The Classy Career Girl Podcast

Stop Reinventing Your Business Every Month: Day 20 Summer Business School Do you find yourself asking the same questions every week? What should I teach? What should I post? What should I create next? If you're constantly reinventing your business, you're probably spending more time making decisions than making progress. In today's Summer Business School class, you'll learn The Membership Success Calendar™—a simple planning system that helps you create consistent content, keep your members engaged, and build a business that feels organized instead of overwhelming. Inside this episode, you'll discover: Why successful memberships run on rhythm instead of randomness How to choose a monthly theme that creates real transformation A simple four-week framework your members will look forward to Why giving one clear weekly assignment leads to better results How planning ahead gives you more freedom as a business owner Whether you're creating a membership, group coaching program, or online course, this episode will help you stop starting over every month and build a business that grows through consistency. Class Assignment: Plan one month of your membership or program. Choose one monthly theme, outline four weekly topics, create one action step for each week, and end with a celebration. You'll be surprised how much easier your business becomes when you have a plan. If you're ready to build a business with more freedom, flexibility, and predictable income, subscribe so you don't miss the next class of Summer Business School. Learn more and join the free Business Builder Challenge at ClassyCareerGirl.com/challenge.

Why Community Is Your Secret Growth Strategy: Day 19 Summer Business School What if the biggest reason people join—and stay in your programs—has nothing to do with your content? In today's Summer Business School class, you'll discover why community is one of the most valuable assets you can build in your business. In a world where information is everywhere and AI can answer almost any question, connection has become your greatest competitive advantage. You'll learn The Community Flywheel™, a simple framework that shows how community creates momentum, momentum leads to action, action produces results, and those results inspire even more growth. Whether you're building a membership, group coaching program, online course, or mastermind, this episode will help you create an experience people don't just join—they belong to. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why information is no longer enough in today's AI-powered world • The Community Flywheel™ and how it fuels business growth • The real reason people stay in memberships • How to create a welcoming, encouraging community • Practical ways to help members connect and celebrate each other's wins Today's Assignment: Imagine you have your first 10 members. How would you welcome them? How would they meet one another? How would you celebrate their progress? Write down three ideas that help your members feel like they truly belong. Ready to build a business with recurring revenue and a thriving community? Join my free 4-Day Business Builder Challenge at ClassyCareerGirl.com/challenge. Thanks for listening to Summer Business School! I'll see you tomorrow for Day 20, where we'll map out your membership content plan so you always know what to teach next. Class dismissed!

Have you ever bought an online course, watched the first module... and never finished it? You're not alone. The problem isn't that most courses contain bad information. The problem is that they contain too much information and not enough implementation. Whether you're creating an online course, group coaching program, membership, or certification, this episode will show you how to simplify your content, create momentum, and build an experience your students will love. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most online courses never get completed How to create one clear goal for every lesson Why every lesson needs one simple assignment How celebrating progress keeps students motivated The secret to removing overwhelm while increasing transformation Remember: Transformation beats information. Your students don't need more content—they need a clear path to success. Simple lessons create momentum. Momentum creates transformation.

How to Create a Signature Framework and Become Known: Day 17 Summer Business School In today's Summer Business School class, you'll learn why the fastest way to build your reputation, grow your audience, and attract more customers isn't by teaching everything you know—it's by creating a simple, memorable framework people can remember and share. In this episode, you'll discover: Why people remember frameworks, not information The 4-step Signature Framework Formula™ How to identify the transformation you want to become known for Why 3–5 simple steps are more powerful than overwhelming your audience How to name your framework so it becomes part of your brand Where to use your framework across your podcast, social media, emails, coaching, and offers Anna also shares the evolution of her own signature frameworks—from the original Get Unstuck System and Love Your Career Formula to Corporate Rescue Plan, the Three Magic Income Streams Framework™, and the ANCHOR Method featured in her upcoming book. If you've been wondering how to stand out in a crowded market, this class will help you stop trying to be known for everything—and start becoming known for one unforgettable idea.

What if the secret to a successful group program isn't creating more content—but creating a clear path to transformation? In Day 16 of Summer Business School, Anna Runyan shares The Transformation Roadmap, a simple framework for designing a group coaching program, membership, or course that helps people get real results. Instead of asking, "What should I teach?" you'll learn the better question every successful program creator asks—and why your students need a roadmap, not a library of information. In this episode, you'll learn: Why information alone doesn't create transformation How to define your client's Point A and Point B The simple 3–5 milestone framework for structuring your program Why accountability and community are often the missing ingredients How to design a program people actually finish—and recommend Today's Assignment Draw a line across a page in your notebook. On the left, write Point A. On the right, write Point B. Then answer: Where is my ideal client today? Where do they want to be? What are the three to five milestones that will help them get there? By the end of this exercise, you'll have the outline for your very first group program.

