Podcast appearances and mentions of esther littlefield

Rebecca is joined by Esther Littlefield to chat all about Chapter 2 of Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. Esther is a mom, marketing strategist & business coach, and podcaster. She's been a leader all of her life, but didn't realize it until well into adulthood. After struggling with insecurity and questioning her own gifts for so many years, God finally showed her how to walk in the confidence that is grounded in Him. You can connect with Esther at www.estherlittlefield.com. Rebecca and Esther chat about: How God leads the path for our "next logical step of obedience" The promise of God's wisdom in James 1 Lessons God has taught Esther in seasons when she's tried something new Deferred obedience His glory is the goal and His presence is the prize _______________________________ PSSSSSST! Did you know that Rebecca's debut book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl is available wherever books are sold? If you're ready to… See your gifts and talents from a gospel-centered perspective. Prioritize goals related to your calling as you move forward with gumption and grace. Maximize your passions in the work you do every day. Actively partner with God to serve Him and love others. Overcome negative thought patterns so you can brainstorm, develop, and create with the confidence of a go-getter girl! …then order today at the link here! Each chapter includes prayer prompts, Scripture for further study, questions for reflection, action steps to move your goal forward, and accompanying videos (for individuals or small groups). So grab a friend (or 8) and let's use God's Word as our compass to “do the thing”. After all, if not now…when?

Hey friends! Welcome back to Just One Simple Thing. With this episode, we are starting a new series about how to take your next step. I'm not talking about taking your first step ... we covered that way back in Episodes 8 -10. I'm talking more about the next step that is going to move you to a new place in your ministry or business. It may seem like a collection of odds and ends, but most of the things we'll cover in this series are easier to implement than you think and can make a big difference. I was recently listening to a podcast from Natalie Gingrich ... The Ops Authority. Natalie was sharing some spicy takes on advice she's heard from influencers she follows. Her comments on social media were especially interesting.  She said that service providers don't need a large social media following. Instead, they need to focus on making connections.You can listen to all of her comments on the Ops Authority Podcast, episode 191.The problem is that most of us are introverts.So what's an introverted communicator to do to grow her network?1. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.Nothing worth building comes easy. In order to grow your ministry or business AND yourself, you'll have to do hard things that are uncomfortable.2. Look for common ground instead of cold calls.As an introvert trying to connect, the biggest fear is that someone will think you are bugging them. But when you start with common ground, there is a natural attraction that makes the connection intriguing instead of inconvenient.If you want to learn more about making connections that will grow your ministry or business, check out Esther Littlefield's Consistent Clients Challenge.3. Find common ground in a community.Group conversations like this happen in masterminds, at conferences, around the table at writers guild meetings. If you are taking part in any of these things, don't sleep on the networking time.Find a structured networking event, where each person gets a chance to share something specific,I promise you will walk away with a new connection.  It may seem counterintuitive for an insecure introvert with imposter syndrome to go meet with a bunch of other people. I mean, isn't that where comparison and doubt can take hold? Maybe. But it's also where you realize you aren't alone on this journey ... where other people struggle with some of the same things you do ... where you have something to offer that may help someone else. Where the seeds of connection are planted.ACTION STEPGrab a sheet of paper and write down 5 people that you want to connect with. Then list what common ground you have and what groups or events you might experience with them.Make a plan to connect with at least one of them this week. Message me on FB or IG @doanewthing and let me know how it goes!That's the first of the Next Step series ... making connections, even if you are an introvert. Join me in the next episode, where we'll talk about how to influence people to do what you want them to do. Curious? Go grab a friend and meet me back here.RESOURCESThe Ops Authority Podcast Episode 191 –I'm Taking a StandConsistent Clients Challenge++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Esther and I have a lot in common, but most of all we can get on our lil soapboxes about how we've been reached out to when someone is pitching themselves to be on our podcast. We are allll about bringing you value with some lighthearted fun mixed in with what NOT to do when Pitching Yourself to Be on a Podcast! It's like Top 10 with Wren! Register for Esther's “The Results Code” Workshop here   Connect with Esther: - Explore her website at estherlittlefield.com - On Instagram: @estherlittlefield - On Facebook: @estherlittlefield - And her podcasts: Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and Christian Women Business Podcast   Let's connect: Instagram: www.instagram.com/wrenrobbinscoach FB: www.facebook.com/wrenrobbinspodcastcoaching Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/wrenrobbinspodcastcoaching Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/wrenrobbinspodcastcoach YouTube: www.youtube.com/wrenrobbinspodcastcoaching8605 Grab this FREE download: BEFORE YOU START YOUR PODCAST www.wrenrobbins.com/beforeyoustart

Have you ever felt a nudge from God to pivot in your current calling but wonder where the clients are going to come from? Today's episode with special guest, Esther Littlefield, is so rich in wisdom and practical ways to continue to grow into who God's created you to be as an entrepreneur.  From VA to Business Coach to podcasting, Esther shares her journey of becoming a CEO and shares some of her best tips to overcome imposter syndrome, grow your business without striving, and take action even when you're afraid.  This conversation is a goodie! Pop in your earbuds and get ready to be encouraged and inspired by today's episode between Esther and I. If it speaks to you, we'd be so grateful if you share it with your entrepreneur friends and be sure to tag us.  Want to connect with Esther? Website: https://estherlittlefield.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherdlittlefield/ Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Christian Woman Business Podcast Esther Littlefield is a marketing strategist & business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She's the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping clients elevate their marketing strategy, find clarity and focus, and create irresistible offers so that they can create a thriving business that allows them to live their ideal life. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ, Golden Retriever Allie, cats Daisy & Zoe, and leopard gecko. Want to connect with Heather? hello@heathershriverburns.com

Hey Friend, Do you want to increase your confidence as a woman of faith growing a business? Here are 3 steps to fostering biblical confidence! It's time to show up confidently in your calling and rise into the woman of purpose you already are. I pray this blesses you, Stef   FREE WORKSHOPS: Get Clarity on Your Calling so You Can Confidently Start Your Online Business: www.freeclarityworkshop.com How to Build a Successful Online Business in Less Than 2 Hours a Week Using Podcasting: www.podcastforgrowth.com   FREE DOWNLOADS: Complete Podcast Launch Checklist + Start a Podcast Toolkit www.thepodcastlaunchchecklist.com Should You Start a Podcast Quiz www.startapodcastquiz.com 13 Steps to Start an Online Business Checklist www.completebusinessblueprint.com 7-Step Spiritual Battle Plan from Psalms 18 www.stefaniegass.com/battleplan   FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: www.stefgasscommunity.com   THE STEFANIE GASS SCHOOL: Step 1: Get Clear on Your Calling and Build a Business Plan in 30 Days www.clarifyyourcallingcourse.com Step 2: Start & Launch a Successful Podcast www.podcastprouniversity.com Step 3: Monetize & Scale your Podcast Using Courses and Coaching www.podcasttoprofitmastermind.com    CONTACT US: support@stefaniegass.com

What do you need to do in order to have a great launch? Is there a formula for guaranteed success, or is it all just one big shot in the dark every time you launch?We're wrapping up our mini series on launching with a special episode. You'll hear a conversation between my friend Esther Littlefield and I all about how to have your best launch ever. You'll learn the3 essentials to having a successful launch... including one that you may have overlooked in the past. Oh, and be sure to stick around to the end of our conversation for a special time-sensitive announcement!Over the past 6 years, we've launched everything from coaching to services to freebies to courses and memberships... and we've had some launches that completely flopped, and others that flourished. After years of being behind the scenes of dozens of launches PLUS doing several of our own launches, we've learned that every successful launch must have 2 key components: A solid marketing strategy AND clear launch plan.That's why last summer, we created the Level Up Your Launch Method and taught it inside of a masterclass. But over the past year, we've talked with our community members and clients and we realized when you have to go through the launch process alone, it can be really tough. We realized that there's one more key ingredient, aside from a strategy and a plan, that will supercharge a launch: support.There are 3 main types of support that you could benefit from in your launch:1. A guide / coach / mentor2. Accountability3. Community / friends / biz bestiesWe've learned that anyone can develop a strategy and create their launch plan-especially if they use our Level Up Your Launch method. And you CAN have a successful launch on your own. BUT it's a whole lot more fun, and it's often more successful, when you do it with support.So now you know what you need in order to have your best launch ever. But we wanted to find a way to support you even more. We both have students and clients who are often looking for that added support to get their launch accomplished. So we have created Level up Your Launch LIVE -An 8 week guided experience to your best launch ever!Level Up Your Launch LIVE will help you:Feel confident that your offer and marketing strategy will appeal to your community (instead of launching something that might not be what your community needs)Be prepared and equipped to complete the tasks necessary to get your launch out the door (instead of randomly doing tasks that may or may not be important)Actually enjoy the launch process (instead of feeling lonely and confused)Learn more about what is included in Level Up Your Launch Live here.++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

How long does it take to prepare for the launch of a new product or service? It really depends on what you are launching. In Episode 69 of Just One Simple Thing, I'll give you some rough guidelines so you can start thinking about your launch plan.If you are planning to launch something in the Fall, it's time to start thinking about your plan now.Your launch will be as unique as you are ... a combination of your personality, experience, and resources. I like to compare a launch to the last instructions Jesus gave his followers in Acts 1:6. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,and to the ends of the earth.” Amazing things can happen when you surrender your message, gifts, and skills to the power of the Holy Spirit. But there is also an orderly, logical process for spreading that message and using those gifts.So to figure out how long you need to launch a product or service, we'll work our way backwards from your launch date. Let's start with how long the cart should stay open. For a standalone low-or medium-cost course or product, the cart is usually open 5 –7 days.Before the cart or registration opens, you want to be preparing your audience for your offer. This could include blog posts, podcast episodes, emails, or social media content that highlights a specific pain point and helps your audience envision what life would look like if this problem was solved. You want to share this kind of content for 2–4 weeks before your offer is open.Another common launch strategy is to build your email list prior to your launch by offering a subscriber freebie related to the content of your offer. This should be done 4 –6 weeks before your open cart, because you want time for those new people to get the freebie, then get through your welcome sequence and establish a relationship with you before your launch.If you are planning to work with affiliates who will earn a percentage of sales they refer to you, you should start lining those up around 6 weeks before the launch.And before you can do any of those things, you need a clear marketing message for your offer, so the first draft of your sales page copy should be done about 8 weeks before your launch.You certainly don't need to do allllll of those things and these are just rough guidelines, but when you add it all up ....2-3 weeks of pre-launch content 2 –4 weeks of list building2 weeks of messaging and copy writingThat's about 8 weeks! It is definitely not too soon to be thinking about your fall launch.ACTION STEP:My friend Esther Littlefield and I created an assessment to help you decide if your business or ministry is ready to launch something new. Take the assessment here, and then let me know what your results are. You can tag me or message me at @doanewthing on FB or IG.  RESOURCES:Episode 85 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast –All About Launching!Sales Copy Shortcut –My favorite resource for quickly creating powerful sales copy.++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

There is a lot of talk going around right now about stepping away from social media, either for an extended break, or for good. Is that the right decision for you and your ministry or business? In Episode 64 of Just One Simple Thing, you'll learn four things to consider as you make that decision, and a special word of encouragement for those who feel the Lord leading them to stay on social media.Today's episode is inspired by what's been happening over in my Instagram stories. If you have been following me there @doanewthing, you may have seen me sharing about a podcast episode from my friend Esther Littlefield. In Episode 80 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast, Esther answered a question that's been circulating among Christian business and ministry leaders for a while, but really amped up in recent weeks. “Can You Grow A Business Without Social Media? (And if so, should you?)”As our world grows more divided and volatile, and the words used on social media become more harsh (even among Christians), more and more people are asking themselves (and God) if they should stay online or go.There are four reasons that I hear (or feel) most often.The barrage of information and harsh opinions triggers anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.  If you need to step away in order to support your mental health, then by all means, do so. But first, you may want to try some of the apps or browser extensions that help you manage your news feed if that's what is affecting you.Overwhelmed by the pressure to show up all the time to engage and constantly create new posts, reels, and videos. It can definitely eat up a ton of time and energy.   Keep in mind that YOU decide how often and what you post. Take in the expert advice, and then do what fits in YOUR life, for YOUR business, and for YOUR audience.A prompting from God for rest and obedience. Sometimes God calls us away from what we are doing so we can quiet all the noise and hear more clearly from him.You've been influenced by the influencers.  When we see other people we love and respect making this decision for their business or ministry, we can feel guilty about staying. We feel less spiritually mature, or not as close to God. If you've settled this between you and the Lord ... if you feel like social media is where God wants you to show up and serve people with your gift, to connect with people you can help, then you don't have to feel bad about that at all.ACTION STEPThe most important action we can take on this topic is to pray. Spend some time with the Lord and allow him to examine your relationship with social media. Do you need to make some adjustments? Incorporate some tools or processes that make it a healthy place to show up? Or is it time to take a break and build your business or ministry in a different way?RESOURCESEpisode 80 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast: Can You Grow a Business Without Social Media? (And if so, should you?)Don't Go Naked On Social Media - Do A New Thing blog postKill News Feed Chrome extension.++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

What happens when friends journey through business together? When they are uniquely involved in each other's businesses, how can you keep the businesses and friendship thriving?  Today I am joined by a partner in business, my business bestie who has been with me since the very beginning, Esther Littlefield. I thought it would be fun to have an organic conversation about what it has been like to grow this business together and how she is embarking on her own adventure.  For full show notes, visit www.theopsauthority.com/podcast/144.

When Esther started UpLift, a mastermind program for women, she created a faith-based program she wished she had when she was struggling and growing her business. Esther loves bringing women together and creating a space where they can truly connect and grow. In this episode, Esther shares her transformation from being the shyest girl you'd ever meet to a confident woman. She now leads others to not only grow their businesses but also thrive in the process.Esther's story shows perseverance in the wake of tragedy, stepping out and trying new things, and even poses a challenge for our social media strategy. Hint: do people even know what you offer? Tangible Takeaways:Open up to a supportive community and be vulnerable. You don't have to build your business alone.Even if you're shy, you can learn to speak with confidence!Do that scary thing you know you are capable of. Take that first step and see what happens.Planners: you have the freedom to be strategically spontaneous! If you want people to work with you, you have to talk about it. You have to put yourself out there so they actually know what you do! About Esther:Esther Littlefield is a marketing strategist & business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She's the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast.She is passionate about helping clients cut through the confusion, find clarity, and develop confidence in their marketing strategy so that they can focus on what will truly help them create a business (and life) they love.Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ, Golden Retriever Allie, cats Daisy & Zoe, and leopard gecko. Connect with Esther:Website: https://estherlittlefield.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estherlittlefield Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherdlittlefield/Podcasts: Christian Woman Business Podcast & Christian Woman Leadership Podcast About me:Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen's style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients). Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsultingFacebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Clubhouse: @karenlaosEpisodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

We are celebrating the 1 year birthday of the podcast!  In this special episode,  I thought you might be curious to know which episodes have been the most popular. And I want to share a few things  I've learned about you!The most downloaded episode is an early one .. Episode 4: The 5 P's of Decision Making. And other episodes about making decisions, like Episode 3 and Episode 50, were also popular.The episodes with the highest engagement (meaning people are listening to them more than once) are Episode 25: 4 Reasons God's Plans Are Betterand and  Episode 21: Creating a Presence that Makes God Famous. That is a powerful statistic. The ones you listen to over and over remind us that it's not about us ... it's about what God is doing with our gifts and talents. Episode 34: Are You Building a Platform or Cultivating a Community had the most downloads in the first seven days. As I said in that episode, a platform is something you stand on and a community is something you stand in, and I love standing in community with you.The last episode, about 10 ways to use sticky notes,  almost caught up for 7 day downloads. Y'all love the office supplies .... Especially the sticky notes! Which leads me to Ruthie's favorite episode ... the early one about mind mapping and using the little post-it notes. That was Episode 12: Brainstorming Methods that Really Work.Cassie is a newish listener who said she loves the podcast because it is so actionable and there's no fluff.  Laura said Episode 48 really hit home with her. That was the one about overcoming shiny object syndrome.Jamie's favorite episode was number 40, about setting PEACE goals instead of SMART goals.Michele said, “When I need a calming and sound voice I can depend on your podcast to help me not be overwhelmed with all the things.”  We are all about ditching the overwhelm and using gifts and talents in ways that serve people and honor God. Let's do it for another year, okay?ACTION STEPIf you are listening in real time.. the week of March 28, 2022, share this episode, or another  favorite on your social media and invite a friend to listen ... be sure to tag me @doanewthing. Or leave an honest review to let others know how the podcast has helped you. At the end of the week, I'll choose three shares or reviews to win Starbucks gift cards. I can't wait to hear from you!RESOURCES:Maybe this episode has inspired you to start your own podcast!  I know you have important things to say!  I learned everything I needed to know to get started from Esther Littlefield's Podcast in A Weekend course.  It simplified the decisions and guided me step by step to the launch.  Grab your copy here.Book Recommendation: Moving Forward:  Inspiration for the Go Getter Jesus Girl by me!++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know that the big talk in the podcasting world is about the Spotify / Joe Rogan controversy. Musicians and some podcasters are removing their content from the platform because of misinformation and racially inflammatory language on his hugely successful podcast. And the debate is now filtering down to independent podcasters and guests. With that in mind, this is less of our usual "How to…" episode and more of a "How do…" episode - as in, how do we choose guesting opportunities (and guests) that align with our values? And if we disagree, how do we do this in a respectful way that allows for a variety of opinions but isn't harmful to audiences? Walking through these matters with me is Esther Littlefield, a marketing strategist & business coach, and the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and Christian Woman Business Podcast. Esther is passionate about helping clients cut through the confusion and find clarity, so I thought she'd be the perfect person to join me on a deep dive through all of these issues! Topics covered include: Esther's work as a marketing strategist and business coach, and how podcasting has become a big part of her life and business Some background about the Joe Rogan controversy, and our feelings about his content and Spotify as a platform Esther's experiences of different perspectives and opinions on her faith-based podcasts - are disagreements and differences of opinion a bad thing? As guests - how to ensure that the opportunity is aligned with your goals and that you have a connection with the host For podcast hosts - would you censor if you 100% did not agree with a guest? When does censorship become Producing? Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/spotify-joe-rogan-news-affect-business

Have you ever paused to consider if you're fully using your gifts and abilities? Do you go after what most fulfills your passions and desires? Today, Esther Littlefield and I talk about what it means to pursue the ideal life. Not perfect, not utopia, but ideal.

