Podcasts about Trello

Is your brain cluttered with every new tool, platform, and software someone told you that you absolutely need? Same. This episode started as a simple refresh of our tech stack after a listener wrote in asking what we actually use to run our businesses. Spoiler: the list is still shockingly short. But somewhere between Google Sheets and listing descriptions, we took a turn into AI territory, and y'all, we are not turning back. We walk through our bare-bones tech stack (yes, we still use a spreadsheet), talk honestly about how we are each using AI in our real estate businesses right now, and share why keeping things simple is not laziness, it is a strategy. We also get into SEO vs. AEO vs. GEO (yes, GEO is a real thing and it matters), what AI actually pulled up when Alissa searched herself, and the big announcement: Katy is teaching a monthly AI class inside the Hustle Humbly Community starting now. If you have been quietly panicking every time someone mentions AI, or if you have been using it already and want to go deeper, this episode is for you. Here's what we cover in this episode: The listener email that prompted this episode and our full simple tech stack answer Why simpler systems get used more consistently (and cost less money) Google Sheets, Trello, Canva, email, Google Drive, MLS, and yes, a little AI Transaction management and e-sign tools required by our brokerages How to qualify your tech choices based on the type of business you want to run SEO vs. AEO vs. GEO: what each one means and which one actually matters for your real estate business What happened when Alissa's seller looked her up with AI (hint: reviews matter a lot) How Alissa used ChatGPT to analyze multiple offers and review pre-approval letters Using AI to virtually stage photos, repaint rooms, and show sellers the vision How Katy used Claude to turn listing appointment notes and photos into a beautiful PDF checklist for a seller The Plaud device that listens to your appointments and summarizes them Why shiny tools do not fix broken habits Claude vs. ChatGPT: what is different and why Katy made the switch Projects, skills, and co-work inside Claude explained simply The new monthly AI class inside the Hustle Humbly Community for $25/month Why your Google reviews are your most important AI visibility tool right now Key Quotes & Takeaways: "Shiny objects feel productive, but they can delay real progress." Alissa "New tools do not fix broken habits. If you have systems in place that you're not using, a new system is not going to help you." Alissa "As long as you're running your business like a business and getting reviews from people, the internet and the AI are going to pick up on that." Alissa "You can not ask for more business if you are not taking care of the business you already have." Alissa "Using AI well will probably cut your task in half." Katy Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 8: Tech Tools for Real Estate (hustlehumblypodcast.com/8) Google Sheets (free) Trello (free) Canva (free and paid) Google Drive (free and paid) ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) paid plan ~$20/month for photo editing Claude / Claude.ai (claude.ai) paid plan ~$22/month MLS e-sign (included with board dues) Dotloop (e-sign & transaction management) SkySlope (transaction management) Hustle Humbly Community (hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership) Email Templates 101 (emailtemplates101.com) Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you are toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly Get your FREE Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com All Resources: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com Submit your topic ideas and toasts to Team@HustleHumblyPodcast.com

Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Kirsten Graham, CEO, business coach, and outsourcing specialist at Six Figure Business Coaching. Kirsten shares how a decade of mentoring self-employed business owners unexpectedly evolved into a coaching business that gave her the flexibility to support her family during a difficult season and ultimately led her down an entirely new entrepreneurial path. The conversation explores the realities of building a business, including hiring mistakes, outsourcing lessons, pricing challenges, and the importance of understanding your numbers. Kirsten also shares practical insights on bookkeeping, virtual assistants, business systems, AI tools, and why many entrepreneurs unknowingly create their own glass ceiling by trying to do everything themselves. Who is Kirsten Graham? Kirsten Graham is the CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching and an outsourcing specialist who helps service-based entrepreneurs simplify and scale their businesses through coaching, financial clarity, and strategic outsourcing. With a background in real estate, mortgage lending, and business ownership, Kirsten spent years mentoring self-employed business owners before turning that experience into a coaching business. Today, she helps entrepreneurs build stronger foundations through systems, outsourcing, bookkeeping support, and business coaching. Connect with Kirsten Graham Website: https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/ Less Math More Money: https://lessmathmoremoney.com/ Host Contact Details Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:32 From Real Estate to Coaching 02:53 Charging for Your Strengths 03:58 Turning Advice Into Offers 04:59 Outsourcing Gone Wrong Lessons 08:51 Entrepreneur Mindset and Learning 14:00 Pricing and Financial Clarity 19:14 Outsourcing Bookkeeping VAs 21:42 Building Trust and Training 24:34 Tools GoHighLevel Stack 25:31 Tools and CRM Stack 25:53 Trello for Focus 26:30 Shiny Object System 27:25 AI Tools and Guardrails 30:58 Cross Checking AI 32:39 AI and Virtual Assistants 36:01 New Bookkeeping Offer 38:01 Love Your Profit Mission 39:43 Who They Help and SOPs 41:10 Ideal Clients and Saying No 41:57 Where to Learn More 42:39 Rockstar Favorites 43:35 Idea Spaces and Travel 45:29 Wrap Up and Thanks Disclaimers Business Education Disclaimer The ideas shared in this episode are based on personal experience and business coaching perspectives. Every business is different, so listeners should evaluate strategies based on their own situation. Financial Discussion Disclaimer This episode includes discussions about bookkeeping, pricing, cash flow, and business finances. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered accounting, tax, or financial advice.

What happens when a startup operator with leadership experience at Atlassian, Trello, and Typeform decides to tackle one of the most complex challenges in business—hiring?In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, Anthony Vaughan sits down with Kristen Habacht, CEO of Elly, to explore how AI is transforming recruiting without replacing the human relationships that make great hiring possible.Kristen shares the origin story behind Elly, an AI-native hiring platform built specifically for startups, and explains why the future of recruiting isn't about removing recruiters—it's about empowering them to spend more time where they create the most value.The conversation covers:Why timing is often more important than talent when hiringThe hidden challenges of recruiting sales, marketing, and product leadersHow startups can avoid costly hiring mistakesWhy AI should enhance recruiters, not replace themThe evolution of recruiting from administrative work to strategic talent advisoryBuilding human-centric AI products in a crowded marketThe growing importance of candidate experience and employer brandWhy the future of software may be a combination of AI and human expertiseWhether you're a founder, recruiter, HR leader, or startup operator, this episode offers a practical look at where hiring is headed and how organizations can use AI to make smarter talent decisions.

If you're running a painting company and still handling your own scheduling, emails, social media, and back-office tasks — this episode is for you.In this episode of the Elite Business Advice Podcast, host Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, tackles one of the most common and costly mistakes painting contractors and painting business owners make: waiting too long to hire administrative help.What You'll Learn:·      Why every painting contractor needs admin support — and why most wait far too long to get it·      Creative ways to hire admin help at every stage of your business — from virtual assistants and part-time help under $500K, to a network hire between $500K–$1M, to full-time staff at $1M+·      How to use AI tools (including tools like Manus) to handle graphic creation, redesigns, and repetitive tasks·      How to build your admin task list — the work they take off your plate and the growth work they can drive for you (social posting, Google My Business updates, email campaigns to past clients, marketing coordination, and more)·      The systems that make admin hires actually work — Trello, SOPs/Admin Playbooks, Loom videos, and building processes as you scale·      The ROI question every painting business owner needs to answer: What would 5 to 7 hours back per week do for your company?Interested to learn more about what we do to help Painting Contractors all over North America? Schedule a free business analysis meeting with us at www.elitebusinessadvisors.com!

In the final episode of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna and Fuzz reflect on eight seasons, 235 episodes, and how educational technology has changed since the show began in 2019. They discuss the shift from fun classroom websites to online learning, video tools, AI supports, and now a growing need to balance technology with unplugged time, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences.For one final tech tool, Shanna shares 1,000 Hours Outside, a free resource that encourages families and students to track outdoor time throughout the year. The site offers printable trackers and simple ways to make outside time part of everyday life. Shanna also shares a district-wide outdoor bingo challenge designed to encourage students and families to unplug over the summer.The episode also revisits favorite tools from over the years, including Bouncy Balls, Blob Opera, Canva, Google Slides, Trello, Claude, and more. Most importantly, Shanna and Fuzz thank listeners for being part of the podcast and remind everyone that the resources will continue to live on at smartinwi.com.1,000 Hours OutsideBouncy BallsBlob OperaCanva for EducationGoogle SlidesTrelloClaudeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

O RdM tarda, mas não falha. Na última vez que recebemos Lucas Maia no podcast, no RdMCast #504 - Em Volta da Fogueira XXXVI feat. Lucas Maia (Refúgio Cult), ele mencionou dois filmes que estavam entre seus favoritos do horror nos últimos anos: Eu Vi o Diabo (2010) e Endemoniada (2010). Demorou quase 1 ano, mas finalmente conseguimos tirar a pauta do nosso Trello e contar novamente com a ilustre presença do criador do canal Refúgio Cult no RdMCast. Mais do que isso: aos dois filmes recomendados pelo convidado, adicionamos mais 5 filmes imperdíveis do cinema sul-coreano da última década e meia. Entre temáticas como vingança, serial killers, xamanismo e zumbis, conversamos sobre alguns dos grandes expoentes do cinema de horror e suspense no país. E, claro, percebemos que as inúmeras queixas dos sul-coreanos contra o capitalismo tardio não são tão únicas quanto eles talvez imaginassem. O RdMCast é produzido e apresentado por: Thiago Natário, Gabi Larocca e Gabriel Braga, com a participação especial de Lucas Maia (@lucasthemaia) do canal Refúgio Cult.Apoie o RdM e receba recompensas exclusivas: https://apoia.se/rdmCITADOS NO PROGRAMA:Eu Vi o Diabo (2010)Endemoniada / Bedevilled (2010)O Lamento (2016)Invasão Zumbi (2016)Rastros de um Sequestro (2017)Em Chamas (2018)A Única Saída (2025)Citações off topic:Medo (2003)Oldboy (2003)Lady Vingança (2005)Memórias de um Assassino (2003)Memórias de Ontem (1991)Exhuma (2024)Guerra Mundial Z (2013)Invasão Zumbi 2: Península (2020)Army of the Dead: Invasão em Las Vegas (2021)EPISÓDIOS CITADOS:Cabana RdM #38 – 9 filmes para conhecer o cinema de horror sul-coreanoCabana RdM #75 – Exhuma: traumas, maldições e feng shuiRdMCast #495 – Mickey 17 e o Horror social em Bong Joon-hoRdMCast #504 – Em Volta da Fogueira XXXVI feat. Lucas Maia (Refúgio Cult)RdMCast #511 – Round 6: desigualdade, natureza humana e batatinha fritaRdMCast #221 – Parasita e o horror da desigualdade socialPROMOÇÕES DE INVERNO INSIDER STORECupom: RDMCASTLink especial: https://creators.insiderstore.com.br/RDMCASTSiga o RdMYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Rep%C3%BAblicadoMedoInstagram: @republicadomedoTwitter: @RdmcastEntre em contato através do: contato@republicadomedo.com.brLoja do RdMConheça nossos produtos: https://lojaflutuante.com.br/?produto=RdmPODCAST EDITADO PORFelipe LourençoESTÚDIO GRIM – Design para conteúdo digitalPortfólio: https://estudiogrim.com.br/Instagram: @estudiogrimContato: contato@estudiogrim.com.br

Send us Fan MailYour property investing isn't stuck because the market is “hard.” It's stuck because one of six constraints is quietly choking your deal flow, your confidence, or your consistency. We walk through the exact bottlenecks we see again and again in real estate investing and property business building, then lay out how to solve each one without fluff.We start with the market and strategy constraint: if you can't find good deals, you probably aren't getting in front of enough people. That leads to the pipeline problem, where you cling to one opportunity and feel crushed when it falls apart. From there, we tackle the capacity story investors tell themselves, the fear of too many calls, too many viewings, and “not enough time.” We break down why scheduling, prioritising, and a little support can unlock momentum fast.Next comes the dream killer: cash. We challenge the “I have no money” excuse and focus on what actually creates funding, relationships, networking, and knowing how to talk about opportunities the right way. We also cover the skills constraint and the education-to-action gap, plus the systems that keep you organized, from CRMs to Trello to simple calendar time blocking.The final constraint is the most important: you. If you've been talking about starting for years, this is your nudge to define success, set a 12-month target, and take action now. Subscribe, share this with a friend who's stuck, and leave a five-star review so more investors can find the show.VALUABLE RESOURCES:Let me help you build your property business, Check out how I can support your investing now.Visit https://www.thepropertyunleashed.com/homeMy Property Investing Community called Property Education To Action,  This is the best place to achieve your property goals and build the life you desire. https://educationtoaction.com Apply here: thepropertyunleashed.com — click Inner Circle“Free Goal Setting Masterclass: Build Your Life In Five Days”“If you've enjoyed these episodes, leave us a five-star review”https://www.facebook.com/groups/816926952556608 to meet like-minded property investors and be a part of the community.CONNECT WITH ME:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fitzgerald.7921Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfitzgeraldentrepreneur/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgerald-59200079/...

