Stories in Small Business

Your business isn't one-size-fits-all; the way you market shouldn't be either. We're constantly inundated with year-long marketing plans and lists of content ideas that “everyone” can use. But really, your business, clients, and offers are incredibly unique… the way you market your business should be too. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing the five foundations to creating a content strategy that's going to work for you and your business. It's unique to everyone and every business. We'll dive into understanding your specific audience, setting goals that align with your unique business objectives, choosing the right platforms where your audience actually engages, creating content that genuinely resonates, and measuring success in a way that makes sense for you. Forget cookie-cutter strategies; it's all about customization and making sure your marketing efforts reflect the uniqueness of your brand. Whether you're a solopreneur, a small business owner, or part of a growing enterprise, these insights are tailored to help you carve out a niche in your market. Tune in to learn how to create a content strategy that not only stands out but also delivers real, measurable results. Because in the end, it's not about being everywhere; it's about being where it matters most for your business. Mentioned in This Episode The Content Experiment Lab Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

A lot can happen in 4 years and 250 episodes. I'm thrilled to be here and in awe at how much things have changed over the years.   This week, I'm announcing a little change that's going to happen here at The Content Experiment, the podcast, as I look toward how The Content Experiment, the business, is also shifting and changing.   It's an exciting time! Listen in to this super short episode to find out more. Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 148: The Must-Do's in Your Business Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

There's a lot on your plate and it can feel like you're simply spinning plates, instead of growing your business. But we don't have to do it all. And honestly, we shouldn't.   That said, there are still things that every business owner should do on a regular basis, both for their marketing and visibility and for other areas of their business.   This week on the podcast, I'm running down what I think are some of the most important things to do for the growth and well-being of your business. What would you add?  

If you're a business owner, taking time away from work can feel really challenging. And if you're a service provider with regular deliverables for your clients, it might feel impossible.   That's not the case, especially with some careful planning and a good amount of communication with your clients. I've done it several times, once taking two full weeks away with only one short day where I checked in to make sure there weren't any fires (there weren't). And I'm getting ready to do it again, leaving my laptop over 5,000 miles away.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing what I've done to prepare to be completely away from my service-based business for 11 days…without stressing out about it. Now, this is what works for me and it may not be what works for you. But it's worth listening to and grabbing some tidbits you can incorporate into your next vacation planning session! Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 19: Yes, You CAN Take Down Time Episode 161: Take Time Away from Business, Not Content Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

Is social media something you can take or leave? It can definitely be a time-suck if you get stuck in the scroll or you're not using it effectively. I've often said that you should have a presence on social media, especially if you're an online business.   This week on the podcast, guest Maggie Gentry proves me wrong! She stopped using social media three years ago and continues to have a thriving business.   Of course, social media is just a piece of your overall marketing strategy, and having other visibility measures is important. Maggie shares how she maintains visibility without social media, how she markets mindfully, and why energetic capacity is incredibly important when it comes to how you show up online and in your business.   This isn't to say that you should stop using social media. Far from it, in fact. But if social media makes you want to pull your hair out, there are other ways!   Mentioned in This Episode   Sign up for Maggie's newsletter here Follow Maggie on Pinterest Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Maggie Gentry   Maggie Gentry is a thought partner to coaches and high-conscious entrepreneurs looking to intentionally grow their businesses with a focus on marketing operations. She helps her clients create proactive marketing plans and effective systems that support both the business and the business owner. Her approach lets values lead, prioritizes people over profit, and focuses on long-term sustainable growth over short-term gains.

Content is important to online businesses because it helps you to showcase your thought leadership and stay in front of your audience. But it's also really time-consuming to do all the behind the scenes work on your content. Hiring someone to help you can get a big chunk of your marketing off your plate.    If you've never worked with marketing support or you're looking for another perspective of what it looks like to work with someone to help you, listen in this week.   In the episode, you'll hear what the role of a content creator is, what to expect, why communication is so important, and what you could potentially take off your plate if you have the right help in your business. Mentioned in This Episode   237: Embracing the Power of AI with Danielle LeFleur 176: Smarter Content, More Exposure with Lisa Simone Richards 177: Leveraging Other People's Audiences & Putting it All Together 244: Setting Realistic Expectations for Content Creation Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

If you're seeing this right now, or listening to this episode, you're a leader. You don't have to be the CEO of a business or the head of any department. If you can lead yourself and are self aware, have a growth mindset, and have some personal responsibility, you are already a leader.   As this week's podcast guest says, you can lead from anywhere in the room. And that room can be at home, in your church, in your community, or in your role in business.    This week we're talking more about what this looks like in the online business world, what a real measure of business success looks like, and how to do that in a way that's not your typical launch-and-funnels cycle.   If you're ready to nurture your business by creating a better relationship with yourself, this is the episode to listen to. Mentioned in This Episode   Follow Ryann on Instagram and TikTok Join the free Be in the Room Facebook group Connect with Ryann on LinkedIn Self Leadership Principles Free eBook Subscribe to Ryann's YouTube channel Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Ryann Dowdy   Since 2005, Ryann has sat in front of hundreds of business owners to develop marketing plans and taught thousands of sales reps, business owners, and entrepreneurs how to sell. She discovered the reason that some clients were wildly successful and others were not came down to one thing: True Self Leadership.   There are 6 principles that, when truly mastered, give both individuals and companies access to unlimited business and career growth: Self Trust. Personal Responsibility. Self Awareness. Self Concept. Emotional Intelligence. And Growth Mindset.   As the Creator of the Self Leadership Principles - Ryann partners with individuals and companies to take an inside out approach to business growth.   Ryann has been featured in Forbes, NBC, FOX, Associated Press, The Daily Dispatcher, International Business Times, Market Watch, Morning Dispatcher, NY Headline, Street Insider, Think Business Today, and hundreds of additional publications.