It's the beginning of a new year, which means new ideas, new goals, new directions.  And maybe it means new approaches to building your business or ministry. This week, I'm kicking off the Business Builders series. We start makin strategic investments in your work in the areas of coaching, memberships, and training events. You've probably been looking ahead at the new year, setting goals and making plans.  If this is the year you are committed to taking things to the next level, this Business Builders series is for you.  But wait … you might be saying “I'm a ministry, or a writer, or a podcast … not a business … I don't have any plans to sell products or become a business.” Well, here's an extra tip for you … if you'll treat your ministry, writing, or podcast LIKE a business, it will grow faster and you'll have the opportunity to share your passionate message with more people.  So I think there is a lot here for you in these business-building principles. In this episode, I want to focus on coaching-related investments because I've seen that this is one area where people often put off spending money. My favorite example of coaching in the Bible is the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro.  In Exodus, chapter 8. Jethro looked over the situation and quickly knew that Moses needed help.  He laid out a simple plan for Moses to delegate the tasks to other trusted men, so he could spend time on the big things related to accomplishing their mission.What is coaching?Coaching is basically when someone shares what they know to help you get where you want to go.  When do you need a coach?When you have reached the end of what you know or can do on your own.When you need help making decisions.When you feel stuck and overwhelmed.Tips for choosing a coach.Know your own objectives.Make sure your coach is qualified in the area you need help and teaching at your level.  Understand how they will communicate with you. Make sure you can afford it.ACTION STEPS:Look over your needs and goals for this year and decide what type of coaching support will help you move the needle to success.  I have openings in my one-on-one accountability coaching and my Move Forward Mastermind group coaching program.  I'd be glad to chat with you about either of those options, or recommend another one of my coaching friends if you need something different.  You can sign up for a free call here:  DEFINE CALL RESOURCES:In addition to my Move Forward Mastermind, these are some of my favorite group coaching programs for people growing ministries or businesses online:Esther Littlefield's UpLIFT Mentormind - For motivated, multi-passionate Christian business women who want to find their sweet spot, optimize their marketing, and reach their financial goals.  Alli Worthington's The Coach School:  A 12 week program that takes the mystery out of how to grow a successful coaching businessBook Recommendation:  Dream Come True: A Practical Guide to Pursue the Adventure God Has For You by Jenny Randle++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Have you ever been frustrated when you've launched something and no one seemed to want to buy it?I have a secret for you: growing an audience is the wrong goal.Join me for this fun conversation with Esther Littlefield in Episode 37 of Just One Simple Thing as we talk about how to grow a community instead .... And not just any community, but a community that buys or buys in.If you are a regular listener of Just One Simple Thing or the Christian Woman Business podcast, you know that we've both been talking about creating a community instead of an audience or a platform. We've covered the value of focusing on community over platform or audience; the benefits of community, receiving from your community, and we've shared some conversations with others who have built communities on various platforms. And now,we want to share with you HOW to cultivate your community.But before we get there, we want to give you a little more context.We've been through some of the struggles of building a business.We believed we had to reach a lot of people in order to make a difference or earn an income.But after 6+ years in the online space, we have come to recognize 2 things:1.You don't need a huge audience to make an impact.2.When your focus is on growing an audience, it can be incredibly draining and it can keep you from doing the work you're meant to do.The solution is really quite simple:Focus on cultivating a community rather than building an audience or platform.We've discovered a philosophy that forms the foundation of strong communities.The Cultivate Your Community PhilosophyCommunity is built one person at a time.As Christians, we value people over profitsA thriving community provides value to all members, not just the founder or leaderIt's okay to charge for the time invested & value you bring to your community / people value what they invest in.When you have invested in your community, they are excited to pay you to help solve their problems.It's better to grow deep roots before trying to grow wide.Applying this philosophy is similar to growing a healthy garden. So we want to share with you what we have termed The Cultivate Method-it's the 4 elements necessary to growing a thriving community.You need good soil -that's the content you create that connects with your community.You need sunlight -that's the conversations you have with your community (and that they have with one another).You need water -that's you showing up with consistencyto keep things growing.And you can grow your garden even faster with fertilizer -that's thecollaborations you create with others.If you do these 4 things, you can build a thriving community that wants to be connected to you and is willing to pay for the products and services you create.Of course, you can take what you've learned from our podcasts and the other resources we've shared, but if you want step-by-step instructions, templates, tools, and scripts, we've created the Cultivate Your Community course. The course will be available over Black Friday (Nov. 26) and we can't wait to get it into your hands. Head over to cultivatecourse.com andif you are listening before Nov. 26, 2021, you'll be able to join the wait list to get a reminder when it is open.++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

A small community can be a powerful catalyst for your business or ministry. But is your small thinking keeping your community small? In this episode, we'll look at three myths about community that result from small thinking, and bust them by looking at community in the early church. The #toughgrace truth is that you can't depend on Google, or social media, or Pinterest to get your great idea in front of people who are going to snap it up.  It doesn't happen that way. You need a following that is going to actually see your offer. And here's a little secret ... if you've built an engaged community, instead of just a following, you can have successful offers without a huge audience. An example of this is my friend Eva Kubasiak, who said on a recent bonus episode that she made her first $1000 when she had less than 1000 followers.  Listen to the bonus episode with Eva here.But just because your community starts small doesn't mean it is best for it to stay small. Throughout this series, we've been looking back at the early church in Acts chapter 2, where it says: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” This verse gives us a  basis to address some of the biggest myths about building a community. Let's see if you have heard or believed any of these myths.1. Community only happens in private groups2. Community only happens in small groups3. Community only happens with high-maintenance effortThese three myths have a common theme ...they are based on small, closed thinking centered on a personality, rather than open, expansive thinking centered on common goals, passions, ideals and messages.ACTION STEPDive into your community and spend time with them. Whether it's in the comments of your public social media posts, your private group, or in your direct messages ... build those strong ties that will connect people with your message.There are two other special opportunities to learn about growing a community that buys or buys in.  Check out the Christian Woman Business podcast with Esther Littlefield, starting at episode 57. And as part of this series on building community, I'm releasing a bonus episodes with some of my friends about how they built communities around their message on different platforms. The next one is with Wren Robbins, who shares how she has built a community through podcasting. You'll be encouraged by our conversation, so be sure to follow the podcast where ever you listen so you don't miss it.RESOURCES Esther Littlefield and I have a new resource coming to help you build a community that buys. Visit the Cultivate Your Community page to sign up and be notified when it is ready!  Book Recommendation: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl by Me!!! (The Find Your People section has some good thoughts about community.)++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

learn more about Esther here: https://estherlittlefield.com/ download the one page business blueprint here: https://www.briandixon.com/blueprint

Esther Littlefield discovered that when she leaned into her talents and gifts, she began to thrive as a mompreneur. She shares how you can do this, too. Shownotes: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-36 FB: facebook.com/thismomknows IG: instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

How can you offer empathy to those who see masks + vaccines differently than you do as well as how to teach your kids empathy in this craziness?  If you've ever felt judged, defensive, or misunderstood because of your COVID choices, OR if you've ever wondered why we're all so hateful to each other online and in-person about masks and vaccines and wonder how we can treat others with kindness, OR if you've never felt more polarized from your family, friends, church, school district, or nation than at this moment in history, you're in the right place. In this episode, we'll break down: What it's like be a human right now  What's going on beneath the surface And practical ways to offer and teach empathy in an unkind world. How to practice empathy in your real life Practice self-compassion.  Before you react to a hurtful comment or passive-aggressive remark, ask yourself if what you're about to say is true, kind, and helpful.  Challenge yourself to be kind twice a day.  Talk with people who have a different perspective than you do. Pray. Pray for those with whom you disagree, that they will be blessed. Ask for forgiveness when you start going into self-righteous, judgy mode.    How to teach empathy to your kids Your kids need to know emotions. They should be able to identify their own emotions and the emotions of others.  Your child needs to know who she is.  Give your kids a good empathetic role model to follow.  Talk to your kids about what's going on.  Share the reasons why your family has made the decisions you have.  Help your kids look for similarities in others who disagree with them. We must ask God for the strength to serve, the power to listen, and the grace to understand the life of another.    Key Quotes Do not discount your weariness or the fact that your brain hurts or that you feel a bit more on edge. We are angry because we are fearful, and our fear wants to be heard and acknowledged, but we have no outlet for it.  We are Kingdom people. Not anti-maskers or pro-vaxx-ers, but Kingdom people who live in the unshakable kingdom of God.  We need Jesus to fill in the gaps when we feel angry and misunderstood. Loving others means listening without judgment. Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Unselfie: Why empathetic kids succeed in our all-about-me world by Michele Borba Inner Critic Challenge How to give yourself compassion even if you think you don't deserve it   Previous Episodes Mentioned #20: Decision-Making in Hard Seasons: When you want certainty and your brain feels full #27: The secret sauce for shaking off fear and living with grace, confidence, and a steadfast heart #41: How to give grace when people's post-election reactions are unkind and hurtful #59: Delete + Reset: Navigating hard conversations with Esther Littlefield #60: The Enneagram + Conflict || Part 1: The Essentials with Jenn Whitmer #62: The Enneagram + Conflict || Part 2: Diving Deep Into Your Type with Jenn Whitmer Here's how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly “the good + the grace” email 

Today we're talking about idea generation for business growth with special guest Esther Littlefield! If you've ever wondered how you can gain ideas to grow your small business and enhance your relationship with your target audience, this is the episode for you. We will discuss just how to do that by pulling ideas from the resources already at your disposal in simple, bite-sized steps. While you're here, check out this stellar Life & Biz Guide for how to create a business that aligns with your faith, values, and goals available FOR FREE on Esther's website by clicking the link below!  https://estherlittlefield.com/ideal Click below for show notes https://ruthiegray.mom/idea-generation-for-business-growth/       Idea generation for business growth       Idea Generation Explained One of your super powers that we have talked about on this podcast is idea generation. I love this term and yet it's so intriguing. Can you explain it?    Esther: It really did take me a while to figure out that this is a super power. I think that's often how it is for us. We do not recognize our super powers because they just come naturally to us.  The concept of idea generation is essentially coming up with ideas and ways to talk about or communicate a concept in a variety of ways. Not everybody is going to understand something the first time you explain it. For some reason, I have the ability to break very complex topics into much smaller pieces.  That's one of the things I love doing with my clients now, whether they're in my programs or just one-on-one, I love working with them on how to help people understand what you're talking about and make it easy for them to say yes to working with you.     Four tips for idea generation Esther: Okay. So I have four tips to idea generation and it's kind of a process that I'd love to share if that's okay with you. Because I think this is a place where people, like I said, they get stuck. They often talk about their topic with the assumption that everybody kind of already understands what they're saying. For most people, if we're an expert in an area or we are specialized in something, most of our community doesn't understand it at the same level. We have to be able to talk about it in terms that they will understand. The first step and the thing I recommend with everybody when you're thinking about content or copy is you've got to get to know your audience.     1. Have REAL conversations You have to get in real conversations with them, and this is absolutely the best way to experience idea generation is real conversations. I actually mean to get on a phone call or get on a zoom call with some of your podcast listeners, some of your members of your community and have real conversations. That's one way, of course, you can also just do this in comments and connections in your Facebook group, or again on Instagram, wherever you're interacting with your community. If you don't have a community yet of your own, say, I only have a hundred people following me on Instagram, or I only have five people in my Facebook group. Well, then you've got to go to other communities and start having those conversations. Be thinking about what is your topic, what is your area of expertise and start looking for opportunities to connect with people and have conversations about their struggles, their challenges, about the things that they love, really anything can be a starting point for content ideas. So that's the first tip is start to get to know your audience for real, rather than just trying to guess what they want to hear about.        2. What problems does your target audience deal with? The second step to keep in mind with idea generation is that as you're doing that, you're building those relationships and getting to know people. Ask yourself what problems do my Ideal listeners and ideal buyers  deal with? What questions are they asking?

Welcome to the very first podcast of Unique on Purpose! Finding victory in how God created you. My very first guest is wife, mom, pastor's wife, marketing strategist & business coach, podcaster. and entrepreneur, Esther Littlefield. Esther's mission is the help women lead with confidence, shine online and amplify their message. After struggling with her own insecurity and questioning her own gifts for so many years, God finally showed her how to walk in the confidence that is grounded in Him. You can find Esther at https://estherlittlefield.com/

Welcome to the very first podcast of Unique on Purpose! Finding victory in how God created you. My very first guest is wife, mom, pastor's wife, marketing strategist & business coach, podcaster. and entrepreneur, Esther Littlefield. Esther's mission is the help women lead with confidence, shine online and amplify their message. After struggling with her own insecurity and questioning her own gifts for so many years, God finally showed her how to walk in the confidence that is grounded in Him. You can find Esther at https://estherlittlefield.com/

Have you ever wanted to start a podcast? Maybe you have a podcast and you are looking for some insider tips. Maybe you listen to podcasts and wonder how they juggle the tensions they hold leading and influencing many. Terra speaks with Esther Littlefield, a business and leadership coach who has years of experience. She offers practical insights and helpful principles to help anyone navigate common pitfalls.   Esther is a marketing strategist and business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She's the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast.   She is passionate about helping women lead with confidence, shine online, and amplify their impact. She works with clients to help them cut through the confusion, find clarity, and develop confidence in their marketing strategy so that they can focus on what will truly help them create a business (and life) they love.   You can find Esther and all of her great resources at: Website: https://estherlittlefield.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/estherlittlefield IG: https://www.instagram.com/estherdlittlefield/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/elittlefield/ Mini-course to help someone start a podcast: http:// podcastinaweekend.com/