We willen allemaal wel dat ons bedrijf met minder moeite van ons kan draaien. Dat we minder nodig zijn, minder hoeven te doen, maar de boel tóch doorloopt.Ook al voelt het misschien een ver-van-je-bed-show; dat is mogelijk, als je je bedrijf erop inricht.Ik heb 5 gouden regels waar ik naar leef in mijn bedrijf om ervoor te zorgen dat ik zo min mogelijk nodig ben voor dagelijkse, operationele taken. In deze aflevering loop ik die met je door, zodat jij ze ook kan toepassen om jezelf misbaarder te maken.Meld je aan voor de gratis masterclass 'Trello voor ondernemers: Maximaliseer je business efficiency & groei': ⁠https://hashtaglifegoals.nl/trello-voor-ondernemers ⁠Volg mij op Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/hashtag.lifegoals

This week, it's just Rachel and Lynne as they discuss changes they're making in their freelance businesses in response to shifting client needs, including experimenting with new services and focusing on deeper client relationships. Rachel plans to consistently send a client newsletter, launch a formal email marketing offering, and pitch LinkedIn thought-leadership services built from interviews. Lynne is going deeper with existing tech tools (including AI features), running her business more fully through digital systems such as calendars and Trello, and upselling blog posts and case studies into more strategic, ongoing work. She also highlights the value of in-person meetings and site visits for better interviews, stronger relationships, and fresh story ideas.  They also talk about giving genuine positive feedback to clients and sharing wins publicly. Rachel shares Rachel's List experiments: making the jobs board free, increasing in-person member events, launching "Booked Out Bingo", using personalised welcome videos, and trialling a new early-career freelancer membership with a private podcast. Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

Andrea und Jens aus Hamburg haben sich ein ambitioniertes Ziel gesetzt: Die Anzahl ihrer Fix & Flip Projekte mehr als zu verdoppeln. Wie gezielte Coachings, ein strukturiertes Trello-System, KI-Automatisierung und cleveres Offline-Marketing dabei die entscheidende Rolle spielen – das erzählen sie in dieser Episode.In dieser Episode nehmen sie dich mit hinter die Kulissen von CASAIA: Wie sie Deals finden, wie ihr Prozess vom Lead bis zum Verkauf aussieht – und was sie antreibt, aus altem Wohnraum wieder ein Zuhause für die nächste Generation zu machen.Kapitel:00:00 Intro & Vorstellung – Wer sind Andrea & Jens?02:06 Der Start mit Fix & Flip – erstes Objekt, erste Learnings04:08 Von Buy & Hold zu Fix & Flip – warum dieser Weg?06:20 Die Mission: Neuen Wohnraum für die nächste Generation schaffen07:36 Das Numbers Game – wie viele Leads, Besichtigungen & Flyer braucht ein Deal?09:10 Der Deal-Flow: VA, Flyer-Verteiler & Zeitungsanzeigen im Zusammenspiel11:35 Flyer-Strategie: Frequenz, Rücklaufquoten & gefilterte Adresslisten17:20 Ankaufsprofil & „kaufe was gekauft wird" – welche Objekte sucht CASAIA?19:58 Von „Einfach nach Hause" zu CASAIA – die Geschichte hinter dem neuen Namen23:09 Transparenz im Marketing – als Unternehmen auftreten & Ankaufsargumente26:04 Trello als zentrales Steuerinstrument – so läuft das Deal-Management28:07 KI & Automatisierung – Suchagenten-Mails automatisch nach Trello überführen30:12 Warum sie konsequent in Coachings investieren – Oliver Fischer, Tony Robbins & Co.31:40 Was sie aus NLP & Neurolinguistic Selling für Verkaufsgespräche mitgenommen haben35:32 Home-Staging: Warum sie es auslagern & wie es den Verkauf beschleunigt36:44 Immometrika & Sold – Tools für Marktanalyse und Vergleichsobjekte38:52 Renovierung: Warum alles an Handwerker geht – Win-win-win für alle Beteiligten40:01 Verkaufsmarketing: Ohne Makler, Anzeigen & die eigene Kaufinteressenten-Datenbank42:17 Prozessoptimierung beim Verkauf: Fotos, Unterlagen & Anzeige in einem Ablauf43:26 Ankaufsprofil im Detail: Zimmergröße, Energieeffizienz, Lage & Parkplatz in Hamburg47:37 Aktueller Stand 2025: Wo steht CASAIA auf dem Weg zu 12 Objekten?50:02 Das bewegendste Verkäufer-Feedback – eine Geschichte, die unter die Haut geht53:18 Vision für die nächsten 5 Jahre – Wachstum, Automatisierung & BekanntheitErwähnte Tools & Ressourcen:Trello – Deal-Management & ProzesssteuerungNLC Mastermind (Samet Evcil / Immo Daddy)Fix & Flip Coaching: Oliver FischerVernetze dich mit Andrea & Jens:

Most worship and tech teams are running on five too many apps. Planning Center, Trello, WhatsApp, group texts, email, a Facebook group, three different timer apps, an SPL meter, ProPresenter notes scattered across someone's laptop — and somehow we keep adding more. In this episode, Spencer and Dillan get into why the answer is almost never another tool, why every new app you adopt actively hurts your volunteer culture, and why the church Dillan talked to recently couldn't even name what they use for team communication. They walk through the specific gaps in Planning Center for bidirectional volunteer communication, the fragmentation between weekend tools (timers, notes, volume tracking, streaming analytics) and why nobody's actually evaluating any of it, and Dillan makes the case that the first question for any new tool shouldn't be "is this useful?" — it should be "how does this affect my volunteer culture?" Because if you lose your volunteers, none of the tools matter. They close with what MxU is building toward — bringing training, planning, communication, ProPresenter control, service analytics, and multi-site dashboards into one place with one login — and why "more tools" is almost always the wrong answer to a leadership problem.Check out our FREE Team Night Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=too-many-appsFREE RESOURCES

Running a business effectively takes well-documented processes. Everyone in the organization needs to know what they're supposed to do to run seamlessly and optimize productivity. Today, Kendra Perry talks about something critical – your company manual. Tune in to understand its value and discover a tool that will help you save time, increase productivity, and save your mental health. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Zapier: https://zapier.com Trello: https://trello.com  https://kendraperry.net/episode144Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://kendraperry.net/

Send us Fan MailYour business was supposed to create time freedom, not a never-ending to-do list that follows you into nights and weekends. I'm Camille from CamilleWalker.co, a mom of four who's built an online business for 14 years, and I'm sharing the delegation framework I use to help overwhelmed entrepreneurs step into the CEO role and finally get their time back.We start with the real reason so many founders feel stuck: when you're doing emails, admin, social media, customer service, scheduling, and content all at once, everything feels urgent and nothing feels done. I walk you through a simple time audit that shows exactly where your week goes, then we sort your work into repeat tasks, energy-draining tasks, and the “only I can do this” tasks. You'll also learn my shoulder-above versus shoulder-below filter so you can protect the work that requires your voice, face, and decision making while outsourcing the rest.Then we get tactical about hiring a virtual assistant as your first support hire, even if you only start with 3 to 5 hours a week. I share where to find VA candidates, how to write a clear job description, and how to onboard with tools like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp plus simple SOPs and a communication rhythm that builds trust. If you want a calmer schedule, a stronger team, and a business that can actually scale, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a friend, then leave a five star review so more moms can find it.Hiring a VA Cheatsheet – Get it for just $2760 Days to VA Program – My trained Virtual Assistants are ready to help!Get My $27 Hiring a VA Cheatsheet:I've made hiring your first (or next) VA super simple. Download my Hiring a VA Cheatsheet for just $27 and get a step-by-step roadmap to hiring confidently and growing your dream team. Grab it here!Follow Camille on Instagram: www.instagram.com/CamilleWalker.coFollow Call Me CEO on Instagram: www.instagram.com/callmeceopodcastMyMommyStyle.comSubscribe to Call Me CEO for more episodes!

“You don't have to be first to be the best.” What does it take to scale a brand from $20M to $140M in just 12 months?  Luka Kvatchrelishvili (CMO, True Sea Moss) joins hosts Connor Rolain (Head of Growth, HexClad) and Connor MacDonald (CMO, Ridge) to break down how he took a bootstrapped, product-led superfood brand … and scaled it into a nine-figure DTC powerhouse. Luka shares his path from practicing law in Georgia to drop shipping foosball tables to leading a 33-person marketing team. The conversation digs into how Luka diagnosed and fixed True Sea Moss' data infrastructure before touching a single ad, and how a surge in creative volume gave way to a more methodical, outcome-driven testing system. He also gets into the halo effect between Meta spend, Amazon, and retail performance; the power of the LTV-to-CAC cohort report; and how True Sea Moss went from Telegram groups and Trello boards to a marketing-led operation scaling toward half a billion.  Powered By Motion Creative Benchmarks 2026 https://motionapp.com/thumbstop-pulse/creative-benchmarks-2026?utm_campaign=marketing-operators&utm_medium=sponsor&utm_content=creative-benchmarks-2026&utm_source=marketing-operators-podcastSaras Analyticshttps://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc Haushttps://www.haus.io/operatorsRichpanelhttps://9ops.co/richpanelAftersellhttps://9ops.co/4i3bb5Operators Newsletterhttps://9operators.com/

W tym odcinku podcastu „Więcej niż Marketing” opowiadam o tym, jakiego systemu CRM używam na co dzień i dlaczego właśnie ten wybór sprawdził się u nas najlepiej. Mówię o tym, czym właściwie jest CRM, kiedy warto go wdrożyć i jakie problemy pojawiają się, gdy firma próbuje zarządzać sprzedażą wyłącznie przez Excela czy Trello.Porównuję też popularne rozwiązania takie jak HubSpot, Salesforce czy Zoho i tłumaczę, dlaczego finalnie postawiłem na Leadloft. Pokazuję, jak wykorzystujemy CRM nie tylko do zarządzania klientami, ale również do automatyzacji sprzedaży, LinkedIna, follow-upów i organizacji procesu handlowego.Jeśli prowadzisz małą lub średnią firmę i zastanawiasz się, jaki CRM wybrać - ten odcinek może Ci mocno ułatwić decyzję.

