiving responsibilities that require an online business that runs without her, Brandi knows you need to #SystematizeYourBiz to be successful and aims to help businesses create streamlined systems and automations. Brandi lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband and furbaby, and is obsessed with automation, morning coffee, and Star Wars. Instagram Resource Library

Allison is sharing the importance of a welcome sequence for your email list and talks through why so many of the email techniques being taught online feel misaligned. She also teaches us to write a welcome sequence that makes people feel at home and builds relationships and how to use email marketing to convert without feeling icky. Allison shares her tips for writing copy that stays true to our voice and values and the most important parts of a welcome sequence that converts in the right way. Topics Discussed: The importance of a welcome sequence for your email list Why so many of the email techniques being taught online feel misaligned How to write a welcome sequence that makes people feel at home and builds relationships Using email marketing to convert without feeling icky Tips for writing copy that stays true to our voice and values The most important parts of a welcome sequence Resources Discussed: “Be Our Guest” Welcome Sequence Group Intensive Connect with Allison: Allison Carpio is the author of "Shut Up and Take My Money!" and email copywriting coach. She believes anyone can show up authentically in their copy--and write copy that connects + converts without the bro or boss babe oppression and manipulation. She hosts group intensives where you cook up your "Be Our Guest" Welcome Sequence for new opt-ins in one day! Instagram Website

In today's episode, I'm talking with Kelli Esquilin about using a CRM to evaluate your client experience. We start by diving into the basics – covering what a CRM is and why every business owner needs one. Kelli shares the features we should look for when choosing a CRM and the ones she regularly recommends. We also discuss how using a CRM will allow you to elevate your client's experience working with you, how we can use guides in our process, and the importance of keeping clients up-to-date on our progress. Kelli also shares about off-boarding clients and he tips for delighting clients while using a CRM. Topics Discussed: What a CRM is and why every business owner needs one The must-have features to consider when choosing a CRM Kelli's most recommended CRM systems Using a CRM to elevate your client experience Creating and using guides to improve your client's experience with you Keeping your clients up-to-date on their project's process Off-boarding with a CRM Tips for delighting clients through a CRM without losing your personal touch Resources Discussed: Done in a Day Virtual Conference Dubsado Honeybook Táve 17hats Dubsado 101 course Clickup Connect with Kelli Esquilin: As a graphic designer for 10 years, Kelli knows what it's like to feel overwhelmed and frustrated by all the administrative work and processes involved in dealing with a client. This took her away from what she loved doing - designing and wowing her clients with stellar service. So Kelli traveled down the long road of spending lots of money on classes on designing amazing websites, communicating with clients, and how to streamline a process. Once her systems were in place, she kept getting comments from fellow designers and other business owners on how pristine and organized her process was and that's how Kay + Co. Studio was born. Their signature done-for-you VIP Workdays will result in newfound confidence as their clients (you) take the reins of their (your) business in as little as 6 hours. Instagram Website

Erika is sharing what a brand voice is and why it's such an important piece of writing your website copy. We also discuss developing your brand voice, including creating a brand alter ego. Erika gives some great examples of how you can use your brand voice on specific pages of your website that can sometimes seem boring and the other unexpected places you can add personality to your website. Topics Discussed: What a brand voice is and why it's important when writing your website copy Developing your brand voice Creating a brand alter ego Examples of how to use your brand voice throughout your website Unexpected places to add personality to your website Things to avoid when developing and using your brand voice Connect with Erika: Erika Holmes is a copywriting expert who helps entrepreneurs find the sweet spot between clarity and personality in their marketing message. She writes website and email copy that makes people say, “DAYUM, I need to hire her!” Through her work with big and small brands alike, she's seen firsthand that putting personality in your copy is the fastest, best way to attract dream clients. In addition to online entrepreneurs and personal brands, Erika's list of clients includes eBay, StubHub and Levi's, and many more. She's on a mission to show her kids and other aspiring entrepreneurs that they can make a damn good living doing what they love — even with an English degree. Instagram Website Free 5-Day Mini Course