Have you ever looked at your calendar and realized there's simply no room for another client? If your income only grows when you work more hours, you've built a business with a ceiling. In Day 15 of Summer Business School, we're beginning the second income stream in the 3 Magic Income Streams Framework: Scalable Income. In today's lesson, you'll discover why successful entrepreneurs eventually stop trading time for money and start creating systems that allow them to serve more people, make a bigger impact, and build a business that doesn't depend on working longer hours. You'll learn: Why one-on-one services eventually limit your growth The difference between Quick Cash and Scalable Income Why memberships create deeper transformation than coaching alone How Corporate Rescue Plan grew from years of serving real clients The mindset shift that helps you build a business that scales You'll also complete a simple exercise to help you start thinking beyond your calendar and begin designing a business that can grow with you.

What does it really take to make your first $1,000 in business? In Day 14 of Summer Business School, we're bringing together everything you've learned over the past two weeks into one simple action plan you can start using immediately. If you've been wondering how to turn your business idea into real income, this episode will show you that your first $1,000 isn't about luck or going viral, it's about consistently taking the right actions. In today's class, you'll learn: • The Quick Cash Action Plan • The four weekly habits that lead to paying clients • How to simplify your path to your first $1,000 • Why serving people comes before selling • The importance of following up and staying consistent • How to calculate exactly how many clients you need to reach your income goal You'll also complete a simple assignment to map out your own First $1,000 Plan, including your offer, pricing, client goal, and next action step. Congratulations on completing Week Two of Summer Business School! You've built a business model, clarified your offer, created a pricing strategy, developed a client attraction plan, and designed a marketing system. Now it's time to put it all into action. Next week, we'll begin building your second Magic Income Stream as we explore scalable income through memberships, group programs, and online courses.

Have you ever opened Instagram, stared at a blank screen, and wondered... "What should I post today?" You're not alone. One of the biggest reasons entrepreneurs struggle with marketing isn't because they lack creativity—it's because they don't have a simple plan. In Day 13 of Summer Business School, Anna Runyan shares The 30-Minute Marketing Plan™, the repeatable weekly marketing system she's used to consistently grow her business for years without spending all day creating content. In this episode, you'll learn: Why consistency beats intensity in marketing The four-step 30-Minute Marketing Plan™ How to stop creating random content and start building weekly campaigns The easiest way to turn one message into podcasts, Reels, emails, posts, and live videos How to create marketing that attracts clients—even when you're short on time Today's Class Assignment Plan your next week of marketing by answering these four questions: What is your one lesson? What is your one story? What conversation will you start? What invitation or next step will you share? When you stop guessing what to post and start following a simple system, marketing becomes easier—and consistency becomes possible. If you're enjoying Summer Business School, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss the next class. Tomorrow: Learn how to put everything together with your First $1,000 Action Plan as we wrap up the Quick Cash Blueprint.

Think you need thousands of followers before you can get your first client? Think again. In Day 12 of Summer Business School, I'm sharing one of the biggest mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make: clients don't come from going viral—they come from building trust and having conversations. In this episode, you'll learn The Visibility Triangle, the simple framework that has helped me grow Classy Career Girl from one blog post and one client into a business that's served thousands of women around the world. You'll discover: Why you don't need more followers to get clients The three places your first clients actually come from How to use your existing network without feeling awkward Why consistent content builds trust long before someone buys How conversations turn into paying clients The difference between spending money on ads and investing your time in relationship-building A simple daily visibility habit that can grow your business If you've been waiting until your audience is "big enough" to start making money, this episode will help you stop waiting and start connecting with the people who already need what you have to offer. Today's Assignment: Draw The Visibility Triangle™ in your notebook and identify: Five people you can reconnect with this week One piece of content you can publish One meaningful conversation you can start today Small, consistent actions create momentum—and momentum builds businesses.

How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy: Day 11 | Summer Business School Do you ever hesitate to talk about your business because you don't want to sound pushy or "too salesy"? In Day 11 of Summer Business School, Anna Runyan shares The Serve, Don't Sell Framework, a simple mindset shift that will completely change the way you think about selling. You'll learn why selling isn't about convincing people to buy. It's about listening, serving, and confidently offering a solution to someone who is already looking for help. In this episode, you'll discover: Why selling feels uncomfortable (and how to change it) The Serve, Don't Sell Framework How to have sales conversations that feel natural and authentic Why confidence comes from clarity—not scripts The mindset shift that makes selling feel like serving Today's Class Assignment: Write down your three biggest fears about selling. Then replace each fear with a new empowering belief. Finally, practice saying your offer out loud three times to build confidence. If you've been following along with Summer Business School, you're building the foundation for a business that creates consistent, flexible income—and we're just getting started.