You're hiring someone to help with your marketing, content creation, and implementation. This will free up so much time so you can go on and do what you do best in your business.   But you're probably ready to hire help because you know how long it takes you to do the work. Even though you're hiring a professional who specializes in marketing and content, there's still a learning curve and process to take into account. And both of these take time.   This week, I'm sharing what realistic expectations look like when you're hiring someone to support your business's marketing and content and giving some background on what's happening on the content creator's side. It's a great episode to help reframe each person's role in the process!   Listen in! Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Are you needy? The correct answer is yes. We all have needs. Of course we have our basic needs to survive but as humans we have a lot more that we need to live our best life.   But what about in business? We have needs there too: we need to make money, we need to NOT work 14 hours a day, we need to not have too much on our plates.   This week on the podcast, Mara Glatzel shares more about what neediness looks like, why we need to be in daily connection with our needs, and why we should do away with the idea that what's right and good is always the same no matter what season we're in.   If you've been feeling a little “off” lately like I have, this is the episode you need. Mara shares that getting closer to our needs feels good, and we need to be seen, heard, and to matter.   And yes, we get into business and what it looks like for our human systems to fit into our business. Mentioned in This Episode   What do you need right now? Follow Mara on Instagram Get Mara's Book  Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Mara Glatzel   Mara Glatzel, MSW (she/her) is an author, intuitive coach, and podcast host who helps humans stop abandoning themselves and start reclaiming their humanity through embracing their needs and honoring their natural energy rhythms. Her superpower is saying what you need to hear when you need to hear it and she is here to help you believe in yourself as much as she believes in you. Find out more at MaraGlatzel.com

Stop trying to do it all! You do not have to be in “all of the places” to market your business effectively. And too many business owners sit paralyzed because they don't know what to create, where to publish it, or how often.   If you're a solopreneur or just trying to get a better handle on your content and marketing, it might be time to take a step back and focus on the most important parts of that visibility and marketing.   On this episode, I'm sharing the five (plus two!) things every business owner should think about (and publish) at a minimum. Yes, I said “should.” That doesn't mean you have to, but I'd highly recommend it!   Tune in now! Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 57 Episode 63 Episode 134 Episode 138 Episode 144 Episode 150 Episode 152

You already know that your brand is so much more than your colors and logo. But have you done the work to ensure that your brand message is based on strategy and messaging? Your brand consists of your design, content, marketing, social media, and more. It all needs to work together with a strategy that incorporates every piece.   This week on the podcast, I'm chatting with Shaunda Head about voice, which is a big part of what you're saying, how you're saying it, and how people find and consume your content.   It can be really difficult to share your own ideas, especially if what you're saying isn't what everyone else is saying. But that's precisely the point. Shaunda talks about unlearning what you might have learned in school or corporate structures and how to speak up even when you might be afraid to so people know who you are and what you're about. Mentioned in This Episode   Follow Shaunda on Instagram Ask Your Audience Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Shaunda Head   Shaunda Head is an Atlanta-based brand strategist who helps online experts who have a hard time communicating with their audience, use their own unique voice to master their message and attract perfect-fit clients. She creates and implements strategies in marketing, brand building and copy to help her clients SHOW UP and drive higher connection with their true, dream clients. In addition to building strategies, Shaunda also teaches various workshops on aligning your branding and marketing in a way that benefits your full brand system.  Shaunda has over 20 years of experience, including brand design, marketing, communications and business development for global companies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UPS and E! Entertainment Television. She has also been featured on Essence.com, TIME.com, Sirius XM, Create & Cultivate, and Motherly. She now coaches and consults for experts who are moving from a traditional to an online business model, with past clients consisting of coaches, doctors, lawyers, stylists, therapists, non-profit founders, real estate agents, and more. You can find out more about Shaunda and her work at www.heyshaundahead.com.