I'm talking with Rhodesia Jackson about making diversity and inclusivity an intentional part of your business. We talk about what being inclusive in business means (and what it doesn't), why it's important, and the different groups you should be thinking about. She shares her tips for designing an inclusive website and social media presence and using inclusive language. We talk about how to apologize when we make mistakes and why making your personal values part of your business and online presence is the best way to authentically make diversity and inclusivity important to you and show that to the world. Topics Discussed: What being an inclusive business means Why inclusivity is important for businesses The types of diverse groups would should think about Making your website inclusive Inclusivity on social media Resources for diverse and inclusive stock photos Using inclusive language How to apologize when you mess up How sharing your values in your business gets you the right clients Resources Discussed: WebAIM The Gender Spectrum Collection from Vice CreateHER Stock iStock Shutterstock Stocksy Canva The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor Built to Be Inclusive Facebook group Connect with Rhodesia: Rhodesia Jackson is a branding and web designer living in Boston, MA with her wife and furry feline son. While spending 8 years working as a graphic designer and marketing manager for large companies, she quickly became aware of the lack of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. After going through some eye-opening experiences in her personal life, she realized that life is too short to continue to contribute to the success of businesses with values that didn't align with her own. In 2018, she took the leap to start her own design business. She now spends her time working with feminist business owners to create brands and websites that help their mission and values shine through. Instagram Built to Be Inclusive Facebook group Website

Today I'm talking about designing and implementing an SEO strategy for your website. This solo episode covers creating an SEO strategy, finding the right keywords and phrases, and how to use them to rank for relevant searches. I'm also sharing the best way to write content that is SEO friendly and the ranking factors you need to consider outside of keywords. Topics Discussed: What is an SEO strategy and why do we need one? How can I find the keywords and phrases I want to rank for? Where should we start when implementing an SEO strategy? How can I write SEO-friendly content for my website? What's the trick to a successful SEO strategy if I have a Squarespace website? What do I need to consider outside of keywords? How can we track our SEO strategy results? Resources Discussed: KW Finder Ubersuggest Keywords Everywhere Mabely Q Connecting Google Search Console and Squarespace Squarespace SEO Tricks You Should be Using New Squarespace SEO Tricks You Should be Using How the 2021 Google Algorithm Update Affects Your Website's SEO Rank

I'm talking to Ellen Yin of Cubicle to CEO about leveraging the power of hashtags to grow your Instagram. Ellen shares her journey to becoming a business owner and how she's using her marketing knowledge to help entrepreneurs. We discuss how we should think about hashtags for Instagram and why they can be so effective for people with smaller audiences. We also talk about the top three hashtag mistakes that business owners make so that we can create an effective strategy for our businesses. Topics Discussed: How business owners should think about using hashtags for Instagram Why hashtags are the great equalizer for those with smaller audiences Being intentional in choosing hashtags for our posts The top three mistakes business owners make when using hashtags Checking and adjusting our hashtag strategy Resources Discussed: Hashtag Hacks Connect with Ellen: Ellen Yin is the founder of Cubicle to CEO, an online membership helping coaches & service providers make their first $10K month. The name reflects her own journey of profitably bootstrapping her business from a $300 project to 7 figures in revenue in just 3 years, as a first-generation Asian American entrepreneur. She has been featured on the TODAY show with Hoda & Jenna and contributed insights to publications like Yahoo! Finance, MSN, Databird Business Journal, Thrive Global, HerMoney, and BlogHer. Through her results-driven online courses + services, Ellen has served over 7,000 students and clients, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Ellen is also the host of the award-winning Cubicle to CEO Podcast, which peaked in multiple countries' Top 50 business podcast charts and has been downloaded in over 100 countries worldwide. Website The Cubicle to CEO Podcast Instagram

