The Inspired Guide

To all of my American listeners, Happy Thanksgiving! In honor of this day, I have a short episode on gratitude. Have a listen. Mentioned in this episode:  The Joy Junkie Your Kick-Ass Life Why So Serious Le vital corps Salon The Divorce Survival Guide

I'm baaack! After a mid-month break, I am back with new episodes. Today, I answer the question, "Hey Darlene, do I need a podcast in order to be a podcast service provider? For example, if you are web designer, you should have a well designed website. Or if you offer social media services, you should have an active social media presence. What about podcasting?"    

It's the weekend, therefore I am taking a break from the, "Let's Talk About Podcasting" Series. All business and no fun, makes for a pretty boring podcast. At least in my opinion. Today, I have a confession to share - I am obsessed with Trader Joe's!  You'll find out why I became obsessed and how often I went to the store this past week.  The podcasting Q&A series will return with the final question, tomorrow!     

Today I am answering the question, "What is your biggest podcasting pet peeve?" And, I actually have two of them. Tune in to find out! 

Today I answer the podcasting question, "Hey Darlene, is there a best time to evolve your podcast to including guest interviews and how do I ensure a quality recording for that? Are there platforms you'd recommend? For example, I use Zoom for client sessions but I'm not sure how the quality would be for a podcast. Thanks so much!" In this episode, I will: Share the pros and cons of having guests on your podcast Introduce the double-ender, for best audio quality Offer best practices for conducting remote podcast interviews Resources from this episode: Online SchedulersAcuity Calendly Doodle Remote Interview Web-Apps Zoom Zencastr Squadcast Setting up Zoom for Individual Track Recording (Video Coming Soon!)

Today I am answering a two-part question on having the confidence to start a podcast! The question I received was:  What would you say to someone who wants to start a podcast but doesn't really have an audience? Or someone who wants to start a podcast but we know it's not going to be perfect and they're rather stuck in the overthinking or brainstorming around the podcast but not taking the leap to put it out into the world? Tune in to hear my answers. They might (or might not) surprise you. Resources mentioned in this episode: Promoting Your Podcast Tip Sheet    

Welcome to Podcast Week on the Inspired Guide. This week I am answering all of your burning podcast creation and listening questions.  Today I am answering two questions. One comes from the podcaster perspective and the other from the perspective of a potential podcast listener: First up, "What are podcast directories and do I need one?" And then, "If I'm a newbie to podcast listening, which is the best way in? I hear on the radio things like, 'Listen to us on Stitcher, SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts.' Is one better than the others?" For podcasters: My answers include the difference between podcast directories and podcast apps. As well as, which podcast apps podcasters should be submitting their show.  For podcast listeners: I share my thoughts on the best way to start listening to podcasts, which apps to use and more. If you are ready to start listening to podcasts or want to educate your listeners on how to find your show - tune in!  Resources from this episode: What Every Podcast Should Have: An RSS Feed Apple Podcasts Stitcher Google Play Spotify TuneIn SoundCloud ListenNotes.com IMDB  

In this episode we are talking with Master Certified Confidence Coach, Jackie Gartman.  We cover perfectionism, confidence vs. competence, and teaching our children self-compassion through the example we set. We also discussed: Calming the negative voices in our head (lizard brain) Self-promotion as women business owners Jackie's Confidence Quiz Join us as Jackie shares her tips and strategies for blocking limiting beliefs and boosting our personal and professional confidence.  Want to learn more?  You can find Jackie on her website.

Today's episode was inspired by one of my clients who will post jokes or other content meant to interrupt the status quo. Usually these interrupters are funny in nature. In fact, oftentimes, they are a bad joke meant to put a smile on your face. She's a communication and public speaking coach - so you can also think of them as a great ice breaker or nerve buster. So in my homage to my client, I bring to my my best kept secret. And this one, friends, is all in the delivery. Did I nail it or should I keep practicing (I suspect the latter)? Happy weekend!  Resources from this episode: SpeakWells on Instagram

Today I have a little check-in about the first week of my 30 Day podcast episode challenge. And then I share what the upcoming weeks' themes are going to be. Tune in to find out what you can expect from The Inspired Guide podcast over the next 3 weeks.   

Today I answer the question, "How did I get started with running and races? And how has it impacted my life."  

Are you looking to start a podcast or wondering what the benefits of starting one happen to be? In today's episode I share four benefits f podcasting, plus who should start a podcast. You'll hear me talk about versatility of consumption, creating connection, establishing expertise and more.  And, yep, I'll be back again tomorrow with another episode of The Inspired Guide. Until then, stay inspired!

