Small Business, Big Mindset

This week on the show we have the one, the only, soon-to-be New York Times Bestselling author, Laura F*ing Belgray!When I thought of who I would want to help ring in my 100th episode, my mentor, my friend, Laura Belgray catapulted to mind first.She has a long list of accolades which you can learn more about on her Talking Shrimp website...as well as learn why her company is named after a chatty crustacean to begin with.A bonafide celebrity and icon in the copywriting world, she's about to launch her first book, aptly named, "Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst".  The book comes out June 13th, but you can pre-order it here.  I read it cover-to-cover in under four days...a joyous respite between the job, the kids, and the MBA program that currently (happily) rule my life. 

Episode #99!  Wow. When I first started this podcast I just wanted to connect entrepreneurs so we could inspire and learn from each other. What a journey it's been.  As we catapult to episode #100, I thought I'd highlight the top 5 episodes so far (by downloads), introduce what's next with the podcast...and let you know who the special guest for episode #100 is (hint - she's a celeb in the copywriting world and about to launch her first book...sure to be a NY Times Best Seller).Top 5 episodes so far:The 4 Critical Steps to Starting a Business10 Free Resources for CopywritingSix Ways to Set Boundaries for Business GrowthHere's My Exact Email Writing ProcessHow to Create Super Clickable CTAWhat's next for the podcast? CLOVER. I'm beyond excited for this series.Who's my special guest for episode #100? I'll give you a hint. She met one of her business partners at Crunch Fitness in NY...back in the Crunch Fitness heyday.

I'll be honest - the mere thought of artificial anything, when it comes to creating the written word makes me cringe. It goes against every fiber of my being because for me, the point of writing is to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard to create something genuine. Even if it's fiction, it's supposed to come from a place of organic creativity. So when I heard artificial intelligence, I was like, oh here we go. But I'm not one to blindly shut something down. So I did take a deeper look. And AI is here to stay. We'd be silly to ignore it and hope it goes away. And actually, it's been pretty cool. So, as such, how do we as writers leverage it to our liking? Ultimately, when it comes to writing, is AI a friend or a foe? So turns out, it can be both.  I'm committed to using the technology for good. And I'm seeing AI as a friend.  I like to joke, maybe it's more like you keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. ;)Listen in on how to leverage AI for good!

Maura Kelpy, founder of Veggies & Vodka and Maura K Creative, joins the show this week! Maura runs her own successful graphic design business (in addition to her wellness community under the Veggies & Vodka umbrella) and shares with us specific actions to take when crafting your own visual brand. You know, the look and feel of your business where customers can recognize you in an instant.Here's an excerpt:"So when I take on a branding project for a client, I often start with a  Google questionnaire. I ask a lot of questions about the person themselves if it's a personal brand or more about their company as a whole and their values. I do a deep dive into what they're trying to express through their logo first, and who their audiences are that we're trying to attract. Your visual brand really encompasses so much more than just a logo, right? It's also your colors, your typography, and even your imagery - how you use your photos, or how you take photos of yourself. You really want this whole consistent look between all of these elements, because it creates this reliable and solid experience for your customers as they start to know and understand what to expect from you. That way, when they see your brand everywhere they will start to recognize you, and that builds trust."Connect with Maura on her website for Maura K Creative or her wellness community, Veggies & Vodka.

Hiring. A critical piece to scale your business. But how do you know it's time to grow your team? What role do you hire for first...or next? How do you make sure you don't hire a jerk that will torpedo your business to the ground? (dramatic? maybe...but maybe not!) What are the pros and cons of hiring a full-time employee vs. a subcontractor? If you hire someone that's not working out, how do you let them go?Sandra Booker, the founder of Any Old Task, joins the show this week. She answers these questions and more to help you hire the right person for the right role at the right time. Having helped multiple entrepreneurs grow their businesses to multi-six figures and beyond, you're gonna want to write down all the insight she shares during this episode.For starters, so many business owners assume they need help in a certain area (I need someone to help with social media! I have no time!) but when they analyze where their time is actually going, are shocked. Rather than needing help with social media, they may discover that their personal life (Kids! Aging parents!) is what is monopolizing their time...and they need a personal assistant instead.Listen in and improve your hiring strategy with these proven tactics.Connect with Sandra on her website, Instagram, and YouTube.

Frederike Harms, founder of Katalyst Ventures, joins the show this week to dive into how to design a truly scalable offer. Growing up with entrepreneur parents, Frederike remembers that her family went on vacation once and only once. Her parents simply could not step back from their business to enjoy extra time with their family.Having a front-row seat to that type of schedule and lifestyle, she decided she wanted to work with entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners to create scalable businesses that didn't solely depend upon their daily direction to thrive.At the core of a scalable business is a scalable service or product. Listen in to learn tactics behind this strategy to leverage a scalable offer and grow a business beyond your own expertise, one that allows you to live a full life not chained to your phone or laptop.Connect with Frederike on Instagram.

Dan Mott joins the show this week! You might remember that Dan and I, along with Claire Davis and Matt Zaun hosted a weekly live show for entrepreneurs and business leaders called Power Hour. It ran for just about a year or so and we had a blast! So cool to reunite with Dan here.In this episode, Dan runs us through the 5 principles he's developed for LinkedIn social selling. Here's a quick excerpt:"You are organically finding them through content and conversation. And now we're no longer strangers on the internet. I like to use the metaphor of LinkedIn as an in-person event. You just came out of a session and you're walking up to the bar to grab a drink, and you see a person next to you ordering the same beer, and you make a comment on that. And then 10 minutes later, you're down to a discussion about how you two are in the same industry and how you could potentially work together. So it's all about this certain aspect of serendipity."Listen in as Dan gives specifics on how to reach out to potential connections and prospects via LinkedIn tools and tactics.Connect with Dan on LinkedIn!