When you create content for your business, it can serve so many other purposes than what you created it for. But there's a process behind repurposing content that you need to be aware of before you start copying and pasting or recording yourself reading your blog posts for your podcast.   There's a lot to consider, including what kind of content you want to repurpose, where it will serve you best, how to get more reach out of what you've already created, and things to consider when using “old” content, among other things.   Listen in this week as I address each of these questions and give you some specific examples of how to repurpose your own content. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Business is down and you're feeling the pressure to diversify your revenue streams. Instead of adding another service or building a digital product, consider dipping your feet into affiliate marketing.   Whether you're an affiliate for your favorite digital software or you offer an affiliate program to your current and past clients (or maybe even some business BFFs), this is a great way to find new potential clients and customers, build on relationships that you already have, and generate some income that you wouldn't have had otherwise.   This week on the podcast, affiliate guru Angela Markham is sharing her tips to becoming an affiliate and creating a successful program for your own business. If you're feeling the itch to diversify, this is the episode you need. Mentioned in This Episode   Angela Joy Markham Follow Angela on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to Angela's YouTube channel Get your affiliate workbook here Launch your own affiliate program Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Angela Markham   Angela Markham has been in the marketing and design space since 2011, helping businesses brand themselves and ultimately scale their income. Angela is currently running her full-time business, Angela Joy Markham, LLC, where she helps aspiring affiliate marketers and small businesses use affiliate marketing to skyrocket their revenue. She loves working with clients one-on-one, creating organized business systems, designing unified brands, defining client target markets, and ultimately helping her clients scale their business income.  

It's easy to blame algorithms or the market for marketing that's not making the impact that you want. And maybe that's part of it, but there are probably other things going on too.    If you've ever struggled with hitting “publish” on something for any reason or you feel like you've been stuck in a marketing rut for too long, this week's podcast episode is for you.   I'm sharing 7 things that might be holding you back in your marketing and what you can do to combat these. From perfectionism to inconsistent messaging to fear of visibility, I'm addressing all the things I've seen holding business owners back in recent months. The upside is that it's possible to make changes and get on the right path.   Listen in to hear more. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

If you spend any time in the online space, you've been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence. There's a lot to digest there: the types of tools, which one works for what type of needs, etc. And even if you think you have no need for AI, trust me when I say that you do. In fact, you're probably already using it whether you realize it or not.   I was admittedly resisting AI but after hearing this week's guest, Danielle LeFleur, present on the topic a few months ago, I knew I needed to not only educate myself but also actually use it.   You're going to want to take notes on this one! Danielle names some of her favorite tools and we talk about how both content creators and business owners need to get on board…and also why you shouldn't necessarily let go of the person who is creating your content right now. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Danielle LaFleur   Danielle has over 30 years in Marketing, IT, Network design, development, and workforce leadership training. She is the owner of Gray Lux, Inc. She understands the real need an SMB has in creating value online and in-person with their clients.   She is dedicated to creating success for her team and her clients.   Danielle has helped hundreds of SMBs maximize extra revenue streams, and has created a process for extracting an ROI from an ROE in training and development which is currently being used in over 100+ corporations.  

If you're posting regularly on social media are you actually marketing your business? (Really?) My short answer is no, you're not. But it's a lot more nuanced than that.   Sure, social media creates an online presence for you. But the way most people are “doing” social media is not doing anything to help market their business. Instead, they're simply making more noise.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing why social media isn't “really” marketing if that's all you're doing, and what to do instead. (Hint: put some of the social back into social media!) Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 175: How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Podcast (or not) Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

If this hasn't been your year, it's time to change things up! But how? And in what part of your business?    That's where having some clarity and business strategy comes in. Going through the motions may have worked a few years ago, but these days being really intentional about where you spend your time is the key to success.   This week on the podcast, we're talking strategy, setting and reaching your goals, finding ways to diversify your offerings, and leveraging a community that you build through networking. All of these are exactly what you need at this point in the year, especially if you've been struggling.   And this week's guest, Josephine Owusu, even walks me through how to look at one of my own goals for later this year. I love the way she talks through each step of achieving it. Mentioned in This Episode   The Owusu Collective  Ed Mylett's Secret to Happiness Follow Josephine on Instagram Connect to Josephine on LinkedIn Subscribe to Josephine's YouTube channel Book a call with Josephine Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Josephine Owusu   Josephine is the Founder of The Owusu Collective and is a business strategist for female purpose-driven coaches, content creators & creative entrepreneurs with a team. She has over a decade of experience working with award-winning corporate media companies and thriving startups including Cartoon Network, HBO, Magnify, and Cheerfully Given and has managed creative teams and large multi-6 figure production budgets.   Through her high-level strategic thinking, she helps her clients to get unstuck and her framework gives them the clarity, strategy and leadership skills they need for growth, connection and achieved goals.  Her unique ability to combine strategy with operations gives her clients the clarity and structure they need to scale.