So you've just created something new and amazing ... or maybe you are working on a product or service you haven't offered before. Have you thought about creating a launch plan for it? Maybe it is obvious that you want to do a launch for a new course or a book, but there may be some other pieces of your ministry or business that need a launch plan. In Episode 18, I'll share eight things that need a launch plan ... and some might be ones you haven't thought of before. For a few weeks here, we are talking about all things launching.  Last week in Episode 17 I shared what a launch plan is and why you need one, and my friend Esther Littlefield shared on Episode 46 of the Christian Woman Business Podcast what a launch strategy is and why you need one. If you've listened to those, I hope you've learned that a launch plan and strategy aremeant to create interest and excitement around what you are offering. Through the launch period, you'll educate your audience on the problem they are having and how you can help them solve it. So what kind of things need a launch?  I bet it is more than you think. Let's talk about some of them.1.  New Products and Services, Courses, Masterclasses, Webinars2. Memberships3. Books4. Your Subscriber Freebie5. A blog or website rebrand6. A Podcast 7.A Bible StudyAnd this last one may seem a little weird, but ....8.Your affiliate programACTION STEPSo, were there any of those you haven't thought of before?  Just like last week, for your one simple action step, I want you to head over to Esther's Christian Woman Business Podcast and listen to Episode 47 where she is sharing the things that most commonly go wrong during a launch. Then join us in my free Facebook group, Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing, and brainstorm your next launch with us!++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Podcast Summary: I sit down with Esther Littlefield and dive into how anyone can do their online business. She helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses without compromising their faith or values. Esther enables one to shine the light of Christ in your life, leadership, business, and marketing strategy that aligns with you. Listen in on how she started her career and built her marketing strategy business. Key Ideas: Esther's love for strategy, coaching and consulting. Ester podcast course (nation of the strategy and Shortcuts) Launching and building a course for your podcast. Podcast and marketing advice for your online business. About Ester: Esther Littlefield is a marketing strategist & business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She's the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping clients cut through the confusion, find clarity, and develop confidence in their marketing strategy so that they can focus on what will truly help them create a business (and life) they love. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ, Golden Retriever Allie, 2 cats, and 2 leopard geckos. Don't forget to visit Ester here: www.estherlittlefield.com/ She can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at @estherdlittlefield --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when they have something to offer is a lack of having a launch plan. You may think you can create something cool, and then just flip on the switch, and people will come. Unfortunately, that is not the way it happens. In fact, if all you do is flip the switch I can guarantee that your launch is going to flop. In Episode 17 of Just One Simple thing, I'll share how to keep your launch from flopping by having a launch plan.Whether it's a launch for a new product, service, or course, there is one thing all launches have in common: They can flop if you haven't properly prepared for them.Successful launches don't just happen. They require 2 big components to really be effective:A Marketing Strategy AND a Launch Plan.Let's start by looking at the greatest launch plan ever created … the one that Jesus gave the disciples and early church to spread the gospel. In Acts 1, before he ascended to heaven, Jesus ordered the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came to equip them.You need a launch plan because:A time of preparing and equipping before you send out what you created helps you reach as many people as possible.Having a structured launch plan allows you to better manage your time.Your launch plan will identify in advance the resources you need to successfully carry out your launch.Having a launch plan helps you get over the bumps that come with every launch.So now that you are convinced you to need a launch plan, what does one look like? A launch plan is simply having an intentional and focused way to put your amazing creation out into the world. It involves a sequence of activities aimed at educating your audience and helping them decide if your offer is right for them.A launch has a specific beginning and an ending. And there is no “one-size-fits-all” launch plan. You'll create a plan that is fit for the purpose of your offer and what you are able to put into it.Your timeline will vary, but here are some general timing guidelines:The preparation period happens long before you start talking about your new product.  4–6 weeks before the actual launch or open cart.The prelaunch period, where you are educating your audience and creating interest. Can be 2–4 weeks long.For a typical online event (like a masterclass, webinar, or short online retreat), the open cart period will be one to two weeks before the event.For a course, membership, or one-time purchase, the open cart is typically 4–7 days.For something evergreen in nature, like a book, a new podcast, or a journal, the launch promotion period can be 2–3 weeks.Combining the preparation, prelaunch, launch, and open cart periods, your total launch plan may cover up to 8 or 10 weeks. You can see why it is important to start thinking about your launch plan long before you are ready to offer your new thing to the world.ACTION STEP:I told you that your launch needs both a plan and a strategy. My friend Esther Littlefield is sharing what a launch strategy is and why you need one on her Christian Woman Business Podcast, so head over there and listen to Episode 46. If you are planning to launch something soon, come join my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing and tell us about it.++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Launching is hard work. Whether it's a podcast, a business, or a new ministry idea, there's always much to learn, and so so much to do. In Episode 16, I'm sharing the lessons I learned when launching this podcast. Some are specific to podcasts, but some I think will encourage you no matter what you are launching. Here are a few things I learned while launching my podcast:1.  Your Thing Can Be Whatever You Want: Whatever you are trying to start, don't feel boxed in by what you see others doing.  Focus on YOUR people and what they need, not on OTHER people and what they are doing.  Just because something works for someone else, doesn't mean it's right for your audience.2.  Limit the Input: In this case, less was definitely more. I didn't have time, money, or energy to consume information from a lot of different sources. And I know that when we get too much input, it leads to confusion and contradictions.I have several friends in podcast education and support, so I decided to use each one for what I saw they were best at. Here's how I divided it up: Podcast In A Weekend from Esther Littlefield! It is no fluff,  with the basic things you need to get started.Launch Coaching from Wren Robbins  Wren is one of the most enthusiastic, creative people I know, and while she offers a complete range of podcast coaching services, I did just one session with her to map out the launch plan.Tech Support from Ian at Phillip Productions  I wanted to be sure I was doing the best I could from a technical standpoint. Ian was a calm, steady hand that kept me from freaking out when surprises came up along the way.3.  A Plan and Accountability Keep You on Track: My plan wasn't very detailed. Just the first steps at the beginning, and the launch date at the end. As soon as I was pretty comfortable about that launch date, I started telling people about it. No big splashy announcements yet ... just the people I am close to. Accountability was a huge part of launching on time.4.  Involve Your Audience In Your Work: From the  beginning, I wanted my audience to follow along on this journey. We did a fun Podcast Naming Tournament on my Instagram stories that gave me so much insight into how they view me and what they need.By the time I announced the trailer and the actual launch date, they were completely invested and I was confident I was producing something they would love. ACTION STEP:Look at the four lessons I've learned and pick one to implement in your upcoming project plan. You can also head to our Facebook Group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to download a Project Planning Worksheet that helps you think through these things. Tag me on social media @doanewthing using the hashtag #justonesimplething to let me know which one you try!RESOURCES:Four Gospels, Four Audiences By John BarnettBook Recommendation: Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence by Alli Worthington++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

Would you like to become easily referable? How do you stand out in an industry where many people are doing a similar thing?   In this strategy session I'm helping new VA Rachael Sanya get clarity around her offers, visualize and find her ideal client, and refine processes for onboarding and gaining referrals. You'll hear my recommendations for how Rachael can set herself apart from other VAs and become easily referable.    Key Points Discussed: Reflecting on what Rachael likes to do and what she might want to do more of. Creating offers using a common thread of creative services. Figuring out who to work with, and why an ‘ideal client' isn't always apparent right away. Time management, scheduling work days and maintaining boundaries with clients. Rachael's “why” and what motivates her in her work. Moving from hourly wage to retainers and packages. Finding leads and creating an easy pathway for them to become clients. The importance of a website and how to create copy that resonates and helps create a match with clients.   Quotes: “What can happen with clients, is they can think that you are on demand all hours of the day and night.” -Esther Littlefield “It's important for you to be really clear about your boundaries.” -Esther Littlefield “I love how God...takes us on this journey and shows us the path…” -Esther Littlefield “I love the idea of--as a VA--having a specialty.” -Esther Littlefield “Having a website, even if it is just a landing page, increases your credibility a little bit.” -Esther Littlefield “Talk less about yourself and talk more about [the client].” -Esther Littlefield “It's much easier for people to refer you and for you to get clients if you have that speciality you're focusing on.” -Esther Littlefield   Connect with Rachael Sanya: Facebook   Connect with Esther: If this podcast was helpful, consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. Website Subscribe to my other podcast, The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Join the FB group Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Connect on Clubhouse: @estherl   Show notes for this episode can be found at https://christianwomanleadership.com/44

If you were to start over in business, what would you want your business to look like? Does it look anything like what you're currently doing? There are so many reasons we can end up in a business that we are simply not that passionate about, whether it's chasing financial goes or listening to others over God and what we know to be true. In this episode, I'm joined by Esther Littlefield who shares with us her story and practical things she did to navigate having created 2 different businesses that she didn't fully love. We talk about being willing to pivot, spending more time considering what you want your life to look like and questions you can ask yourself that will help align your God-given purpose and passion with the business you're creating.  Esther Littlefield is a marketing strategist & business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She's the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping clients cut through the confusion, find clarity, and develop confidence in their marketing strategy so that they can focus on what will truly help them create a business (and life) they love. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ, Golden Retriever Allie, 2 cats and 2 leopard geckos. Join my FREE social media marketing training >>> https://www.sweetteasocialmarketing.com/freetraining

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the financial side of your business or wondered if you need to hire some help? My guest on this episode is Holly Cain of Prosper Collective, and she's cutting through the confusion around financial services, what exactly different financial professionals do, and when you might need one in your business.  Key Points Discussed: The 4 main financial roles: CPA (Accountant), Bookkeeper, CFO, Financial Planner. What each of these roles might do for your business. Why there is confusion about who does what in the financial sphere. What Holly does in her financial business as a fractional CFO and bookkeeper.  How to know which professional you might need to access and at what stages of business. How to decide if you want to hire out or do things yourself.  How to get in touch with Holly, and her free guide with questions to ask and red flags to look out for when you're considering hiring a financial professional. Grab the guide here. More financial training available inside Esther's new program, upLIFT. Join the upLIFT Info Session on June 7th to get all the details! Visit upliftmentormind.com or text UPLIFT to (207) 544-4103! Quotes: “Do you want to do it, and is it a good use of your time?” -Esther Littlefield “Sometimes we hesitate to admit we don't know.” -Esther Littlefield “It's ok to say ‘I don't know who I need in my business and can you help me figure it out?'” -Esther Littlefield “You got into business because you have a zone of genius in [an] area.” -Holly Cain “Just because you are a business owner doesn't mean you know all the things about business.” -Holly Cain “It's about filling out the team with a really robust amount of knowledge that you may not have, so you have the freedom and the mental space to actually do the thing you know how to do well...I find those people are the most successful in business.” -Holly Cain “Whenever possible, delegating and bringing other people in can make a huge difference.” -Esther Littlefield   Connect with Holly: Website Free guide to help you hire the best financial professional for your biz. Connect with Esther: If this podcast was helpful, consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. Website Subscribe to my other podcast, The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Join the FB group Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Connect on Clubhouse: @estherl

Friends, you are in for a treat today! I had the privilege of chatting with Esther Littlefield this week from the Christian Woman Business and Christian Woman Leadership podcast. Esther is a business coach for Christian women. She helps women lead with confidence, shine online, and amplify their message with her coaching and courses. We covered so many great topics today, including: How to step out into confidence Releasing perfectionism How to take action on things you learn to gain clarity in your calling Esther's formula for having more confident conversations Tips to identify your gifts Mistakes to avoid in business Choosing a business model that fits your lifestyle Starting and scaling a business How to take purposeful steps to slow down Favorite business resources Esther offered so much value in this episode. She talks about her experience in starting and scaling her business, and how she learned to be more confident in her business and as a leader. Esther was so generous and forthcoming with her experience and advice and I know you will love this conversation! Resources From Today's Show: https://estherlittlefield.com/ https://www.instagram.com/estherdlittlefield/ Essentialism Book Trello Connect with me www.amberglus.com Schedule a free 30-min marketing consultation https://calendly.com/amberglus Download my free guide for creating a successful website that will make you money www.amberglus.com/website Join my Facebook Community for more marketing, messaging, and copywriting strategies to grow your business, or up-level as a Freelancer, VA, OBM, or DOO with weekly training on adding these skills to your services https://www.facebook.com/groups/theschoolofcopyandmessagingcommunity Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amberglus/ Clubhouse @AmberGlus

Time management seems to be a universal struggle. But no matter what tools and tips and techniques we use to gain control of our time, instead of letting time control us, we'll never find any that work better than these three time management tips I learned from Jesus. Join us for episode 7 of Just One Simple ThingMy Favorite Bible verse...my life verse... is Matthew 11:28-30.That verse touches a tender spot way deep in my soul because I so often feel tired worn out and burned out.But another part of the verse I love is where Jesus extends his invitation to us: "Walk with me and work with me-- watch how I do it."I saw three things that we can apply to our lives and move towards living freely and lightly.Jesus focused on what was in front of him at the moment.Jesus was totally present wherever he was present.He listened, focused, and took care of tasks where he was without being distracted by what was happening elsewhere.How much more could we get done if we could truly focus on what we are doing at the moment?Jesus didn't worry about what was going undone.He didn't worry about what was going undone because he knew it would be done when it was time to do it. He had in mind a specific time and place where those needs would be taken care of.Jesus didn't try to achieve "balance"Balance is the greatest time management "myth".Balance means applying equal effort to all things at all times.No wonder we feel so guilty when we fall short of that "ideal" balance.If balance is what we seek, we are set up for failure from the beginning."Jesus had no concept of balance. The rhythms of grace guided him where his attention was most needed."No matter what tools and tips and techniques we use to gain control of our time, instead of letting time control us, we'll never find any that work better than following these three time management tips I learned from Jesus.ACTION STEP Create your own categories and separate your to-do list. You can do this using a to-do list app on the phone that lets you assign a category to each item. Or by highlighting each category in a different color in your planner. Or you can download these to-do list tips.RESOURCESBook Recommendation:  Off The Clock:  Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done by Laura VanderkamChristian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield, Episode 34 Is Balance Possible?++++++++++Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it's worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it. Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.

What is a hard conversation? Why do we avoid them? What are do’s and don’t’s in initiating a difficult conversation? Through Delete + Rest, an every-other-week series, we talk about mindsets we need to delete because they don’t serve us well then we reset our brains with the truth.  In this interview, Esther + I tackle a topic that is an ongoing struggle for try-hard girls: having a hard conversation.  Esther defines what a hard conversation is, shares four keys to discerning when to bring up a hard topic, and offers do’s and don’t’s as you navigate your next difficult conversation. She also gives you practical ways to initiate a hard conversation and what good can come out of a difficult dialogue. Key Quotes “If we can spend our time thinking and preparing our hearts and preparing what we want to say then we can have the hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield “Having a hard conversation is a learning process.” - Esther Littlefield “If we’ve done our part, we have to let go of the response of the other person.” - Esther Littlefield “We can study. We can use biblical principles. And we can pray before having a hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield “Being willing to hear the other person’s perspective is so important in having that hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield “Part of having a hard conversation with God is processing what you’re feeling about the situation.” - Esther Littlefield “Having a hard conversation reflects the heart of Christ in the effort to have reconciliation and restoration of a relationship or situation.” - Esther Littlefield Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Enneagram Eight   https://www.jillemccormick.com/episode-47-real-life-grace-for-the-enneagram-eight-with-celia-miller/  Esther’s Confident Conversation mini-course   https://go.estherlittlefield.com/confident-conversations  Brene Brown  https://brenebrown.com/  Natalie Gingrich   https://www.jillemccormick.com/episode-33-real-life-grace-for-the-enneagram-two-with-natalie-gingrich/  Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode #31: Real-life grace for the Enneagram One with Esther Littlefield Episode #51: Delete + Reset: Body Image, Weight, Jean Size, and Jesus with Jami Amerine    Episode #53: Delete + Reset: Race, Racism, and Your Role in Racial Reconciliation with Dr. Lucretia Berry Episode #55: Delete + Reset: Productivity, Exhaustion, and Balancing Your Passions with Christa Hutchins Episode #5: Delete + Reset: Slowing down, releasing expectations, and creating an unhurried heart with Jennifer Dukes Lee    About Esther Littlefield Esther is a writer & host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast.  She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and amplify their message. She lives in Maine with her husband Scott (a pastor), daughter KJ and their two cats, two leopard geckos, and one adorable puppy.  In her free time, you may find Esther enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband -- or a friend -- to take a road trip to see her favorite band, Switchfoot Here’s how to connect with  Esther Website Facebook page Facebook group Leadership podcast Business podcast Here’s how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page  Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email 

Slowing down your pace sounds amazing, but how do you do that in real life? How can you practice open-handedness in the dailiness? How can you build rest into a busy season?  In the fourth episode of the Delete + Reset series, author Jennifer Dukes Lee tackles a topic that’s an ongoing struggle for try-hard girls: how to live a slower life when you believe your worth is based on all you do. Jennifer reminds you that good things take time to grow, that if you’re going to live like Jesus, you need to walk at a slower pace, and she defines what it means to have an unhurried heart. You’ll learn how to grow slow in a world that pushes you to keep up, how to replace harmful mindsets with God’s truth, and what to do when you’re tired of a busy life but are terrified of the idea of letting go of All The Things.  Key Quotes “There’s something worse than falling behind and that is not really appreciating and embracing the here-and-now the Lord has given us.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “It takes time to grow good things.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “An unexpected life is not the same thing as a bad life.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “God doesn’t delight in our output as much as He just delights in our ordinary selves.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “All those little things build a life.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “We ourselves are fields. God is planting seeds in us, and He is growing things in us.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee “If I’m going to live like Jesus and be like Jesus, I need to slow down and walk with Jesus.” - Jennifer Dukes Lee  Mentioned in the Podcast Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Enneagram Three    Koselig - Norwegian word for cozy    Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee Growing Slow Bible Study by Jennifer Dukes Lee   Esther Littlefield    Christa Hutchins    Brittany Spencer   Marken Media   About Jennifer Dukes Lee Jennifer Dukes Lee is an accidental farm girl in Iowa, where she and her husband live on the fifth-generation family farm, raising crops, pigs, and two humans. She’s a fan of dark chocolate, emojis, eighties music, bright lipstick, and Netflix binges. She wants to live life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus. Jennifer is the author of several books and Bible studies, including It’s All Under Control and her upcoming release, Growing Slow.  Here’s how to connect with Jennifer Dukes Lee Website    Instagram  Facebook   Previous Episodes Episode #51: Delete + Reset: Body Image, Weight, Jean Size, and Jesus with Jami Amerine    Episode #53: Delete + Reset: Race, Racism, and Your Role in Racial Reconciliation with Dr. Lucretia Berry Episode #55: Delete + Reset: Productivity, Exhaustion, and Balancing Your Passions with Christa Hutchins Here’s how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page  Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email