Why isn't anyone buying your offer? It might not be your pricing. It might not be your experience. It might not even be your offer. More often than not, it's your messaging. In Day 10 of Summer Business School, Anna Runyan shares The Irresistible Offer Formula, a simple framework for creating offers that are clear, compelling, and easy for people to say "yes" to. Because people don't buy coaching. They don't buy courses. They buy transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why features don't sell (but transformation does) The four questions every irresistible offer must answer How to eliminate confusion that keeps people from buying Why clarity builds trust and confidence How to rewrite your offer so your ideal customer instantly understands its value If you've ever wondered why people seem interested but never take the next step, this class will help you communicate your offer with confidence and simplicity. Ready to go deeper? Join Summer Business School inside the Corporate Rescue Plan for just $1 and receive: The complete 31-day Summer Business School series The Business Builder Workbook Weekly coaching with Anna A supportive community of women building profitable businesses Get started today at http://www.ClassyCareerGirl.com/challenge Class is in session. 

What if the biggest reason people aren't buying your offer... is because they don't actually understand what you're selling? In Day 9 of Summer Business School, you'll learn one of the most important lessons in building a profitable business: people don't buy coaching—they buy transformation. If you've ever struggled to explain what you do, attract the right clients, or confidently package your expertise into an offer, today's lesson will help you simplify your message and create something people actually want to buy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why people buy outcomes—not coaching, consulting, or services The Simple Offer Framework™ for creating an offer that sells How to identify exactly who you help and the problem you solve Why focusing on one clear transformation leads to more sales The messaging mistake that keeps many entrepreneurs stuck You'll also hear how Anna's very first program, Get Your Career Unstuck Bootcamp, succeeded because it sold a transformation—not just information—and how you can apply the same principle to your own business.   This is Day 9 of the 31-Day Summer Business School series, where we're building The 3 Magic Income Streams Framework™ together—one lesson at a time. Subscribe so you don't miss Day 10, where you'll learn how to make your offer irresistible by communicating its value in a way that makes people excited to buy. Get the homework guide for all 31 days here: www.classycareergirl.com/challenge

Are you spending months building a course, website, or digital product without making any money? You're not alone—but there's a faster way. In Day 8 of Summer Business School, we're kicking off Week Two by focusing on the first of the Three Magic Income Streams™: Quick Cash. If I were starting my business from scratch today, I wouldn't begin with passive income. I'd begin by helping real people solve real problems. In today's episode, you'll learn why coaching, consulting, freelancing, and service-based offers are often the fastest path to your first $1,000—and how those first clients become the foundation for every course, membership, certification, or digital product you create in the future. In today's class you'll learn: ✨ Why passive income shouldn't be your first business goal ✨ The Quick Cash Blueprint™ ✨ Why helping people one-on-one builds confidence, clarity, and income ✨ Simple examples of Quick Cash offers you can launch this week ✨ How your first clients become your best market research ✨ Why solving one problem for one person is the fastest way to grow Today's Assignment Grab your notebook and write down three ways you could help someone this month. Then finish this sentence: "This week I'm offering __________ to help someone achieve __________." Remember: One person. One problem. One solution. That's how successful businesses begin. Tomorrow, we'll answer another question that confuses so many entrepreneurs: Should you coach, consult, freelance, or provide a service? We'll break down the differences so you can choose the business model that's the best fit for you. Thanks for joining me for Day 8 of Summer Business School. Class dismissed!

Your first paying client probably isn't going to come from Instagram. Or your website. Or your logo. It's going to come from a conversation. In Day 7 of Summer Business School, you'll learn why so many entrepreneurs wait far too long to start selling—and the simple action plan that helps you land your very first paying client without a big audience. Instead of chasing more followers, you'll discover how to leverage the relationships you already have, start genuine conversations, and build momentum one client at a time. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your first client usually comes through your existing network The First Client Action Plan™ How to map your network using the Three Circle Method Why conversations are more powerful than content in the beginning The simple message you can send today to start helping someone How referrals can become your greatest marketing strategy Why action creates confidence—not the other way around Homework Take out your notebook and: • Write down 20 people who already know you. • Circle the five who could benefit from your offer. • Send one message today. One conversation could become your very first paying client. This episode also celebrates the completion of Week One of Summer Business School! In just seven lessons you've built the foundation of your business by choosing your income stream, clarifying your offer, validating your idea, pricing it with confidence, and creating a plan to find your first client. Next week we'll begin building your Quick Cash Income Stream so you can start generating consistent revenue while laying the foundation for a sustainable business.