As spring turns into summer, many people's thoughts turn to hitting the open road and soaking in the majestic grandeur of the United States. This week on The Jira Life, we're celebrating that spirit of adventure with a grand reunion of the Trello Trailblazers — featuring the Trello queen herself, Brittany Joiner, along with fellow Trello enthusiasts Rob Hean and Mike Day. Brittany takes us behind the scenes of her cross-country motor home journey, sharing how she planned every mile of the trip using Trello. From route mapping to packing lists, tune in as she walks us through her actual board and the tips and tricks that kept her adventure organized and on track.But the fun doesn't stop there. Rob and Mike bring their own Trello expertise to the table, diving into the ways they've harnessed the power of Trello in their own lives and work. Whether you're a seasoned Trello power user or just getting started, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical takeaways, and plenty of good company. Don't miss this lively, road-trip-fueled conversation with three of the most passionate voices in the Trello community — only on The Jira Life.Thank you to ikuTeam for connecting and collaborating with The Jira Life. https://ikuteam.comThe Jira Life=====================================Having trouble keeping up with when we are live? Sign up for our Atlassian Community Group!https://ace.atlassian.com/the-jira-life/Or Follow us on LinkedIn!https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jira-life/Become a member on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/@thejiralife/joinHosts:- Alex "Dr. Jira" Ortizhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexortiz89/https://www.youtube.com/@ApetechTechTutorials- Rodney "The Jira Guy" Nissenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rgnissen/https://thejiraguy.com- Sarah Wrighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/satwright/ Producer:- "King Bob" Robert Wenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wen-csm-spc6-a552051/Executive Producer: - Lina OrtizMusic provided by Monstercat:=====================================Intro: Nitro Fun - Cheat Codeshttps://www.youtube.com/c/monstercatOutro: Fractal - Atriumhttps://www.youtube.com/c/monstercatinstinct 