This week on the show I welcome launch strategist and copywriter, Brenna McGowan. We discuss the aspect of an offer that many entrepreneurs skip over: pre-launch.It seems so much easier to skip right to the promotion of the sale, rather than warming an audience up, doing our due diligence, and testing the market... Alas, those who skip the pre-launch are leaving money (and a loyal audience) on the table.Putting the right offer in front of the right audience with the right messaging is key. Obvious? You'd be surprised as to how many business owners place a lot of incorrect assumptions within this step.The market research component is huge. Brenna is actually teaching a workshop where she goes through and validates the offers of her students. From there, they have a true understanding of who their customer is. Per Brenna, pre-launch is about selling your process, and not your program.  For six weeks during a pre-launch, she suggests thinking through what is the buy-in your ideal customer has to have before they decide to buy your solution.Listen in as we dive deep into these topics and more.Connect with Brenna at her website and grab her free Pre-Launch Plan Cheat Sheet.

"And I discovered that as a journalist if you don't have a pitch or a story to share with the big boss on Monday morning, you didn't have a job. What's important for entrepreneurs to realize is that journalists aren't just helping you with your business, you are helping them keep their job. Because if you don't pitch your story, they don't have anything to tell their boss on a Monday morning." - Adela HussainThat's one of my favorite pieces of insight from my discussion with Adela, founder of Startups & Co and my guest this week on the show. The first thing that Adela teaches her students in her course, Pitch to Press, is that you as an entrepreneur are keeping journalists/podcasters, etc in their jobs - they need your stories and expertise!The second thing she teaches her students is that when they're pitching to anyone, they have to lead with the story and not their ego. Mention what you've noticed or learned from their work and why your specific topic would be of interest to their readers/listeners. Tune in for the full scoop of how to pitch your business to press!  Connect with Adela on her website and Instagram.

Sami Miles, founder of Catchiest Copy and creator of Automatically Funny AF in Four Weeks, talks all things funny in copywriting.When working with clients, she found that the funnest time was when they were joking around, when she could bring that humor out of them and onto paper.  A former stand-up comic who has opened for some of the biggest names in the biz, Sami knows exactly how to inject humor into copy in just the right way. Whether it's punching up copywriting assets,  speeches, or presentations, Sami tells us how to bridge the gap for our audience through humor. One of the tips she shares is she has her clients watch the opening jokes of their favorite comics. From there, they workshop everything from signature talks, guest teaching, webinars - even podcasts. All messaging is curated as well - launch emails, welcome sequences...they all go through her process to increase connection through laughter.Head over here to grab Sami's '10 tips to Grab Your Audience by the Funny Bone'.

Email tags. A simple yet powerful tool that way too many business owners don't use to their full potential.Cheryl Rerick guests on the show this week and goes over how email tags can be:a simple and intuitive way to sort your contacts based on their interests, preferences, and any special attributes that set them apart from each other used to trigger automationa functional tool, as well as give you information about your subscribers We chat about the difference between (and strategies/tactics around) segmentation and tags as well as Cheryl's three favorite uses for tags. Toss me a note and let me know how you use tags, or a tactic you discovered from this episode.Connect with Cheryl at her website here and on Instagram here.

So many entrepreneurs are, as I've heard Marie Forleo describe it, 'multi-passionate'.  There's a school of thought out there that says as an entrepreneur you have to focus on one thing and one thing only.I call BS.Laura Scholes joins me on the show this week to explain how she launched another business from her core business. Some overlap between the two? Perhaps. But, she still started her second business essentially from scratch. Not knowing exactly how to manage two businesses at once, let alone launch it.Listen in as she describes the exact steps she took to explore another one of her passions enough to turn it into a business.Connect with Laura:The 24-Hour SiteStory House Creative

Monica Hollins, founder of OTBC (Outside The Box Consulting, LLC) has decades of experience building super-successful communities. From health clubs to master-planned communities, she has crafted impactful strategies to increase inclusion, engagement, connection...loyalty. These attributes are key during a normal business year, but post-pandemic, they are mission-critical.Tune in and learn ways to grow not just an audience, but a community clamoring for your brand and your mission.Connect with Monica at her website.

Rachel Simon, CEO and founder of Connect the Dots Digital, helps entrepreneurs of all backgrounds "look good on LinkedIn". LinkedIn is the top networking platform for corporate and entrepreneurial professionals, so ensuring your personal and company profiles are structured with the right information and messaged in a way that immediately connects with your target audience is paramount.Learn to craft your headline with a hook, exactly how to use that 'Featured Section', modern use of your 'About' copy, and more. We go through every section of the LinkedIn profile and spell out exactly how to use it to your advantage. Head over to Connect the Dots Digital to learn more about Rachel and ways you can work together.