Yes, that question mark in the title was intentional. After 10 years of being in business full time (16 years total), not every week or month or year has been great. And I want to talk about it…and keep talking about it. There's too much toxic positivity out there and not enough talking about the struggles that we all face as business owners.   This week on the podcast, I'm celebrating 10 years of business and reflecting on why I'm still here, why it's okay to not be okay, and some of the reasons why I left my teaching career in the first place.   This is not your typical celebratory episode, and I share a little bit of my story and the conversations I've been having with others about business being a bit of a struggle right now.   Listen in, and let's keep this conversation going. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

If the universe doesn't magically create a space that's meant for you (because it won't), you create it yourself. That's exactly what Jessica Kupferman did when she and co-founder Elsie Escobar started She podcasts back in 2013 and 2014. After noticing that a lot of podcasters were men and “gurus” who were just interviewing one another, they decided they wanted to do something different.   Fast forward to today, Jessica and She Podcasts is still growing, hosting an active Facebook group, live conferences, a coaching program, a new 501(c)3, and a host of other ventures.   This was such a fun conversation about living up to our parents' (and society's) expectations, gaining visibility online, attending in-person conferences, making a space for yourself, why nothing has to be perfect, and so much more.   Listen in! Mentioned in This Episode   Attend the She Podcasts conference with me! Join the She Podcasts Facebook group Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Jessica Kupferman   Jessica Kupferman is an award-winning podcaster and co-founder of the She Podcasts brand, which currently supports 10s of thousands of women podcasters to get and keep their voices out in the world. Her sweet spot is helping podcasters set up systems for growth and training them on how to obtain sponsorship. She also is an internet “Bat Girl” with an odd amount of experience in way too many software services.   When she's not planning the next She Podcasts LIVE, you can find her offering education to independent podcasters on marketing, growth, and sponsorship in the She Podcasts membership. Learn more at shepodcasts.com.

So you think it's time to bring in marketing support for your business? If you're finding yourself strapped for time or simply pushing your marketing to the back burner, you're probably right. But who you hire and how you structure the position in your business is going to have a big impact in your (and your new marketing pro's) success. It's not about finding the biggest name or the biggest agency in marketing; it's about finding a good fit for your needs. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing some of the most important things to consider when you're talking to marketing professionals about their services and determining if they're a good fit for you (and vice versa).   Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

You've probably been on the receiving end of buying a course that didn't quite live up to the hype that you saw on the sales page. You didn't get the results you wanted or maybe the course took more time than you expected or you spent more than you planned because of all the “bonuses” (and fear tactics) that you were fed.   This has happened to me too! And I know way too many business owners who have fallen into this trap too.   This week on the podcast, Deanna Seymour is sharing the solution to this problem.   If you've ever bought a shiny object and regretted it later (or you want to avoid selling a course that won't give buyers what they're actually looking for), this is the episode for you. Mentioned in This Episode   Steal This Course Follow Deanna on Instagram Follow Deanna on TikTok Connect with Deanna on LinkedIn Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Deanna Seymour   Digital Marketing Strategist and host of the podcast, Eff That: Breaking the Rules of Online Business, Deanna Seymour knows the power of creativity, fun, and lettin' your freak flag fly when it comes to marketing your business.   Whether she's hosting an online coworking sesh or helping a client get over their fear of being on camera, Deanna uses humor and empathy to build a community that helps people feel seen, heard, and ultimately more comfortable in their own skin so they can have more fun getting in front of their perfect-fit clients. When she's not working with clients, she's probably callin' out sleazy marketing tactics, hangin' with her fam, or sneaking in some crappy reality tv!  

It's not about creating more content or adding more tasks to your ever-growing to-do list. It's about doing the things that will move the needle most for you. Yes, having a platform where you can demonstrate your thought leadership (like a podcast, blog, or YouTube channel) is important, there are other things that also need to happen.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing four things that you should do in your marketing this year. These things worked last year and they'll work next year too. Because they're not about fad tactics that will go the way of Clubhouse. They're about real strategies that need to be part of your business year after year. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

You've heard “the fortune's in the follow-up” and this saying isn't wrong. But what do you need to follow up on and what's actually the best way to do it?   Our interactions with others are key to the stability and growth of our business. Conversations shouldn't be one-and-done; that's no way to build a relationship. Instead, we need to create systems where we're following up with people and not dropping them after one conversation.   And when it comes to sales, there's a finesse to it.   This week on the podcast, Bethany George, the Follow-Up Boss, is sharing what follow-up should really look like and how to do it in a way that's not sleazy. Especially when we're talking sales but also when you're just getting to know someone. Mentioned in This Episode   The Follow-Up Boss Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn Follow Bethany on Instagram and YouTube Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Bethany George   Bethany is an entrepreneur at heart, her journey has taken her in and out of many careers. As a freelancer, corporate sales, solopreneur and more, her deepest desire was to understand WHY people respond to this message and not that, why this methodology of sales/marketing/communication worked and this didn't. Through it all, she has developed a proven method of how to support passion-driven, people-first businesses to operate in a way that is aligned with their core values, and expand their impact while being sustainable and ethical.   She is a mom to 5 kids, a nature-lover, herbalist and community builder.  