Need a grant writing mentor? Here you go. www.teresahuff.com/mentor Have you ever had a mentor in your life? Someone who has inspired you, and encouraged you, and really given you solid advice for that point in your journey? I’ve wrestled with this episode a bit because I can’t do it justice to explain how much my mentors have helped me along the way, whether they knew it or not. My hope is that it inspires you to look for wisdom and encouragement in unexpected places. Mentors & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: How to Prevent Nonprofit Decision Fatigue (Episode 24) Grant Writer Mentoring: teresahuff.com/mentor Fast Track to Grant Writer Coaching Program: teresahuff.com/vip Ed Gandia, High Income Business Writing: b2blauncher.com Natalie Eckdahl, The Biz Chix Podcast: bizchix.com Esther Littlefield, The Christian Woman Business Podcast: estherlittlefield.com Emily P. Freeman, The Next Right Thing Podcast: emilypfreeman.com Lori Cable, The Institute for Evaluation & Research (TIER): tierinstitute.com If you’re a grant writer or nonprofit leader needing a mentor, book a mentoring session at teresahuff.com/mentor and let's help you figure out your next right steps. We'll get you moving forward. If you know a nonprofit leader or a fellow grant writer who could benefit from this podcast, would you please forward it to them? That helps spread the word, and helps more grant writers and nonprofit leaders out there who are looking for guidance. We’re in this together, my friends! Connect with Teresa: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest

What do you think of when I say the word marketing?   The word marketing can have a negative connotation sometimes. There are plenty of marketing tactics that feel a little dishonest, spammy, or slimy.    You know your product or service is good and can help others, but how do you get them to pay attention and learn about what you have without compromising your faith or values or feeling like you're being annoying?   On this episode, I'll share what marketing is really about, and then go through a few ideas about how to do it WELL.    What Marketing is NOT:   Marketing is not sales. Often, people want to  jump right to the selling before doing the marketing. This is a mistake. They need to be two separate parts of your process.    I use the dating and marriage analogy. Connecting, getting to know each other, and dating are like marketing; popping the question is when you get to sales. You don't ask someone to marry you when you first meet them! You don't want to jump into trying to sell to them that quickly either.    Marketing is also not just advertising and promotion. This is only part of marketing, and if it's all you're doing, you're skipping an important part of the marketing process. What is Marketing? Recently, I heard Cathy Heller make this statement on Clubhouse, and I could not agree more: “Marketing is about connecting and clearly communicating what you do.” Marketing is Connecting Marketing starts with connecting. I teach this in my Connection Catalyst System to help clients grow their audiences, and it's a super important part of the marketing process.   Here's why: in order to effectively market your product or service, you have to know your target client and their needs. Connecting means figuring out what their struggles are… what their needs are, and how what you're offering could help.   Another part of connecting that I teach my clients (you get a sneak peak today!) is to collect the words and phrases your potential clients and customers use. If you know how your client speaks then you can use that language in your promotion to reach them effectively.   “Marketing starts with connecting.” -Esther Littlefield   Marketing Is Communicating This is the part of marketing that we think of right away:  FB and YouTube ads, messaging on the radio, podcasts, and TV.    But here's the thing about all of these methods of communication: they have to be crystal clear. Essentially, it's the better communicator, not the better product, that wins. (Thanks Donald Miller for making this point many times).   Often our communication is confusing and unclear. We know what we're talking about and why it's important, but if we're not communicating it in a way that makes sense to our potential clients, it just won't work.   So, marketing starts with connecting with your potential clients, getting into their heads and knowing exactly what they need and want. Then it moves to communicating your message clearly. These two halves of the marketing process will help you gain traction and be effective.   How to Do It Effectively 1. Have a strategy I've been in a place where I was trying to be visible everywhere, all the time, and do #allthethings to market my business. This was not a good or sustainable idea. I also didn't have a clear plan for what happened after clients moved through my marketing process and wanted to work with me. I realized how important it is to have strategies in place.    Here are some examples of having a strategy:   Knowing what you are going to sell at the end of your marketing efforts. Getting really clear about your offer(s) and what it is you want someone to buy. Having a clear path to take someone to the point of buying. This might be having customers go to your website and then to a discovery call. Or it might be that they go from social media to your email list to an offer for a coaching session. Or from a FB ad to an email opt-in then to a small course. You need to know what you want your customer journey to look like. Having a plan for your content marketing. For me, my podcast is my main marketing tool. Then I take what I share on the podcast and repurpose it to FB, which is my main social media platform. Especially if you're just getting started, I recommend one main content platform (blog, podcast, video) and one main social channel.    “The way to do marketing well is to have a strategy.” -Esther Littlefield 2. Stay in Alignment with Your Personality and Your Values You don't want to use marketing techniques that are not in line with your faith, or your values. I'm not suggesting that you throw away ideas just because they are uncomfortable...I've had my own business coach suggest some ideas that were a little bit out of my comfort zone, but ended up working well for me. There's a difference between being uncomfortable and being out of alignment with your values.   If you're not sure about a particular tactic, try putting yourself on the other end. For example, if you're thinking about cold messaging as part of your marketing process but you wouldn't want someone cold messaging you...don't do it!   And don't try to conform to a system that just isn't true to your own personality. Your message still needs to have you in it.   “Don't compare where you're at to...a business that's been well established for many years.” -Esther Littlefield 3. Learn to Communicate More Effectively To help you with this piece, I'm excited to be sharing my FREE Communicate & Connect Challenge coming up March 1-5.    The challenge will help you come up with the words you can use to clearly communicate what you do and who you help. We'll work through this together so you feel confident when someone asks you what you do, have the words to create curiosity instead of confusion, and can keep the conversation going to lead people down the path of working with you!   Sign up for the challenge at estherlittlefield.com/challenge.   Connect with Esther: If this podcast was helpful, consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. Website Subscribe to my other podcast, The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast Join the FB group Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Connect on Clubhouse: @estherl

How did your 2020 shape up in regards to your business? Today I’m going to recap what 2020 looked like for my business, and I hope this gives you a glimpse of what a business can look like. I also want to model something for you that you can use in your business, called the reflection framework.   Reflection Framework Take out a piece of paper, and draw a big “t” so you have 4 quadrants on your paper.  Now label: Top left as “Working” Top right as “Not Working” Bottom left as “Missing” Bottom right as “Confusing”   I use this simple framework all of the time. I'm going to use it today to reflect on 2020, but I have used this exact framework for masterminds that I have facilitated, performance reviews, 1-to-1’s, and team meetings. It gives you the ability to collect a lot of info and gives structure to the conversation. It also serves as a documentation piece that you can look back on year to year.   What Worked? This has been an incredible year. When we started I had 4 different products I was selling. I had been feeling the urge to niche down and understand where my greatest value was. By niching down, I could give more of myself by serving 1 audience. This completely changed the trajectory of the success of The Ops Authority. I am so grateful I had mentors encouraging me and helping me see where my potential was, because what was stopping me from niching down was scarcity.    If you feel like you have a knack for operations and are interested in becoming a Director of Operations (DOO), join us for our first round in our upcoming Director of Operations Certification Program in 2021.   Mentorship I have spent thousands of dollars on different mentors, programs, and masterminds over the years, and this year I decided to go big with a next-level mentor. I joined the Unstoppable Entrepreneur with Kelly Roach. I joined the first weekend of March before COVID-19 hit, and I remember thinking about how our economy was shifting in a really rapid way, so I needed to put my money where my mouth was to level up. I found a program that I will be in for a very long time to come. It was a mindset shift for me, and I have been blessed for Kelly’s mentorship, her supportive team and the peers in the group. The Live Launch Model I started to use this program that Kelly teaches. I started to pay attention to what she was doing and applied it to make my content work for me. My team and I worked to create my live launch The Scope Creep Solution. It is a topic that stands the test of time, and allows me to show up as myself and teach something I’m excited about.    Expanding my team I decided to expand my team by bringing in qualified expert coaches into my program, which has completely upleveled the experience that my students have. They have allowed me to see an even greater vision than I did in 2020. We can now handle 2-3 cohorts of DOOs at one time.  My team I want to give a massive shout out to my Director of Marketing, Esther Littlefield who is such an incredible support. She is the person I trust in the strategic department of marketing. It has taken a big load off of me, so I can show up as the lead coach.   We have been able to expand our hiring services big time. Diana Neff has joined us as our lead hiring manager, as well as Yolanda Rumpf. They are both DOOs and have strong competencies in hiring.    Abby Herman has supported us in the content strategy area to make sure everything is streamlined, and Holly Cain with Prosper Collective has helped take our finances to the next level.    Intellectual Property I have developed more intellectual property which means we have more content to share with those of you who choose to trust us and learn with us.    Podcast Growth The dedication to this podcast has paid off!   Referrals We put a lot of hard work into our marketing efforts, but I’m never upset about referrals! We have been really grateful for strong referrals.    “Being reputable has made it very easy to expand our business through referrals.” What Didn’t Work? Technology Our tech stack is going to be shifting in 2021. Our current stack includes Samcart, Clickfunnels, Thinkific, and Convertkit. I have hesitancy about each one of these, and we will be exploring our options.   Meetups I am a people person, and without conferences and meetups this year I’ve been a little heartbroken, and have felt somewhat isolated. I miss the networking and having some time away to focus narrowly on my business.    Website content Since I have decided to niche down, we have some work to do to make the site match the messaging for our niche audience.    What was missing? An Operations Coordinator We will be onboarding our 1st employee, Alex in January 2021. She will be able to fill in some of the gaps, where some of my other team members have been graciously filling in.    More hiring managers We were so booked that we had to turn away business later in the year, so we are looking forward to hiring a few more people since our processes are so dialed in.    Content in The DOO Certification Program We have been anxious to re-record the content for the DOO Certification Program. I’m ready to share new wisdom that I’ve gained over the last few years and I want to add some relevant examples. We have also hired an instructional designer who looks at how to piece together content so it flows better, how to be more inclusive to various learning styles, and the visuals and graphics that support the frameworks I teach on. Accreditation One of the first things I did when I created the DOO Certification Program was to look at how to get this program accredited. One of the pieces of advice I got was to have a good sample size. When you have enough feedback you have a more solid product. Right now we have 141 certified DOOs, and we are actively in conversations with some really exciting organizations to discuss accreditation.   “Whatever we can do to increase the impact, opportunity and income for natural born operators… I am here for it!”    Balance Personally, when the pandemic became serious, I was really fearful of how it was going to impact my business, which led me to overcompensate for the lack of control and steadiness that I didn’t feel.   What was confusing? Whatever you write in this section, you need a strategy around it to address it. I leveraged people around me to help me with the confusing parts.   Mindset I can be headstrong when it comes to abstract thoughts because I’m such an action-oriented logical, methodical person, so sometimes I don’t think I have mindset issues. My mindset is very different now than it was at the beginning of the year and I attribute that to my mentors and friends. I also learn so much from my own people; from the gals who come through this program who allow me to step up. By coaching their mindset gaps, mine has gotten stronger.   “This is my year of transition, from baby business to big-girl business.”   Financial Transition There has been quite a bit of growth this year, and I needed some strategies on how to handle that. We have been able to reinvest money back into the business and I’ve been able to leverage experts to help me in this area.   Video Show I take slow action, but I’ve been thinking of starting a video show. It’s still not crystal clear.   Pinterest Strategy Kate Ahl is a dear friend who runs Simple Pin, a Pinterest management company. She did a podcast with me where she did live coaching on my Pinterest strategy. I want to take Kate's thoughts and feedback and crystallize it in 2021.    I hope you have found this helpful and found some good nuggets that will help get your wheels turning as it relates to your own business! Weekly Ops Activity Create your own reflection framework for your business in 2020. Then come on over to the FB group and share with us what has worked for your business this year.    Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 23: How To Reflect On Your Accomplishments   Other Ways to Connect with Me: Website Private Facebook Community Facebook Page Instagram This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/77.

In this episode Jennifer sits down with a new friend Esther Littlefield, fellow podcaster, speaker and business coach. She shares the tragedy of her father's passing and God's grace and power through her grief. Grace is a gift that is packaged with thorns, it does't come with a pretty bow but it blooms.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/accidentalhope)

In this episode Jennifer sits down with a new friend Esther Littlefield, fellow podcaster, speaker and business coach. She shares the tragedy of her father's passing and God's grace and power through her grief. Grace is a gift that is packaged with thorns, it does't come with a pretty bow but it blooms.

We’re launching a series of interviews with women of each Enneagram type. But you may be wondering, “What does the Enneagram have to do with grace?” The Enneagram allows you to peel back all the behaviors, patterns, and coping mechanisms that conceal the real you. Knowing your Enneagram type allows you to recognize why you do what you do. Then you can exchange hurtful mindsets and behaviors for God-centered truth and courage. Change starts with knowledge, which invites you to bring your wounds, hurts, and fears to the feet of Christ and ask for His help.   You can only offer grace to what and who you know. So let’s know ourselves! To learn more about Enneagram Ones, go here.  In this interview, Esther and I break down: What it’s like to be an Enneagram One How to manage the tension between working with excellence and being obsessive-compulsive in the pursuit of perfection What it’s like to lead as a One The fallacy of being an “extra-special Christian” Why having fun and doing nothing is actually a spiritual practice of grace How to move away from legalism And ways to extend grace to the Ones in your life.  Key Quotes “There are times you just have to be done.” - Esther Littlefield “I’ve tried to differentiate between the effort I’ve put in and separating that from the results that come after the effort.” - Esther Littlefield “Give your effort to God and give God the results.” - Esther Littlefield “What’s amazing about grace and the gospel is that there isn’t anything I have to do. And at the same time, it feels too good to be true.” - Esther Littlefield “When you get to know God and get to know His Word, it’s easier to shift away from legalism.” - Esther Littlefield “When you think about yourself, make sure you’re speaking truth, resting in the love God has for you.” - Esther Littlefield About Esther Littlefield Esther is a writer and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and amplify their message. Esther is a pastor’s wife and mom of one. She enjoys leading women’s Bible studies, missions trips, marriage retreats, and her business team. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ and their two cats and two leopard geckos. In her free time, you may find Esther enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband or a friend to take a road trip to see her favorite band, Switchfoot. Mentioned in the Podcast The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: 5 Principles for Sharing Your Personal Conviction as a Leader (without promoting legalism) Confident Leadership Catalyst  Inner Critic Challenge  Previous Episode Mentioned Episode 7: What the Enneagram is, what it isn’t, and why it’s important to your spiritual growth Here’s how to connect with Esther Website Facebook page Facebook group Leadership podcast Business podcast  Here’s how to connect GraceInRealLifePodcast.com Instagram Facebook group Facebook page Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email

On today’s Episode, Janell and her co-host Nora speak with Esther Littlefield, a writer, podcaster, and entrepreneur. Esther grew up in a Christian home and took belief for granted. At the age of 13, a horrific accident changed her life.  She went from believing that if something bad happens, pray and God would fix it -to a place of anger and questions. Through her faith journey she learned to trust God for each day, one day at a time. She shares advice for the person who’s feeling angry with God right now as well as advice for the friend who wants to love a suffering friend well.