My conversation with Nicole Rollender, founder of Strand Writing Services, was one that will make you want to take action immediately. My favorite entrepreneurs are those that leave it all on the table - they're open to sharing the minute details on each aspect of their business growth...the roses and the thorns of it.After being downsized from her six-figure salary executive editor-in-chief role, Nicole decided to go out on her own. Within less than a year she scaled her business to six-figures and has never fallen below that income. In this episode, she shares super specific insights and tactics on how to set the foundation to scale your business to a consistent six-figure income each year...in a sustainable way. From how to structure your payment process and cash flow to showing up as a CEO rather than a victim, Nicole gives direct, valuable guidance - all substance, no sugar. Should clients pay you upfront? Which is better - a 3-month or 6-month retainer? Should you do test projects to introduce yourself to a new client?  What's the quickest way to get a set income every month? Should I zero in on a niche? Is LinkedIn worth it as a business growth tool? Listen in as we discuss all these questions and more.Want to connect with Nicole? Check out her website, STRAND Writing Services.

From clarifying your message with a reduction of words to how to use personal stories to get a professional point across...(including ways to use the emails you have sitting in your Inbox to improve your writing skills), these seven tips will have your copywriting take on a whole other level of expertise.

There are so many tools out there that look nice and shiny that you can buy to increase your skills at copywriting or an online business in general, but in this episode, I want to show you 10 FREE resources that you can use to help out your copywriting. I include some popular choices like Grammarly and Canva but also some that haven't gotten their full due yet such as  Read-able, WordCounter, and OneLook.Stream the episode and check these incredible FREE resources out below:GrammarlyReadability TestCharacter CountWordCounterMerriam-Webster and Thesaurus.comGoogle Docs and Google DriveGoogle Keyword PlannerOneLookRelated WordsUber Suggest

This week, I'm going over the call to action aka the CTA. There are a variety of things that go into creating a very clickable call to action. I'll go through some of the nuts and bolts with you on this episode. A CTA encourages your audience to take a specific action - it's really a conversion tool. It can help in converting members, subscribers, followers, customers...you get the idea. You must know exactly what you want your audience to do, before you even start to create your call to action. From how to guide your audience to take action to the color, shape, and placement of your CTA, this episode focuses on all things conversion by call-to-action.________Need some help with your copywriting? Customers not converting? Not okay! Let's take your copy from 'meh' to 'marvelous'.  Check out how you can work with me here.

Short and sweet, I'm walking you through the steps I take to write each email. From the two types of emails I create to how I edit, I go over it all. I share my strategy when creating email subject lines and if I batch process topics or take a more free-wheeling approach.Listen in!While you're at it, grab my free 'One Year of Email Subject Lines to Amp Up Your Open Rates & Accelerate Sales' guide!

We've all been there.That darn blinking cursor. It's like it's taunting you, "Look at this big, blank page. You'll never figure out what to write. Such a waste of time. Loser." RUDE.This week I go over 15 ways you to always know what to write. I'm finally recording this episode because one of the most common things I hear from people is that they have no idea what to write about, especially when it comes to their business. As well, you don't ALWAYS want to be strictly talking about your business, at least not in a way that it comes across that way.  Ideally, you'll make a connection to your audience... I always say to have an ongoing conversation with your audience - a copy as a conversation.You may be like, "Okay, great,  I know how to talk about my product. But what else do I talk about? I'll tell you! Listen in for a few ways (15 to be exact) to keep the writing topic ideas coming. If you need help with your copywriting, I have a bunch of different ways I can do that. One of them is my Copyedit Polish + Strategy service -  if you've written something and it's not performing for ya, not attracting engagement or sales and you need to get it to the next level to really engage and connect with your audience for that sale... you can send it to me and I'll give it a glow-up if you will, to really make it pop for you and engage those customers. I'll also look at all of your copy holistically and suggest strategic placement and perhaps additional copy to add to bring in more sales. Click here for more info!

Let's talk about finding your voice in writing!If you've followed me for any time at all, you know that I'm all about conversational copywriting. I've even coined the term copysation, making copy a conversation, because when people go to write something, especially for their business, they tend to freeze up. They're not sure what to say, or how to say it and their personality goes out the window.  Essentially, whatever makes you you, is lost.  Many people might see how somebody else writes and talks about their own business and they'll adopt that style. Unfortunately, that's not going to translate very well to your audience, at least not for the long term. You can only be someone else for so long. Eventually, it's gonna come across as not genuine, right?  You might sound stiff, uncomfortable, maybe a little awkward. Burnout is right around the corner. How long can you pretend to be someone else using someone else's voice? Listen in as I tell you step-by-step how to find YOUR OWN VOICE in copywriting. ** If you need help with your copywriting, join my membership Email Ally to get monthly email templates OR submit your copy to me so that I can work my magic with it to get you more heart-eyed customers! Links!Email AllyCopyedit Polish and Strategy

It might surprise you to hear this but: you don't need a fancy website and logo to get your business going…nor to grow it substantially.Honestly, creating your email list is one of the most important things to do early on. Grabbing an email service provider and then creating a landing page or two, one with info about your offer and another to gate your lead magnet to collect email addresses of those in your ideal, targeted community. (I'll be doing a separate podcast episode regarding the technical and content side of lead magnets)I looked at over 60 email marketing platforms (even I was surprised at how many email marketing platforms are out there) and whittled that list down to six for you to consider. Links are below. In this episode I go over some soft and hard skills that your ultimate choice should have a checklist of what to consider when you're looking at email marketing platforms:ease of usecustomer servicepricing structuresegmentationFor data analytics, see more on this in episode 58, "The 3 Email Metrics that Matter" here!For an all-in-one toolkit to starting your online business including:Choosing a business formationSelecting a website platformFinding the best email marketing platform for your businessChoosing a project management platformSetting up a business bank accountManaging a business alongside lifecheck out my digital course, "Online Business On-Ramp" here