Who is Julia?Julia Felton is a business consultant who has built a reputation for identifying the real issues behind her clients' challenges. While companies often approach her with concerns about team dysfunction, lack of trust, and poor collaboration, Julia quickly uncovers that these surface symptoms stem from deeper underlying causes. With her insightful approach, she helps organizations move beyond treating just the symptoms—enabling teams to break free from silos, improve communication, and achieve the results they desire. Julia's clients rely on her expertise to foster genuine trust and collaboration within their teams.Key Takeaways* Is your team chasing results but feeling disconnected? Julia Felton says it's all about energy alignment, not just process. Slow down, reset, and watch collaboration grow.* Most trust issues in teams don't come from lack of tools, but from not investing enough in relationships. Build social capital, even if it feels “frivolous”—it's critical for flow.* True leadership isn't about controlling everything. Julia Felton reminds us: empower your team, step back, and let the natural talents shine for real productivity.* Vision isn't a one-time message. Keep communicating your purpose so everyone knows where you're heading. As Julia Felton notes, clarity builds trust and connection.* Take inspiration from nature: humans, like herds, thrive when leadership is shared. Health, harmony, unity—let these guide your team to higher trust and adaptability.Don't forget: If you want to connect, ask questions, or get notified about upcoming guests like Julia, subscribe to the newsletter here. You only need your first name and email—easy as (coffee) pie!And don't forget: keep an eye out for next guest. To submit your own questions, subscribe to our newsletter and join the conversation!P.S. Loved this episode? Hit reply and let us know what resonated most_________________________________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to our newsletter and get details of when we are doing these interviews live at www.systemise.me/subscribeFind out more about being a guest at : link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/beaguestSubscribe to the podcast at https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/podcastHelp us get this podcast in front of as many people as possible. Leave a nice five-star review at apple podcasts : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/apple-podcasts and on YouTube : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/Itsnotrocketscienceatyt!Do You Need a P.A.T.H. to Scale?We help established business owners with small but growing teams:go from feeling stuck, sceptical, and tired of wasting time and money on false promises,to running a confident, purpose-driven business where their team delivers results, customers are happy, and they can finally enjoy more time with their family -with a results-based refund guarantee: if you follow the process and it doesn't work, we refund what you paid.This is THE P.A.T.H. to scale your business.————————————————————————————————————————————-TranscriptNote, this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast.SUMMARY KEYWORDStrust issues, team building, rewilding leadership, misaligned energy, team dynamics, collaboration, silos in business, business productivity, meeting fatigue, leadership styles, performance paradox, shared leadership, empowerment, micromanagement, business culture, teamship, employee engagement, organizational trust, social capital, remote work challenges, communication in teams, business vision, talent management, role alignment, leveraging strengths, sustainable leadership, natural leadership, flow in teams, founder-led business, relationship buildingSPEAKERJulia Felton, Stuart WebbStuart Webb [00:00:01]:Hopefully. Hi, and welcome back to It's Not Rocket Science. Five questions over coffee. I'm delighted. Today I've been joined by Julia Felton. Julia is an expert in, well, helping to fix trust issues within teams using rewilding leadership. She's really going to help us to understand exactly how we can rebuild those trust issues which so often dog startups, even rapidly scaling a growing company. So, Julia, welcome to It's Not Rocket Science.Stuart Webb [00:01:01]:Five questions over coffee. I hope you've got your coffee in front of you. I've actually got a fruit tea at the moment, but that's because it's after Christmas. I try to be careful with my body.Julia Felton [00:01:12]:Well, me too, Stuart. I'm, I've got ginger and lemon here.Stuart Webb [00:01:15]:So I've been off your only way to live. Let's start by understanding, you know, the sort of person you're trying to help. You obviously, you're obviously trying to help somebody that's got a problem. But how do, how would you recognize them? What would they, what would they be saying? What would they be doing in order to sort of, you know, for you to be able to say, well, that's exactly the sort of person I'm trying to help.Julia Felton [00:01:42]:Yeah, that's such a great question. Because I think what typically happens is what people come to me with and what actually the problem is, are very different. And I think often what we find in business, isn't it, we, we, we, we of treating the symptom rather than the cause. So sort of people come to me and they go, oh, my team's not functioning properly, Julia. You know, and people don't trust each other. There's a lot of bickering going on, we're not getting the results we want. You know, there's people are working in silos, nobody collaborates together. Those are the sorts of things that my clients are saying.Julia Felton [00:02:19]:And my clients range from, you know, smaller SMEs up to larger corporates, you know, and this, these kinds of problems exist throughout many types of organizations. So anywhere where you've got people involved, really. Because at the end of the day, trust drives everything in business. Right.Stuart Webb [00:02:41]:So what would some of those, I mean, you just talked about sort of smaller SMEs, large corporates. I mean, they've tried everything before, haven't they? They've done the courses, they've sent people off on the training courses, they've, they've done that, they've done the online stuff, they've done everything they can and it's still not fixing it. So what are the sort of things that they are trying that you break through and you find that even having done this stuff, they've still got these issues.Julia Felton [00:03:08]:Sure. So I think if we distill it back down and we go to, well, what's really the cause of what's going on in the business? Rather the biggest challenge, if I was to sum it up like that, is it's, it's not this lack of skill or ambition or desire, but it's actually all to do with misaligned energy. So we've got brilliant purpose driven leaders out there. They built often fast growing businesses, but somewhere along the way this momentum turns into mayhem, right? And the team's busy, but it's not productive. People, you know, having loads and loads of meetings. We know this meeting fatigue, right? The progress stalls, everyone's working harder, but people aren't working collectively together, they're not pulling in the same direction. So I call that the performance paradox. Because what we're seeing is companies chasing these results so hard, but they've become really disconnected from the very people and the energy that creates them.Julia Felton [00:04:08]:So what happens is these businesses start running on logic and process rather when what we really need is this connection and trust and flow, Flow. And so I think what I really see leaders craving is a much more natural, sustainable way of leading where we get everyone pulling in the same direction and we stop forcing the results and we start getting the results flowing naturally because everyone's working in their right energy. And as you know, Stuart, you know, I'm very passionate about nature. I reference everything back to the natural world. And, and you know, when we look at the natural world, the natural world understands the ebb and flow of energy and how it goes inside cycles. And that's what we're not really seeing in business right now is leaders really understanding that. And it's interesting, we're recording this right after Christmas, right, where people have actually had an opportunity to kind of rest and re reset themselves for this year. But we tend to wait till Christmas, right.Julia Felton [00:05:10]:And we take a week or two weeks off, try and rest and reset and then we don't. Then we try and go for another whole year and, and that's not feasible for people.Stuart Webb [00:05:21]:So what are some of the things that you then introduce into the business in order for them to, to understand that it's that, you know, to develop that ebb and flow. What is it you do to help them essentially reset on a more regular basis?Julia Felton [00:05:36]:Yeah, well, obviously as we, as we just talked about there, you know, reset the rhythm and flow and recovery. So for me, that's actually about leaders taking time out to rest and relax and, and it's that psychology of slowing down to speed up that, you know, instinctively we know that, but everything's saying to us, oh, you know, if I, if I take the afternoon off, I'm not going to get everything done. But I don't know about you, Stuart, but I know when I step away from my desk, if I'm really struggling with something, all of a sudden when I'm away from, from my work and what I'm doing, I get all these insights. So it's about understanding that in order to get into flow, we actually have to go through a period of resetting ourselves and resting and stepping away from the problem in order to get back. You know, it's a good old adage, isn't it? You know, we get our best ideas in the shower, wherever it is, out on walks and stuff like that. So I think it's about really purposefully crafting time into our weekly schedules to do that. Because I think most people, they go into the office, you know, foot to the metal, go, go, go all day and we get to the end of the day and then they're like, I'm not even sure what I've accomplished because we've just been being that busy fool that, you know, you and I know, I've talked about, you know, we're spending all this time doing things, but we're not doing the right things that we need to do.Stuart Webb [00:07:05]:Yeah.Julia Felton [00:07:05]:So, you know, if we look at some of the mistakes that people are making around, this is the first thing we often see companies doing, is we put all these tools right. We've got problems. Like you said, you know, teams are working in silos, there's no collaboration. So we throw tools at the problem. You know, we maybe buy, you know, a collaboration platform like Trello or Asana or something like that to try and make everyone work more effectively together. And that rarely solves the problem. Right. Or we send people on team building away days or training courses, and all of these can have some marginal gain for the business, but they don't really get to the shifting the underlying energy or trust dynamics that are actually blocking performance.Julia Felton [00:07:52]:And for me, the way that we change those trust dynamics is actually by really slowing down and investing time in building relationships. It's this importance of social capital within business. Right. And sometimes it seems a bit frivolous. Right. You know, oh, we, we're stopping and we're talking to somebody in the corridor. But I don't know about you, but you know, in the days when we were all in the office and I was in the corporate world, I got all my information from those informal chats. That's where you knew what was going on.Julia Felton [00:08:23]:Of course the trouble that we've got right now is with so many people working remotely, all of that informal communication you might want to say isn't getting shared and you don't know what's going on in another team, which you would have found out because you walk with somebody and you went and grabbed lunch with them when we used to go out to the sandwich bars for lunch or whatever or you were making your coffee. So I think there's a big problem there that we're not spending enough time investing in building that social capital.Stuart Webb [00:08:54]:Yeah.Julia Felton [00:08:55]:And go. I'm sorry.Stuart Webb [00:08:57]:No indeed. I'm just agreeing with you. Absolutely agreeing with you.Julia Felton [00:09:00]:Yeah. And I think one of the other mistakes I'm seeing companies make is that they, when things aren't going well, there's a tendency, particularly if it's a smaller founder led business for the founders want to take everything back, to control everything. Right. You know, if I control everything, it's going to work better, better. More meetings, more KPIs, more oversight. But actually all that's doing is draining the founders energy. But more importantly it's signaling to your team members that you don't trust them. We're not allowing them to get on.Julia Felton [00:09:32]:They don't feel empowered because there's so much micromanagement. And actually really what our team members are looking for is for us to trust them and to empower them to get the job done and then get out their way and leave them to do it. And when we've got that, then people will get on and do the job. And then the other lens that I often see going on here is when again when we've got problems we want to fix the people, we always think it's a people problem. And rather than think about, well, what is the potential our team members have got to unlock, how can we leverage them more effectively in the business? What new responsibilities can we give them? What new opportunities can we give them to help them thrive? You know, can we redefine their roles to give them a role which is more naturally aligned to what they love to do? Because we all know we've got more energy for the things we love to do. Right. And so if your role, you're spending 50% of your time doing things you don't love to do, in it, you're never going to be as productive as if you've got a role maybe where you've got 80 or 90% of things time doing the things you love. Now, the caveat I would just say against this is we're all going to have to do things in our role that we don't love.Julia Felton [00:10:50]:That's just life. But, you know, we want to spend the vast proportion of our time and when we can start redefining roles so that people do that, it makes a massive difference to their performance, their, you know, their productivity and then ultimately the productivity of the business. So, you know, I reflect back often to my corporate role where I didn't understand about energy and the best roles that people could go in. And I had this data manager, her name's Jane. And every single appraisal I was like, jane, you need to get better at spreadsheets, you know, because, you know, you're running the data center and that's what you need to do. Failing to realize that her complete zone of genius and what she bought to my business was actually her ability to rally the troops around. She was a great collaborator, a great people person, and I didn't leverage her skills effectively. So she wasn't as happy as she could be and I wasn't getting the best results out of her.Stuart Webb [00:11:46]:Yeah, I know. I remember very early on, in one of the first businesses that I, that I founded, somebody took me home on time. It was one of the non executives that sort of came in to help the business, said, are you asking the people that you're working with anything about, you know, what they do when they go home? And I, I sort of looked at, I'll be honest, I looked at him. What's that got to do with this? As in somehow, you know, he was talking complete nonsense. He said, you'll find those people go home and they run scout groups, they run, they run charity bazaars, they run charities and they run them brilliantly. All of those skills are open to you. If you only knew about them. And I looked at him and thought, that's a huge insight that I've got to think about.Stuart Webb [00:12:30]:And it was back to what you were saying there. It's about communication, isn't it? I haven't bothered to say to these people, what else are you up to? And, you know, they turn us, oh, I run a scout group. Are you good at admin? And that's a really useful thing to know because oftentimes people come into work and they sort of drop all these skills over their shoulder at the front door and then walk in and sort of just come in and do their job, don't they? Because they don't think they have to bring any of those skills with them because I'm at work now. And then they go home, they pick up all those skills again and they take them home and they use them very, very effectively. So sometimes it does mean that we've just got to speak to each other, ask what's going on and then go, wow, that's a really useful skill that we could use and then learn to let them get on with it.Julia Felton [00:13:17]:Yeah. And then, and then they feel more empowered, they feel trusted, you know, they know that they've been heard and you know, it's a win, win all round at the end of. But yet so important for us to, to really know our team members, like you say, what motivates them, what's inspires them and what the skills are that they've got that they're not bringing to the workplace that we could really leverage more effectively.Stuart Webb [00:13:39]:Yeah, brilliant. Julia, I'm sure that there's a. And I'm. I know you've given us some very valuable information to stick into our vault, which is at www.systemize.me/free stuff. Gosh, there's an awful lot of words in there. Immediately after the longish break, talk to us about what you've got available for people to be able to sort of advice, guidance that you could give people which they can tap into. And all of this will be available in the vault.Julia Felton [00:14:14]:Yeah, sure. So where I always suggest that people start is I've got a turbocharge your team quiz, which you can get at businesshorsepower.com forward/quiz. And it's. What is it? It's about 15 questions that just really helps you identify where your team's energy is getting drained. And what I often talk about is something called Team Ship, which we'll get onto in a minute when we talk about books and stuff. But Team Ship is about how do you. How do you run your business? Rather than leadership, it's all about teamship, people getting together. And then when you take the quiz, you actually get a free copy of my ebook on how to create a business that runs on teamship and the three pillars that actually underpin that.Julia Felton [00:15:01]:And then anyone who's taken the quiz is also welcome to join me for a Turbocharger quiz audit where I help you unpack the results of the quiz in more detail so that you can start to put together a kind of a short plan on how to how you want to change things in your business going forward.Stuart Webb [00:15:18]:And I can, I can assure you because I've been on, had a look, good look at that stuff. If you go to systemize me free stuff, you'll see all of the details of that. And Julia is really good at this stuff. So you will be pleasantly surprised when you see the level of detail that this goes into. Julia, yes, you're right. We're about to get on to other things. What was it that brought you to your understanding? You talked about your corporate career, you've talked a little bit about your passion for nature. How did you get to now books, courses, programs that enabled you to understand that teamship was actually the thing which needed to drive your day to day existence in your life now.Julia Felton [00:16:10]:Yeah, such a great question because I think, you know, once I left the corporate world, you know, like so many of us do, you know, you see things in the rear view mirror, right, that you didn't see when you were in it. And you know, I look back and I just got really frustrated with the way that we were running and leading businesses. And as everything I looked to nature and horses were a big part of my life. And what I looked to was the way that horses actually operate as a unity in unity, you know, that a team is a horse herd is always concerned with the health, harmony and unity of the herd, how to keep it all together. And they employ something called, I call shared leadership at the time. And shared leadership is this concept of as a leader you don't need to know everything. And let's face it, you know, in the good old days before Mr. Google, you know, and we were in the industrial era, it was probably true that the factory manager, they did know everything, right? But that doesn't exist today.Julia Felton [00:17:13]:So I think for any leader today, they want to know that it's okay to share the leadership with each other. And horse herds do this so well. And we see this in a lot of other dynamics of animals in nature, but they share the leadership. They realize that not one animal can keep the whole herd safe. So in the horse herd, they share the leadership between everybody. But there is a lead marine and a lead stallion within the herd that, you know, have pacific roles and then everyone else in the herd looks for the danger. And I was like, well that would be so much better if that was a model that happened in business where everybody in the organization is responsible for the health and safety of the organization. So even though you are, you know, on the production line or, you know, you're in the admin team or whatever it might be, you still have a duty of care to ensure that the business is going to stay successful.Julia Felton [00:18:08]:So if you see a competitor doing something, you should be able to speak up and say, did anyone else notice that going on over there? That could be a threat for us, you know, so it's all these eyes and ears looking out. So it was when I read Keith Freshley's book, Never Lead Alone. He t. He introduces this concept of teamship, which is effectively shared leadership. And I was like, it gave me kind of a framework and some language to use. So I've now created my own framework. It's called the unbridled Teamship roadmap, which helps leaders create this high level of trust, adaptability and shared energy within their teams that we see within, particularly within horse herds, for example. So Keith Farazi, I have to acknowledge him, he kind of gave me the language for this, but it was my life experience of partnering with the horses and seeing things in the natural world, particularly when I lived in Africa, that that kind of bought these two worlds together.Julia Felton [00:19:03]:And I was like, yeah, this is a new framework for how we need to lead in the 21st century that is just going to be much more compelling and engaging for people.Stuart Webb [00:19:13]:And I think you're right. The, the, the, the, the days of the command and control have largely gone, haven't they? Because there are so too many, too many moving parts, too quickly moving for you to be able to make, to be able to control everything. And so unless you're prepared to allow the leadership to spread, it will be impossible.Julia Felton [00:19:38]:And you just become a bottleneck as well as the leader. If you try and keep it all together, right, because everything's moving so fast, you've just not got the capacity to make that many decisions all day, every day. So we've got to share it out. Otherwise your business is likely to, to stumble and falter just because you've just not got the brain power to do it. All right? So, you know, you can actually end up being the biggest risk factor in your business if you don't share the leadership.Stuart Webb [00:20:06]:Yeah, that's the challenge. So, Julie, there must be one question that I haven't yet asked you that you really want me to ask, which will sort of open up, open up the eyes of people who are currently thinking, this is kind of me, but I'm not sure what is the question that you think I should have asked. And, and as you obviously know the question, you probably also know the answer. So what would the answer to that question be?Julia Felton [00:20:35]:Well, I hope I know the answer. I think it. I think it's this reframe about how do we reframe leadership? Because we're still seeing leadership through this lens of performance and results. And I get that. We've got to get that. But actually, how can we reframe leadership to be the role of a leader is more about how do you direct and orchestrate the energy of the people around you? Because performance is the byproduct of where our energy goes. So if we're really clear on where our energy goes, where our attention is going, then we can get better results. And we see this all the time, don't we, where you get leaders that something happens and they go, you know, they go in.Julia Felton [00:21:17]:This is frenetic, scattered energy all over the place. And that ripples through the team. It causes confusion and nobody knows what they're doing, and everyone starts running around like headless chickens. And we've seen this so often in businesses, you know, when this firefighting throws in, but actually it just causes disarray. And how would it be if the leader recognized in. Actually, in that moment is the moment that you need to become more grounded, more coherent and really pause to go back to the rest and set and pause and. And just be discerning about what's going on? Is this something that I really need to get frantic about right now, or is this something that I can just slow down, pay attention to and realize there's different ways I can approach it? And that kind of coherence is very, very contagious within the team, and it slows all the team down. And then we've got.Julia Felton [00:22:14]:We can be just a lot more discerning then about the decisions that we really need to take. So I think for from when we start looking at leadership, my question would be that you didn't ask is, you know, what if leadership isn't about performance anymore, it's about how do we orchestrate the ebb and flow of the energy of the team so that everyone can work from their natural stance. And therefore we're shifting from this control stance to getting connection. We're moving from burnout to flow, and we're moving into really true leadership that is sustainable for everybody.Stuart Webb [00:22:50]:And do you therefore think, and I'm sorry, that I'm going to ask you a question when you've just answered a question, do you think in order to sort of support that the leader has to have been able to transmit their vision for the business to everybody. So that when they get into that state of flow, they're able to operate without constantly referring back and saying, why are we doing this again? I've forgotten.Julia Felton [00:23:14]:Yeah, absolutely. That's 100% at the top of everything. If nobody knows where they're going, nobody knows where we're going to end up. You know, I often when my clients, you know, I say, well, you know, there's so many different ways that we could maybe get to. I'm in the uk, so I could get to London at the end of. End of this call, right? But I got to know I'm going to London, otherwise the team will end up in Edinburgh or somebody will end up in Dublin or somebody will fly to New York. Right? And I think having that really clear purpose and vision absolutely underpins everything because it's. That, for me, is the glue that pulls everyone in the right direction.Julia Felton [00:23:48]:And we need to remember that. We need to continually articulate that to come back to communication. It's very easy for people to go, I've told everyone the vision and we expect people to remember it, right? But we have to be embedded into absolutely everything. Everything we do day in, day out needs to be aligned with the vision because people don't remember, you know, and I know from, you know, having run workshops with clients, I. I remember I run the same workshop, I hosted the same venue, like, four, no, five or six times in a row, and my client attended as a guest each time because it was her venue and it was a particular workshop. Actually, I was running with the horses. And she said to me on the sixth workshop, she goes, that bit you said about xyz, that was a genius, Julia. And I was like, God, that has been in every single workshop.Stuart Webb [00:24:36]:It's such cool content.Julia Felton [00:24:38]:And she hadn't heard it. And of course, this is what we forget about communication. People only hear what they want to hear when they want to hear it. So we've got to keep repeating the vision where we want to go to the strategy. And sometimes I think as leaders, we. You can feel a bit like a broken record. We're like, I've told everyone that. But people only hear it and get it when they want to hear it.Julia Felton [00:25:00]:Yes, absolutely. Underpins everything, Stuart. Yeah, And. And I think, you know, when we put that clear purpose, that really builds trust because people know, right? People have got that clarity about where we're going. We know what the outcomes are, we know where we're heading. So people have got trust that what's going to happen. We. We've got a.Julia Felton [00:25:18]:We've got a vision, we've got a plan. And so that really helps.Stuart Webb [00:25:20]:Wonderful, wonderful. Julia, this has been really, really, really wonderful. It's a really great way to sort of. For me to kick off what we do this year. Just one small thing from me, if you don't mind.Julia Felton [00:25:36]:Yeah.Stuart Webb [00:25:37]:I send out about one email a week on the weeks where we're doing a podcast, and it just. It just tells you who's coming up and why you need to get in front of the. And be live. We've had a number of people, tens of people watching this today. So they got that from, you know, they've sat at the desk. They hopefully some of them have gone away and thought, I've got some problems I need to resolve. So if you would like to be one of those people who gets the email that sort of says, somebody's coming up, go to www.systemize. that's S Y S T E M I S E.com forward slash, subscribe.Stuart Webb [00:26:13]:Simple form. It asks you for just your first name and an email address. I don't want any more than that because I just want to send you an email which basically says it's coming up, so please go do that. Julia, this has been really enlightening to start with. Wonderful reset of what we should be doing as leaders. Thinking about trying to sort of allow the energy and allow the natural talents to sort of dominate rather than somehow trying to force everybody down into a narrow path in order to sort of make things happen. So thank you so much for bringing that to us, and I really appreciate you spending some time with it. No problem at all.Julia Felton [00:26:48]:Thank you so much.Stuart Webb [00:26:49]:Thank you very much.Julia Felton [00:26:50]:Thank you so much indeed, Stuart. Really appreciate it. It's been a pleasure.Stuart Webb [00:27:19]:So I can talk to you. Get full access to It's Not Rocket Science! at thecompleteapproach.substack.com/subscribe