There's something about a full-circle moment!  This week on the podcast I'm excited for you to meet Esther Littlefield. Esther is a business owner, writer, podcaster, and a recovering perfectionist who loves personality profiles!  On this episode, she shares:   How the Enneagram has made a difference in her relationships and especially her marriage Her full-circle journey as a business owner and entrepreneur Her passion for helping women lead with confidence, shine online and amplify their message Through Esther's story, you'll see how her Enneagram Harmony Triad 1-4-7 helps her tap into all three centers of intelligence as she lives full-circle!   More about our Guest, Esther Littlefield:  Esther Littlefield is a writer & host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and amplify their message. Esther is a pastor's wife and mom of one. Esther enjoys leading women's Bible studies, missions trips, marriage retreats, and her business team. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ and their 2 cats and 2 leopard geckos. In her free time, you may find Esther enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband or a friend to take a road trip to see her favorite band. Connect with Esther: https://estherlittlefield.com/ REALIFE Resources and News:  Stay tuned for some extraordinary updates to the Enneagram in Your REALIFE Podcast–we're getting ready to make a pivot and as a loyal follower, we want you to be the first to know! REALIFE Enneagram Profile Packets - For just a few more days until the end of July, REALIFE Enneagram Profile Packets are only $59 to celebrate my 59th birthday. Click here to learn more about a REALIFE Enneagram Profile Package and use the code BIRTHDAY59 to redeem your discount. You'll have the option to upgrade and work with a REALIFE Process Coach to walk through your profile results too!  Are you just getting started with discovering the FULL CIRCLE harmony of the Enneagram?  Visit therealifeprocess.com and download our FREE Typing Guide.   REALIFE Process Virtual Retreats - Are you ready to do some deeper work with the Enneagram and your Needs and Values? Consider attending our next Virtual REALIFE Retreat to begin building your own Modern Day Rule of Life through the REALIFE Process® framework. Click here to learn more about our next REALIFE Process Virtual Retreat on September 18th & 19th!   Connect with your host, Teresa McCloy on: Facebook- The REALIFE Process® with Teresa McCloy Instagram- teresa.mccloy LinkedIn- teresamccloycoach About Teresa McCloy: Teresa McCloy is the creator of the REALIFE Process®, an ACC Executive Coach, and an IEA Accredited Enneagram Professional who helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders discover and live out their best REALIFE! She has worked with clients from all over the world to help them bring clarity to their REALIFE and joy to their REALWORK!

How do you respond when you meet resistance to using your gifts as a female Christian leader? What about when you face criticism and challenges to what God has called you to do?   All of us will experience resistance, criticism, and challenges as Christian leaders. It’s how we respond and handle these situations that really matters.    In this episode of our Summer Throwback Series, you’ll hear from several of our past guests and find out what they have learned in these situations. Plus, you’ll receive practical wisdom that you can apply in your own life as a leader.   For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode108.   Featured Guests on this episode: Jenni Catron, Episode 11 [2:55] Esther & Holly, Episode 17 [6:45] Tembi Secrist, Episode 84 [10:15] Jenny Randle, Episode 43 [16:03] Kadi Cole, Episode 60 [21:00] Dr. Shannon Polk, Episode 103 [26:34] Alisa Childers, Episode 96 [29:40]   Key Quotes from this throwback episode: “That ambition, that drive, that achiever in me is not all bad. I just have to find the part of it that God is forming and reforming, and not be afraid of it… but to completely shut it down is to not steward that gift that God has given me.” - Jenni Catron   “If I am looking for affirmation or value or approval for anything outside of [God’s love], then I’m going to struggle.” - Esther Littlefield   “When you are in the middle of the situation, you are aware of things and options and the nuances that not everyone else will be aware of… the most important thing is: if God has called you, you have to go.” - Tembi Secrist    “If you are letting other people’s criticism or feedback define you, you’re not going to get anything done.” - Jenny Randle   “These are my 2 anchors: I want to be honest about myself and what I’ve done without bragging, and I want to be honoring where I’m not usurping or putting anyone down.” - Kadi Cole   “Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated.” - Dr. Shannon Polk   “We are doing spiritual warfare in the realm of ideas, and we have to realize that people are going to hate that. We have to see everybody as Jesus sees them, and hope that there’s something we can say that will soften or diffuse so that they can hear what we have to say.” - Alisa Childers   Support the podcast Our Merch Store Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love! If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it! Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram   Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook   Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.   Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page   This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode108.  

Can you relate to always want to do more, to try a new thing, to put one of your dozen ideas into action? As a high-achieving woman entrepreneur, my guess is yes. I'm like you. There's never a lack of ideas, only time to implement them. Wisdom comes in knowing what idea is the best for you - and your family - in this season. What can strategically move your business forward? What is lined up with God's will for your life? In this episode, I chat with Esther Littlefield, owner of Morningstar Media services, and the host of now two podcasts: the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast. We talk through knowing when it's right to start something new in your business, but coupled with the power of prayer in knowing what is right for you. About Esther: Esther Littlefield is a writer & host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and make an impact in this world. Esther is a pastor’s wife and mom of one. She enjoys leading women’s Bible studies, missions trips, marriage retreats, and her business team. Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ and their 2 cats and 2 leopard geckos. In her free time, you may find her enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband or a friend to take a road trip to see her favorite band. Want to learn more? Subscribe to the podcast and connect with me for even more support and training on your legacy brand message. Join The Legacy Entrepreneur community here for connection and discussion!

Introducing the Christian Woman Business Podcast, where you'll learn how to grow your audience and make an impact without compromising your faith or values.    If you are a Christian business owner or content creator who wants to make an impact and shine the light of Jesus, stick around.    I'm your host Esther Littlefield and I've spent over 5 years full-time in the online business space growing my own service-based business, serving dozens of clients along the way. In addition, I've grown my audience through my blog and my other podcast, the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast, which has over 100 episodes.    Ultimately, the goal of this podcast is to help you shine online by operating with integrity, doing excellent work, and making a Kingdom impact that points people to Jesus.   In this first episode, I chat about: The common challenges many Christian business owners face when growing their business online What my goals are for this podcast My business story  What to expect from the Christian Woman Business Podcast How to connect with me   Make sure to subscribe so that you don't miss the upcoming episodes!   Head over to my website to connect and get the details about the upcoming “Grow Your Audience” Masterclass on June 5th (details coming soon). Connect with Esther: Website Christian Business Owners Shining Online Facebook Page LinkedIn

In this bonus episode, I was invited to talk about my academic research and work with churches around retention challenges. I am grateful to Esther Littlefield and Holly Cyr Cain from the Purposeful Leadership: Christian Woman leadership podcast (link below). I talk about why people could be leaving the global church, the importance of Small Groups, styles of leadership which might lead to retention problems. We also discussed whether people should be serving as soon as they commit to a home church before discipleship and indeed what discipleship actually is? Seems some think it is a course, rather than a life-long learning. I believe Jesus set the example we should all be duplicating. Enjoy this episode & please support Esther and Holly in their work. The links are below. It’s all about the Kingdom! https://estherlittlefield.com/support https://estherlittlefield.com/the-christian-woman-leadership-podcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/healthy-church-growth-sho/message

Do you want to lead others well? Esther Littlefield and I as we discuss how to keep yourself refueled so you can pour out from a full pitcher. Subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode.

Every Christian business owner and leader makes mistakes--it’s inevitable and part of the learning process. But there are some mistakes that you can and should avoid if at all possible.   In this episode of our Business Series, Holly and I are discussing 6 different mistakes that Christian Business owners and leaders should avoid. Some of these mistakes are things that we’ve learned the hard way, and others are ones that we’ve seen people doing and want to avoid ourselves.   While we are talking mostly about business, these mistakes can apply to leaders of any kind. Be sure to listen to the end so that you can hear our “Take Action” section and make some changes based on what we share. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode91.   To get my free Podcast Workflow Checklist, text the word PODCAST to (917) 905-8801. Or, click here to sign up.   Key Points Discussed: 6 Mistakes Christian Business Owners Make Making it all about YOU [3:50] Neglecting your finances [8:20] Becoming Prideful [17:10] What's the difference between confidence and pride? No strategy [23:00] Chasing Numbers [28:53] Giving Up Too Soon [35:00] Take Action [42:00]   Key Quotes from the Episode: "Confidence is a quiet resting in the truth of God and who He is and who He has made me to be." - Esther Littlefield "I don't think that working to grow your business or an audience is wrong in and of itself. But it's when the numbers become an idol or a distraction from doing the work that God has asked you to do that it is a problem." - Esther Littlefield   "Just because God has called you to something does not mean it's going to be easy." - Holly Cain   "One of the enemy's strongest weapons is isolation." - Holly Cain   Links Mentioned: Beth Moore's Instagram Post Episode 90 with Valerie Woerner Episode 85 about Creating a Strategic Plan Episode 89 about Growing Your Business or Audience Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services At Morningstar, it’s my goal to help Christian business owners like you grow an audience and make an impact without compromising your faith or values.   If you already have a podcast, or if you are thinking about starting one, I want to give you my free Podcast Workflow Checklist. This is the process I use each week to keep my own podcast on track (without missing a single week since we started) AND it’s what I’ve used with my clients as well.   Text the word PODCAST to (917) 905-8801 and you’ll get the workflow checklist sent to you! Or, click here to sign up.   Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page   This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode91.

Sometimes simplifying your life happens by choice; other times, life circumstances force you to find a new way of living. And it’s when you let go of the illusion of control that you can truly understand what it means to trust God completely.   In this episode of the Simplify Series I chat with my friend Elissa Joy Watts about her leadership journey and her experience with learning to simplify. But her journey isn’t one marked by a moment of deciding to declutter for the sake of aesthetics. Instead, she shares how circumstances in her life and health forced her to learn the value of living a simpler life.   Key Points Discussed: Elissa’s Background & Leadership Journey [4:00] Simplifying journey [7:57] Physical belongings [34:00] Social calendar [35:25] Culture shock Car accident caused her to re-evaluate her goals and values [11:15] Dealing with imposter syndrome [14:05] Identity implosion [18:23] The story of 2 days [22:10] Yoga mat moment [25:00] Stillness is an invitation [30:00] The practical ways Elissa simplified her life The value of walking [38:50] Returning home [40:00] Faith’s role in Elissa’s journey [44:00] Letting go of the illusion of control [48:00] Being okay with stillness and void [51:21] Why Elissa is taking a year off social media [53:00] Legacy [56:00] Leaders are Learners [1:00:00] Minimalistbaker.com Rediscovering what a hidden life is Discernment by Henri Nouwen* Saving money - batch cooking, nesting, and preparing for baby #4 Final encouragement from Elissa [1:03:10] Key Quotes from the Episode: "Stillness is an invitation; it's not a void that needs filling." - Elissa Joy Watts   "You think you need certainty, or you think you need the plan, but what you really need is just God's peace and His presence." - Elissa Joy Watts   “There’s great peace that comes with knowing I don’t have to strive, my identity is in Christ, and I am beloved before I even do a thing or have a thing or wear a title.” - Elissa Joy Watts   “For some people, simplifying their possessions looks like a really beautiful design spread, and they think that’s going to make them happy, but that’s not the truth.” - Elissa Joy Watts   “Every single day we have an opportunity to invest in ourselves, in the lives of others, our communities, and how those minutes and hours and days and weeks form our lives--it’s really an important thing to consider.” - Elissa Joy Watts   “Where is my trust, and who is it in? Is it in my stuff and in my accomplishments, or is it in the creator of this whole universe?” - Esther Littlefield   “If you can get to a place of clarity, and intention, and action before it’s too late, do it.” - Elissa Joy Watts Other Resources Mentioned:   Esther’s blog post - Freedom Journey: Free From the Fear of Crying Elissa’s post - Befriending Inconvenience   Connect with Elissa Joy Watts: A formal introduction would neatly state that Elissa Joy Watts is the Managing Editor for Simplify Magazine, a quarterly digital publication for mindful modern families, founded by Joshua Becker and Brian Gardner. She'd rather introduce herself as an analog-favoring work in progress and leave you with a word of encouragement. You can simplify your life and still be a leader before you end up unconscious and face down on the floor.   Since leaving her corporate job and suffering a frightening seizure as a new mother in a foreign country, Elissa has learned the importance of paring down and taking one day at a time. Raising kids in a tiny Scottish apartment taught her that less is always more; living out of suitcases for 13 months straight after returning to Canada confirmed it. Lesson: If you ask Jesus to be your story's undeniable hero, expect the unexpected and hold on tight.   When she's not channeling the power of lipstick and dry shampoo as a freelancer and mother of four, she's unwinding with her feet up in Hamilton, Ontario. You won’t find her on social media this year but feel free to reach out to editor@simplifymagazine.com. Better yet, send a postcard or swing by for a drink. Coffee, tea, or gin—you choose. Email Elissa: editor@simplifymagazine.com Simplify Magazine Elissa’s website   Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page *Affiliate link, which means if you choose to make a purchase via one of the links, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support the costs of running the podcast and blog. This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode86.

How does mental health relate to Christian leadership? How can we recognize the signs of burnout or compassion fatigue, and what can we do to avoid these issues? In this episode, Holly and I talk with Laura Howe, social worker and founder of Hope Made Strong, an organization that brings mental health resources to the church. You’ll learn how compassion fatigue is different from burnout and how you can prevent both. Laura also walks us through the common mental health challenges leaders face and what we can do. Support the Podcast Laura’s Leadership Journey  Laura started Hope Made Strong as a way to equip and strengthen Christian leaders toward positive mental health. The organization began as a “download from God.” Laura had been a social worker for 13 years when she started feeling compassion fatigue so she took time off and attended a women’s conference. There, she told God she was willing to do anything. God prompted her to bring her clinical training to the church. “Churches act like first responders.”  Churches don’t have the knowledge, space, or support that mental health professionals do. So she decided to combine the Bible, clinical best practices, and research to help church leaders deal with the mental health challenges many of them face. Laura’s Personal Experience with Compassion Fatigue Laura has first-hand experience with compassion fatigue, and it affected all areas of her life. She was incredibly tired, irritable at home, and isolated herself.  Laura realized that there was a real problem when she realized that she stopped a patient from sharing trauma and silenced her healing. This lead to her work and professional ethics being compromised.  Laura’s boss told her to take time off so that she could recover. She thought she’d be back in two weeks, but it took two months for her to be ready to return to work. How Laura Sees Compassion Fatigue in the Church She notices it a lot in volunteers when they struggle to find people for the programming the church offers.  Within the context of the greater church, many churches are not affiliated with a larger denomination so the church feels the pressure of reaching every lost person.  Church leaders feel the weight of being available 24/7/365. While seminary may train leaders to give sermons and study the Bible, there isn’t training for working with people.  “There is strength and there’s a way out. There’s a second chance at life, ministry, at being a parent and a loving husband or wife. It doesn’t have to be this way.” Why the Church can be Resistant to Mental Health Natural distrust of science and the medical system Misconceptions of how mental health is defined The cultural shift in demanding mental health services “What people don’t know, they fear.”   Ways the Church can Support its Leaders and Congregation Laura doesn’t want to tell pastors exactly what to do and how to provide support to their staff and congregations. However, she does believe that there could be more training provided to individuals in terms of how to deal with the pressures of ministry. She also sees that there is a fear of being vulnerable. However, she notes that it’s important for leaders to be vulnerable and acknowledge their challenges. “You build trust and you build connection when you are vulnerable and share your own experiences.”   Specific ways churches and ministries can focus on mental wellness in their workplaces: Take the Finding Hope in Helping online course offered by Laura about compassion fatigue - Use coupon code CWLP20 to get 20% off the course (available very soon). Use your flex time Actively listen Practice low-impact debriefing Recognize that people are people “Everyone experiences some level of mental health concerns or struggles. Once we realize that there’s no shame in struggling, because we are all human, then we can talk about it.” Mental Health Challenges Christian Leaders Face Addiction - This can be subtle and doesn’t always look obviously like addiction. Think needing sleep medication to come down after a hard day or coffee to stay “up.” Anxiety and Depression - due to the expectations to be “on” and available constantly, and the belief that you are your job.  We need boundaries as Christian leaders in order to safeguard against some of these challenges. (See episode 23 for 3 reasons why we need boundaries). Difference between Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma Burnout - overwhelm due to constant stress; linked to hopelessness and helplessness; situation feels out of your control; may be relieved by a change in workload or position. Compassion Fatigue - eroding of empathy for others because of your role as a caregiver. Vicarious Trauma - a shift in your worldview due to the trauma experienced by others. Laura offers a free assessment to measure your levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. How Leaders Can Protect Themselves from Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma Set boundaries Practice self-care Build and maintain relationships Be creative - volunteer with projects rather than people if necessary Evaluate your hobbies Transition on your way home   “Self-care can look very different for each person, and it doesn’t have to be eating kale, doing yoga, and going to the gym.” When you struggle, remember it’s because you’re doing a good job. The devil will try to use your struggle to bring shame and guilt.  Jesus invites us in Matthew 11 to assess if we’re weary or burdened then to come to Him so He can give us rest.  Leaders are Learners Habits to stay healthy: Going out once a week with girlfriends Using the Abide meditation app Taking a walk Playing music Buying a rotisserie chicken so she doesn’t have to cook at least once a week Advice for Younger Leaders Remember that what’s inside of you is for real. Trust your instincts.  Find a mentor.  Invest in yourself.    “The leader sets the tone for the church or the organization as to what is okay to talk about.” - Esther Littlefield   What Laura’s learning Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 20: Three Reasons Boundaries are Critical for Leaders Episode 36: Ditching Balance for Surrender - How to Reduce Overwhelm as a Leader Episode 68: What You Need to Know About Becoming a Confident Leader   Connect with Laura Howe: Email Facebook Website Course - use coupon code CWLP20 for 20% off I’m Laura Howe; I’m a mompreneur who loves to go hiking and be in my garden, but I'm a bit of a clutz. Not the best combination. I have been working as a registered social worker for 15 years and specialize in mental health, trauma and addictions. Facing difficult stories and a community with never-ending needs and tragedies I personally faced burnout and compassion fatigue. Those were the most difficult 2 years of my life. But what the devil meant to destroy God used for good. God birthed the idea of bringing the message of hope and His strength to the church as faith leaders are in service to their congregations and communities every day facing similar tragic stories and needs.   Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast.   Connect with Esther and Holly: Support the Podcast Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page   This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode81.