We have a very special episode for you this week! We talked to a few of our guests from last season and asked them to share with us their goals and plans for 2022.  I think we can all agree that 2020 and 2021 were a little bit off-kilter.  I'm so interested to hear everybody's thoughts and insights for the year ahead - send me a note at erin@musclecreative.com.  Until then, check out how these three entrepreneurs are tackling 2022! Get more info on this episode's guests: Andrew Rincon - Craigo's Pizza & PastariaMatt Zaun - Strategic StorytellingNancy Giammarco - Lil Monsto

In one week we will enter the last month of 2021. In a few days, millions in America will celebrate Thanksgiving, gathering with friends and family for (hopefully) some relaxation and fun.As such, we thought it fitting to take this time to reflect on a positive that this year has brought to small businesses. We reached out to previous guests on this podcast and asked them to share what they are grateful they have learned that has impacted their business this year.We are grateful for them, and the time they took out of their busy schedules to share with you. We hope this is helpful as you wrap up a strong 2021 and start 2022 with a newfound passion for serving your audience and getting crystal clear on the goals you will be accomplishing.Entrepreneurs featured on this episode (not necessarily in this order):Mike Geraghty - Romance NovelistLinda Sidhu - Quiz Funnel ConsultantMatt Zaun - Strategic StorytellingAndrew Rincon - CraigO's Pizza & PastariaMiriam Wagliardo - Children's Book AuthorNancy Giammarco - Illustrator, Artist

A looooong time ago...I'm talkin' 15-20 years ago, my sister Jen told me about this incredible fitness pro named Lauren Brooks.  Jen is one of the fittest people I know, so when she recommends someone, I listen. She mentioned that Lauren focused on fitness with kettlebells, had a ton of expertise, and was a genuine person.I bought a few of her DVDs - you know, those things that look like CDs but play movies instead of music. Oh right, so, CDs are these round discs...ugh, forget it. I was hooked on her workouts and bought her Baby Bells workout when I was pregnant.Fast forward to now and Lauran has grown (and continues to grow) her fitness empire. Long gone are the DVDs. In their place, an enormous digital library of workouts, a monthly membership called Lauren's Playground, a thriving community, and a lot more.I'm honored to now call Lauren a friend as our entrepreneurial journeys have crossed in more ways than one. So grateful that she took time out to chat.Discussion Highlights:How being severely bullied impacted the life she's built todayPioneering the kettlebell movement's growth in the United StatesGrowing an empire in a male-dominated industryBuilding a sustainable business that spans generations and technology evolutionsCreating a fitness career that leverages multiple incomes streams and passive incomeThe Wrap-Up:If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Drake (fitness) Bob Marley (everyday life)Where can people find you online?WebsiteInstagramFacebook

This week I get to chat with Emily King, wealth and abundance coach. She focuses on helping women entrepreneurs with their money mindset to grow their income and impact doing what they love. After years of hoarding money and coming from a scarcity mindset, Emily learned about money mindset. In addition to vision boards, mantras, and visualizations she learned the science behind it all. Things that 'shouldn't have happened' started to happen the more she learned and implemented…like a $100K product launch. Highlight Discussions:What a financial thermostat is and how to manage yoursHarnessing your reticular activating systemThe first steps Emily has her clients take toward financial freedomWhat she implemented to earn at $100K launch The Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Mumford and Sons Where can people find you online?WebsiteInstagramManifesting Meditations

Angie Clarke went from full-time corporate warrior to full-time quilter. The mom of three began her t-shirt quilting business, Crafted Angles, on the side and has now turned it into a bustling LLC. The passing of her brother inspired her to expand her already impressive sewing skills to include quilting beautiful quilts made from t-shirts - she describes it as a scrapbook you can hug.Balancing her kiddos (her youngest was born three months early and is now an active toddler - all three of her babies spent time in the NICU so now Angie supports NICU efforts with fundraisers and donations), husband, work, and everything else, Angie found time to grow her business to one with a full-time income, and a big community impact.Discussion highlights:Taking a business to the next level during obstacles (COIVD-19)…with small kids…who require additional supportsGrowing a business from local to national clienteleTools that organize the daily grind to make it all possible! The Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? ColdplayWhere can people find you online?WebsiteInstagramFacebook

This week I get to chat with author,  Mike Geraghty. Mike also happens to be my cousin - love it when my business intersects with family time! Mike is an accomplished author having been represented by an incredible publisher for years now. Having written multiple books available online and via a variety of book stores, Mike tells all about what it takes to be a published author going the traditional publishing route (as opposed to the self-publishing route).Some discussion highlights:How content writing helped him land a publishing dealThe writing process that supports his quick turnaroundNavigating a COVID world without in-person promotional eventsWhere to get ideas for books and character profilesTools he uses for his writing processThe Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Miles DavisWhere can people find you online?Scarlet Lantern PublishingScarlet Lantern Publishing - Lacy Hart Pen NameFacebookInstagramTikTok