How much should you charge for your first offer? It's one of the biggest questions every entrepreneur asks—and one of the biggest reasons so many people stay stuck. In Day 6 of Summer Business School, you'll learn why pricing has very little to do with hours worked and everything to do with the transformation you help create. If you've ever worried about charging too much, underpriced yourself, or wondered what your offer is actually worth, this lesson will help you price with greater confidence. In today's class you'll learn: ✨ The biggest pricing mistake new entrepreneurs make ✨ Why charging by the hour limits your business growth ✨ The Value Formula™ for pricing your offer with confidence ✨ How to shift from selling your time to selling transformation ✨ Typical starting prices for coaching, group programs, memberships, and digital products ✨ Why your pricing should grow as your confidence and experience grow Today's Homework Open your notebook and answer these questions: • What transformation does your offer create? • How much time could it save someone? • What confidence, support, or accountability are you providing? • Choose a starting price for your offer—and remember, you can always adjust as you grow. Tomorrow, we'll cover one of the most exciting milestones in business: how to get your first paying client.

Have you ever spent weeks—or even months—creating an offer, course, or business idea, only to launch it and hear… crickets? In Day 5 of Summer Business School, we're talking about one of the most important skills every entrepreneur needs: validation. Before you build the website, record the course, or create the perfect offer, you need to know one thing... Will people actually buy it? In today's class, you'll learn my Validate Before You Create Framework™ and discover how to stop guessing and start building a business around what people actually need. In today's episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why most entrepreneurs waste months creating offers no one asked for ✨ The power of having just five customer conversations ✨ Three simple questions that reveal what your audience truly wants ✨ How to identify patterns that become powerful marketing messages ✨ Why coaching, beta offers, and small tests are the fastest path to a successful business Today's Homework: Write down five people you could talk to this week. Ask them: What's your biggest challenge when it comes to __________? What have you already tried? If you could wave a magic wand, what would success look like? Then schedule the conversations. Those five conversations will teach you more than fifty hours spent building in isolation. Tomorrow, we'll tackle one of the biggest questions every entrepreneur asks: How much should you charge?

Have you ever thought... "I'm not qualified enough." "I need another certification." "Who am I to teach this?" If so, you're not alone. One of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship is that you need more credentials before you can start a business. The truth? Your greatest business asset isn't another certification—it's your experience. In Day 4 of Summer Business School, you'll discover how to turn your own story into a business idea using my Experience → Expertise → Offer Framework™. In today's episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why your experience is more valuable than you think ✨ How to uncover what people already ask you for help with ✨ The Experience → Expertise → Offer Framework™ ✨ How to turn your knowledge into your first offer ✨ Why you don't have to be an expert—you just need to be a few steps ahead Today's Homework: Grab a notebook and answer these four questions: • What challenge have I overcome? • What do people already ask me for help with? • What could I teach someone in one hour? • If I could help one person solve one problem this month, what would it be? Then finish this sentence: My first offer helps __________ achieve __________. Tomorrow, we'll make sure you're creating something people actually want to buy by learning how to validate your business idea before you spend time building it. If you're enjoying Summer Business School, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next lesson!

Everyone online seems to be telling you to create a course, launch a membership, or build passive income. But what if that's actually the wrong place to start? In Day 2 of Summer Business School, we're answering one of the most important questions every entrepreneur faces: Which income stream should you build first? After spending weeks creating a course that nobody bought, I learned a lesson that completely changed how I build businesses—and it's the same framework I've used to create multiple income streams over the past 12 years. In today's class, I'm sharing The Income Stream Ladder™, a simple framework that helps you build your business in the right order so you can make money faster, learn from real clients, and create offers people actually want. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why most entrepreneurs build the wrong income stream first ✨ Why coaching or services should usually come before courses ✨ The three stages of the Income Stream Ladder™ Quick Cash Scalable Income Leverage Income ✨ How your first clients become your best market research ✨ Three questions to help you decide which income stream is right for you By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly where you should focus first—and why building a strong foundation makes every future income stream easier to create. Today's Homework Grab a notebook and draw three boxes: • Quick Cash • Scalable Income • Leverage Income Then ask yourself: Which income stream am I building today? Which one should I actually be building? What's one action I can take this week? Tomorrow's class is one of my favorites because we're answering the next big question: What should you actually sell? Your next offer may already be hiding inside your story, your experience, and the problems you've already solved. Ready to build your business with me? If you're enjoying Summer Business School and you're ready to stop wondering if your business idea will work and actually start building it, join my FREE 4-Day Business Builder Challenge. Inside, you'll receive: The Business Builder Workbook My step-by-step Business Builder Guide Live coaching with me A supportive community of women building businesses together Join us free at ClassyCareerGirl.com/challenge

Welcome to Day 1 of Summer Business School!

Welcome to Summer Business School!