[Series Two: Lakeside Conference Speakers] In Episode 24, hear from Esther Littlefield of Morningstar Media Services, as we talk about using strategy and systems to host a successful podcast. How can you save time creating each episode, while still providing an excellent show for your listeners? What step is the most commonly overlooked piece in […] The post 24: Strategy and Systems for a Successful Podcast With Esther Littlefield appeared first on Women's Business Workshop.

Welcome to our special holiday series, Walking with Jesus!  Each week until Christmas we will hear from another working mom about what Jesus has done during the journey of her life.  This week I am joined by Esther Littlefield as she shares her journey in questioning everything and deciding to choose to believe that God is good even when she doesn't understand his ways.  This is a journey about loss, love, and understanding that can only come from the Holy Spirit. By now you have started to feel the holiday stress!  But what if this season didn't have to be that way?  Sign up for the free course inside the Your Life Rocks app called Holiday Sanity.  You'll find the tools to help you keep the holiday simple but still totally awesome!  Learn more by going to HolidaySanity.com Get the app with this course and so much more!  It's full of great tools and information for working Christian moms. Download for Apple Download for Android

Saying hard things is an essential part of leadership, but we don’t always do so with grace. How can we learn to season what we say in person and online? And how can we develop an attitude of hospitality and welcoming into our everyday lives? In this episode, Holly and I talk with Angela Sackett about saying hard things, asking tough questions, and showing hospitality. You’ll learn how to practically maintain relationships with your children, how to bring up hard topics on social media, and how to start a conversation with people who don’t know Jesus.  For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode75. Key Points Discussed: Angela’s Leadership Journey How to Speak Hard Truths with Grace Hospitality, Mentoring, and Asking Tough Questions Angela’s Advice for Younger Leaders Leaders are learners   Key Quotes from the Episode: “I need to look at myself in the context of who God is. I’m so little and He’s so big. And I so desperately need His help.” - Angela Sackett   “If all I did was take [my kids] to the cross then I succeeded as a mama.” - Angela Sackett   “God is still working with me on trusting Him to take care of the results; it’s not my job to make it happen.” - Angela Sackett   “The person on the other side of the screen is a person that Jesus loves.” - Esther Littlefield   “I’ve got to love them enough to be willing to risk that they are going to be angry with me.” - Angela Sackett   “I want to live a life that’s inviting to God and people.” - Angela Sackett   “You don’t have to have all the answers, but you’ve got to go to Jesus because He does.” - Angela Sackett   Learn How to Hard Conversations with Confidence If you’d like to learn how to initiate and lead hard conversations as Christian woman--even if you struggle with confrontation, aren’t sure what to say, and want to avoid hurting people in the process--then you’ll want to get on the waitlist for a resource I’m creating. This will help you know how to approach hard conversations as a female leader AND give you a starting point of what to say during those hard conversations. If you are listening in real time (hearing this in Nov. 2019), this resource is coming soon, and you can get on the waitlist at ConfidentLeaderScripts.com.    Connect with Angela Sackett: Website  Instagram Facebook Refined Journey email course Angela Sackett is a wife, momma, home educator, speaker, author and photographer (and her house is perpetually in need of a good dusting!).  She is the voice behind EverydayWelcome.com, a lifestyle, recipe and devotional blog, and author of several e-books and courses on food, and hospitality, and living a vibrant life in Jesus.  With great joy and preaching to her own heart, she encourages women to open their hearts and homes to God and others, living as salt and light right where they are. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page   This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode75.

As you lead your team, how can you communicate positively? What are the keys to healthy communication? And how can you win others over in a genuine way so that they want to follow you?   In this episode, Holly and I talk with wife, mom, and entrepreneur Natalie Gingrich about how we can win others over and communicate positively as we lead.  Natalie breaks down the common mistakes leaders make in communicating with their team, how to deal with conflict in the workplace, as well as how communication affects hiring, firing, and developing teams. Plus she gives us the 2 keys she has used for being able to communicate positively through the years.   For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode73.   Key Points Discussed: Natalie’s Leadership Experiences How to Communicate Positively in the Workplace How Communication Affects Hiring, Firing, and Developing Teams Leaders Are Learners   Key Quotes from the Episode: "For you to be an effective communicator and a good leader, a good steward of your mission--whether that's at church, home or work--you have to understand who you are speaking to." - Natalie Gingrich   "Miscommunication happens when you don't know how somebody learns or wants to be talked to." - Natalie Gingrich   “Conflict is always a difference.” - Natalie Gingrich   “How do we fill the gap? It’s by knowing the other party; knowing where their heart is and what serves the greater good, not just yourself.” - Natalie Gingrich   “There is opportunity in every hard conversation.” - Natalie Gingrich   “We should be focusing on developing a wider array of leaders and not just looking for those high-performers that we know can get the job done, because we’re probably going to burn them out because we’re going to give them way too much to do.” - Esther Littlefield   “It’s a joint relationship; someone doesn’t fail alone, and someone doesn’t succeed alone.” - Natalie Gingrich   Episode Sponsor: Confident Leader Scripts As a Christian leader, we want to encourage you to continually work on this area of communication. No matter where we are at, there is always room for improvement. Be sure to take something you heard from this episode and put it into action.   And if you’d like to learn how to communicate more effectively, I’m creating a resource for you called Confident Leader Scripts. This will help you know how to approach hard conversations as a female leader AND give you a starting point of what to say during those hard conversations. If you are listening in real time (hearing this in Nov. 2019), this resource is coming soon, and you can get on the waitlist at ConfidentLeaderScripts.com.    Connect with Natalie Gingrich:   Website Facebook Instagram Podcast Grab your free guide to define (or refine) your mission, vision, and values   Natalie Gingrich is the founder and host of The Ops Authority. She has been in operations for two decades – either in healthcare, corporate America or as an entrepreneur. Her goal is to bridge the gap and overwhelm when it comes to processes and systems, growing a team, and setting up solid business foundations.    She spent 15 years in corporate operations and leadership at a Fortune 150 company. When given the opportunity to leave, she put the knowledge, certifications, and experience to work by creating her own consulting firm as well as a certification. She developed the Director of Operations certification to equip existing ops experts a flexible profession, outside of corporate but still playing a huge role in small businesses, globally. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page   This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode73.

Visibility is a key aspect of any business, but how can you stand out in a crowded digital space? And what will work for you at your current stage of business?    In this episode, I break down what I’ve done the past three years in my own business, what I’m doing now, and how you can create a strategy that works for you. Whether you want free visibility or you’re ready to invest, this episode will help you learn how to increase your visibility online. How I Stood Out Online In my first two years of business, I promised myself a zero-debt business so I offered a one-to-one service.   “Persistence is the name of business.”   My free visibility strategy for those two years looked like: Networking in Facebook groups Going live on Facebook weekly Hosting online coffee chats   The results of that free visibility strategy were that I: Incurred no cost! Spent my time networking Learned about other business structures Understood pain points of potential clients Created solutions Grew my opportunities like participating in online events and conferences Generated $10k/month   In year three of business, I was a guest on 21 podcasts, I spoke on three stages, and traveled to business events. I was super intentional about every event and courageously connected with influencers who introduced me to their contacts and mastermind groups. I also got serious about my content strategy, e.g. posting blogs weekly and emailing my list.   Here’s My Visibility Plan Today Now in year four of my business, visibility looks like: Paid speaking engagements Participating in higher-level masterminds Growing my email list Podcasting   How You Can Increase Your Visibility Online I strongly encourage you to do what I did to grow my business online: Connect with integrity Serve Listen Save money Make sacrifices Test lots of things Optimize and automate what works   “Visibility is a key component to a successful and thriving business.”   If You’re Still Stuck on How to Get Visible, Do This If you’re feeling really stumped about visibility, I encourage you to join the A-Team waitlist. We spend one full month on creating your visibility plan and optimizing your current one. Sounds good right? The A-Team is designed to help you take action, become accountable, and accelerate your business growth.    Weekly Ops Activity Look at where Visibility ranks among your seven Strategic Objectives. If it’s in the top three, create a list of where you’re currently visible, e.g. social media, Facebook groups, opt-ins, podcast appearances, your email list. Evaluate if these current channels are doing you good. Look at your metrics to see if your Visibility is paying off.  Post your plan (or questions!) in our private Facebook group.    Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems with Esther Littlefield   Other Ways to Connect with Me: Website Private Facebook Community Facebook Page Instagram This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/14.

It’s difficult to thrive when you feel inefficient and overwhelmed. That’s where systems come in. But what does a system look like? How can it help you grow and scale your business? In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of my business. My right-hand operations superstar Esther Littlefield shares what systems we have in place, what steps make up those systems, and how systems can fail.  If you consistently perform the same tasks over and over, it’s time to get those tasks into a system. Let’s get started in systemizing your business so you can grow your business and increase your profits.    Esther’s Role within The Ops Authority Business Esther and I have worked together for several years, and she manages and implements many things in my business. She leads Morningstar Media Services, a business that focuses on launching and maintaining podcasts. However, she started as my VA. Esther is my person and is truly an extension of me.   All About Systems What a System Is A system is a group of things that are all working together to accomplish one particular outcome. A system involves multiple people, steps, and processes to get one objective accomplished. We’re not talking about tech tools here; we’re talking about step-by-step workflows, procedures, and processes.  Why You Need Business Systems In Order to Scale Your business started with a passion, and you were likely doing everything. Over time, you may start to feel tired, and you need systems for the repeatable tasks in your business. This also allows you to start delegating some of your processes and focusing on what you do best. Systems allow you to step out of the day-to-day operations and into a leadership role, where you can pursue your vision.   Why CEOs Delay Creating Systems The big drawback is that creating systems takes extra time on the front end. You also may think, “No one can take this over. I’ll always do this thing.” So you don’t create a system. CEOs also fear outsourcing. Handing tasks over to someone else takes trust.   Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems Esther and I chat about the systems that we have within my business. Here are some of the things we have systems for inside The Ops Authority: Content (blog, podcast, social media, sending weekly emails) Lead generation Growing my email list Launch Plans SOPs If your business has an online presence, your business is dependent on content and marketing. Help yourself by creating a system about the way you deliver content.  One of Our Systems: Blog Posts I have a writer, Abby from Write Solutions, who writes my blog posts. She gathers information, writes the content, then attaches the written blog post to our Trello card. Esther creates + uploads. Esther’s team creates the graphics and also uploads, formats, and schedules the post in WordPress. Esther’s team schedules the social media posts. Abby writes the corresponding email about the blog post and gets that content to Esther, who distributes it to my email list. This process seems like a few short steps, but it takes up considerable time. We use Trello, which tracks the entire workflow for every blog post. The blogpost card has a checklist for every phase. We also use Voxer to ask and answer questions and to communicate changes.  Remember that we can create systems, but sometimes people run late or miss a deadline. It’s very important to have a good project manager who you know and trust who can keep the system moving.    Weaknesses in the Process If one early step falls behind, the rest of the process is at risk for missing the pre-established deadlines. People also go on vacation or get sick. One person missing out on their work can cause a breakdown in the plan. The solution? Work ahead by batching the work you do.  Next, we talk about another system that we have in place inside The Ops Authority: this podcast! Esther’s team manages this process, so she shares   Esther’s Podcast Production System This is a high-level overview of the 7-8 phases of a podcast production process. This example is for someone who wants to make podcasting their primary content marketing arm of their business.   Create audio (scheduled, prepped, recorded, edited) Write copy (show notes, blog post or summary, social media) Create graphics Upload recording to the podcast host (example: Libsyn) Upload recording to WordPress Schedule and promote social media content Follow-up with guests (if you have an interview show) Optional: If you have an interview show, you may need an admin to handle a lot of the scheduling pre-interview and to deal with the communication with the guests. Each of these phases in the system have multiple steps within them. Most of Esther’s podcasts that she manages have 60-70 items on the Trello checklist for each episode.   How to Create Your System if You Don’t Have a Team Not everyone has a team, but you can still create a system for the repeatable processes in your business. Spend time writing down what you want your systems to look like.  Also, you can grab this free podcast workflow checklist Esther created for you if you need help getting your podcast process organized.  Start with a checklist of what is involved, and then save up so you can have people support you. You can do hard things, but doing repeatable tasks prevents you from leading your business and reaching your vision. Esther reminded us that if you don’t have someone to manage a process for you, you are the manager of that process. Keep in mind that you need to set aside time to manage whatever systems you have in place.   Another System: Launch Plans I have two programs I launch: A-Team Accelerator and the Director of Operations Certification Program. Instead of re-inventing the wheel every time, Esther and I have a repeatable launch plan process.  Esther sets up a Trello board outlining what is included in each launch. Then she makes a copy of that board for future launches. After a launch, Esther and I reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Esther has the Trello boards organized by what tasks must happen four weeks out, three weeks out, etc. Are You Ready to Scale Your Business? Join the waitlist for the A-Team program, which is perfect for female entrepreneurs who are ready to work with more ease and get systems in place in their own businesses.   Key Quotes from the Episode: “When you’re ready to have a true partner in business, they will feel like family.” - Natalie Gingrich “A ‘system’ in business has multiple steps, multiple people, multiple deadlines that come together to create the final outcome.” - Natalie Gingrich “When you start to see repeatable tasks in your business, that’s the perfect time to start putting systems in place.”  - Natalie Gingrich “For any process in your business, it’s important to take the time to sit down and document the process as you would like it to take place.” - Esther Littlefield “The theme for creating a system is that it’s repeatable and you’re going to outsource pieces of it.”  - Natalie Gingrich “We can dream of a complete book of SOPs but start with the tasks you repetitively do in your business and the processes that have multiple hands in them.” - Natalie Gingrich   Weekly Ops Activity Take a content process and make an itemized system. Bonus points if you put your new system into your favorite project management tool.    Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 7: Behind the Scenes with Boss Mom with Dana Malstaff and Amy Lockrin Episode 8: Three Productivity Hacks You Haven’t Thought Of  Episode 9: How to Find the Right Project Management Tool with Cadri Cunningham   Connect with Esther Littlefield Website Facebook Instagram   Esther Littlefield is the founder and CEO of Morningstar Media Services. At Morningstar Media, she serves business owners with their content management and marketing, specializing in podcast management. In addition, Esther is also a writer at EstherLittlefield.com and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast. Never satisfied to do just ONE thing, she stays busy as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. Esther uses her passion for details to help her clients reach their goals and shine online.  Esther combines her background as a social worker, network marketer, and blogger to help others achieve their goals in their business. As a task-oriented perfectionist, she’s able to break down all the little details to accomplish a project. Most importantly, her desire is to help others achieve their dreams, and she will work hard to help make that happen. Connect with Me: Website Private Facebook Community Facebook Page Instagram This episode was originally published on theopsauthority.com/podcast/11

Friendship is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. But how do you navigate the messiness of friendship? And how do you overcome the challenge of loneliness as a leader?   We’ve talked before about building healthy relationships and we’ve discussed marriage, but we haven’t really tackled the issue of friendship on the podcast. Today we’re kicking off a new series diving into the topic of friendship in leadership.   And along with friendship sometimes comes the issue of loneliness. Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges leaders face, but a lot of times we don’t know how to talk about this or who to talk about it with.    In today’s conversation, Holly and I share sharing our honest experiences with both loneliness and friendship in our lives. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode63   Key points discussed: Dealing with Loneliness The Messiness of Friendship Challenges Leaders Face in Friendship   Key Quotes from the Episode: “Loneliness is one of the biggest tools that Satan will use to destroy our ministry,  destroy our lives, if we let him.” - Esther   “The expectations of friendship and what we’re going into it looking for have a huge impact on how those friendships are built and what they will look like.” - Holly Cain   “Friendship is not static. It doesn’t stay the same. But in my idealistic expectations, it does.” - Esther Littlefield   “In any kind of friendship, someone has to go first with the vulnerability. If the leader isn’t doing that, then it’s going to be hard for other people to do that.” - Esther Littlefield   “The beauty, when you can get to the place where you have a good friendship with someone, far outweighs the risk of someone not replying to you.” - Esther Littlefield   “Stop convincing yourself that you are missing something.” - Esther Littlefield   “God moves people into our lives, yes for friendship, but also to challenge us.” - Holly Cain   Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode63.