In this episode, I'm talking with Brittany Dixon about creating a client on-boarding framework. Brittany is going to walk us step-by-step through her R.O.A.D. to Scalability framework and how we can apply it to creating, automating, and maintaining the on-boarding part of our business. We talk about why on-boarding is essential, the processes you need to create, and choosing the right tools to help you automate without losing your personal touch with your clients. Topics Discussed: Why is having an on-boarding process in your business so important The processes you need to create The first step to creating a successful on-boarding process Choosing the right tools Getting your process into your system and making sure it works Maintaining a personal connection through automation The importance of documenting your process Resources Discussed: Pipedrive Streak Dubsado PandaDoc Plutio Asana Connect with Brittany: Brittany Dixon, of Brittany & Co., is a Podcaster, Business Strategist and Productivity Coach. She helps digital marketing professionals Work Smarter, not Harder to book more clients and impact more businesses! She specializes in helping her clients organize the day to day of the business. Business owners didn't start a business to run a business, but operations are essential to growth. She helps to document and refine their business processes & infrastructure to allow the business to run more efficiently and grow! Efficiency = Scalability! A mother of Twin girls Kenna and Layla, Brittany started her Entrepreneurial journey in October 2015 when she started her Professional Organizing business Clutter Control. She then ventured into the online business world in March 2017 and Brittany & Co was born. Prior to starting her businesses, Brittany spent 12 years in Customer Service, Event Planning, and Hospitality. Learn more at www.processforprofit.co/about Website Instagram Hustle to Flow 7 day trial

I am talking with Andréa Jones about creating a social media plan that attracts and converts your dream clients. Today Andréa is going to share with us about the biggest struggle she sees business owners having on social media and the foundation that you need to have in place if you want to bring in clients from your social media platforms. We also talk about the five content pillars that you need to be sharing and she gets into some details about each to really help you share your work and engage with people on social. Topics Discussed: How Andréa started her business and grew her team The biggest struggle business owners have with social media The foundational pieces you need to have in order to start bringing in clients from social media The types of content you should be sharing The best formula for promoting your work and services Balancing the types of content you share Choosing the best social platform for your business Tools to help you succeed on social media as a business owner Resources Discussed: Katelyn James Photography Amy and Jordan Photography Airtable Fanbooster Restream Asana Connect with Andréa: Andréa Jones is fiercely committed to helping businesses and podcasters build profitable online communities through simple social media solutions. She's the host of the Savvy Social Podcast, creator of the Savvy Social School, a digital platform designed to teach its 100+ members (predominantly small business owners) how to implement organic social media strategies, and named one of Social Report's top marketers to follow. Free Course Instagram

I’m talking with Mai-kee Tsang about pitching the right podcasts and impacting your business growth through visibility. Mai-kee shares with us the importance of creating a sustainable visibility strategy that is authentic to your personality, your values, and your business. We also discuss who could successfully use podcast guesting as a visibility strategy and what you need to have in place before pitching. Mai-kee shares her tips for pitching podcasts, following up, and building a relationship with podcast hosts. Topics Discussed: The importance of sustainable visibility and aligning ourselves with How to know if podcast guesting is right for you The ultimate goal of becoming a podcast guest The foundation you need in place before pitching Tips for pitching well Preparing for a podcast interview Following up and building a relationship with a podcast host Reusing and sharing content from a podcast interview Resources Discussed: The Quiet Rebels Podcast Connect with Mai-kee: Mai-kee Tsang is the Founder of the Sustainable Visibility™ Movement, Podcast Guesting Strategist & Host of the Quiet Rebels Podcast.  She helps underestimated women in business feel safe in the spotlight, so they can grow their impact-fueled businesses on their terms for the long haul. Website Be Our Podcast Guest Resource Instagram

I'm so excited to announce that I'm (finally) working on Season 3 of Process to Profitability. We wrapped up Season 2 at the end of 2019 with every intention of recording new episodes in 2020, but COVID and a toddler running around threw a wrench in my plans. But Process to Profitablity will finally be coming back later this year! This season will be a little different - each episode will walk through one process, tool, or strategy that will give you big results in your business. Experts in all fields of business will give you an in-depth look into one step-by-step process you can use to improve your business and impact growth. We’re super-actionable and relevant topics for all business owners I’m so excited for the interviews I’ve already recorded and those I have on the schedule. Topics include: Impacting your business growth through a visibility strategy that’s authentic to you Creating a social media plan that coverts your dream clients Leveraging the power of hashtags to grow your Instagram following Creating a sales and on-boarding framework Designing an SEO strategy for your website Making diversity and inclusivity an intentional part of your business Getting started with VIP days to transform your service-based business and more! I’ve also been very intentional about finding a diverse group of experts to share their knowledge and experience with us.