Today I answer the question, "What would you be doing if you weren't a podcast producer, consultant, and writer?" I also share a story of how one of my besties decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, 25 years after graduating high school. Plus, I turn the tables and ask you to ponder this question, "Are YOU living your dream?"  Resources from this episode: Jeremiah and the Big Bright Orb Lab TechnologistChild Life Specialist

In this episode I talk about inspired action as the underlying theme for the month long roll out of episodes. Plus, I share what inspired me to start podcasting (waaay back in May 2008).  Resources from this episode: The original home of my first podcast (FYI: the links to audio are all dead now - but stay tuned for future episodes of The Inspired Guide, as I will be sharing them as part of a special Legacy Series). 

Another day, another episode to share in my month long challenge of posting one new podcast episode a day. Since it's been a minute since I last produced a podcast episode, I thought this episode would be a good one to get reacquainted. My client, Andrea over at YourKickAssLife.com, sent me a bunch of questions that I thought lent themselves nicely to an AMA style episode.  Today, you'll hear me answer questions like: What is your favorite holiday?  Are you afraid of clowns?  What is your favorite podcast? And, you'll finally get the answer to the burning question, "Do you wash your body first or your hair first when you shower?" This episode is a mixed bag of all things Darlene. Buckle up and enjoy!         

Hey there, Inspired Guide listeners. I'm baack! All you've seen around these parts for the last year or so are tumbleweeds and cobwebs.  But, that's about to change. For the month of November, I am coming out of hiatus. Oh and it's not just to produce 1 or 2 episodes. Nope, I am going to produce episodes for 30 days in.a.row. As one of my clients so eloquently commented, when advising her of my endeavor, "Holy ambitious, Batwoman!" Yep. I decided to participate in a month long challenge where I have to post one podcast episode a day. While this task won't be easy, it's an important one.  Why? I've been wanting to re-launch my podcast for some time. And well, life (and excuses) keep getting in my way. So this challenge is the kick in the booty I need to take action - inspired action. And that's what this podcast, The Inspired Guide is all about. And if your own host and cheerleader for all things inspired can't be inspired to get up and dance (ahem, podcast), well, then I don't know what to tell you. Join me for a month long adventure where I will discuss all things podcasting, business, my adoption journey and more. Let's go!

In the first guest interview episode of Season 4, I speak with Andrea Owen, founder of YourKickAssLife.com, author, certified life coach and host of Your Kick-Ass Life Podcast. She is also the new proud mama-author (Yes, that's not a real term, I made it up. It fits.) of the book, How To Stop Feeling Like Shit: 14 Habits That Are Holding You Back From Happiness.  In this episode we talk about just some of the habits she goes into in her newest book. Such as, managing your inner critic, the impostor complex, keeping up with the Joneses, and more. Life can be hard and Andrea's mission is to help women feel less alone.  Inspiring topics in this episode include: How Andrea went from total meltdown in 2006 to certified life coach and author of two books Ways to managing your inner critic Talking to yourself more kindly How to stop isolating and hiding out when things get rough Compare and Despair (aka keeping up with the Joneses) Plus, find out what Cha-Cha DiGregorio has to do with it all (or most of it) For more information visit: http://dvpodcasts.com/podcasts  

As of January 2018, The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide is now The Inspired Guide Podcast. The overall premise for the podcast remains very much the same. However, as women we wear many hats. We're not just entrepreneurs, we're also mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, runners, bakers, etc. You get the idea. In September 2016, I added the title of mother to my list of credentials (personal and professional). As a new mother,  all of the things happening in the world made me think longer and harder about all of the "what if's" that could occur if we don't take action, now. I want to give you more encouragement and more support. In order to do that, I felt the pull to broaden this podcast's scope just a bit.  The Inspired Guide will focus on supporting and encouraging women in their quest to follow a path that feels right and makes them feel whole, without regret, and inspires them to stand proud as the person they are or working to become. The format will be one half interview series and one half anecdotes or experiences from my own life.   Stop Dreaming, Start Doing is still the motto. A new interview will be airing soon. Stay tuned!

So you want to become a Virtual Assistant? The decision can be scary and exciting. It can also be confusing and overwhelming. In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Jenifer De La Garza of Administrative Support Group (and one of my besties) about starting a Virtual Assistant Business. Jenifer also unveils a fantastic opportunity for a select few that are serious about starting a VA business, but need some help with laying the groundwork for starting a business. Show Notes: http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired  

This month on the Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide, I am joined by my friend and fellow work at home mom, Jenifer De La Garza. Jenifer is the owner of Administrative Support Group. She's been working from home for over 10 years and is the proud mama of six beautiful children. In this episode, Jenifer and I have our first "mom session". Much like Sanity Sessions with Christina, mom sessions are episodes in which two work at home mamas come together and get real about the topic at hand.  In this episode you'll hear us "mom sess." about the following: -The challenges of being a work at home mom -Homeschooling children and working from home -While there are challenges, rewards rank so much higher and we chat about that -Painting, Quilting and Running - how they keep us sane:) -Impromptu chit-chat from my 9 month old son (you have been warned) And more!    