Frustrated by how time-consuming it is to create content for your business? You're not alone. Many business owners stop creating content because they don't have the bandwidth to be consistent with it and hiring help is out of their budget.   I've talked about batching content before and creating a content plan so you know what you're creating before you sit down to do it. But there are a few more secrets to saving time when creating content that you're going to want to hear.   Sometimes, it's about just doing the thing. Creating content even if circumstances aren't ideal. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing what that looks like as well as some other tips to keep you on track.  Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

Money is a big source of stress for many people, business owner or not. We have habits we learned in childhood because of how our families handled money, and many of those aren't habits we'd want to pass along to our own children. And let's not even talk about the dreaded “B” word. You know the one, “If I could only stick to my budget…”   Money can hold us back in business, and I don't strictly mean the lack of it. If we're not comfortable dealing with the emotions that come along with money, we're going to struggle to find abundance in our life and business.   This week on the podcast, I'm talking to Mikelann Valterra, money coach for women who want to transform their relationship with money. In this episode, we talk about mistakes we make with money in our businesses, why we need to replace the word “budget,” how to let go of some of our money stories, and why we need to start talking about money more.   Mentioned in This Episode   Download Mikelann's free ebook Follow Mikelann on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Subscribe to Mikelann's YouTube channel Connect with Mikelann on LinkedIn Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Mikelann Valterra   Mikelann is an author, keynote speaker, and money coach who helps women transform their relationship with money to create a life they love.   For over 20 years, she has been a thought leader in the field of Financial Psychology. Her strong background in emotional intelligence, paired with her practical money strategies enable her clients to consciously design their life while escaping financial stress and anxiety.   When she's not working with clients, you can find Mikelann on the dance floor, indulging her love of Argentine Tango.  

This week on the podcast, we're continuing our departure from talking about content to talk about money systems. If we don't have a good handle on our finances, it's impossible to focus on the things that matter in our business: our clients.   Last week we talked about implementing Profit First as a money system, and this week I'm talking about my own experience with Profit First…both in my business and in my personal finances.   We really shy away from talking about money because we've been taught from a young age that it's a taboo subject. But if we don't talk about it, our challenges and our successes, we can't learn from one another.   So listen in. I share a bit of my money story, then dive into how I've leveraged the Profit First system for all kinds of wins I never thought I'd have. Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 225: Keep More Money in Your Business with Shannon Simmons Profit First Overview Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Every business owner deserves to make a living wage and to have a profitable business. What's more, we need to let go of the idea that business ownership is a slog and that we have to work long hours to see a positive cash flow.   Yes, being a business owner is a challenge. But we left our day jobs so we could have more control over our time and our income. It's time to take control of our money.   This week on the podcast, I'm talking with Shannon Simmons, a Profit First Professional, about developing systems for your business, why so many of us struggle with our finances, and taking a profit in your business.   Profit First has been a game-changer for me in my business, and Shannon shares how it could be for you, too. Mentioned in This Episode   Fit For Profit Get your free Profit First Overview Follow Fit For Profit on Facebook and Instagram Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn Join the free Profit First for Wellness Business Owners Facebook group Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Shannon Simmons   Shannon has been consulting with small businesses for more than 10 years. Years ago, despite working in accounting and bookkeeping, I found myself in the uncomfortable position of not being able to pay my tax bill. (I was telling clients to save for taxes and not doing the same for myself. Oops!) I discovered Profit First and it changed my life and my business. Since then, I've become a Profit First Certified Professional and over the last decade have helped hundreds of clients create profitable businesses using this time-tested system. When she's not meeting with entrepreneurs or assessing their businesses she enjoys time with her husband and 2 children serving in their community, playing and watching sports, marveling at nature or reading a good book.   After 2 years in public accounting she saw a need to work for small business owners to teach them how to grow financially healthy businesses. She has built on her Master of Accountancy degree from Manchester University by becoming a Certified Profit First Professional and a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.  

Podcasters know that it takes some major investment to get a financial ROI from their time and money. And there are plenty of people out there not only making bank from their podcasts but also sharing how you can do it, too.   But before you jump into trying out make money through sponsorships and ads, listen up: Many of the strategies you hear from big-name podcasters are just unrealistic for smaller businesses. And some tactics are just plain sleazy, in my opinion.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing some of the ideas for podcast monetization that are unrealistic and sleazy, and some go-to ideas that just might work for you! Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 223: Creating Curiosity on Other People's Platforms with Nikki Rausch Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

You've heard me talk about the importance of showing up on other people's platforms. Being a podcast guest, speaking at summits, getting on stages…this is how you grow your own audience.   But equally important is making sure that these people who you're getting in front of know who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and how you can help them. Talking about this might feel uncomfortable to some, not knowing how to talk about what you do in a way that feels natural and part of the conversation or speech.   Nikki Rausch to the rescue! As the Sales Maven, Nikki excels at teaching business owners how to have sales conversations. And in today's episode, she's sharing how to do that with some finesse while appearing on other people's platforms.   You will want to tune into this episode! Mentioned in This Episode   Your Sales Maven Follow Nikki on Facebook and Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn Get your free Closing the Sale ebook Schedule a call with Abby Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Nikki Rausch CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch has the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of “selling.”   With 25+ years of selling experience, entrepreneurs and small business owners now hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically.   Nikki has written three books, all available on Amazon. And she has a podcast called Sales Maven which you can find on your favorite podcast platform.  