What if you didn't have to quit your job to start building the life you really want? In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Pestikas, executive leadership coach, author, speaker, and founder of Brave Women at Work. Jennifer has spent more than 25 years leading in corporate America while also building her own business, raising two daughters, writing books, and growing a platform that helps women advocate for themselves and pursue meaningful work. Together, we talk about what it really looks like to build a business during a busy season of motherhood—and why waiting for the "perfect time" often keeps us stuck. If you've ever wondered whether you can build a business while working full-time, this conversation will encourage you to take your next step. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Jennifer built her business while working in corporate America • Why building a support system is essential for working moms • How to find time for your business without sacrificing your family • What it takes to write a book while raising kids • Why taking small, consistent action matters more than waiting until you're ready • The mindset shift that helps women finally pursue their calling No matter what season of motherhood you're in, this episode is a reminder that your dream doesn't have an expiration date.

Feel like your life is too unpredictable to stay consistent with your business goals? In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan shares the simple weekly planning system she uses as a working mom, homeschool mom, business owner, and woman who absolutely does NOT have endless time. Because honestly? Most moms are not bad at planning. Life just doesn't follow the plan. In this episode, Anna breaks down: Why most planning systems fail moms The biggest mindset shifts that reduced her overwhelm Her simple 4-part weekly planning system How to prioritize what actually matters most Why flexible rhythms work better than rigid schedules How to stop mentally carrying everything at once The truth about consistency, motherhood, and building a business Why the goal of planning is peace — not perfection This episode is for the overwhelmed mom trying to balance business, family, work, and real life without constantly feeling behind. ✨ Download Anna's free weekly planning template to create more calm, clarity, and flexibility in your week. https://www.classycareergirl.com/freeplan Because you do not need a perfect system. You need a system that supports the life you're actually living.

Does selling your offer make you cringe? In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan shares how she overcame her fear of sales, made her very first sale, and learned how to sell in a way that feels natural, relational, and pressure-free. Because honestly? So many women have something valuable to offer… but freeze the second it's time to talk about money, invite someone into their offer, or actually sell. In this episode, Anna breaks down: Why so many moms struggle with sales The biggest myths keeping women stuck Why selling does NOT have to feel pushy The simple mindset shift that changed everything for her How she made her very first sale The biggest sales mistakes women make online Why conversations matter more than followers The simple sales rhythm she still uses today How to make your first $1,000 from home without complicated funnels or overwhelm This episode is for the woman who wants to build meaningful work and flexible income from home — but needs a simpler, more human approach to sales. ✨ Download Anna's free First $1K Income Roadmap Workbook to learn how to create your first offer, find clients, and start making income from home. https://www.classycareergirl.com/1kplan Because helping people is a good thing. And your calling and motherhood do not have to compete anymore. 

What if the fastest way to grow your audience wasn't posting more content—but getting someone else to talk about you? In this episode, I'm sitting down with PR expert Lexi Smith to talk about one of the most overlooked visibility strategies for entrepreneurs: public relations. If you're tired of feeling invisible online, wondering how people land podcast interviews, media features, and speaking opportunities, this conversation will show you how to start building authority and credibility—even if you're a small business owner. Podcast Description Everyone talks about social media visibility. But what about PR? In this episode of the Classy Career Girl Podcast, I sit down with PR expert and GrowthMode founder Lexi Smith to discuss how entrepreneurs can use public relations to increase visibility, build credibility, and attract more opportunities. Lexi shares her journey from working in high-profile PR roles in Los Angeles to building her own successful agency and helping founders, executives, and experts become known for their expertise. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ What PR actually is (and what it isn't) ✔️ Why PR can accelerate your visibility faster than social media alone ✔️ How to position yourself as an expert in your industry ✔️ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching themselves ✔️ How to start getting media attention—even without a huge audience ✔️ Why credibility is one of the most valuable assets in business If you're looking for more visibility, authority, and opportunities in your business, this episode is a must-listen.

Feel like you don't have enough time to market your business? In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan shares the simple 30-minute marketing plan she would use if she were starting from scratch today as a busy mom. Because honestly? Most moms don't have a marketing problem. They have a time and simplicity problem. In this episode, Anna breaks down: Her simple 15-minute conversation strategy that leads to clients The second 15-minute content system she uses to stay visible online Why most marketing advice doesn't work for moms The biggest mistakes women make when trying to grow online Why conversations matter more than complicated funnels The truth about growing a business in tiny pockets of time How she made her very first $97 sale before work one morning Why consistency matters more than perfection This episode is for the woman who wants to build meaningful work and flexible income from home — without spending all day online or burning herself out trying to "do it all." ✨ Download Anna's free First $1K Income Roadmap Workbook to learn how to land your first client and create flexible income from home. https://www.classycareergirl.com/1kplan Because conversations lead to clients. Clients lead to income. And small consistent action can completely change your life.