Have you ever experienced criticism from fellow Christians? How do you stand firm when you’re under fire from people you thought were supposed to support you?   In the next episode of our Faith Series, we’re diving into the idea of standing firm in the face of criticism. Specifically, criticism from fellow Christians. Criticism is inevitable as a leader, so we hope to provide you with practical steps you can take when you come under fire.   What Criticism Looks Like Sometimes we as Christians can be the most critical people. And I have to confess that I am guilty of this. I can easily point out when I feel like something isn’t being done the “right” way, or when I think someone should change an approach, etc.    But in preparing for this episode, I was reminded of why I want to work on not having a critical spirit.   Criticism is a type of feedback, but it has an inherently negative connotation to it. The definition of criticism is: “the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.”    If you are in leadership, you likely already know exactly what it’s like to receive criticism, and it never feels good.   Holly and I share some examples from our Facebook group about ridiculous ways our members have been criticized. It’s likely you can add something to the list we share as well.   We’re not saying that there is not a time and a place for confronting a brother or sister in Christ about a sin issue. We’ve discussed that on previous episodes, and I do believe there are times when criticism is warranted.    But in this conversation, we want to focus on how you can hold onto confidence when you experience criticism. First, though, let’s identify the types of criticism you could receive. Different types of criticism you might experience: Personal criticism: someone says something directly to you about something you did, said, believed, etc. Public criticism: someone shared something publicly (in a group, on social media, etc) about something you did, etc. Suspected criticism: you suspect someone is being critical of you based on their behavior or interactions towards you, but you have not actually heard or seen it. Criticism by association: someone has criticized your business, ministry, or a group you’re involved with, but the criticism is not directed at you specifically.   How to Stand Firm in the Face of Criticism: Holly and I go through 6 things you can do to help you deal with the criticism you might receive as a leader.   1. Start with the truth Identify what you know is true about God, about yourself (gifts, skills, calling), and about the world.    Start with knowing that you are loved by God, no matter what. You cannot be an effective leader if you do not believe this. And you will not be able to withstand criticism if your value is rooted in something outside of Him.   Make sure your confidence and trust is based on God (Psalm 20:7-8).  For more on this idea of leading with confidence, check out episode 6 of the podcast.   2. Evaluate the source of the criticism   Next, it’s important to determine where the criticism is coming from. It is someone who is close to you, or someone who is consistently negative? Or is it someone who rarely speaks up or complains?   The source of the criticism will help you to determine how to respond.   3. Consider the content of the criticism  Okay, so now let’s get into what was actually said or done. What type of criticism was it? Because this may affect how you respond. Ask yourself whether there was truth in the criticism and  whether it was criticism about something you did or about who you are.   As we discussed on last week’s episode with Kadi Cole, sometimes we create our own sticky floors, and the way we perceive criticism is based on our own insecurity. As leaders, it’s important that we make sure we are not looking for things to be offended about.   4. Consider your motives and intentions Next it’s important to look at where you are at currently. Have you been struggling, feeling discouraged or defeated? This could affect how you deal with criticism.   Also, if you can evaluate your intentions in the situation, you may find out that there was something you were expecting or anticipating… and maybe it was based in pride.   5. Consider that it might not be about you or the other person It’s important to recognize that spiritual warfare is real, and that the criticism you are experiencing may be a spiritual attack.   Ephesians 6:10-17 reminds us that: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. There is a spiritual battle going on. You need to put on your spiritual armor so that you can stand firm.   6. Take action Okay so after you have done ALL of the above, now you can respond to the criticism. You may want to do one of two things: Don’t respond or respond.   Don’t respondMaybe this isn’t a battle you need to fight. Sometimes staying silent is the best option. We see examples of that in scripture, with Jesus as our number one example.   Scriptures referenced: Matthew 27:11-14 and 1 Peter 2:23   Sometimes we need to allow God to deal with the other person. We do not need to react, retaliate, or defend ourselves. This article discusses the value of remaining silent as leaders.   Another possibility is that you need to take a break to heal, reflect, or get help.   Respond However, it’s possible you do need to respond to the criticism. If it’s from someone you are in an ongoing relationship with, and you want to maintain a healthy relationship, you may need to address the situation.   If you do respond to the criticism, it’s important to do so with gentleness and respect.   Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19-20   What not to do when you experience criticism: 1. Don’t stop saying hard things. As leaders, we will say hard things. We will go against the grain. We will speak up about topics that most people want to avoid.  Just because we receive criticism does not mean we should STOP doing what we are doing. In fact, it’s probably a sign that we are on the right track. 2. Don’t forsake the fellowship. Don’t allow the actions of people to tear you away from the church. It’s easy to allow being hurt by Christians in church as a reason to not continue being part of a church community. But in the long run, this will only hurt you, not help you.   Scripture referenced: Hebrews 10:25   Conclusion: We know that as leaders we will experience criticism--it’s inevitable. And while we would love it if you never experience criticism from fellow believers, we know that it will likely happen. We hope that the points we have provided will help if and when criticism from Christians comes your way. Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 6: The Importance of Leading with Confidence Faith Series Episodes   Key Quotes from the Episode: “You cannot withstand criticism if your value is rooted in something outside of God.” - Esther Littlefield    “As leaders, we should not be looking for reasons to be offended.” - Esther Littlefield   “If there’s one thing that gets us off track the fastest, it’s Christians fighting against each other.” - Holly Cain   “If you’re only saying things that everybody agrees with, you’re never actually saying anything of longstanding importance.” - Esther Littlefield   “Don’t stop saying the hard things. Fill them with even more love, and even more grace, and even more truth, but don’t stop saying them.” - Holly Cain   Episode Sponsor: Audible Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to estherlittlefield.com/audible and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.   How your free trial works: Choose a free audiobook and set up a trial 30-day membership! After 30 days, get one audiobook a month for $14.95/month Receive 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases Cancel at any time. The books are yours to keep, even if you cancel Go to estherlittlefield.com/audible to start your free trial. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode61.

What do 2 friends who start a podcast together learn in their first year? And how might these lessons help you move forward in your leadership? When we asked in our private Facebook group how we should celebrate our podcast anniversary, the majority of votes were for an episode sharing the lessons we’ve learned in the first year. So today, we’re doing just that!  Some lessons are serious, some are funny, and some will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how this podcast gets created. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.   12 Lessons From Our First Year of Podcasting: Lesson 1: Believe God when He tells you who you are Holly shares the first lesson, which is to believe what God says about you. Believe what He says about you in his word and secondly, learn who He created you to be through your life experiences.   Lesson 2: Take imperfect action I share examples of how I’ve learned to take imperfect action both by starting the podcast and starting the Confident Leader Club. Usually I want to have a solid plan for how things are going to go, and in both cases, I wasn’t really sure if they would work.    Lesson 3: Follow God where He is working Holly shares how she has learned to follow God where He is working, specifically in joining me on this podcast adventure.   Lesson 4: Trust your gut This one feels a little strange to say, but I’ve learned the value of trusting your gut over the past year. I sensed that there was a need for this podcast, and it turns out that this was correct.   Lesson 5: Let go of the outcome Holly shares the value in letting go of the outcome, especially when you have no idea what you’re doing. She didn’t know much about podcasting when she said yes, so she had to trust God to bring the results.   Lesson 6:  Follow the joy I believe that God gives us ideas and dreams and passions that will actually bring us a lot of joy if we pursue them. This podcast has been one example of that. Getting to do this along with Holly has been a total joy this past year.   Lesson 7: Podcasting is a lot of work Holly shares that she learned how much podcasting is in the past year. There are 67 tasks on our Trello checklist for each episode. It takes consistency and a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Grab My free Podcast Workflow Checklist   Lesson 8: People’s stories are powerful Doing this podcast has confirmed my love for hearing people’s stories. I especially love stories from people who feel very relatable to my own experience. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of other women leaders who are living “regular” lives but are using their gifts and skills in powerful ways.   Lesson 9: Be careful what you say when you’re recording Holly shares about how much blackmail I have on her from the podcast recordings we’ve done and the sections we’ve never published. We also talk about how much fun we have, and that we think we are funny, but we want to know if you agree (tell us inside our Facebook group).   Lesson 10: Podcasting will teach you to be a better speaker Podcasting has taught me how many annoying things I say. When you have to edit your own words every week for almost a year, you become very aware of your crutch words and annoying habits.   Lesson 11: Podcasting will test your friendship If you’re going to start a podcast with someone, make sure your relationship is strong enough for this experience! You will have to have some difficult conversations and will be working closely together, so it’s sure to test your relationship.   Lesson 12: Holly’s hair is too big for podcasting We share how Holly’s big hair affects our podcasting efforts.   Conclusion: We want to say thank you to all of you who have been a part of the first year. We are grateful for your part in this past year, and we are also thankful to God for allowing us to go on this adventure. On the week of our official anniversary, we’ll be sharing about our favorite episodes from the past year, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss that conversation.   If you are interested in starting your own podcast, I have a free resource for you from Morningstar Media Services.    Click here to grab the FREE Podcast Launch Resource Guide. Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU.   Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page   Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services   Morningstar Media Services is the agency that I own and run, and we provide 1:1 podcast launch and management services. I also have a group program, Podcast Propel, for those who want to launch a podcast that will help them connect with and grow their business. Go to morningstarmediaservices.com to learn more.   Key Quotes from the Episode: “The core of leading with confidence is actually believing what God says about you and resting in the truth of His love for you.” - Esther Littlefield   “When you can control the outcome, you don’t have to trust in God. When you have no idea what you’re doing, you have to trust Him.” - Holly Cain   “We all have something to give, no matter how big or small the stage is. It doesn’t matter if you’re reaching one person or one million people.” - Holly Cain   Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode55.

During this hour where Esther Littlefield interviews this show's host, Marnie Swedberg on the topic of stress and healthy life and leadership habits. Interviewer, Esther Littlefield, is a show host herself, a pastor’s wife, mom of a spirited child, founder and CEO of Morningstar Media Services, and active leader in her church. She loves leading women's Bible studies, missions trips, and retreats. Interviewee, Marnie Swedberg, is the host of this (Perspective Transformation) Radio Show, a Leadership Mentor to over 15,000 Leaders from 35 Countries, Author of 13 Books, and the Founder/Director of Bible Study Expo & WomenSpeakers.com. Learn more at www.Marnie.com.

Esther Littlefield is the founder and CEO of Morningstar Media Services and she creates amazing podcast services for entrepreneurs and influencers   In this podcast, she shares her story of what has led her up to this point: the people who helped guide they way, and how her heroine journey had some unexpected turns.   Above everything, Esther's desire is to help others achieve their dreams.   Let's take a look at how she's making this possible while guiding the way for female leaders.   If you're struggling with telling your own story or brand story to drive sales and solidify your brand... you'll probably want to check out this program... https://www.originstoryvideo.com/go

Fear is a common feeling once you start chasing God-shaped dreams, but this fear is not from God. We have a very real enemy to seeks to steal, kill and destroy you and your dreams. Thankfully, we also have a good Father in heaven who loves and cherishes you, and He wants to empower courage in you, especially in the face of fear. In this episode, you'll learn four strategies to overcome the fear and anxiety you feel related to pursuing a God-shaped dream. You will learn how to create your own plan, like I did, to take steps forward, despite your fears. Hear why it's important to discern what is driving your fearful feelings and gain insight on trusting God to intervene on your behalf.    Fear is the struggle I hear about most frequently from listeners and guests on the show. If you feel fear about pursuing your dream, you are not alone. Don't let the enemy tell you that. It's a lie. Instead, listen to my story and decide, based on your own dream, what steps you can take next to stop fear from stealing your dream. This solo episode is tied directly to my last four solo episodes. Check out the show notes for the Bible verses I mentioned in this episode and the links to those episodes here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/119.   MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:   The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and my appearance on the show, with Esther Littlefield     GET MORE INVOLVED...BECOME A DEVOTED DREAMERS PATRON   Your monthly gift supports the podcast and make each episode possible! Click the red button to learn more about the benefits.    GET CONNECTED:   Find your tribe in the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group where you can connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams. Leave your review of the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Stitcher Subscribe on Apple Podcasts * Subscribe on Android  

Whatever your leadership role, this conversation with Esther Littlefield will teach you about fulfilling your God-given purpose despite the fear that threatens to cripple you or halt your dream altogether. Esther's example of leading a bible study when she didn't feel ready teaches us that you can use your gifts anywhere, whether in motherhood, a full-time job, or serving in your church or community. You don't have to wait. Just start small, be obedient, and let Him bring the results. When God calls you to something bigger than yourself, you might question whether you're the right person for the job. You might think someone else could do it better. Fear is normal—we all feel it to some extent—but fear is not from God. If fear is creeping up on you, the next step is to trust God's character, believe He is good, and know that He is for you and the dreams He's given you! Listen as Esther Littlefield explains what this has been for her and then, find the courage you need to take the next step, regardless of how ready you feel. Writer and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast, Esther Littlefield encourages and equips women to embrace their God-given gifts, skills, and passions in order to lead with confidence. Esther is also the founder of Morningstar Media Services, a podcast production agency, helping entrepreneurs launch and manage their podcast so that they can focus on what they love the most. Never satisfied to do just ONE thing, Esther is a busy wife, mom, leader, friend, and entrepreneur. She combines her background as a social worker, network marketer, and blogger to help others achieve their goals in their life and business. You'll find the show notes and all the ways to connect with Esther, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/118

What is your definition of healthy leadership as a woman in ministry?Have you ever felt like the health of your leadership role is impacted by the health of your marriage? You might be wondering what leadership and marriage have to do with the focus of our ministry at More to Be, and that is completely understandable. While we know that everyone in our tribe is not in leadership role nor married, a good bit of y'all come our way looking for resources to share with the ministries you lead while also seeking out spiritual nourishment and biblical encouragement for yourself.So on this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I invited my good friend, Esther Littlefield to share her story and passion for Christian women in leadership and healthy Christian marriages with us. As a pastor's wife and ministry leader, Esther knows the pressure quite well. Her own experiences inspired her creation of a marriage course at EstherLittlefield.com as well as the creation of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast.While we kick off the episode talking about our mastermind group (suggestions below for starting your own), we quickly transition into the story of Esther's life and faith. Our conversation naturally flows into the tension found between being a natural leader and cultivating a healthy marriage. Esther's wisdom, as well as insights into Scripture, will surely bless you. No matter where you are in your life today, you'll be encouraged to press on in the hope of Christ and see God use your gifts and talents according to His purposes. Scripture FocusPhilippians 1:6Notable Links & MentionsGrab the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Use the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to turn this episode into your own personal Bible study.Get to know Esther Littlefield at EstherLittlefield.comListen to the Relationship Series on the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast.Mastermind Structure:Bi-Monthly MeetingsEveryone shares a win.One person on the hot seat.Everyone shares a goal.Everyone shares a resource.Share & BlessListen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyIf you've been blessed by this podcast, then hope you'll show your support by share it with your friends and family! We would also be so grateful for you to rate and review our podcast wherever you listen.Show Your Support by Joining the Sisterhood CircleWe invite you to become a More to Be Sisterhood Circle Member as a way of supporting this podcast. With your membership support, you'll gain access to our signature courses and resources for FREE plus receive advance notification of new resources, trainings, and special sales.To get access to over $100 worth of bonuses, become a Sisterhood Circle Member by clicking here and upon check-out, enter coupon code “Podcast” to save an additional $20! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther Littlefield is the writer at EstherLittlefield.com and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast where she encourages and equips women to embrace their God-given gifts, skills, and passions in order to lead with confidence. She is also the founder of Morningstar Media Services, an content management agency which helps entrepreneurs increase their visibility and shine online. Never satisfied to do just ONE thing, Esther stays busy as a wife, mom, leader, friend, and entrepreneur. Esther combines her background as a social worker, network marketer, and blogger to help others achieve their goals in their life and business. When she’s not running her agency, writing, or dreaming up a new idea, you can find Esther heading out for a hike with her family, sipping a cup of coffee, or enjoying the occasional Netflix binge. Her 5 top tips:Assess yourself and assess your personality. To work out what type of business to pursue. What are your passions and what do you love and can do long term. What kind of life do you want? Make sure you set up your boundaries from the start, how you want to work with your clients and how you want your life to look. Build relationships with people. 95% of services based businesses are built on through relationships that are built. This will turn over new clients and have a ripple effect. You can do this on Skype or Zoom and be helpful. Just start. Take action. Learn from even the smallest projects even if they don’t work out. Find a business mentor or someone you can learn from whose doing something similar to what you want to do. Her Bible verse for this season: Philippians 1:6 New International Version (NIV)6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Esther LittlefieldWhere to find EstherHER WEBSITEHER FACEBOOKHER INSTAGRAMHER PODCAST See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I chat with Esther Littleifield, pastor's wife, mom, business owner and host of the new podcast, The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast. 