Trust is important in every part of life, including your business. But trust goes beyond telling the truth and being authentic. It's about showing up, following through, being on time, and just generally being there for someone when they need you.   And sometimes that's really hard to do. We all have our own stuff going on and things happen that prevent us from doing the things that help to foster trust. At the same time, there's a lot we can do, even when work and life get difficult.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing why trust is so important in your business, what it looks and feels like when trust isn't there, and what you can do to set yourself up to be in a position where you're doing what you can…when you can.   I'm definitely not an expert in this, but I felt really pulled to do this episode this week. It's an important one for your business life and maybe your personal life too! Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

As a business owner, you're constantly growing and developing. Sometimes, maybe often, that growth comes with some imposter syndrome. You feel like you don't have the right expertise, or that no one will care. You're no expert, right?   Wrong. This week on the podcast, Ayo Bamgbose, a learning and development trainer and educator, is sharing the true definition of expert or industry leader…and I'd guess that you fit that mold. No matter your industry.   This is such a fun conversation around getting more experience in your field, being open to learning, taking action, finding balance, and so much more. And I love the insights Ayo gives around connecting with others, especially on LinkedIn.   Listen in!   Mentioned in This Episode   Connect with Ayo on LinkedIn   Follow Ayo on Instagram   Grab Ayo's 85 LinkedIn post ideas to showcase your expertise About Ayo Bamgbose Ayo Bamgbose has been a learning and development trainer and educator for the last ten years and has worked in the beauty, spa and wellness industry for nearly 20 years. She helps beauty, spa and wellness therapists and consultants make a career change by teaching what they know and love.  

I know that creating content for your business is time-consuming. Maybe sitting down to create your next blog post or podcast episode is one big brain block for you because you don't know what to talk about. And so you don't.   Besides, you get plenty of clients from networking and referrals. You “don't need” content anyway.   Think again. Eventually, those referral and networking sources will dry up because you'll get busier and either slow down networking or have looser connections who need more than someone's word to make a decision to book a discovery call with you.   You need content.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing some of the benefits of creating content for your audience and potential clients. Having regular, consistent content can truly change your business for the better. Mentioned in This Episode   Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

Being a podcast guest is one of the best things you can do to elevate your visibility, but it's often something that business owners put off. But if you want to grow your audience, get in front of new audiences, build more brand and name recognition, and more, it's time to make guesting a priority.   This week on the podcast, Julie Fry of Your Expert Guest is sharing some of her best tips and tricks for how to find the best podcasts for you, what matters most when podcast guesting, and what to do after the podcast to thank the podcast host.   Let's be real, all of this takes time. But it's time well spent if you want to grow your business this year. Who's in for some accountability?   Mentioned in This Episode Your Expert Guest Podcast Guest Checklist Connect with Julie on LinkedIn Follow Julie on Instagram and Facebook Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Julie Fry   Julie Fry is the Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast guest booking agency for female founders and impact-driven leaders that want to speak directly to their ideal client without spending HOURS on social media.   She and her team have booked over 1500 interviews for their clients and can track hundreds of thousands of dollars of business back to being a podcast guest on top-ranked shows.   When she's not working with her amazing team of guest and host matchmakers, she loves spending time with her family, watching SNL sketches and of course, listening to podcasts.  

Sometimes sitting down to market your business (and yourself!) feels tough because…who are you to put yourself out there like that anyway!?   I'll tell you who: You're an expert in your industry and you deserve as much success as anyone else.   But the only way you're going to really get yourself out there is by actually putting yourself out there. Getting on camera, getting on Zoom calls, posting on social media, interacting with others, sharing your content, even shouting yourself out.    And when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, the only thing you want to do is hide.    This week on the podcast, I'm sharing my tips to getting past the imposter syndrome with your marketing. And it has nothing to do with affirmations or positive self-talk. (Sure, those might help, but they're not going to get the work done!)   Listen in!   Mentioned in This Episode Book a Quick Chat with me

Marketing can feel really challenging. There are so many places you “need” to be online and just not enough time or energy to get it done. Right?   Maybe. But what if you dialed it back and only did the things that feel good? What if you let go of needing to do #AllTheThings and instead focused on the platforms you love and where your audience is actually showing up regularly?   Sounds familiar, right? Yes, you have heard this before, and I love the way this week's guest shares her thoughts around marketing in a way that's sustainable for you.   Tune in to today's episode and hear how Lisa Benavidez looks at marketing and content for her clients, how to simplify the process in your own business, and why it's okay to take a step back and try something new once in a while. Mentioned in This Episode Created for More Podcast Visibility Playbook Follow Lisa on Instagram   About Lisa Benavidez   Marketing Strategist and Host of The Created for More Podcast, Lisa Benavidez educates women entrepreneurs on how to successfully amplify their business without sacrificing their values, boundaries, or life goals.   Through the power of social media and online visibility opportunities, Lisa mentors with passion, guiding her clients to effectively strengthen and elevate their impact in the world.   After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Lisa stepped away from the event planning world, where her background lies, and redefined what success looks like for her. Now she's on a mission to inspire other women to live a life of purpose.   When you combine her leadership, years of experience in the online business world, and her loving compassion to meet you where you are, you'll find Lisa will be the answer to building the business and life of your dreams!