As we wrap up Season 2 of Process to Profitability, I’m going to share 7 more website updates you should make in order to bring in more dreamy clients. Some of these things we’ve discussed briefly in previous episodes, but today I’m diving into the details of why you need to make these updates and the best practices. I’m talking about SSL certificates, FAQ sections, designing for legibility, SEO, and making sure your website looks the way you think it does. Make sure to listen in this week and then set aside some time to go through your own website and check out each of these items. Topics Discussed: Make sure your website is secure with an SSL certificate Benefits: prevents hackers from stealing data that is shared with you, may help website load faster, builds trust with visitors Google is prioritizing secured sites On some browsers, an unsecured website will display a warning that it might not be safe When you have an SSL certificate, visitors are always redirected to https version of your website To turn on in Squarespace: Home > Settings > Advanced > SSL > Check Secure Include FAQs Answer the most important questions to build trust and prevent unnecessary emails Include them on your services or sales page To minimize space, try using an accordion menu Format text for legibility Left aligned, regular case is most legible and should be used for all paragraphs Paragraphs should be no more than 5 sentences Minimize centered text to headlines Break up text with bullet points, columns, and design elements Make sure your text is dark enough to read (Contrast Checker) Add a name and page description to each page Find the SEO section of each page and make sure the page name is correct and includes your brand name Update the page description with a short description of what visitors can expect. This should be in sentence form and include your keywords and phrases. Check your site on multiple browsers and devices To make sure everyone is seeing the same thing, check your website on different browsers and devices than your design on If you don’t have access to different devices, you can use a website like Screenfly or Responsive Test Tool to preview your website on different screen sizes Simplify your navigation Keep only the most important pages in your navigation Main menu navigation should include About, Services, Blog, Contact The footer navigation should include Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and design attribution You can also have secondary navigation in the footer with your most important pages and social media Update your Contact form Keep it short and generic, so you aren’t limiting the types of inquiries you receive Include the most important question – how did you hear about us? Connect to a CRM like Dubsado to automatically respond with next steps Resources Discussed: WebAIM Contrast Checker Screenfly Responsive Test Tool Dubsado Action Steps: Visit your website as a visitor and see what it looks like and if you need to make any changes Google your brand and your name to see how your website ranks and what description displays Check your contact form to see if you need to update it and make sure it’s working correctly