What if there was a way to grow your email list, learn about your audience to offer them the exact solutions they need, AND have a shareable, reusable lead magnet for years to come? You probably know where I'm going with this…there is! An online quiz checks all these boxes, and this week we have online quiz extraordinaire, Linda Sidhu joining us. Linda is a list-building expert and strategic partner with Interact (a leading online quiz platform). In fact, one of her early quizzes was so successful that Interact reached out to her to ask how she did it, and would she partner up with them? Ever since Linda has made quite the name for herself as THE person to go to when creating an online business to grow your business.One of the many things I love about Linda is how kind and transparent she is. She truly wants her fellow entrepreneurs to succeed, so she leaves no stone unturned - she shares her processes and completely went about and beyond in this discussion! Some highlights:Three big mistakes people make when building online quizzesHow to tell what kind of quiz to create for your businessCritical steps to follow when building your quizLength, layout and quiz designMake sure your results page has these componentsThe most powerful way to promote your quiz…and build your email list!How to make your quiz work for you, beyond your email listThe Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? The LumineersWhere can people find you online?WebsiteAs promised, here are the Resources I promised I'd link to in the show notes: Discover your Quiz-to-Cash strategy here:https://www.lindasidhu.com/quiztocashJoin Linda's upcoming 3-Day Nail Your Quiz Idea Challenge:https://www.lindasidhu.com/challenge Check out this link to Interact - use this code for 20% off the lifetime of your quiz-QUIZLOVE20https://interact.grsm.io/lindasidhu1201In this episode, we also chatted about some apps we use to meditate and become more centered. Linda referenced this app for hypnotherapy: Grace Space. I mentioned the app Head Space.

A lead magnet, a freebie, an opt-in - whatever you want to call it, it's a strong tool to leverage when growing your email list. And growing your email list means growing your audience base and growing your audience base means increasing those qualified leads (if your lead magnet brings in your target audience) and more qualified leads mean more revenue.In this episode I discuss:info you need before creating your lead magnettypes of lead magnetscreating and designing your lead magnetthe layout of your lead magnetyour thank you pageyour delivery emailThis is a quick overview, so send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com if you want me to go deeper on any or all of these parts of the process!Oh and I promised I'd put the link to this episode in the show notes, so here you are:How to Boost the Power of Your Headlines https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep69 

Maybe you've started a podcast or video series...or perhaps you're in the planning stages.Regardless of your topic, you're probably like - what the heck am I going to talk about every week (or whatever cadence you choose)?Perhaps consider a format that allows you to welcome guests onto the show. That way, you won't have the pressure of carrying the entire show every week...and typically the guest will also help promote it. Two birds.In this episode, I discuss 11 ways to seek out your ideal guests. After all, you want to be selective in who you invite to your show - they need to be a fit for your niche and your audience. Stream the episode and let me know which tactics you'll adopt to book your next guests!

This week, I thought we'd talk a little bit about creating headlines, subject lines, your call-to-action - you know, the stuff that gets your ideal audience to DO WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO.  Whether it's an opt-in page, sales page, social media post, email, blog post, etc... it's super important to have action-oriented headlines that actually work. Before you even start to create these glorious bits of copy, I go over the 3 things you have to have right.  If you don't have these things, you're SOL.  Once you have those things buttoned up, you can move into working on the calls-to-action for your buttons, headlines, subject lines, the whole shebang. Oh and here are the links to the other episodes I mention - I promised I'd add the links to the show notes, so here they are:The 4 Critical Steps to Starting a Business (this talks about identifying your ICA - I've done an entire training on this with my Facebook group, need to do one for the podcast)https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep655 Qualities of Super Clickable Email Subject Lineshttps://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep54 

In order to grow a sustainable business that won't have you pulling your hair out (at least maybe not every day), automating processes is critical. It saves you time, money, and your sanity. No matter if you're new to business, or an experienced entrepreneur or in your career, building systems that streamline what your business needs is key.  Many people, whether employees or business owners, crave flexibility in their schedules and creating automation in your business or career can help make that happen. In fact, I know of multiple businesses that have turned to a four-day workweek, and automating aspects of their business made that schedule a reality.  In this episode, I go over 7 specific areas of your business or role in your career where you can add automation.

It might surprise you to hear this but: you don't need a fancy website and logo to get your business going…nor to grow it substantially. Honestly, creating your email list is one of the most important things to do early on. Grabbing an email service provider and then creating a landing page or two, one with info about your offer and another to gate your lead magnet to collect email addresses of those in your ideal, targetted community. (I'll be doing a separate podcast episode regarding the technical and content side of lead magnets) I looked at over 60 email marketing platforms (even I was surprised at how many email marketing platforms are out there) and whittled that list down to six for you to consider. Links are below.  In this episode I go over some soft and hard skills that your ultimate choice should have, a checklist of what to consider when you're looking at email marketing platforms:ease of usecustomer servicepricing structuresegmentationautomationdata analytics (see more on this in episode 58, "The 3 Email Metrics that Matter" Here are some email marketing platforms to consider: (I am not an affiliate)MailchimpFlodeskConvertKitActiveCampaignSendGridKartra For an all-in-one toolkit to starting your online business including:choosing a:business formationwebsite platform email marketing platformproject management platform setting up a business bank accountmanaging a business alongside lifecheck out my digital course, "Online Business On-Ramp" here.

Have you ever felt like you were all over the place? Unproductive? Flitting from here to there? Like you're always saying yes when you wish, you could say no? Doing things that don't feel right or that aren't serving your priorities?You probably don't have solid boundaries in place. Boundaries are all about your mental health. If your head's not in the game, if your mind and priorities aren't clear enough to enforce boundaries, you've lost before you've even begun. Like a lot of things in life, these will be challenged. And when they do, you'll need some solid footing to stand on to move forward. In this episode I'll discuss the six things to do when creating (successful) boundaries, whether it's for your personal or professional life…or both!