Marketing can feel really time-consuming. If you're trying to it all or trying to do it all yourself, you leave little time to do the actual work that will keep you in growth mode. But there is a solution.   First, stop trying to be everywhere because you're wearing yourself out. And there's another solution too. You'll have to listen in to hear more!   The gist of it is this: You started your business for a specific reason and you likely want to make an impact. When you think about other industries and other professionals, how do they make their own biggest impact?   By staying in their lane and letting other experts take the reins.   Listen in for more! Mentioned in This Episode Minimum Viable Series: What to do Before You Work on Your Content Listen to the whole Minimum Viable Content Marketing series Episode 214: The Marketing Piece Your Business is Missing Book a free connection call

Building relationships in business is an ongoing process. It never ends, if growth is something you value. But finding the right way to connect is important. Especially with the oversaturation of content and people in the online space.   Content marketing as a standalone does not work. Business owners must connect and build relationships to complement the static content they're sharing. And this week on the podcast, I'm talking with Cara Steinmann who has done both. She started in the content marketing space and transitioned into helping business owners into developing the relationships and networks they need to take their business to the next level.   Listen in as we chat about our own histories with relationship building, and what not to do when connecting with others online.   Mentioned in This Episode BizChix Podcast: Relationship Marketing 12 Easy Ways to Make LinkedIn Way More Fun  About Cara Steinmann Cara is a business development strategist who helps women service entrepreneurs leverage the power of connection to build relationships that lead to easy leads, regular referrals, and ideal clients. She uses her background in psycholinguistics and behavioral science to help women communicate more effectively so they can easily build authentic connections online without the stress and overwhelm.

Marketing can feel like a struggle for even the savviest of business owners. You start off DIYing it, then business gets busy and you let it slide. Eventually, business slows down and you know you need to get back to marketing.   In an effort to stay on top of content and marketing, many business owners hire support. And that's great for consistency, but not so great for cohesion. With too many people managing different pieces of the marketing puzzle and the CEO managing the people, often messaging gets muddled and the whole thing feels disjointed.   The piece that's missing is one person to oversee it all, to make sure the content is being created, the opportunities are being pitched, and all the automations and offers are firing at just the right time.   I re-learned this lesson over the course of 2022 and I want to share with you why this is an important part of doing business.   Mentioned in This Episode Schedule a Quick Chat Book Your VIP Session Connect with me on LinkedIn

I know you've seen the podcast episodes, blog posts and ads for online tools that all promise a quick and easy way to plan out your content for weeks, months, even years at a time. I'm guessing that's why you clicked on this episode and decided you'd give it a try.    And while I can appreciate putting together any sort of plan for the future, use caution when you plan too far in advance. In other words, don't plan out more than a quarter at a time.   There are so many reasons why I don't want you to plan out your whole 2023 content calendar, not the least of which being...Well, have you seen what the online business world has looked like these last few years? Enough said!   There has been more pivoting and changing directions going on in the last few years than I could even touch on. It would be a waste of your time and money to plan more than a few months ahead. That said, I DO think there's a lot you can do to get ready for the next month, quarter and year. And THAT's what this episode is all about.   Mentioned in This Episode At-a-Glance Calendar They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan Episode 211: How to Develop Your Content Ideas Episode 212: How to Create a 90-Day Content Plan Episode 57: Your Content is About Your Audience, Not You Episode 63: Staying Inside Your Zones of Genius Episode 73: Repurposing Content for Maximum ROI with Amy Woods Episode 144: 6 Reasons You Need to Ask Your Audience

Have big plans to update your content? You have all the ideas about your content but you don't know how to put those into a succinct plan to market your business. What do you create? Where? When?   Content creation is time-consuming if you're doing it yourself and expensive if you're hiring it out so you want to make sure that you're creating the right stuff. I get it, and this is one of the biggest struggles that I see clients go through (aside from generating ideas, of course).   Well, if you're on the content planning struggle bus, this episode is for you! I'm literally walking you through the process of how to take all your content ideas and put them into a 90-day plan so you can get the visibility you want and need for your business. Mentioned in This Episode Episode 211 Ask Your Audience Challenge Book a VIP session

Don't believe those so-called gurus who tell you that you don't need content to sell your products or services. Yes, you need content. No, you don't need to publish content daily on every single platform.    What you need though is carefully curated content ideas that help you move further into your business's mission.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing a re-recording of an oldie but goodie. You'll learn the questions you need to ask yourself as you're deciding what kind of content you need--and where you need it--to accomplish your goals. Plus, I'm giving you a template to help you do the market research you need so you know exactly what your audience is looking for.   Mentioned in This Episode Ask Your Audience Challenge Book a VIP session

I know what you're thinking: You're ready for a break from you podcast and can't wait for the holidays to roll around so you can skip a few weeks.   I'm ready for a break too, but my podcast will still be working for me during those slower weeks. And I recommend that you do the same!   Consistency is one big reason for this, but there are others, including routine, visibility, and, yes, people are still listening.    Listen in this week as I share my biggest reasons why this podcast (and my clients' podcasts!) won't be taking a holiday hiatus this year. Will yous?   Mentioned in This Episode Episode 209: Managing the Fatigue of Your Podcast & Business Join Podcast Ease