Many women start businesses because they want more freedom, flexibility, and purpose—but when it comes to sales, they often feel stuck. In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan sits down with business and sales coach Tracy Beavers to discuss how women can confidently attract clients and grow their businesses without feeling pushy, uncomfortable, or inauthentic. Tracy shares her journey from corporate sales into entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned along the way, and why sales is ultimately about serving people and building relationships. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why sales doesn't have to feel awkward or pushy ✨ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when attracting clients ✨ How to build confidence when talking about your offers ✨ Practical ways to generate more leads and conversations ✨ Why relationships are still the foundation of business growth ✨ How to sell with authenticity and integrity Whether you're just starting your business or looking to grow to the next level, you'll walk away with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on sales. Connect with Tracy: My free Facebook group - https://tracybeavers.biz/beaconfidententrepreneur Resources Mentioned:

Have you ever quietly thought to yourself: "This life doesn't fit me anymore…"? In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan shares the 5 biggest signs it may be time to create work that better fits motherhood, family, and the season of life you're in now. After years of pushing through burnout, emotional exhaustion, and trying to make corporate life fit motherhood, Anna realized something important: Success should not feel like survival mode. In this episode, you'll learn: The hidden signs your current work rhythm no longer fits your life Why motherhood changes your definition of success How burnout shows up emotionally before physically The difference between hustle and meaningful work Why "balance" may not be the real goal How to start rebuilding your life and work differently Small shifts that can help you create more peace, flexibility, and alignment This episode is for the woman who wants more than just surviving the week. The woman craving meaningful work, presence at home, and a slower, healthier rhythm. ✨ DM Anna the word 1K on Instagram for her free "First $1K From Home" roadmap and workbook or go to https://www.classycareergirl.com/1kplan Because maybe success isn't building a business that pulls you away from your life. Maybe success is building work that allows you to fully enjoy your life too.

What if the problem isn't your discipline… but the rhythm of your life? In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Anna Runyan shares the deeply personal shift that changed how she viewed success, motherhood, work, and burnout. After years of chasing achievement and pushing through exhaustion, Anna realized she didn't want to choose between career success and being present at home. She wanted a third option — meaningful work and flexible income that actually fit real life. In this episode, you'll learn: Why so many working moms feel emotionally exhausted How motherhood changes your definition of success The real reason burnout happens Why rigid schedules often fail moms How to create motherhood-friendly work rhythms The difference between balance and alignment Practical shifts that reduced overwhelm and helped Anna rebuild differently How to simplify your business and protect what matters most If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck between ambition and family life, this episode will encourage you to slow down, rethink your rhythms, and create work that supports the life you actually want. ✨ DM Anna the word PLAN on Instagram for her free 90-Day Planner or go to https://www.classycareergirl.com/freeplan

What happens when motherhood completely changes the direction of your life? In this episode, Anna sits down with productivity coach and entrepreneur Trisney Wiedemann to talk about the massive identity shifts that can happen during motherhood — and how to rebuild your routines, goals, and career around the life you actually want. Trisney shares her journey through marriage, moving across the country, climbing the corporate ladder in marketing, supporting her husband through cancer, becoming a mom, and ultimately leaving her 9–5 during maternity leave to pursue online business. Together, Anna and Trisney discuss: Why so many women feel stuck on autopilot The hidden burnout behind "doing it all" How motherhood can redefine your priorities Building routines that support your real life Letting go of hustle culture Creating meaningful work around family If you've been craving a slower, more intentional way to build your life and career, this conversation will encourage you to rethink success and rebuild differently. ✨ Connect with Trisnie: https://www.instagram.com/daysbuilddreams

If you've been craving a slower, more meaningful way to work and live, this episode is for you. Feeling burned out from corporate life… but unsure how to actually make a change? In this personal episode, Anna shares the moment she realized she couldn't keep living under constant stress and pressure — and the slow, intentional steps she took to start rebuilding her life differently. You'll learn: How to know when burnout is a sign something needs to change Why clarity and vision matter before making a career move How to create a realistic timeline and income goal for transition Why the "slow build" creates more peace than quitting overnight How to identify skills you already have that could become income The importance of solving ONE problem instead of doing everything How to build meaningful work around real life and motherhood If you've been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck between wanting meaningful work and wanting more presence with your family, this episode will encourage you to take the next small step forward. ✨ DM Anna on Instagram @classycareergirl and share what resonated most with you from this episode. ✨ Grab your free weekly planning template here: ClassyCareerGirl.com/freeplan ✨ If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review to help more women discover the podcast this summer.

Welcome to a brand new season of The Classy Career Girl Podcast. This season is all about motherhood, meaningful work, flexibility, and helping women build income around real life." In this episode, I'm sharing how motherhood completely changed the way I approach business, productivity, success, and building meaningful work around real life. Everything shifted the day I became a mom. I stopped chasing hustle. I became more intentional with my time. And I learned how to build a business that supports my life — instead of creating a business I constantly needed to escape from. In this episode, we're talking about: why moms don't need more hustle how motherhood reshaped my priorities building a business in small pockets of time creating meaningful work around your family simple systems that actually work for busy moms why I believe you really can have it all This episode also marks a new era for The Classy Career Girl Podcast as we dive deeper into motherhood, entrepreneurship, flexibility, calling, and creating work you love. ✨ Grab my free $1K Plan: The $1K Income Roadmap ✨ Connect with me on Instagram: @classycareergirl ✨ Visit my website: Classy Career Girl ✨ Subscribe to my newsletter & Substack: Moms Making Money From Home If this episode encouraged you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who needs this reminder today.