Today I’m talking about using Instagram Stories to promote your services with Abby Jiu and Lisa Ziesing of Abby Jiu Photography. I’m really excited about this episode because I have been watching their Instagram Stories and I love their approach. We are talking all about how they got started with Instagram Stories and tips about showing up in front of the camera and figuring out the content you should be sharing. We also talk about getting more engagement on their Stories and how they are engaging with both clients and those in the wedding industry all in one place. Topics Discussed: Why Abby and Lisa decided to make Instagram Stories part of their social media plan Tips for getting over the feat of showing up on camera The kinds of content you should be sharing Balancing personal, behind-the-scenes, and other content Creating Stories that resonate with your dream clients Getting more engagement on Stories The importance of showing your face The results Abby and Lisa have seen from using Instagram Stories Resources Discussed: Bandolier Later Over Apple Watch Action Steps: Find 3-5 themes you can talk about consistently and relate back to your brand Make a plan of what you will share and show up consistently Find someone to hold yourself accountable Connect with Abby and Lisa: Abby Jiu has had a passion for gorgeous imagery and creating art since before she can remember. But in 2009, she picked up a camera and hasn’t put it down since. Her style is the best of both worlds, using film and digital cameras alike to catch the stolen glances, fits of laughter, and heartfelt emotions sprinkled among the ever-important beautiful details that make each wedding day unique. She loves having the opportunity to get to know her brides and grooms and uses these relationships and her decade-plus of experience to capture precious memories in an intentional way. When she’s not behind the camera, Abby fills her time with her supportive husband Jamey, their lovable bulldog Penelope, and sweet son Cooper—who like her is always taking in the world around him. Abby loves D.C. but also revels in traveling abroad, finds relaxation in the form of eating something sweet while watching TV on the couch, and has a great appreciation for interior design and fashion. Lisa Ziesing has loved wedding photography long before she became the one creating it. She has been shooting film since her high school days on the yearbook staff and hasn’t stopped since. She’s in love with the details, getting to know the couple’s story, and getting challenged to take her work to new heights by the people she gets to collaborate with. When it isn’t wedding day, Lisa is most likely taking her high-energy Brittany pup Peaches for another walk, being an amateur food critic with her boyfriend Alex as they debate the merits of various Neapolitan pizza spots around town, and tending to the ever-growing collection of plants taking over her living room. Established in 2009, Abby Jiu Photography began with just Abby behind the lens. Five years later, Lisa joined her, expanding the team and the scope of weddings and events they cover. Over the years, Abby and Lisa have jointly documented dozens of weddings and traveled together for destination jobs as near as New York City and as far as Ireland and Portugal. They also spend plenty of time together in their stylish Northern Virginia office. And even though they shoot individually too, the bond they’ve formed is undeniable. This foundation makes them solid partners in business but also great friends. Perhaps it’s in the astrological cards—Abby’s a Scorpio and Lisa’s a Cancer—or maybe it’s just that they can anticipate each other’s needs seamlessly, work off each other’s energy, and share a passion for film photography and documenting special moments. Not to mention, they are both always up for ordering dessert.  Work with them and you might think they share a brain because somehow they communicate without even speaking. With their shared years of expertise and organized methods, this duo makes working with Abby Jiu Photography a sincerely enjoyable experience—from both their perspective and that of their clients’ Website Instagram

Today I’m talking with Heather Dominick about How Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs can sell without compromising empathy and integrity. We talk about what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur and how Heather found out she was one. We also about the challenges that face HSEs when it comes to selling and ways that you can look at selling differently and make it more about serving your potential clients. We also talk about common coping mechanisms and the Coping Cycle so that you can understand how this part of who you are can be a benefit to you and your business. Topics Discussed: What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur How Heather discovered her Highly Sensitive nature Common HSE traits you may recognize in yourself The challenges HSEs face when selling How selling looks different as an HSE The first step to great sales conversations Common coping mechanisms of HSEs and the Coping Cycle Resources Discussed: Elaine Aron HSE Quiz Actions Steps: Take the HSE quiz to see if you are a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur Learn how to work with your HSE nature Begin seeing your HSE nature as an asset in business Connect with Heather: Heather Dominick is a woman who is impressively successful and highly spiritual. A former high school drama teacher who collaborated with none other than Bette Midler. A graduate of NYU where she received her first coach training. Heather is the winner of the 2015 Best of Manhattan Coaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Award-winning virtual event A Course In Business Miracles®: 21-Day Discovery Series that attracted close to 6,000 official registrants from all around the world including: Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe and the U.S.  She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has been published in numerous books including Stepping Stones to Success alongside Deepak Chopra. An exceptional facilitator and teacher Heather is known for creating a safe, sacred community for true transformation whether she is teaching a Business Miracles® Class, delivering training online or in-person or mentoring members of her Business Miracles Community in her various Mentoring Programs. She has helped thousands of HSE®s release life-long limiting beliefs, overcome fears and learn how to build their business in a way that actually feels so good that they can’t help but create solid, sustainable, high-level financial success. Heather is also the founder and leader of the Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur® movement. HSE Quiz Website Facebook