Today on the Working Christian Mom Podcast, I chat with my friend and fellow multi-passionate entrepreneur Esther Littlefield. Esther is a pastor's wife, a mama and the host of The Christian Women Leadership Podcast where she women in leadership to lead well and with confidence. Esther never expected to become a pastor’s wife and in our conversation, she shares about her journey to finding safe people to confide in, what it’s like to be a Working Christian Mom pastor’s wife and how she got over the guilt about not being a stay at home mom. Two Big Takeaways from my conversation with Esther: We all need to find safe people to confide in. Esther and I both believe that we need close relationships with trusted friends. When Esther was experiencing marriage troubles, she couldn’t confide in just anyone at her church. She found safe people who she knew would keep her trust. We all need these people in our lives. And when someone trusts us with their hurts and worries, we need to hold sacred space with that instead of gossiping. If you’re seeking something and don’t see it out there, perhaps you’re being called to create it. Both Esther and I created spaces for women online through our podcasts because we were craving the community we were looking for. Esther also created a Bible Study at her church because she didn’t see what she was looking for. Often times, we have the tendency to stay on the sidelines, wait and wish someone else would just hurry up and create something for us. But often times, that stirring in  your heart is the Lord prompting YOU to start!   Links Mentioned [affiliate links] Create Your Laptop Life Tick Remover UMass Amherst Tick Service About Our Guest: Esther Littlefield is the writer at EstherLittlefield.com and host of The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast, where she encourages and equips women to embrace their God-given gifts, skills, and passions in order to lead with confidence. She is also the founder and CEO of Morningstar Media Services, a digital marketing agency which helps female entrepreneurs run and grow their businesses. Never satisfied to do just ONE thing, Esther stays busy as a pastor's wife, mom, leader, friend, and entrepreneur. Esther combines her background as a social worker, network marketer, and blogger to help others achieve their goals in their life and business. When she’s not running her agency, writing, or dreaming up a new idea, you can find Esther heading out for a hike with her family, sipping a cup of coffee, or enjoying the occasional Netflix binge. Connect with Esther: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

In our first episode of The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast, Holly and I share why we are starting the podcast, a bit about our own leadership journeys, and what to expect from this podcast. Why We Started the Podcast: There are lots of podcasts about leadership for Christians, but most are by men and/or are specific to pastors. There are also plenty of podcasts for Christian women, but I didn’t find many related to leadership. Also, I have found a number of podcasts for entrepreneurs, even some for Christian women business owners, but these are specific to business and don’t often cover ministry or church life. I saw the need for a podcast for Christian women in leadership that would address leading in ministry, business, or other areas of your life. That’s how The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast was born. I asked Holly to join me on this project because she and I have worked together in leadership roles, and I knew that she would bring a great perspective to the podcast. Plus, we have a lot of fun together! Our Leadership Journeys: Holly and I both share how we discovered that we are leaders, as well as some of the impactful moments and people in our journeys. Holly’s leadership journey began in her younger years when she fell into various leadership roles. She later had some experiences in college that gave her the opportunity to lead, but church is where she truly began to understand her ability to lead and influence. Down the road, she was able to take on a leadership role in her job as well. My leadership journey started as a child as well, but it didn’t occur to me that I was a leader until a few years ago. I was called “bossy” as a child, and I often was put into leadership positions and given opportunities throughout high school and college. As an adult, I began leading alongside my husband in our church when he became the youth pastor and later executive pastor. I also started a women’s small group and my own business. We also discuss how leaders often have a message to share, and we each share a bit our own messages. What to Expect from The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: We want to bring you the content that will be most helpful to you in your leadership journey. You will likely be encouraged and challenged by the coming episodes. Here’s an idea of what type of episodes you’ll hear: Interviews with Christian women in leadership - some you may have heard of and some you probably have not. Holly & I chatting about topics related to leadership, providing you with resources and encouragement as you grow as a leader. Some solo episodes where I share a training or topic with you. How You Can Connect With Us: Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. This episode was first published at EstherLittlefield.com.

What is leadership, and why does your leadership matter as a Christian woman? In this episode, Holly and I dive into defining the topic of leadership. We provide the 14 things we believe leadership is. In addition, we cover a bit  about what makes women unique as leaders. Finally, we discuss why your leadership is important and valuable. What Leadership is NOT: A position or title Simply being the boss Expecting everyone else to do the work Being the loudest person in the room Being a people person Demanding or expecting respect Having all the answers Being perfect Controlling everything that happens Knowing everything that is needed for the task or job What Leadership Is: The dictionary defines “lead” as: “to go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort; to conduct by holding and guiding; to influence or induce; cause.” In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell defines leadership this way: True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned. The only thing a title can buy is a little time-either to increase your level of influence with others or to undermine it. Leadership is NOT simply having a title or being placed in a position that carries the responsibility of leading. Holly and I share examples of people in leadership positions who did not display actual leadership. We point out that when someone is in a leadership position, but they don’t display healthy leadership, this often pushes away or discourages potential leaders in the organization. We Believe Leadership Is: Doing things that other people won’t do and showing up when others don’t. Serving those you lead. Listening. Identifying the needs of those you lead and finding ways to meet them. Earning the right to speak into others’ lives. Seeing potential in others, even when they don’t see it in themselves. Communicating a vision for the future. Bringing clarity. A commitment to personal growth and a dedication to continually move forward. Celebrating wins (speaking positively about the team to others-“bragging up their skills”) Responsibility for outcomes. Challenging the status quo. As Christians, a big part of leadership is being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Following the example of Christ and being led by him as you lead others. Holly and I discuss some of these points in depth and share some personal experiences with them.  What About Women Leaders? The majority of leadership roles in companies as well as in churches are filled by men. As of May 2018, there are 24 female CEOs on the list of Fortune 500 CEOs—or just under 5% of the total list. Most of these women are white--only 2 are women of color. This lack of female representation among leadership can make it tough for women to feel like there’s potential for them. But we believe that your leadership matters as a woman, and women have some unique qualities that help us approach leadership differently. Women do not have to lead in the same way as men in order to be effective leaders. Here you can see a video from the former global CEO of Chanel, Maureen Chiquet, as she discusses women being themselves as leaders, instead of trying to emulate everything that men do. We discuss some of the unique qualities that women bring to the table as leaders: Nurturing/developing of people Relational - able to connect Intuition Sensitivity Empathy God has wired each person uniquely, and you can use your own approach to leadership based on how God has designed you. We need women in leadership. Even though our leadership roles might look different than men, that is okay, it doesn’t have to look perfect. We need more women mentoring future leaders as well. Final Thoughts Holly and I wrap up by celebrating our leadership wins for the week. My win is getting the podcast started by taking action even when I didn’t feel ready. Holly’s win is her work transition and how she’s been able to pass on the hard work she’s put in to the team filling her shoes. We note that, ultimately, leadership is about working yourself out of a job. If you do leadership right, you will end up passing on that role to someone else. What are your thoughts about what leadership is or is not, and what is something unique about your leadership? Join us in the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group to discuss this episode and lots more by clicking here. This episode was first published at EstherLittlefield.com.

What happens when you end up in leadership roles after devastating circumstances? How do you navigate the tension between building a business and being faithful to God’s calling? In this episode, I interview Abby Rike Rockenbaugh and discuss how she learned how to embrace unexpected leadership after loss. You’ll hear some powerful reminders about the importance of sharing your story. The Reluctant Leader Abby’s leadership journey started when she was young. She was referred to as “bossy”, but learned to tone down those skills because she wanted to have friends. Abby was often chosen as the leader within group projects growing up, but she truly realized she was a leader when she was in college. She shares about an experience when she was in a group project where she was not the designated leader. After the project was over, Abby’s professor shared with her that the other members of her group all indicated that they felt that she was actually the leader. Her professor then called out her gift of leadership, which was a turning point for Abby. Instead of viewing herself as bossy and annoying, she was able to embrace that being a leader was a good thing. Abby’s Defining Moment & The Importance of Your Story Abby shares about her defining moment that changed her life forever. She explains that during her grief, leadership was not even something on her radar. She was simply surviving. She had to wrestle with whether God was who she had always thought him to be. After walking through that experience, she felt that now leadership was not just about her natural giftings, but rather about a calling. She now had a responsibility to share her story and point people to Jesus. Abby believes that everyone has a story, and that it’s important for people to know how to share their story. She and I chat about when she recognized that it was time to share her story, and how some of these opportunities turned out to be completely unexpected. Abby ended up being chosen to be a contestant on The Biggest Loser. After this, God opened more doors for public speaking and other platforms to share her story. We discuss how many times God just asks us to take the next right step. I ask Abby how she manages the tension of growing a business vs. following God’s calling on her life. Her best advice is that if something doesn’t rest well within your soul, don’t do it. With leadership, you have to be willing to swim against the current. Embracing Your Gifts & Your Identity Abby shares that she has found the spiritual gift test to be extremely helpful to her as a a leader. She believes that it’s important for us to claim the gifts God has given us. As a reluctant leader, stepping into her gifts and owning them has been the best thing she could do to become a more effective leader. I ask Abby what she has done to embrace how God has wired her. She says that she believes that if she does not accept her identity, then she is calling God a liar. She goes to the source of truth, God’s word, to determine who she really is. We discuss the source of confidence, false humility, and the tension between accepting your gifts and becoming prideful in them. We chat about the importance of having mentors and people who will help you to stay accountable. It’s important to find people who get you, but who will also tell you the truth. You also need people who can be there for you when you are really having a difficult time. Abby’s Passions Abby is passionate about equipping women to be in the word of God. This stems out of her own experience of being a prodigal for many years, and being wooed back to God by His word. She became a Christian as a young child, but she wasn’t truly discipled. Her passion now is to help women understand the character of God. She wants women to experience the transformation of their heart and life. Abby’s ministry, RockThis, was born out of this passion. We also chat about her Speaking For Bloggers business and the history behind this, including when God said “no.” Abby shares how God ended up opening some big doors, including having the opportunity to be on Ruth Soukup’s podcast, Do It Scared. Following the podcast, Ruth invited Abby to be part of a bigger speaking opportunity. In Christian leadership, there are some things that are different than what the typical business advice might be. Instead of beating down the doors, it’s spending time in prayer and having your speech prepared. You can do the preparatory things so that when God says “go”, you’re ready. The bigger doors sometimes open when we’re obedient in the small things. Abby’s Advice for Younger Leaders: Pray for the right mentor Continually grow in your faith Don’t be afraid to fail Leaders Are Learners Abby and I chat about what Abby is learning. She shares that she knows her weakness in her current business is marketing, and she’s been working to learn more about this area. In a noisy world, we need to choose what we are focusing on instead of trying to do everything. We have to limit the voices we allow in. Abby's final thought for us is this: "Stay true to God, stay true to yourself, and God will bless those endeavors." How You Can Connect with Abby: RockThis.Org SpeakingforBloggers.com Abby Rike Rockenbaugh is a professional speaker, published author, and former teacher who now helps bloggers hone their public speaking skills. She believes everyone has a story to tell, and she aims to help bloggers craft theirs in such a way they authentically connect with their audience. She has had the opportunity to share her story on Ellen, the Today Show, and as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. When she’s not traveling for a speaking event, feeding her fainting goats, or eating Mexican food with her husband, you can find her at speakingforbloggers.com. This episode was first published at EstherLittlefield.com.

If you are a multi-passionate woman who leads in multiple ways, this show is for you. We hope to inspire you to embrace your God-given gifts, skills, and passions in order to lead with confidence! The Christian Woman Leadership Podcast is hosted by Esther Littlefield, a pastor's wife and entrepreneur. Esther is joined by her co-host, Holly Cain, a women's ministry leader, writer, and speaker. It's their goal to provide you with encouragement, tools, and resources to help you live out your unique calling as a leader.  The podcast will officially launch in summer 2018. To learn more, visit https://estherlittlefield.com/podcast/.

How can stacking your team with an Online Business Manager (OBM) add immediate value to your business? Adding an OBM to your team at the right time can help you take your business to new heights. Esther Littlefield of Morningstar Media Services and Shelli dive into all aspects of hiring and inspiring an OBM to join your team and help you grow your online business. Esther shares some insights about some of the key components of an online business that an OBM can help you with, as well as how to attract, onboard and retain the best talents in your business. Connect With Esther Littlefield: Blog post: How to Hire an Online Business Manager Morningstar Media Services Facebook Instagram Books or Tools or Events Mentioned: BAM Success Summit 2018 Other Links Mentioned: Trello Asana Google Drive Voxer Google Calendar Create Your Laptop Life Hiring Form Work with Shelli: One Day Mastermind EliteChix Mastermind Strategy Session Work With Natalie: One Day Mastermind CEOCHIX Mastermind Strategy Session This episode was first published at BizChix.com/team11. Listen to our sister podcast, BizChix, on your app or at http://bizchix.com. Join the BixChix Community here.

Episode Summary:  Esther Littlefield is a feisty pastor’s wife to her husband, Scott, and mom to her spirited daughter, KJ. They live in Maine where they enjoy as many outdoor adventures as possible in the midst of homeschooling, business, and church life. In her free time, you’d probably find her with a cup of coffee, a good friend, and a sink full of dishes. Esther writes at wellnessmomlife.com, helping moms balance marriage, motherhood, and ministry by caring for their personal, physical, spiritual, and relational wellness.  We all know how hard it can be to make our marriage a priority when a new baby joins the family.  A baby puts so much pressure on a relationship, and it's not uncommon for our marriage to take a backseat when we're dealing with the everyday demands of juggling parenthood and work and everything else you have going on in your life.  And children also have a funny way of magnifying whatever weaknesses we already had in our relationship too, which can just add to the stress and conflict.  Today Esther Littlefield and I have an honest and personal conversation about how to work through those really difficult moments in your marriage as a new parent, and how you can re-prioritize your relationship if you feel like things are getting off track.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Esther shares some of the most difficult challenges she faced as a new working mom and how becoming a parent almost ended her marriage. Some of the biggest obstacles Esther and her husband faced to move through the hardest years of their marriage. Specific tools and strategies Esther relied on to begin to re-prioritize her marriage and build a solid foundation for their family.   Show Notes:  http://WorkingParentResource.com/21 Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:  Esther Littlefield Website Esther Littlefield Facebook Esther Littlefield Twitter Esther Littlefield Pinterest Wellness Mom Life Free 5-Day Marriage Challenge Utilizing Conflict to Strengthen Your Marriage with Chuck Starnes Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman WPR010: How to Utilize Conflict to Strengthen Your Marriage with Chuck Starnes Avoid These Risks of Being a Perfect Parent Working Parent Resource – Relationship Resources Working Parent Resource Facebook Group  Working Parent Resource Website  About the Working Parent Resource:  The Working Parent Resource is dedicated to helping ambitious working parents acquire the information, insights, and tools they need to create a more intentional and fulfilling life that reflects their deepest values and priorities.  Sarah Argenal, the host of the Working Parent Resource Podcast, has her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy and Adult Development, and is a Certified Professional Coach with 20 years of experience in counseling, coaching, teaching, course development, and project management. You can access episode Show Notes and learn more about the Working Parent Resource at http://WorkingParentResource.com.  Join the Conversation!  Leave your comments about the show, offer suggestions for upcoming show topics, or let us know what we can be doing better!  We’d love to hear from you over in our free Facebook community at: http://WorkingParentResource.com/Community.  Sponsor:  This show was sponsored by the Working Parent Resource.  We offer a carefully curated archive of Resources, a diverse suite of coaching opportunities, in-person and online communities, and much more.  Check it out here:  http://WorkingParentResource.com.  Reminders:  Don’t forget to subscribe to our show on iTunes to be notified when a new episode is published.  Please leave an honest rating and review as well.  Ratings and reviews are extremely important and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in ranking the show, and I read each and every one of them.    ***Founding Member of the Parents On Demand Network***      The post “WPR021: How to Make Your Marriage a Priority as Working Parent with Esther Littlefield” appeared first on WorkingParentResource.com.     

In this episode I had the privilege of interviewing Esther Littlefield with the "Wellness Mom Life."  We talk about the 4 areas of wellness that you should focus in on. As well as some simple tips that you can implement with each area to make a huge difference in your health and wellness immediately!