¿Tu equipo usa Trello y el caos sigue igual? El problema casi nunca es la herramienta. Es lo que hay detrás, o lo que no hay.En este episodio hablo de por qué muchos tableros acaban siendo almacenes en lugar de sistemas de trabajo reales, qué tres cosas fallan antes de que cualquier herramienta pueda funcionar, y qué conversación debería tener tu equipo antes de seguir usando Trello.Y también de cuándo Trello se ha quedado pequeño y tiene sentido dar el salto a algo más completo.Si diriges un equipo y sientes que tenéis la herramienta pero no la claridad, este episodio es para ti.

Welcome to Episode 160 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #161 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode, I’m talking about “What’s Working Today in the Online Space. I’ll share the three most profitable business models for new and seasoned online entrepreneurs, and also a short training I’ve created around the topic of affiliate marketing. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 161 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 161 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Nick agreed to personally set up your Orgo in a 15 min call: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/orgo_ai I sit down with Nick from Orgo to break down exactly how to run a one-person AI agent business that can realistically clear a few million dollars a year. Nick walks through the offer, the verticals worth chasing, the full software stack, and the live setup of an agent that manages other agents. We focus on tactics over theory, with specific tools, pricing, and the playbook for landing customers as a solopreneur. By the end, anyone with solid AI fluency will have a clear path from offer design to fulfillment. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:54 – Designing the AI Agent Business Offer 06:38– Selling an AI Employee, Not an Agent 07:26 – Industries to Target (and Two to Avoid) 14:54 – Content Is Overpowered and How to Get Customers 17:51 – The Customer-Facing Tool Stack 20:49 – Building Agents Stack 25:51 – Model Picks: GPT 5.5, GLM 5.1, Kimmy, Opus 4.7 27:08 – Nick's Stack 28:14 – Why Obsidian Is the Second Brain Layer 30:22 – Live Walkthrough: Spinning Up a Cloud Computer in Orgo 33:53 – Cloud Computers vs. Mac Minis 38:37 – Building Agents and Structuring Workspaces for Customers 43:56 – Watchdogs, Observability, and Reliability 45:28 – Closing Thoughts on the Solopreneur Era Key Points Sell unlimited agents, unlimited usage, and unlimited support to remove friction; most customers actually use one to three agents. Avoid healthcare and finance to start; focus on legacy verticals like marketing, law, insurance, manufacturing, wholesale, and real estate. OpenClaw agents go for around 5K a month; Hermes agents can go for 10K a month. The full stack: Granola, Trello, Loom, Superhuman, Asana, Codex, Hermes, Orgo, Composio, Agent Mail, and Obsidian. GPT 5.5 is the recommended default model for tool calling; GLM 5.1 and Kimmy work for lighter tasks; Opus 4.7 fits long-horizon coding. Use agents to set up other agents — pair Cloud Code or Codex with MCPs like Perplexity, Context7, and X MCP for live docs. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND NICK ON SOCIAL Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nickvasiles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickvasilescu/ Personal Website: https://www.nickvasilescu.com/

This week Rachel and Lynne are responding to a question from listener Stephanie about how to make time to work on your freelance business. It's a bit of a choose-your-own adventure because we have such different work styles and systems. Rachel uses a mix of a bespoke paper diary (Creator's Friend), Outlook, Google Keep, batching, and Friday "work on the business" time, plus automations in Moxie (forms, pipelines, calendar booking windows, templated replies, and auto-created Google Drive folders). Lynne has a paper-free setup using Trello, an electronic calendar, "salami tactics" (small daily actions), Marketing Monday, Mail scheduling/follow-ups/reminders, and industry events for networking. We also discuss invoicing habits, accounting software, setting aside GST/tax/super, and recommend choosing regular business time, one in-person event monthly, and automating two tasks per month.  Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Email us at hello@thecontentbyte.com  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

The Business Tools That Actually Keep Your VO Career Running One of the biggest misconceptions in voiceover is that success comes from talent plus a good booth. And yes, performance matters. Audio quality matters. But what actually creates consistency in this career is operational support. It's the systems you build that allow you to track opportunities, manage relationships, understand your income, organize your marketing, and reduce decision fatigue. Because decision fatigue is real, and it will stop you in your tracks and you will end up doing nothing. So today I want to walk you through some simple, accessible tools that you can use right now. Even if you don't have a team. Even if you don't have fancy software. Even if you feel completely disorganized. These are the tools that turn creative chaos into professional clarity. Excel or Google Sheets I know. A spreadsheet is not anyone's favorite thing. Nobody got into acting because they love spreadsheets. But spreadsheets give you something emotional actors often lack, which is objective data. If you don't have data, how will you know what's working and what isn't? How will you know how much time to keep spending on something or when to let it go or if you're underpricing yourself in a certain category? You can track auditions, bookings, client names, rates, follow-ups, usage conflicts, marketing outreach. When you track patterns you stop guessing. And we cannot have a successful career if we are constantly guessing. A spreadsheet is not restrictive. It's clarifying. Canva Canva is essentially the modern actor's design department. I know nothing about design and luckily Canva is there for social media graphics, pitch decks, rate sheets, lead magnets, ebooks, presentations. Actors often think marketing has to look DIY. It doesn't. Clean visual communication builds trust before you ever speak. I send cold leads lead magnets all the time. Sometimes it's an ebook like how to hire a voiceover actor or a checklist of what to expect when you've hired one. When you are the authority and expert in the room that's when you have true leadership within the role. Canva helps you look like a business with structure instead of a freelancer who's improvising. I use Canva Pro. You don't have to. There is plenty on the free version that makes it worth having in your arsenal. A Lightweight CRM When I say CRM a lot of actors panic. Customer relationship management systems can feel very corporate. But you can create a lightweight version with Airtable or Notion or even a spreadsheet. I have one I can send you the link to. The things you want to track are simple. Who you contacted, when, what their response was, what your email subject line was. Without those few things you can end up re-pitching the same person too soon or forgetting a warm lead entirely. Consistency beats charisma in client development. I promise you. A Calendar System Your calendar is not just for appointments. It's for marketing blocks, financial review days, audition batching, content creation, relationship maintenance. Actors live in reactive mode. A structured calendar helps you move into intentional career design. Time becomes something you allocate strategically instead of something that constantly feels like it's slipping away. When I transitioned into my block calendar system it changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic but I was constantly chasing minutes and feeling like I never had enough. Now I have control. I can actually plan things out and I'm never just too busy or not busy enough. It really did change my life. File Organization I know this sounds tiny. It is not. Clear folder systems on your desktop. Client name, project, scripts, finals. Demos organized by vertical and year. Invoices separated into paid and unpaid. Contracts sorted by active versus expired. When your files are organized you move faster. Speed is a competitive advantage in this industry, especially if you are working with agents or pay to plays. Disorganization creates friction that drains your creative energy. Spend twenty minutes on this. I promise you will feel so much better and more in control. A Password Manager This one is very adult and very real. My information was recently hacked and someone stole a significant amount of money from me and spent it all on DoorDash. I was very upset. Actors juggle casting sites, payment portals, editing software, social platforms. A password manager like LastPass or 1Password protects your business infrastructure. Security is professionalism. Nothing screams professional like having your shit together. A Capture System for Ideas Your brain is a constant working creative machine. But ideas disappear. How many times have you had a great idea and then completely lost it two minutes later? Use your notes app, voice memos, Notion boards, Trello. Capture content ideas, client leads, script concepts, branding language. Marketing consistency comes from capturing inspiration before it evaporates. I create a note, title it something like TikTok ideas, make a checkbox list, and add ideas as they come. When I've done it I check the box. I don't delete it because I might come back to it someday. I wish I had been doing this years ago. The Bottom Line Tools make you more sustainably creative. They don't make you less creative. They reduce chaos and they reduce the emotional decision-making spiral that actors can get wrapped up in. The actors who last in this business are not always the most naturally gifted. They're just the most together. Your homework this week is simple. Choose one tool and implement it imperfectly. It doesn't have to be beautiful or complete. Just begin. Because actors are not built in grand gestures. They are built in small systems that compound over time. Want to Keep the Conversation Going? Send me an email at mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com about the tools you're using or maybe a tool I haven't mentioned that's been a game changer for you. I love to hear from you. Find me on TikTok  or on Substack at The Actor's Index.    