Today I’m talking with Genecia Alluora about building an authentic brand online. We talk about how she built her business and brand online and some of the challenges she faced. She gives us an exercise that we can use to make sure that our brand is authentic and then we talk about building a support system full of people that align with your values and the vision you have for your business. Topics Discussed: Why having a brand means and why it’s more than just a logo Creating a personal and authentic brand The challenges Genecia faced when starting her online business An exercise you can use to make sure that you’re showing up authentically online Tips for building a support system and finding a mentor The importance of building a community that supports you Action Steps: Look at your social media and your messaging to make sure they are in sync with who you are Do the authentic brand exercise discussed in the podcast Find yourself a community you can rely on Connect with Genecia: Genecia Alluora is former Miss Singapore and Southeast Asia Woman of Excellence 2010. She is the Founder of Soul Rich Woman, the #1 female entrepreneur network in Southeast Asia that connects more than 12,000 women across the region, with presence in 7 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The Soul Rich Woman network helps women build their brand and online reputation for more customers, confidence, and credibility — while making a positive impact in the world. Prior to this, she was an owner of a cafe retail chain with a presence in 3 countries and successfully exited to a public listed company. Profiled in CNBC and China Daily, Genecia is also an expert public speaker and has spoken in recent major events, including the RISE Conference in Hong Kong, Success Conference and Expo Asia 2018 in Hanoi, and National Achievers’ Congress in Manila. Website 7 Steps to Delegate 80% of Your To-Do List

Today I’m talking about how to stay focused with Jodi Graham. We dive into different ways that you can stay focused on your business to make sure that you’re moving forward. We start by talking about why staying focused is so important and the different ways that we can make sure we’re doing that in our business. We talk about tracking our progress, keeping our tasks specific, making sure everything we’re doing is important to our business, and brain dumping. Jodi talks about what a braindump is, how it can help us, and how we can do it. She also gives some recommendations for tools you can test to see if they will work for you and talks about letting go of tasks that we find out aren’t important. You can get here free Daily Planner download at http://my.jodigraham.com/daily-planner-freebie. Topics Discussed: Why it’s important to stay focused How tracking your progress can help you stay on task The importance of being specific in the tasks you’re working on Making sure that each item on your to-do list is important Using a braindump to help you stay focused Tools Jodi recommends to her clients Letting go of tasks that aren’t important to your business Resources Discussed: Google Sheets Evernote Asana Trello Scribblar Whiteboard Fox Calmly Writer Action Steps: Set aside 15 minutes to do a braindump Review everything on your to-do list and ask yourself why you're working on it and some other why questions Create a space to track your progress Connect with Jodi: Jodi is the health food-obsessed, woo-woo loving, bookworm Productivity Coach who’s hooked on getting things done. She works with online side-hustlers who feel like they're missing out on biz income and growth because of shiny object syndrome, getting them focused on growing their biz quicker. You can get here free Daily Planner download at http://my.jodigraham.com/daily-planner-freebie. Website Instagram Facebook

Being a mom and a business owner isn’t easy. Right now, we’ve chosen to keep our baby at home, which means that I’m constantly bouncing back and forth between work and motherhood. It hasn’t been easy – I’ve struggled with accepting that I can’t do it all. Today I’m sharing how I’ve come to (almost) be okay with the fact that things aren’t going to look the way I hope they will and how I’m setting my priorities for both my business and my family. I’m also going to give you a glimpse into what my schedule looks like in this season of life and how asking for help has made running a business while raising a 6-month-old so much easier. Topics Discussed: Why it was a struggle for me to let go of doing it all The most important conversation my husband and I have had since becoming parents (deciding on our priorities) How I’m balancing time in my business and time with my son right now (working during naps – Little Z Sleep, setting aside time to engage with Daniel – Storytime, sensory activities) Asking for help (sending Daniel to friends when I need to record, having my social media manager and podcast editor on my team) What my schedule looks like in this season The decisions we’re making moving forward as a family (technology) Resources I’m loving as a mom Resources Discussed: Little Z Sleep CanDo Kiddo Rachael Jamison Caity Dougherty The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch Feeding Littles hope&plum Facebook Community Action Steps: Make a list of the most important business and personal tasks Find some friends or family members who can watch your kids for a few hours here and there when you need some concentrated work time (or you need to take an uninterrupted shower) Set aside some time to do something that fuels you