I've been in this game since 2011. I've seen the trends come and go, from the early days of blogging to the rise of TikTok. And for a long time, I fell into the same trap many of you are in right now: I thought more posts = more progress. I was working through naps, obsessing over my business on weekends, and trying to be everywhere at once. But my client list wasn't moving. The truth? It wasn't my effort that was the problem—it was my focus. If you're a mom trying to build something meaningful in 15-minute pockets of time, you don't need a bigger, louder strategy. You need a simpler one. In today's episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, I'm getting honest about the 4 marketing mistakes I made and how I finally shifted from "just posting" to actually solving problems and building connections. We're diving into: Why "content" doesn't bring clients (but conversations do). The myth of "feeling ready" before you take action. How to stop making marketing about you and start making it about them. My 15-minute rhythm for finding your first (or next) client. You don't need hours of uninterrupted time to change your life. You just need the right plan. ✨ Ready to make your first $1,000? Join us in the 1K Moms Club on Substack for the exact workbooks and 15-minute daily plans I use. Founding members get 20% off until May 1st!

Stop posting. Start talking.

Stop Overthinking. Start Earning.

From Corporate Travel to the $1K Mom Club ☕️✈️ In 2012, I was traveling for my corporate job, looking "successful" on the outside but knowing it wasn't the life I wanted as a mom. I didn't have a business plan; I just started. When I made my first $97 from a simple course, everything changed. It wasn't about the money—it was proof that I could do it on my own. That first $1,000 is life-changing. It turns "maybe" into "I am."

Most people are treating AI like a "fun tool" to play with. But here's the reality: If your job happens on a screen, the timeline for disruption isn't "someday." It's right now. I'm currently writing my first book, running a business, and homeschooling three kids. I don't have "extra" time—I have AI. It's my personal assistant, my research team, and my strategist all in one. The collapsed barrier: In 2012, you needed a team and capital to build a business. In 2026, you just need a vision and the right prompts. ⚡ The Indispensable Habit Spend one hour a day actually using AI—not just reading about it. Build a marketing plan in 15 minutes. Organize 10 years of ideas into a book outline. Analyze your budget to find hidden costs. The person who spent this year building something they love will always be better positioned than the person clinging to a job description. Ready to lead the shift? Download the Free 90-Day Planner: Transition from employee to entrepreneur and map out your AI-powered goals.

I am so excited to introduce you to Vicki, a powerhouse entrepreneur who is proving that career curveballs can be turned into your greatest wins! Vicki was a senior leader in the gaming industry when her studio unexpectedly closed. Instead of rushing back into the 9-to-5 grind, she leaned into her passion for tech and mentoring to build a business on her own terms. The "One Thing" Strategy Vicki didn't just become "a coach." She narrowed her focus to a specific niche: helping Gameplay Programmers integrate AI into their workflow. She's moving beyond the fear of "AI stealing jobs" and showing pros how to use it to amplify their skills and efficiency. How She's Winning: The 5 AM Club: Before her studio closed, Vicki dedicated her early mornings to writing book chapters and building her foundation. Imperfect Action: She started with free practice sessions to validate her coaching, which quickly turned into powerful testimonials and even a paid speaking gig! Scalable Success: She's already mapped out her year—moving from 1:1 coaching to digital products so she can enjoy more time with her son and the freedom of the laptop lifestyle. Vicki's Words of Wisdom: "Just get started. You can get stuck in the planning phase and never go anywhere. Take the step, try it... and learn by doing." Vicki is a testament to what happens when you commit and take those "baby steps" every single week.

One of my clients said this and it resonated so much: "If it isn't on the calendar, it isn't going to happen." We all have those "dream vacations" or goals we talk about, but today is the day we stop talking and start scheduling. We are diving into how to build an income from home using just 15 to 30-minute pockets of time. --- ✨ The "Tiny Rhythm" Secret You don't need a perfect schedule. You don't need a 9-to-5 block of childcare. You just need a tiny, repeatable rhythm. I started Classy Career Girl as a blog before I had kids, and where I am today is simply a collection of thousands of "15-minute moments." Whether you are in the "newborn fog," the "toddler whirlwind," or a "busy corporate season," you canmake progress.