This podcast episode featured a conversation between Allen and Laura Bruno, a psychotherapist who recently received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult after 20 years in the mental health field. Laura shared her journey of discovery, including key symptoms like always being late, racing thoughts, perfectionism, and misophonia, which led to her therapist's revealing statement that she was "not neurotypical." She discussed how medication (Vyvanse) and therapy significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to experience calmness in simple moments like rinsing berries. Laura emphasized viewing ADHD as a strength rather than a deficit, describing how her unique brain wiring enhances her ability to connect with clients and provides intuitive insights. She shared practical strategies including using Trello for organization, creating daily "fire lists" of priority tasks, and adopting a curiosity-based approach rather than judgment when discovering new aspects about herself. The conversation highlighted how late-in-life ADHD diagnoses can provide clarity and language for experiences that were previously misunderstood, and how faith can play a role in reframing neurodivergence as part of God's unique design for each person.https://www.laurabrunopsychotherapy.comHope For The Agora: https://hopefortheagora.comAgora Network Ministries: https://agoranetworkministries.comMore about ADHD in adults:Medline Article: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/adhd-across-the-lifespan-what-it-looks-like-in-adultsADHD as a Super Power:https://www.endeavorotc.com/blog/adhd-as-a-superpower-building-on-your-strengths/

======================== OUTPUT B: PODCAST DESCRIPTION How to Get More Leads and Sales with Instagram Reels ft. Dr. Kimberly Olson If you've been posting on Instagram but not seeing consistent leads or sales, this episode is your turning point. Ray Higdon sits down with Dr. Kimberly Olson — award-winning Instagram strategist, seven-figure entrepreneur, and creator of the bestselling #Instagram course — to break down exactly how network marketers and direct sellers can leverage Instagram Reels to grow their audience, fill their DMs with qualified prospects, and close sales with confidence. Kimberly shares her personal journey from six figures of debt to generating consistent seven-figure annual revenue, and how stepping into radical authenticity — including sharing her faith, her values, and her real story — was the catalyst that changed everything. In this power-packed training, Dr. Kimberly Olson walks you through her proven "Reel Domination" playbook, covering the five essential reel types every entrepreneur needs to be posting: educational, inspirational, social proof, high-value lead generation, and entertaining/controversial content. You'll learn how to stop the scroll with magnetic hooks, how to turn reel comments into DM conversations, and how to convert those conversations into sales using a simple one-conversation close. Whether you have zero followers or you're looking to 10x an existing audience, Kimberly's system has been proven with thousands of students — including people who went from two jobs to full-time network marketing income within a single year. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Kimberly's complete #Instagram course, a 7-module mega-program with over 60 video lessons, step-by-step reel and story templates, a Trello-based content planning system, and lifetime access with ongoing updates — all designed to help you build, brand, and monetize your Instagram presence from the ground up. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting paid consistently for the content you create, this episode — and Kimberly's training — is exactly what you need. —

Wanna earn a CEU? Go here! CEU: https://forms.gle/LthLsWwnABtGNoPX7 How do you build a strong team when your employees rarely, if ever, see one another? In this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, Collin talks with Don Harkey of People Centric about what it takes to create healthy remote culture in pet care businesses. Don explains how leadership, communication, autonomy, and feedback all work together to help employees feel connected and set up for success. They discuss practical ways to build community across distributed teams, improve onboarding, and create better systems for performance and accountability. This conversation is a helpful reminder that strong culture does not happen by accident, but it can be built deliberately and fruitfully. Main topics: Remote culture in pet care Leadership through better systems Feedback that builds trust Community in distributed teams Autonomy and accountability balance Main takeaway: "You can design an organization that works really well for people that also works really well for the company." Too often, business owners feel like they have to choose between caring for their team and building a successful company, but those two things are not in conflict. In fact, when we build better systems, communicate clearly, and lead with intention, both people and businesses benefit. This episode is a great reminder that healthy culture is not fluff or extra work for someday. It is part of building a business that lasts. About our guest: Don Harkey is the CEO of People Centric, a Springfield, Missouri-based company that helps organizations build healthier, more effective workplaces. A self-described recovering engineer, Don began his career at Fortune 500 companies including Archer Daniels Midland and 3M before turning his attention to the science of people and organizations. Through training, coaching, and systems implementation, he helps businesses create environments where employees can thrive and companies can perform better. Don is also the host of the People Centric Podcast, where he explores leadership, communication, strategy, and workplace culture. Links: Wanna earn a CEU? Go here! CEU: https://forms.gle/LthLsWwnABtGNoPX7 People Centric (Don Harkey's consulting firm): https://peoplecentric.com/ Don Harkey – Founder and CEO Bio: https://peoplecentric.com/about/ People Centric Blog / Articles by Don Harkey: https://peoplecentric.com/author/donharkey/ Don Harkey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-harkey-8911556 Trello (project management tool referenced in the episode): https://trello.com Slack (team communication platform referenced in the episode): https://slack.com Microsoft Teams (team collaboration tool referenced in the episode): https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams Gallup CliftonStrengths / StrengthsFinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Book referenced: Multipliers by Liz Wiseman: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/ Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Today I am going to share with you how I actually get work done as a mom of 5 with very limited hours. These are 10 things that help me most and I think you're going to love them. Resources from this episode: Work & Play Episode 311 : 10 Things That Are Growing My Faith Work & Play Episode 312 : Things I'm Loving in My Home  ​​My Favorite Timer  Trello  Claude AI  Brick Device  Work & Play Episode 079 : Why I Have a Business Journal  Productive Morning Spotify Playlist The Holiday Soundtrack Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an audio message! Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Amazon Cornerstore!  Join my email list!  Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Kristen Beck, CEO and co-founder of Elly, shares her career path from being Trello's first revenue hire through leadership roles at Atlassian, Shogun, and Typeform, and explains why she returned to startups to build an AI-native recruiting platform. Elly focuses on capturing and learning from unstructured conversational data across hiring—from kickoff through interviews and debriefs—to help teams make better decisions, reduce time spent, and reveal patterns in successful hires. Beck outlines Elly's two main customer segments: high-volume employers (including manufacturing and home healthcare) and fast-growing startups, and describes how AI enables insights beyond basic efficiency gains. She discusses Elly's founding timeline, seed fundraising to $8M (Atomic incubation and Sorenson-led round), PLG-led growth via word of mouth, a free ATS with paid AI features using subscription-plus-usage pricing, and key metrics like K-factor and module adoption, with Elly headquartered in New York and a 10-person team. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:08 Kristen Beck Career Path 02:07 What Ellie Does 03:01 Why Build Ellie 04:44 Ideal Customer Profiles 06:08 How AI Changes Recruiting 08:57 Founding Story and MVP 09:41 Seed Round and Investors 10:35 Why Raise vs Bootstrap 11:49 Fundraising Lessons in Crowded Markets 14:20 Go To Market and PLG 18:42 Pricing and Usage Model 20:39 Key Metrics and Virality 22:19 Team and 2026 Priorities 23:56 AI Makes Distribution Matter 25:31 Where to Learn More Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/elly-raises-8-million-in-funding Kristen Habacht's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-habacht-80288780/ Elly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellyai/ Elly's Website: https://www.elly.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

PrimePoint just raised $10M to solve the one problem AI still can't crack in construction: drawings.Lubomir Bourdev built the first computer vision system at Facebook. Sold a neural net startup to Apple. Hamid was employee five at Trello. Now they're betting that drawings are the key to unlocking AI's full potential in construction.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why LLMs fundamentally can't handle technical drawings — it's an architecture issue, not a capability gap✅ How PrimePoint's Knowledge Graph connects drawings, specs, RFIs, submittals, and schedules✅ How AI does the first pass on constructability reviews, RFIs, and submittals — and why humans still make the call✅ Why early users are actually spending more time understanding their projects, not lessWatch the exclusive episode on Bricks & Bytes YouTube Channel now. Link in the comments below. #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

Send us Fan MailWhat actually goes into a media kit — and do you even need one? In this episode, Tori and Andi break down the nuts and bolts of building a media kit for your quilting business, from headshots and bios to class sample photos and social media handles. They walk through how your kit should look different depending on whether you're pitching a podcast, approaching a guild, or reaching out to a quilt shop — and why "make it about them, not you" is the thread that ties it all together.Tori and Andi also share two frameworks for introducing yourself and your business: Andi's elevator pitch formula (I help ___ do ___ so that ___) and Tori's three W's for cold outreach (why them, why you, why now). They talk tools for keeping everything organized — Google Drive, Trello, Notion — and get real about the cold emails that end up in the trash because the sender clearly didn't do their homework.Whether you're prepping for H&H Americas, reaching out to guilds for 2027, or just tired of scrambling to pull together your info every time an opportunity comes up, this episode gives you a game plan to get it done once and keep it ready.Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Media Kits04:09 Essentials of a Media Kit07:01 Tailoring Media Kits for Different Audiences10:06 Crafting Effective Pitches13:01 Tools for Organizing Media Kits15:53 Elevator Pitch Frameworks18:48 Personalizing Outreach21:47 Understanding Your Audience24:47 Conclusion and Call to ActionWant More Quilting Business Content?

Today, we're going to talk about how to create healthy phone habits. Healthy habits are personal. What's healthy or unhealthy for me might not be for you, so this isn't a judgmental episode. Instead, we're going to examine what healthy means, what parts of our phone experience need some attention, and figure out how to create some better practices that align with what matters. Helpful Companion Links Order my book The PLAN or ask your library to consider carrying a copy. My profile on Spotify I mentioned looking for a folder on my profile of podcast playlists, but after recording, I realized you can't see it publicly. Here are those podcast playlists: Planning, Margin, Work, Change, Chores, Cooking, Kids, Office Hours, Summer Sanity, Holiday Sanity, Starter Pack, and Guests Gonna Try to Run playlist Calling for Spring playlist Road Ready app New York Times Cooking and New York Times Games Merlin Bird ID app 5 Calls app Kindle app Libby app Chirp app Audible app Book of the Month app Aardvark Book Club app Book Buddy app Trello app Sign up for our every-other-week podcast recap email called Latest Lazy Listens. Sign up for my once-a-month newsletter, The Latest Lazy Letter. Grab a copy of my book The Lazy Genius Kitchenor The Lazy Genius Way! (Affiliate links) Download a transcript of this episode. Want to share your Lazy Genius of the Week idea with us? Use this form to tell us about it or record your idea and share your voice on the show. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the hardest moments in the retreat business is the quiet period after you launch something. You announce your retreat. You post about it. You send emails. And then… crickets. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail talks about why slow results are not a sign that something is wrong. In fact, momentum in the retreat industry is rarely sudden — it's usually the result of consistent, focused action over time. Shannon breaks down the common traps retreat leaders fall into when results don't appear quickly, including shiny object syndrome, comparison traps, and abandoning strategies too soon. She also shares practical tools to help retreat leaders stay focused, track the right metrics, and build systems that create sustainable momentum. If you've ever questioned whether your retreat marketing is working, this episode will help you stay the course and keep building. What You'll Learn Why the "launch and crickets" phase is normal How retreat leaders sabotage their own momentum The difference between outcome metrics and activity metrics The 90-day focus rule for marketing Tools to maintain energy, discipline, and consistency Key Takeaways Most retreat leaders quit right before traction begins. Early signs of success are often small signals, not bookings. Consistency compounds over time. Systems reduce the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Momentum comes from focused action sustained long enough to work. Episode Breakdown Why Retreat Leaders Stall Many retreat leaders experience the "launch and crickets" moment and assume their strategy isn't working. Often the real issue isn't the strategy — it's abandoning it too soon. Common traps include: Shiny object syndrome Constant pivoting Comparing your beginning to someone else's middle The truth is that many leaders quit right before momentum begins. Redefining What "Working" Looks Like Most leaders focus only on bookings. But bookings are the final step in a longer chain of signals. Early indicators that your marketing is working include: Direct messages Profile visits Email opens Questions from potential guests Conversations starting Instead of only tracking bookings, create a simple weekly effort scorecard and measure activity. The 90-Day Focus Rule One of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make is constantly switching strategies. Instead, commit to one primary marketing channel for 90 days before evaluating results. Choose the platform where your ideal guest already spends time. Then give the strategy enough time to compound. A helpful tool is scheduling a weekly CEO Hour where you review progress without reacting emotionally to short-term results. Protecting Your Energy & Mindset Discouragement happens to every entrepreneur. The key is learning how to use it as information rather than letting it derail your progress. Create a momentum anchor — a list of past wins you can revisit when doubt creeps in. Another helpful tool is an evidence file. Save screenshots of: Kind messages Testimonials Bookings Positive feedback These reminders reinforce that progress is happening. Systems That Create Consistency Consistency becomes easier when systems are in place. Some simple examples include: Batch creating content so you're not starting from scratch every day Automating follow-up emails and reminders Creating simple marketing workflows Remember: a consistent B+ effort will outperform sporadic A+ bursts every time. Accountability Structures That Actually Work Entrepreneurship can feel isolating. Accountability structures help maintain momentum. One simple format is a weekly check-in with an accountability partner: What did I commit to? What did I actually do? What is my one focus next week? Tools like Notion, Trello, or even a simple notebook can support this system. The best tool is the one you will actually use. Final Takeaway Momentum is not created by doing more. It comes from doing the right things consistently - long enough to see them work. If you stay the course, traction will come.   The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together! Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify _____ TIMESTAMPS Host's Studio Update & Listener Request (00:00:54) Shannon shares about her new studio setup and asks listeners to subscribe and review the show. Understanding Business Cycles & Common Challenges (00:02:10) Discussion of natural business cycles, shiny object syndrome, and comparison traps that retreat leaders face. Dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome & Comparison (00:03:09) Explains how distraction and comparing to others can derail progress; urges focus on personal strategies. Shutting Out the Noise & Social Media Boundaries (00:04:20) Advice on muting distractions, limiting social media, and focusing on your own business lane. Shifting Metrics: Activity vs. Outcome (00:05:19) Recommends focusing on activity metrics (conversations, content) instead of bookings to maintain motivation. Implementing a 90-Day Focused Marketing Plan (00:07:16) Suggests committing to one or two marketing channels for 90 days, targeting where your ideal clients are. Protecting Mindset and Energy (00:09:23) Stresses the importance of guarding your mindset and energy from negativity, news, and discouraging influences. Using Positive Evidence to Combat Discouragement (00:11:21) Encourages collecting positive feedback and reminders of past successes to counter self-doubt. Consistency, Systems, and Batching Content (00:12:15) Tips on batching content, automating follow-ups, and creating systems to maintain consistency. The Power of Accountability (00:13:15) Highlights the value of accountability, especially paid coaching or mentorship, to reduce loneliness and boost results. Closing Thoughts & Event Invitation (00:15:15) Shannon summarizes key points, guarantees results with consistency, and invites listeners to an upcoming event. Outro & Call to Action (00:16:03) Podcast outro with reminders to subscribe, review, and access free resources.  