This week, I wanted to go over critical steps you need to take when starting your own business. So some of you may have already started your own business, and others might be thinking about it but haven't taken the plunge.  You might want time flexibility while earning an income, you might you love your full time job, but want to have a business in addition to that that you want to build.  And maybe you're curious as to what it would entail. Perhaps you've launched your own business, but need a nudge in the right direction.  So I thought, let's do an episode about a few of the critical things, the critical steps that you should take when you're starting your own online business, such as:How to come up with a business ideaClarity on vision and why you want a businessValidate your business idea - ensure it's sustainable and profitable!Identifying your ideal client/customer Hope this episode is helpful! For more support check out my Online Business On-Ramp course here: https://www.musclecreative.com/course It's the direct, no frills system to managing the often missed yet critical logistics to launching your online business.

Where do I even start with our guest this week? For 13 years Matt Zaun worked in the political arena as a speech writer - helping politicians with debate prep, speech writing and overall messaging. For the past 5 years, Matt has taken critical pieces of that experience and applied them to helping small and medium business owners catapult their businesses to new heights. How? Matt is a Story Strategist that works with CEOs, executives and business leaders to use their story to inspire their audiences to action. Listen in on how these skills can fundamentally change your business…NOW.The StartBackground in politicsDebate prep, political speech writing for over a decadeThe ShiftFor the past 5 years, running his own business as a Story StrategistTook key learnings from the political messaging arena and is applying them to businessThe StrategyTeaches these strategies to CEOs, executives, and sales professionalsCritical components of constructing political messaging fundamentally changes small and medium-sized businesses for the betterThe ActionBuilding a story bankHow to leverage an emotional POV (point-of-view) in business to connect with customersThe art of connecting stories to emotion for exponential business growthLooking at personal stories vs. business storiesThe #1 thing Pixar is doing rightWhy company core values are a waste of timeThe MindsetThe importance of a solid, organized calendar - app suggestion CalenGooSetting daily habits - app suggestion Way of LifeSeeing the path to achieving goals as a mapGoals and VisionBuilding back up public speaking calendar - already booked until the end of the yearLaunching more VIP packages to clientsThe Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Bob DylanWhere can people find you online?LinkedInWebsite

This week, let's talk about a biggie that plagues all businesses - how to tackle the most common online sales obstacles or objections. These are objections you might get from people when they're considering buying your product or service.  When you learn the objections that people have when considering your offer beforehand, you an address it directly...before they even come up. This an be an organic conversation using copysation (listen to episode #53 - Connect with Copy: Grow Your Clientele), like I always say - use copy as a conversation. Some of the common ones you might hear are your product or service is too expensive, people aren't ready, they have to check with their spouse or partner, they think it might not work for them, or they can find the information for free. I go over the three most common: "I don't have the money." aka "It's too expensive.""I don't have the time." aka "I'm too busy.""I'm not ready." aka "It's not the right time." Remember that your job is not to convince anyone to buy from you. Your job is to make sure they are heard, and that you are making it crystal clear that you understand where they're coming from, what they desire, and how what you have can get them that transformation - the benefits they will enjoy along with their results.

This week I talk about something in copywriting that trips a lot of people up.THE SALES PAGE.Your sales page can be the key piece of success in your sales funnel and customer journey if you take a critical (yet organic) view of it.Your sales page should be clear on exactly:what you’re offeringwho it’s forwhy it’s importanthow it will help solve a problem or deliver a transformation Your copy should be organic to you and your brand. It should be conversational and include the reader. Use copysation, the writing style I teach that uses copy as conversation. It will flow better, come across more natural, and will immediately connect with your reader.In this episode, I go through how to structure your sales page from top to bottom.As an example, you can look at my Email Ally sales page. It's a great reference point as I go through each section. Click here to check out that page.

Whether you're thinking about launching an e-commerce business or are actively building one, this episode with Jamey Warren is key. A musician through and through, Jamey harnessed that creativity and ambition in growing his online career. Back in high school in El Paso, TX, Jamey and our own Joey Ramirez marched proudly in the Coronado High School (go T-Birds!) marching band…and participated in some rowdy hijinks on the side (wink, wink).Hear how this professional musician found a way to intertwine his passion for and skills in music to create a career helping others start their own business and progress in their musical journey.The StartProfessional saxophonistRecording Engineer degreeEl Paso, TX to Tempe, AZ to Boulder, CO to Bozeman, MTHelped build an e-commerce website that became headphones.comThe ShiftThe jump to ShopifyE-commerce expert specializing in ShopifyThe StrategyTop tips in getting started with ShopifyMistakes to avoid when managing an e-commerce businessThe ActionHow COVID inspired his new project, Groove BudsTips to compete with AmazonMarketing tactics that got his business in front of the right peopleThe power of SEO in growing an e-commerce businessThe MindsetHow high school marching band impacted his careerThe impact of journaling each dayIntention - identifying his core valuesGoals and VisionBuild a bed and breakfast recording studioSimplifying the offer of Groove BudsHave the coolest music store on the planet The Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Curt Warren (his dad)Where can people find you online?jameywarren.comgroovebuds.com

I hear the term side hustle a lot. And it makes me cringe every time. Calling something a side hustle gives it less weight. Less importance. As if it's this fluffy thing in the corner that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Pick it up and put it down as needed. That sounds more like a hobby to me.But what I mostly see that are called 'side hustles' are not that at all. They are legitimate businesses. The start of a company. Really valuable products and services. Most successful entrepreneurs, in defining success as financial gain, have multiple income streams. They own multiple companies. They invest in multiple companies and start-ups. They own real estate. They offer a variety of products and services. Guess what? If you work full-time for an employer and have started your own companies that you are putting consistent effort into - you are an entrepreneur.You are NOT "someone working full-time that also has side hustles". You have multiple income streams. Full stop.I hope this episode gives people in this situation confidence to keep going, and to be proud of what they're building.I see so many headlines screaming - quit your day job! But, what if you like your job AND you are building other businesses too AND you are serious about all? If you still work for an employer, should you be ashamed of that? If you're not stepping away from your full-time job to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions does that mean you're not successful? NO WAY.I want to put an end to this crazy either/or rhetoric that we've all been hearing for too long.