The "Corporate Trap" vs. The "Stay-at-Home Struggle" For years, I thought I only had two options: 1️⃣ The Corporate Grind: High stress, travel, and the guilt of dropping my kids at daycare. 2️⃣ The Stay-at-Home Mom: Losing my professional identity, my income, and my "spark." I felt trapped because neither felt right. Then I discovered the Third Option. Entrepreneurship isn't just for "risky" extroverts. It's for the mom who wants to manage her own calendar and solve problems for others while her kids are napping (and her coffee is safely across the room). I'm writing about this journey in my new book, but you don't have to wait for the release to start your own third option. What's your "Third Option" dream? Let's talk in the comments.

Let's be honest: in 2026, anyone can ask AI to polish a cover letter. But AI can't hold space for a client's dreams. It can't offer the empathy of a woman who has walked the path from "Sunday dread" to total career alignment. If you've been feeling that restless pull for more—a desire to turn your calling into a profitable business—it's time to stop waiting for "the right time." I'm showing you the exact roadmap to launch your coaching business in 90 days or less. Here is what's possible for you: Location Freedom: Coach from your laptop while your kids play nearby. Impact: Move from task-based services to deep, life-altering transformations. Scalability: Learn the path to $10K months using my proven 5-step success path. Stop selling your time. Start packaging your superpower. ✨ Ready to take the first step? www.classycareergirl.com/certification

Meet Erin Treacy, one of our newest Career Coach Certification grads!

We are so excited to introduce you to a true powerhouse in our community: Tracee Garner!

Tired of waking up and wondering, "What should I post today?" ✋ We've all been there—on the content hamster wheel, feeling behind before the year even starts, and trying to be on every platform at once. But here's the truth: You don't need a bigger team; you need a better focus. I'm officially on the mend and so excited to share how we are kicking off 2026 with total clarity. Today, we're putting the pieces together to create a realistic 90-day marketing plan that works with your life, not against it. Here is the 3-step framework we're using for Q1: Identify Your Core Offer: Stop splitting your energy across ten different ideas. Pick the "Big Rock" you want to launch this quarter and let that drive your revenue. The 3-Part Content Strategy: Connection: Share your mission, values, and story to build trust. Awareness: Address the myths, mistakes, and "whys" behind your offer. Video: Let your audience see you and hear you. It's the fastest way to build a real relationship. Design a Weekly Rhythm: Create a simple checklist (like my 15-minute Instagram routine) so you can execute even when you're exhausted or busy with the kids. Ready to dive deeper? Tomorrow, we officially start our High-Conversion Marketing 90-Day Boot Camp inside the Corporate Rescue Plan. You'll get our best training, tools, and templates to make 2026 your best year yet. ⏰ THE DEAL ENDS TONIGHT: You can join us for just $19. That's all the recordings from this challenge PLUS the full boot camp. Click HERE to grab the $19 deal before the doors close at midnight!

Are you tired of the "junk drawer" approach to your business? You know what I mean—the last-minute scrambling, the random launches, and that constant feeling of "hustle burnout" because you don't have a clear map for the year.   My goal for you in 2026 is simple: Clarity. Focus. Confidence.   We aren't just launching to stay busy; we're launching the right way. Whether you're a career coach, a mindset expert, or a product creator, you need a framework that allows for "Big Bang" moments and essential rest periods. Here is the 2026 Launch Secret: Quarterly Focus: One core focus per 90 days. Color-Coded Capacity: Mapping out "Purple" (Big) launches vs. "Mini" launches so you never hit a wall. Built-in Margin: Planning for creative downtime and family (like my Nature Club and homeschool days!) so you have the energy to serve your clients at the highest level. You don't need more complexity. You need a simple framework that turns your ideas into consistent income without sacrificing your sanity. Ready to clean out the junk drawer? For just $19, get the templates, the scripts, and the 90-day roadmap to make this your most successful (and restful) year yet.   https://classycareergirl.thrivecart.com/high-conversion-marketing-bootcamp/

Melanie Smith runs TWO businesses simultaneously: A Recruiting & Staffing Agency (TRG) A Coaching & Consulting Business AND she is finishing her undergrad degree. AND she is a mom. If anyone had an excuse to say "I don't have time," it was Melanie. But she joined the Classy Career Girl® Career Coach Certification anyway. Why? Because she needed structure to stop the overwhelm. Before certification: She was "serving everyone" and felt scattered between her two businesses. After certification: She has a clear "Recruiting Lane" and a "Coaching Lane." She uses the 90-day planning method to manage her time and has successfully launched sold-out VIP days. Melanie's advice? "We have a lot of issues with 'starting over,' but when I really look at it... you get to take all that experience with you and turn it into purpose." Don't let "busy" keep you from "fulfilled." Congratulations on your graduation, Melanie! We are so proud to have you representing CCG in Turks and Caicos! To learn more visit: https://www.classycareergirl.com/certification-waitlist #CareerAdvice #MidCareer #Entrepreneur #CareerCoach#Inspiration