Welcome to Episode 160 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #160 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “The Joy of Building and Growing an Online Business” I discuss how I came to discover the world of online entrepreneurship in 2005 and left my previous life as a classroom teacher and real estate broker/residential appraiser behind to start my own online business in 2026. Perhaps this lifestyle is right for you as well. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 160 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 160 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

This week on The Jira Life, something unexpected has happened… the show has been peacefully (and joyfully) taken over by the Trello community.

What happens when a stager with a tech background gets tired of duct-taping together Trello, QuickBooks, and a CRM that wasn't built for her? She builds something better. In this episode, I sit down with Kate, co-founder of Hutch — a purpose-built project management and inventory platform designed specifically for home stagers. Kate shares her journey from SaaS startup life to staging side hustler to software founder, and walks us through exactly what Hutch does, why the staging industry has been underserved for so long, and how better data can finally help stagers price their services for what they're actually worth. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: How Kate went from staging side hustler to software co-founder Why so many stagers are stitching together tools that were never built for them and what that's costing them What Hutch does as an all in one staging business tailored platform Why your average inventory investment per stage might be the most important number you're not tracking RESOURCES: Apply for Private Coaching: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/privatecoachingapp Enroll in Staging Business School Accelerate Track: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/accelerate Join the Staging Business School Growth Track Waitlist: www.rethinkhomeinteriors.com/growth Follow the Staging Business School on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stagingbusinessschool Follow Lori on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rethinkhome Hutch Staging Website: hutchstaging.com Hutch Staging on Instagram: @hutchstaging If you want to learn how to market and grow your staging business, enrollment is open for Rethink You Accelerate. This is a year-long mentorship program, where I help you and other staging business owners plan, grow, flow, and thrive with the results that you've always wanted. The doors are open and I would love to see you in the classroom! ENJOY THE SHOW? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts so that more Staging CEOs find it. Follow over on Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Audible.

AI is breaking software, geopolitics is dominating headlines, and investors are trying to work out what actually matters.Todd Hoare from LGT Wealth Management explains why disruption can be bullish, where the real productivity dividend from AI is showing up, and how to build portfolios that can survive not just the next five years but the next generation.In this episode:00:00 What Australia can learn from New York, Hong Kong and global markets5:08 Iran, geopolitics and whether portfolios should change10:36 Why AI disruption is bullish17:39 Has software bottomed? Where AI is really creating winners and losers22:13 Real-world AI productivity: from freight to finance33:49 Building portfolios for the truly long term42:55 The best businesses, best resources and advice for young investorsStocks & ETFs mentioned in this episode: Atlassian (NASDAQ: TEAM), Trello, Pro Medicus (ASX: PME), Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI), Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), monday.com (NASDAQ: MNDY), Xero (ASX: XRO), Block (NYSE: XYZ), Wisetech Global (ASX: WTC), C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: CHRW), ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a message And come and join the conversation in the Equity Mates Facebook Discussion Group.———Want more Equity Mates? Across books, podcasts, video and email, however you want to learn about investing – we've got you covered.Keep up with the news moving markets with our daily newsletter and podcast (Apple | Spotify)We're particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Equity Mates Investing acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. ———Equity Mates Investing is a product of Equity Mates Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on the STILL RELEVANT tour: https://simulationtheory.ai/16c0d1db-a8d0-4ac9-bae3-d25074589a80Join Simtheory: https://simtheory.ai

In this episode of The Building your Brand podcast I share three simple ways I'm becoming more productive in my business; without slipping into toxic hustle culture. As a creative business owner juggling multiple roles, I have been experimenting with practical systems that reduce friction, minimise distractions, and save time. From using a physical app-blocking device to batch-creating content and building a master business dashboard, these small changes are making a big difference. If you're spinning lots of plates in your business and want realistic, sustainable ways to create more focus and breathing room; this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways Add Physical Friction to Reduce Digital Distraction Using a physical app-blocking device (instead of just software) makes it harder to mindlessly scroll. The added friction breaks the muscle memory of picking up your phone — while still allowing intentional check-ins. Batch by Stage, Not Just by Task Instead of creating one episode at a time from start to finish, Liz batches the stages of production — recording multiple episodes in one session, editing in another, and scheduling in another. The same method works for content creation (like writing carousel posts in bulk). Build a "Master Business Hub" Creating a central board for affiliate links, brand assets, workflows, and processes saves time and reduces back-and-forth. It empowers collaborators and prevents unnecessary delays. Productivity Should Support, Not Consume, Your Life This isn't about constant optimisation. It's about creating systems that support your energy, focus, and sustainability as a business owner.   Episode Highlights 00:20 – Introduction: Productivity (without toxic hustle culture) 00:59 – The Padlock App & reducing social media distraction 04:20 – Batching podcast episodes & content creation 05:31 – Writing 25+ carousel posts in one session 06:39 – Creating a Master Business Trello Board 09:10 – Invitation to share your productivity hacks   Mentioned in the episode Padlock App – A physical app-blocking device that locks selected apps until you tap your phone against it. https://padlock-app.com/ Use code: LIZ (Affiliate link: 30% discount code) Trello – https://trello.com Project management tool used to create a master business board. Adobe Express – https://www.adobe.com/express/. (Aff Link) Used for brand kits and shared design assets.  Adobe Premiere Pro – https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html Used to batch edit podcast episodes on a single timeline.   I would love to hear what you think of this episode and if there's anything you use in your business to help with productivity, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

If you feel overwhelmed every time you open your laptop… this episode is for you. Today we're diving into digital clutter — the hidden stressor slowing down your productivity, content creation, client follow-up, and overall business growth. From too many browser tabs to unused subscriptions, scattered content ideas, messy CRMs, and incomplete workflows… digital overwhelm is costing you time, money, and momentum. As a travel agency owner building streamlined onboarding systems (and migrating platforms myself), I'm breaking down how to simplify your tools, clean up your systems, and scale smarter — without adding complexity. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: What digital clutter actually is (and why it's killing your momentum)Signs your systems are overwhelming youHow tool overload creates decision fatigueWhy successful travel advisors use fewer, clearer systemsHow to audit your subscriptions and softwareSimplifying your content planning workflowOrganizing your content hub (Google Drive, Trello, ClickUp, Notion, etc.)Streamlining your CRM and client inquiry processTravel Joy vs. Tern (and why choosing one system matters)Building automated workflows for client follow-upCreating repeatable systems that support scalingWhy simplicity leads to more bookingsHow decluttering supports profitability and mental clarity

If blogging always ends up at the bottom of your to-do list (or it feels like something you “should” be doing but never actually follow through on), this episode is for you.In this week's podcast (also a YouTube episode), I'm walking you through why blogging fails for most family photographers and how to fix it with a repeatable system that actually fits your real life.Because blogging isn't dead.It's one of the strongest ways to increase visibility, build trust, and get found by ideal clients, especially in 2026, when parents are searching on Google, Instagram, and even ChatGPT.If you've ever:Been frozen in front of a blank Google DocWondered what to blog about for SEOCopy/pasted something from ChatGPT that didn't sound like youPublished a blog and felt like no one read it…Then this episode will help you rethink blogging from a systems perspective.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/why-is-blogging-important-family-photographers-2026/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (special price with this link only): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system-youtube▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Welcome to Episode 159 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #159 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “Artificial Intelligence: Have You Embraced This Tool?” I love AI and began learning how to use it at the beginning of 2023. Many people are fearful of AI and imagine that it will be negative for the world. Now I write books and create courses using artificial intelligence and can’t imagine living without it. Where do you stand on this topic that has become so controversial? Would you be open to me interviewing you about this? I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 159 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 159 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

It’s time for WELSTech 770, your bi-weekly dive into ministry and technology topics of the day. And today the conversation centers around tech to assist with managing a strategic plan. Also in this episode, learn more about the upcoming Taste of Missions event and a helpful new iOS app. Plus, get the “skinny” on Sallie’s hardware pick of the week. The discussion Working the Plan – Explore how Trello supports managing and communicating progress on a strategic plan. Martin shares WELS strategic plan in Trello, showing how color‑coded cards and cross‑linked resource boards enable clear, visual tracking of key objectives. Christ Through Us, WELS Strategic Plan Trello for non-profits Details Apply WELSTech sample Trello board Ministry resource Taste of Missions – June 13 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary School Challenge Poster Contest Picks of the week iPhone Air iOS Preview app Community feedback Ryan Kirchoff’s latest blog post at Blueprint Schools is a great follow up to our recent interview Next time Hear an update from WELS AI Task Force regarding their work on an AI Ethical Framework and Risk Matrix Get involved Add comments Send us an e-mail welstech@wels.net Join the WELSTech community: WELSTech Google Group WELSTech on Facebook WELSTech on Pinterest WELSTech on Instagram Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation Follow us on Twitter – welstech, mspriggs and salliedraper Share with the Diigo group welstech

In this episode, the host discusses the importance of content planning in podcasting, emphasizing how good planning can prevent "pod fade," where many shows disappear after just 10 episodes. With the right approach, your podcast can continue for 50 or even 100 episodes.Host Niall and the guest share practical strategies for content planning, including creating a roadmap for episodes and using tools like Descript and Trello to stay organized. They also highlight three crucial factors to consider for every episode: your purpose, your audience, and the value you provide.Timestamps:[01:45] The importance of content planning[04:30] Strategies for effective planning[08:10] Three essential considerations for every episode[10:45] How to create sneak-peek moments[12:20] Tools and methods for organization[16:50] The value of note-takingSave Frustration. And time!Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast GuyFor my Audience Only: Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!Book a FREE consultation now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes PodcSend us a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO Send a textEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