In this episode of The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide podcast, I talk about self-confidence. In order to start a business, you do need some amount of confidence to simply get going. A bit of self-confidence and courage, go a long way. In this episode I'll break things down as follows: Share insights on ways to help you build self-confidence Share a personal story about how my own self-confidence journey and how it waned, early on Provide some resources for you to work on your own confidence and inner critic. Offer a gentle reminder to you Show notes: http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired  

Are you thinking about starting an e-commerce business or struggling to keep one afloat?  In this episode of The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide, I'll talk with Caroline Balinska and get her tips and tricks for building a successful e-commerce business.  If you're starting or running an online business, these tips will help you create a strategy and make the best use of your resources to get started on the right foot.  We'll also discuss creating your dream lifestyle including: Letting go of things you can't control Looking at the positive in every situation Anticipating the unexpected The importance of marketing Overcoming obstacles Managing a business while traveling Finding your definition of success and Pitfalls to avoid Show notes: http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired  

Hi Inspired Entrepreneurs! This week, I take a break from the co-hosted and interview format to talk to you about success. Specifically, I get down to the nitty gritty of defining success. The keyword in this episode is YOU.  It's time to break away from traditional thinking about what success is or means. Step away what others define success to be and come up with your own definition. It will be freeing and heck, maybe a bit inspiring (at least, that's my hope).   In this episode I'll break things down, as follows: My definition of success and how it's changed from over 20 years ago. The one thing you must stop doing The ever-evolving state of your definition of success And, more! Show notes: http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired/024  

In this Sanity Session, Christina and I will update you on our business adventures.  We'll be discussing the creative process, where and when the process happens best, and we'll dive in and discuss what to do when that creative juice just stops flowing.  If you're struggling to keep ideas flowing in your business, listen to this episode to learn how to reinvigorate your business with new ideas and avoid the burnout and frustration that come with stagnation.    Show notes: http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired/23      

Welcome back everybody to the Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide, the podcast that encourages you to stop dreaming and start doing.  After a  short hiatus, new episodes are back! You can expect to hear new episodes about one-two times per month. In this episode, we're covering a topic that I'm deeply passionate about - Customer Service and Experience.  You will learn the importance of defining your ideal client and how it may affect your overall customer experience. More importantly, how you can increase your odds of getting good quality referrals.  Here to help me with this topic is my special guest, Yanique Grant. Yanique is a professional speaker with a Bachelor's Degree in hospitality and tourism management and a certificate in International Customer Service.  She's the host of the podcast, Navigating the Customer Experience and offers professional coaching and workshops on customer service and leadership so businesses and their teams can develop the skills they need in order to succeed. Show notes: http://dvpodcasts.com/inspired/022  

I am very excited to bring to you a new format to the Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide podcast series. Once a month you'll be treated to a co-hosted episode featuring myself and my good friend, Christina Nelson. Christina and I met about 7-8 years ago on the Virtual Assistant Forums. Since then, we've become a support system for each other in our business and life. If I have a business idea, Christina is typically the first person I'll email. And, she does the same! So it only made sense, that when I decided I wanted to do a co-hosted series, Christina was my first choice!  In this inaugural co-hosted episode, Christina and I chat about entrepreneurial ideas, which is fitting. As an entrepreneur, ideas will come to you. Some you may decide to follow, others will just sit on the back-burner and percolate, and others you just won't know what to do with them. For full show notes and links, visit http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired

To kick off my guest interviews of Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide podcast, I spoke with Kyle Hunt of Remodel Your Marketing. During our chat we discussed why he started his business, his support system, challenges he had to overcome and decisions that helped his business thrive and grow. Some key points from this episode include: Running a business is like running a marathon, not a sprint Accountability with mastermind groups or coaches Narrowing your target market  Kyle offers one marketing tip you can utilize in your business right now And, a lot more! For show notes and more, visit http://www.dvpodcasts.com/inspired

For full show notes visit: http://dvpodcasts.com/inspired This is the first episode of The Inspired Entrepreneur's Guide podcast. To say I am thrilled for this podcast launch is an understatement. I've created podcasts over the years, but none have resonated with me quite like my first podcast series, A Virtual Perception (AVP). Until now, that is.  It's like I've been away from home for so long, and I just got back. My heart feels full, again.   I cannot wait to share with you the inspiring interviews already recorded, as well as, future interviews yet to be produced. For those that have listened to AVP, think of this like AVP 2.0. It sure feels good to be back.  In this first episode, I share you with why I started  the series and what you can expect from future episodes. It's short and sweet.  Hopefully my exuberance comes through!