You may have asked yourself this question multiple times in the past year, a few times this part quarter, and maybe even a couple of times this week: Do I need to pivot (or shut down) my business?After having sooooo many conversations with entrepreneurs via this podcast, in my Facebook group, in my courses, on social media…one of the main common threads has been - "this is how I realized I need to make a change in my business." In fact, I don't think I have spoken to a business owner in the past year that hasn't made an intentional shift. This week I go over some of my own pivots over the years and these top 3 indicators that a shift may be needed:How to identify if the passion is dead or if it can be regnitedBusiness or hobby - making sure you have a validated business that can thrive with some tweaksDoes your business still fit your lifestyle and goals?Send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com and let me know what changes you're thinking of making or that you have made to your business.

There are so many metrics you can track when it comes to email performance.  Seriously, it can be a full-time job to meticulously analyze reports around the performance of your email marketing. Completely fine to track them all, but less than a handful need your consistent attention.In this episode, learn:The 3 email metrics that should command your attention each weekHow to improve your email open rateAction steps to stay out of the Spam folderClick-through rates of top industries The real deal about your call-to-action and imagesHow to increase your conversion ratesThe truth about subscribes and unsubscribesPLUS: doors to the one-of-a-kind subscription, Email Ally, close this week (along with the incredibly low VIP pricing)! Cross 'emailing my list every week' off your list with this powerful tool. More info here. Here's to growing your audience and revenue!

Why is connecting with your audience (customers, students, clients, followers) so incredibly important? How are you, a business owner who barely has time to shower, supposed to do this?This week I tell you why's and the how's of using consistent content to grow your audience AND your revenue. I go over 5 ways to make it happen : who to write for and how leveraging 'life as content'executing a content auditcreating a system that scalestime-blocking, batching, keywordsTune in and LET'S GO.

Remind me again why you're not using email marketing in your business? Is it because for every $1 spent it returns an average of $35? Or could it be because almost 60% of consumers say that marketing emails influence their purchase decisions? Or maybe it's because almost 50% of Americans subscribe to email lists?If you've been following me or listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know that when I say 'email marketing' I'm not talking about the email marketing strategies of decades past. I'm talking about real connection (yes, copysation - get the behind-the-scenes info on that in episode #53, 'Connect with Copy: Grow Your Clientele') - not just throwing up some lame promo image and copy that creates the ick factor.In this episode I break it down for you - the 7 ways your competitors are leveraging email marketing and sliding right on past you. From the astounding number of people using email to how much email absolutely CRUSHES the performance of social media, to the conversions businesses enjoy with this tool, I cover a lot of ground in just a few short minutes.Grab my FREE download, 'One Year of Subject Lines to Amp Up Your Open Rates & Accelerate Sales' here. https://www.musclecreative.com/emailsubject

Ever wondered what goes in to self-publishing a book? I have heard from so many entrepreneurs, especially over the past year, who are finally starting to dust off their book idea(s) and turn them into reality.Our guests this week, Miriam Wagliardo (published author and tradeshow event producer) and Nancy Giammarco (published author, illustrator and sound engineer) did just that. They tell us all about the steep learning curve of the process, tools they used, their first 'COVID' marketing phase, and their plans for getting their book into the mainstream post-pandemic.The StartMiriam: dancing ballet professionally and teaching, singer in a band, interior design, tradeshow event producerNancy:  Market degree, website design, guitars/keyboards/backing vocals in bands, sound engineerThe two met with the band Mojo DollsThe ShiftNancy had written and illustrated a book, Under the Purple Sea, and posted drawings to FacebookThese drawings inspired Marian to reach out to Nancy to collaborate The StrategyMiriam's vivid dreams would be the foundation of the bookThe process they created to get this book finished - remotely and during COVIDThe ActionBefore long, they had enough content to finalize their book collab, "Oh Look! It's a Bird!"Using Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) the began their self-publishing journeyTheir key learnings from this process (pay attention here!)The MindsetNancy:  To recharge - walking the dog (check out stories of her dog Tuff here), weightlifting, and practice illustrating everyday. Read, study, take classes to learn new elements of illustrationMiriam: To recharge - working out (especially crucial when recovering from a serious car accident in 2016), painting, sewingGoals and Vision Working on their next book Implement marketing campaign once COVID restrictions lift, including international elementsThe Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?Miriam - JourneyNancy - Fleetwood MacWhere can people find you online?"Oh Look! It's a Bird!" on AmazonInstagram

If you've been listening to this podcast or have tuned into my live trainings you know that I am all bout growing your email list. And not just growing your email list full of whatever emails you can get on it, but growing your email list full of targeted, actual people that you think will benefit from the information that you're giving them, and that might be interested n your products or services down the line once you develop a relationship.  I always say grow an email list, because growing an audience on just on Facebook, or Instagram or any of the other platforms comes with a long-term challenge. And it's a pretty big one. You don't own those platforms, right? So the if the algorithm changes again, which it will, if Zuckerberg or whoever decides to shut it down, you're screwed. Because you don't own those followers.  But your email list? That is your crew, those are your people. So I always teach people to start an email list and how to do it. And then some people are like, "That's awesome. But nobody is opening my emails."  So with that, is obviously your subject line is kind of like first line of defense, right?  Why write such amazing content that's really going to help people if it's just gonna kind of languish and collect dust in their inbox?  This podcast episode all about the email subject line. In this episode I'm teaching you the five qualities of super clickable email subject lines.  I also created a download that gives you all this information as well and a little activity to do to help you create an mail subject line bank, so that you can  pull from that when you need it.  Ready to see your email open rate hit the high heavens? Let's get to it! Grab your download here.