Today I’m talking about creating a community around a product with Skye Amunden and Mallory Mascoli from hope&plum. We jump in talking about the community they’ve created around their ring slings, including how they decided to start their business with a community focus. We also talk about how they’ve fostered such a supportive environment inside their community and they give us a behind-the-scenes look at how everything is run and the people who help them out. Skye and Mallory also share how they use their community to promote their launches (including their largest-ever launch yet). If you have a product or a service and you want to create a really supportive Facebook community, I recommend checking out this episode and jumping into their community. Topics Discussed: How hope&plum got started Intentionally building a community from the start Fostering a supportive, inclusive environment How Skye and Mallory run their Facebook group and their team Using a community to promote launches Using what works and what doesn’t from other groups to establish their own rules Skye and Mallory’s favorite part of the community they’ve built Action Steps: Have a plan of what you want in your community Find someone to lean on and help you Be real Connect with Skye & Mallory: Skye and Mallory met one another through an online group of women while trying to conceive their children. They noticed an instant connection and have shared a close relationship through the struggles of trying to get pregnant, the joys and difficulties of pregnancy, and navigating first time parenthood.  Mallory introduced Skye to babywearing, and ring slings quickly became both of their favorite way to carry their children. After struggling to find a ring sling company that fit their beliefs and aesthetics, the two women joined forces to start their own company and hope&plum was born!    Mallory is a former banker who left her career after her daughter, Selah Plum, was born. hope&plum came around just as Mallory was beginning to miss the fast paced career life and gives her another outlet to pour her energy into, beyond her little family and home. Mallory is pregnant with her rainbow baby Shepard Keane, who will be making his debute into the world within the next few weeks! Skye works as an attorney by day and mother/ wife/ business owner by night (and early mornings). hope&plum has given her an opportunity to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit, while also feeding her passion for babywearing. She has a two year old Eleanor and a seven-month old Madelynn and slings them both almost daily! Website Instagram Facebook hope&plum Community

Today I’m talking about using Shopify for your website platform with Mands Burnette. We talk about Shopify compared to other platforms and why it’s really great for online stores. We get into the inventory management and all of the backend stuff, as well as how the design works and how it compares to other platforms. Mands tells us about some updates that Shopify is releasing that she’s excited about and how she helps her clients design and run their websites and online stores. Topics Discussed: Why Shopify is the best platform for online stores Updates Shopify is making that will make selling online even easier How Shopify compares to other website platforms like Squarespace and WordPress Designing a Shopify website and the available functionality Using Shopify for inventory management, adding products, POS, and selling online Working with a designer to customize your store Why Shopify is great for SEO and how it helps you  Action Steps: Make sure you have product descriptions that are standardized Rename all your file names and alt tags to describe the image Get someone else to look over your website Connect with Mands: Mands Burnette is a designer turned digital marketing maven. This former Shopify Guru took all of the skills and wisdom from years as a designer, combined with the vast knowledge of SEO and marketing and started Burnette + Co. A Digital Marketing Company specializing in helping creatives, makers, inventors, educators, and inspiring women step out to share their passion with the world through clean design, storytelling, and an action plan. Website Instagram Facebook Personal Instagram

Today I’m talking about pitching your product to retailers with Kathy Cruz. Kathy shares a ton of great information as a retailer herself and as a maker who has gotten her products into stores. We talk about selling outside of your business and knowing when you’re ready. We also discuss the technical pieces you need in order to work with retailers and how your website can help you do that. We chat about finding the right stores to get into and the research you should do before reaching out, as well as ways you can add additional value for the people you’re building relationships with. Topics Discussed: Your options for working with retailers Knowing when you’re ready to wholesale and the types of people who shouldn’t The technical pieces you need to have in place How your website can help you Finding the right retail stores to reach out to Bringing additional value to retailers when you contact them Do’s and don’ts of contacting store owners Resources Discussed: Shopify Action Steps: Stop procrastinating with your line sheet Change your mindset Consider joining Kathy’s online academy Connect with Kathy: Since founding The Salvaged Boutique with her sister in 2013, Kathy watched her passion grow from a fun blog and hobby with her sister on the side of her full-time job, to a thriving brick and mortar home decor store. After running the store for years, she saw the need for an online community where small business owners could find resources. So she took it upon herself to create Savvy Shopkeeper, a blog and online business dedicated to educating, motivating and building a community of shop owners. From a full-time job to a full-time entrepreneur, Kathy helps hundreds of store owners and makers navigate store ownership while running a store herself. Website Facebook Group Facebook Instagram