It’s time for WELSTech 770, your bi-weekly dive into ministry and technology topics of the day. And today the conversation centers around tech to assist with managing a strategic plan. Also in this episode, learn more about the upcoming Taste of Missions event and a helpful new iOS app. Plus, get the “skinny” on Sallie’s hardware pick of the week. The discussion Working the Plan – Explore how Trello supports managing and communicating progress on a strategic plan. Martin shares WELS strategic plan in Trello, showing how color‑coded cards and cross‑linked resource boards enable clear, visual tracking of key objectives. Christ Through Us, WELS Strategic Plan Trello for non-profits Details Apply WELSTech sample Trello board Ministry resource Taste of Missions – June 13 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary School Challenge Poster Contest Picks of the week iPhone Air iOS Preview app Community feedback Ryan Kirchoff’s latest blog post at Blueprint Schools is a great follow up to our recent interview Next time Hear an update from WELS AI Task Force regarding their work on an AI Ethical Framework and Risk Matrix Get involved Add comments Send us an e-mail welstech@wels.net Join the WELSTech community: WELSTech Google Group WELSTech on Facebook WELSTech on Pinterest WELSTech on Instagram Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation Follow us on Twitter – welstech, mspriggs and salliedraper Share with the Diigo group welstech

Quick SummaryMarketing expert Melissa Dlugolecki shares her unconventional journey from celery juice educator to seven-figure agency owner, revealing why volume and brand consistency are the only strategies that matter in 2025. She opens up about transforming grief into purpose after losing her daughter, and why the lessons from that journey make entrepreneurs unstoppable.In This EpisodeWhy volume is non-negotiable in today's saturated market (and how to achieve it without burnout)The two-person brand persona exercise that instantly clarifies your positioningHow Melissa applies Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's mastery mindset to businessThe parallel between the grief journey and entrepreneurshipWhy "it's too saturated" is just an excuse hiding deeper fearsSystems and strategies for producing 60+ pieces of content daily across multiple clientsThe Kintsugi philosophy: filling your cracks with goldTactical tools from grief work that transform business resilienceKey TakeawaysVolume + Brand = Visibility: Success in 2025 requires showing up everywhere, consistently. Your "rent" is no longer a physical storefront—it's your online presence.Don't Take Anything Personally: Whether it's compliments or criticism, your worth isn't determined by others' opinions. This protects you from emotional rollercoaster decision-making.Mood Follows Action: Waiting to feel motivated means you'll never move forward. Commitment shifts energy, not the other way around.Your Brand Mitigates Risk: Consistency across all touchpoints (not just social media) creates the security buyers need to invest in you.Saturation is a Mindset Problem: The real issue isn't too many voices—it's unclear expectations and resistance to reality.Memorable Quotes"If you want freedom in your life, examine your expectations. Most unhappiness comes from subliminal expectations we never agreed upon.""It's a volume game. You have to be on demand when the buyer is ready to consume—not when you feel like posting.""Your brand is your rent in 2025. Just like brick-and-mortar businesses paid for storefronts, we pay through visibility.""Entrepreneurship is ego death after ego death. The post didn't perform well? That's your ego thinking everyone's watching.""Everyone is carrying a story we know nothing about. When we lead with that, we live more compassionately."Resources MentionedBook: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizBook: Scar Tissue by Melissa Dlugolecki (available on Amazon and Kindle)Documentary: 30 for 30 series on Tom Brady and Bill BelichickPhilosophy: Kintsugi (Japanese art of repairing with gold)Concept: Chop Wood Carry WaterProject Management Tools: Monday.com, Trello, AsanaAbout the GuestMelissa Dlugolecki is a marketing strategist, agency owner, and author who helps entrepreneurs build powerful, cohesive brands. After growing a holistic health business to seven figures in 13 months, she pivoted to solve the marketing pain points she witnessed in her clients. Melissa's approach is informed by her background in psychology and sociology, her experience as a high school educator, and the profound grief journey following the loss of her daughter, Laden, in 2014. She ran the Boston Marathon five times in her daughter's memory and channels a unique blend of optimism and data-driven precision into everything she creates.ConnectMelissa's Instagram: @melissadluMelissa's Website: speakingofmelissa.comMelissa's Book: Scar Tissue (Amazon, Kindle)Kelsey's Website: KelseyReidl.comKelsey's Podcast: Rain or Shine (350+ episodes featuring Canadian entrepreneurs)Instagram/Social: @KelseyReidl

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Nevada Matthews from Cube Home Loans shares his inspiring journey from leaving school at 16 to becoming a co-owner of a fast-growing mortgage brokerage in Brisbane. He explains how the business scaled from $86M to $300M in annual settlements, growing the team from 6 to 18 members in just five years. Nevada highlights the shift from working long hours to focusing on strategy, systems, and hiring the right people for sustainable success. He also reveals powerful marketing wins through local community groups and partnerships with aligned businesses. This episode is packed with practical lessons on culture, balance, and building a thriving small business without burnout. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Home Loans, the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting the balance right between having enough resources and capacity to support growth while also managing cash flow. He explains that you want extra team support to maintain great customer service, but paying for those resources at the right time is the real challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nevada Matthews said his favorite business book that has helped him the most is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber — because it shifted his thinking from working in the business to building systems and processes that help the business run without him. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Loans, two of the best podcasts he recommends for growing a small business are Grow A Small Business Podcast and My First Million, as they provide practical insights and real entrepreneurial lessons. He also shares that most of his professional development comes from consistently listening to business podcasts and reading books that help improve strategy, systems, and leadership. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nevada Matthews recommends tools that help small business owners systemize, manage leads, and improve communication — the kind that take work off your plate so you can focus on growth. One tool he highlights is HubSpot CRM, because it's easy to use, helps you track customers and marketing in one place, and scales with your business needs. He also suggests using project management tools like Trello or Notion to keep teams aligned and workflows organized, which can be a game-changer as you grow. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Loans, the advice he would give himself on day one is to enjoy the process and the stage you're in, rather than always rushing toward the next milestone. He shares that business growth can feel stressful and uncertain, but it's important to stay calm, trust that you're heading in the right direction, and appreciate the journey as much as the outcome. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Growth isn't about working harder forever, it's about building better systems. – Nevada Matthews Consistency in the important things is what separates thriving businesses from struggling ones. – Nevada Matthews Hire for character and attitude first, skills can be developed over time. – Nevada Matthews      

In this episode, we are joined by Productivity Coach and Author Cara Harvey to dismantle the myth that confidence must precede action. Cara shares her 15-Minute Formula for moving from overwhelm to intentional living by focusing on small, manageable steps that build momentum and competency over time.Tune in to learn:How to break free from the paralyzing all-or-nothing perfectionism trap and the shame-based marketing that suggests you aren't doing enough.The secrets of the confidence-competency loop and how taking action actually creates the courage you've been waiting for.How to identify your specific roles and pre-plan your week to avoid the stress of reactive living and constant burnout.Practical ways to create a change resume to record your accomplishments and remind yourself of your incredible capability when imposter syndrome strikes.Whether you are a mompreneur struggling to wear many hats or a leader looking to rediscover your sparkle, this conversation provides the tools to own your authority through consistent action.Free Gift: The Ultimate Weekly Planning ChecklistGrab this printable Weekly Planning Checklist & Trello Board to keep your week together and make sure you have time for your goals! Cara's Giveaway Contribution: Mompreneur Trello BundleMompreneur Trello Bundle: These plug and play Trello boards are perfect for keeping your business organized & systematized. Each board has a video tutorial and best practices to streamline your business.Connect with Cara: Website | Podcast | Instagram---Enter the Book Launch Celebration Giveaway!

We're long overdue for this conversation. In this episode, Chris and Courtney sit down with Dr. Inês Varela-Silva, Reader in Biocultural Studies and Community Health at Loughborough University, to talk about methods and why evidence synthesis matters for equity in science. We trace her path into anthropology and human biology before diving into the SCRIBE (SystematiC Reviews In Biocultural rEsearch) toolkit, recently published in the American Journal of Human Biology. We explore why biocultural research has historically underused systematic reviews and how excluding biocultural factors can bias evidence against Indigenous, minority, and small-scale populations. We also discuss SCRIBE's six-step framework and the value of tools like Notion and Trello, alongside reflections on The Maya Project. ------------------------------ Find the work discussed in this episode: Varela-Silva, M. I., N. Rush, and N. Pearson. 2025. “ Conducting Scoping and Systematic Reviews With a Focus on Biocultural Research: The SCRIBE Toolkit.” American Journal of Human Biology 37, no. 9: e70133. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70133. https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/online_resource/The_SCRIBE_toolkit/29364935?file=57972535 ------------------------------ Contact Dr. Varela-Silva: M.I.O.Varela-Silva@lboro.ac.uk ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Courtney Manthey, Co-Host, Website: holylaetoli.com/ E-mail: Courtney.Manthey@umconnect.umt.edu, Twitter: @HolyLaetoli Cristina Gildee, SoS Co-Producer, HBA Junior Fellow Website: cristinagildee.com, E-mail: cgildee@uw.edu,

Level up your church's social without spending a cent. From scheduling and analytics to project management and planning, today's episode is all about the best $0 tools churches can use to streamline their work and improve results. Let's upgrade your workflow and keep costs at zero.   ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Instagram Insights 10:44 - Buffer 14:00 - Trello 15:09 - Linktree 16:16 - The Launcher by Nucleus 17:54 - Coschedule Headline Analyzer 19:58 - Auphonic 21:41 - Canva   IMPORTANT LINKS - Buffer: https://buffer.com/ - Trello: https://trello.com/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ - The Launcher by Nucleus: https://www.nucleus.church/the-launcher - Coschedule Headline Analyzer: https://coschedule.com/headline-analyzer - Auphonic: https://auphonic.com/ - Canva: https://www.canva.com/ - PNAS NEXUS Article: https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/11/pgaf327/8285703   THE 167 NEWSLETTER

Sometimes you just need another agent to say what everyone else is thinking. In this Q&A episode, Katy and Alissa are answering the real-life, in-the-trenches questions Realtors are navigating every single day. We're talking client expectations, boundaries, broker advice that doesn't make sense, and what actually works in today's market. When y'all send questions to our inbox, you never disappoint. And this batch covers everything from inspections to communication issues to luxury listings to motherhood to what we'd do if we didn't work in real estate. It's honest, funny, and full of practical advice you can use immediately. Here's what we chat about in this episode: Should Realtors go to inspections (and why brokers sometimes say not to) What to do when clients break agreements or try to cut you out The triggers we use to stay on top of communication Whether you really need a second phone or Google Voice Email marketing: what actually works and what your clients don't care about What to charge when covering showings for another agent Rental property updates from Alissa And what job we'd take if we ever left real estate Key Quotes & Takeaways "You're not the inspector just because you showed up. You're the professional who guides your client through the process." —Katy "If someone doesn't want to work with me, I'm not going to fight them about it—but I am going to enforce the contract." —Alissa "Most boundary problems disappear when you communicate like a professional from the very beginning." —Katy "I'm not trying to be right, I'm trying to be happy—and sometimes that means letting people be wrong." —Alissa "There is no such thing as an easy closing. That's why clients need us." —Katy Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com Agent Systems 101: http://agentsystems101.com Hustle Humbly Newsletter: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/newsletter Trello training inside Hustle Humbly Community Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly Get your FREE Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com Agent Systems 101: http://agentsystems101.com All Resources: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com Submit your topic ideas and toasts to Team@HustleHumblyPodcast.com Music: Straight A's by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ The Good Life by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life Be The One by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one