I've noticed this funny thing that happens when businesses start talking to their audience. They turn into robots.  Picture it:  you're having a conversation with a friend. Letting them know what you're up to, your latest project. You're excited about it, detailing how it's going to help your customer base, how it's a game changer, who it's for, why you created it… Your friend is intrigued by your project and is excited for it simply because of your energy and excitement in telling them all about it.Then. You go and post about it on social media. Or you send an email. Or describe it on your website. It's like your passion and excitement come to a screeching halt. (robot dance gif)The way you describe your project/product/service is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than how you described it to you friend. The excitement and emotion are gone.Why?Why do we think we need to switch into 'sterile-corporate' mode when we talk to the public? And not any public but a curated group that have made the decision to be in our community, whether a social media follower, email subscriber or the like.Obviously you need to 'read the room.' On the opposite end, I've seen people get too casual and not know their audience. Greeting an audience with , 'Hey girl hey!' might not get you too far depending upon their temperature/vibe. In this podcast episode:I teach you all about my 'Copysation' strategy How to connect with your audience through an organic, continuing conversation How to talk with them and not at them How this connection increases your revenue of more what I like to call 'heart-eyed' customersI also give you my 'Triple P Strategy'These are three questions I ask myself before I write anythingThese points need to be sorted out before pen hits paper or finger hits keyboardBefore you write anything else, listen to this training and implement it. It will make a world of difference in your audience connection and response.Let me know when you make these changes and the positive impact you see from it!

This episode marks ONE YEAR of the Small Business, Big Mindset podcast. We are so incredibly grateful to all of those that have tuned in - thousands of downloads later this show is still going strong! We have just scratched the surface of valuable trainings and incredible guests and we are beyond excited of what's to come as we continue to bring you the best of the best to move your business forward. As promised, this week we are going behind-the-scenes yet again (check out episode 51 where I take you behind-the-scenes to share my content process for the podcast). This time, my partner in crime Joey joins us to go over the exact process we use to produce the podcast, including all the hardware and software. Discussion Highlights: Tools of the trade: hardware and softwareOn the cheap: free or lower-priced options to considerThe COVID shuffle: how we had to shift our podcast visionLessons we learned along the wayMastering an episodeOur production process SoftwarePro ToolsZoomLandrMicrosoft TeamsBuzzsproutWaves Audio Plugins HardwareNeumann U87 Ai Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (we built one using a DIY clone kit from micparts.com)Neat Microphones King Bee Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (comes with a built-in pop filter)Acoustic Treatment - DIY acoustic panels. Grab our DIY guide hereMicrophone Isolation ShieldFocusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Interface

We are coming up on ONE YEAR of our Small Business, Big Mindset podcast launch! As such, we're producing exclusive 'insider's look' episodes leading up to that one year anniversary all about how we create our podcast...including lesson's learned (there have been a few haha) and how we've fine-tuned our processes to create a well-oiled machine of entrepreneurial goodness.This week I dive into the nuts and bolts of my content process. I go over:topic selection and talking points for both our guest and non-guest episodeshow I review and select my gueststhe exact process I have created from guest research to bookingthe four points of guest outreach that make this a turnkey operationthe critical responsibility of all successful podcast hosts

Where do I start with this one? Andrew Rincon is owner of CraigO's in Lakeway, currently one of the four independently owned locations in the Austin area. I was told of his heart and solid character and that we had to have him on the show! Our discussion reiterated what others had told me - heart of gold, this one. We discussed so much that is so valuable for fellow business owners to hear - Andrew is incredibly transparent.Not sure if you've seen the news (or experienced it first-hand), but Texas was hit with historic snowfall, ice, and sub-zero temperatures in mid February. For a state that essentially never sees such weather, most were ill-prepared. Hundreds of thousands were without power, others were without water - some were without both…for DAYS. We discuss how Andrew, his team, and friends stepped up to serve the community during this time.Discussion Highlights: The StartStarted in the restaurant business in 2006 at CraigO'sMade the move to owning an insurance agencySchool, west TexasThe restaurant business kept calling! The ShiftHe answered the call!Bought the CraigO's Lakeway location in 2018Over three years grew the business exponentially (we're talking consistent double-digit growth year over year)Successfully navigated a global pandemic and a snowstorm that shut down the cityThe StrategyImplemented out-of-the-box ideas to thrive in the face of COVID-19 restrictionsShifted a business model mid-pandemicDiscovered the foundation required to thrive in the midst of catastrophic challengesAdopted new tools such as PopmenuThe ActionSteps to streamline a franchise for increased efficiency and productivityImplemented best operational practices for a growing brand and businessThe tweak to their marketing strategy that changed everythingThe power of the email list The MindsetReally unplug when not at work. And take off your Apple Watch!Take time to rechargeCook for loved onesMeet-up with local business ownersThe Wrap-UpIf you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Turnpike TroubadoursWhere can people find you online?WebsiteFacebookInstagram