The struggle is real right now to try to get the work done…both on your podcast and in your business. There's a lot of fatigue, both decision fatigue and just generally not feeling motivated to sit down and plug away.   I hear you! I think it's a case of the 2022s, but that doesn't mean that we can sit back and wait until next year to do the work.   Today on the podcast, I'm sharing some tips to manage the fatigue of your podcast and business. That doesn't mean that we're taking a break and waiting until it feels right. Just the opposite, in fact.   Listen in to hear what's worked for me and what might work for you.   Mentioned in This Episode Join Podcast Ease

A lot goes into each of your guest episodes, so it's important to make the most of them. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing what to do before you interview, during the interview, and after the interview to make sure that all your time is well spent.   Mentioned in This Episode Episode 207: Where to Find the Best Podcast Guests & How to Vet Them Episode 177: Leveraging Other People's Audiences Episode 179: How to Be a Better Podcast Guest Join Podcast Ease

Not every potential podcast guest will be a GOOD podcast guest. And I recommend being very discerning about who joins you on the microphone.    There should be a reason for every episode and that includes who you're hosting and what they're sharing. In order to find the right podcast guests, you're going to have to do a little bit of work.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing how to find the best podcast guests and how to determine if they truly are a good fit for your show. It doesn't feel great to be on an interview and know that it will never see the light of day. Trust me…I've been there!   Mentioned in This Episode Episode 183: Why You Need Solo Episodes on Your Podcast Episode 196: Finding Podcast Guests & Hosting Interviews Join Podcast Ease

Trying to craft the perfect intro and outro for your podcast is enough to paralyze you into never publishing a single episode. Trust me, I've seen it happen. But even though your podcast episodes are technically evergreen, your intro and outro don't have to be perfect. Spoiler alert: Nothing can or ever will be perfect. Done is better than perfect in every way imaginable. That said, there are some best practices that can help you move forward and even some things that you might want to include. In this episode, I'll give you a short rundown so you can publish your first (or next!) episode. Mentioned in This Episode Podcast Listener Trends Join Podcast Ease

Hosting a podcast isn't about encouraging listeners to buy from you. Yes, it's nice when that happens, but that's not the goal. The goal is to nurture your audience. The people who have already found you and who want to learn and grow with the information you're providing every week.   That said, podcasting is a long game. And it can feel like no one is listening or taking action. That makes it challenging to get motivated to record each week.   But when you think about the indirect benefits of podcasting, the benefits you may not think about, this is the podcast episode for you.   Every time you sit down behind the microphone, you're reaping the rewards of your work. You just need to know what to look for!   Mentioned in This Episode Episode 179: How to Be a Better Podcast Guest Join Podcast Ease

If you're a podcaster, you know the value of listeners leaving reviews on the podcast apps. That's why you ask them to in many of your episodes. But are they just sitting there, on the podcast platforms, just gathering dust?   It's time to do something with those podcast reviews!   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing five ways to leverage the reviews you have. And I'd love to hold you accountable for implementing one or more of these strategies. They're simple and repeatable, and they won't take up much time once you have a system in place.   For help with this, find out more about the Podcast Ease membership and join us today!   Mentioned in This Episode Join Podcast Ease

Sometimes a shift is in order. Maybe it's because what you're currently doing on your podcast doesn't resonate with you anymore or maybe you just want to try something new. (Think: Experimenting with your content!)   It's okay to make a shift on your podcast. In fact, I encourage you to!   This week, I'm sharing why you might want to make a shift on your podcast and how to do it without breaking the bank or losing some focus. A shift doesn't have to be a complete 180 in what you're doing; little changes along the way don't need big re-launches or announcements. There's no harm in quietly changing gears.   Listen in now!   Mentioned in This Episode   Episode 100: The Content Experiment Episode 162: Building Growth-Minded Relationships on LinkedIn with Karen Yankovich

Ready for a hiatus on your podcast? I've definitely been feeling that way recently too. It takes a lot of time and effort and, frankly, it can feel overwhelming.   I'm not taking a break right now, though there's nothing wrong with a break…if you do it right.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing why you might not want to take a podcasting hiatus and what to do if you decide to push pause for a bit.   Whatever decision you make, it's yours to make and you should do what works for you. Listen in to find out how.   Mentioned in This Episode Join the Podcast Ease membership

If you've been listening to the big-name gurus in podcasting and online marketing, my guess is that you're doing some things in your business that don't resonate with you. Maybe they feel like too much or too little…or you just don't feel like doing something that they say you “must” do.   I'm a big believer in doing business in a way that works for you. That means letting go of the idea that your podcast (or business or YouTube channel or launch or whatever it is) has to be perfect. Because it's not going to be! And you know what? That's okay. We're all human.   This week on the podcast, I'm sharing how to make your podcast work for you. What questions to ask and what to think about when you're building out your podcast (or whatever other kind of content you're creating).   Because if it doesn't sit well with you, you're going to quickly lose interest and, frankly, feel crappy about it. So do it right…starting now! Mentioned in This Episode Join Podcast Ease