Podcasts about planners

There's a planning trap consultants fall into every year, and it has nothing to do with effort, motivation, or follow-through.You put hours into planning. You set goals, map out your year, and feel clear when you close your notebook. Yet despite your best efforts, months later your business looks the same. Revenue hasn't grown the way you expected, you struggle to create pipeline control, and the plan feels like it never really mattered.In Episode 250, Melisa explains why this happens. She breaks down the planning trap that turns well-intentioned plans into little more than busywork. She walks through the four most common planning mistakes consultants make—not as personal failures, but as predictable outcomes of thinking like the doer instead of the business owner responsible for driving work into the business.This episode isn't about working harder or creating better task lists. It's about understanding why your planning hasn't changed results and how to build a plan that actually drives your business forward, to hit (and even exceed) your goals this year.If you've ever:Put serious time into planning but seen little change in your businessSet goals that didn't move the needle on revenue, pipeline, or workloadFinished the year wondering why things felt busy but not meaningfully differentThis episode will reset how you approach planning and what a plan should actually do.In this episode, you'll learn:[03:12] The four planning mistakes that make plans ineffective[08:44] Why underperformance and feast-or-famine cycles are usually planning problems, not execution problems[18:55] A five-step framework for planning like a business owner, including building revenue and lead strategies that actually work[28:42] How to implement, evaluate, and adjust your plan so it continues to drive resultsEpisode 250 is a milestone and a reset. If you want planning time to create recognizable changes in your business, this episode shows you how to make it happen.Mentioned ResourcesCompanion Resource: Download the Independent Consultant's 12-Month Plan Template, www.icyearlyplan.com Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-250Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 176 - Set a Compound Goal for Sustainable Consulting Business Growth, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-176/#more-2463  Mentioned in this Episode: Join the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint http://www.consultantsprint.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

In this episode of In Development, our hosts chat with Don Iveson, a former city councillor, mayor and current housing & sustainability expert.  They discuss the historical context of Edmonton's infill policy environment, challenges we continue to face and how a better future will require collaboration between all orders of government. Don's deep knowledge of municipal politics and breadth of experience make for an informative, fascinating listen. Biography: Don Iveson served four terms at Edmonton City Hall, initially as Councillor representing the southwest corner of the City. Prior to elected office, he worked in University campus media and then post-secondary education policy. Don served as Edmonton's 35th Mayor from 2013 to 2021 with a guiding leadership principle to make things better for the next generation. This long-term view is now embedded in through Edmonton's City Plan and Energy Transition Strategy. After his time on Council, Don Iveson founded Civic Good, a public policy advisory practice working on climate resilience, housing affordability, and attentive governance with clients ranging from startups to governments. His primary engagement is with Co-operators as Executive Advisor with the Resilience Acceleration Lab. Don continues to live in Edmonton, though he works with organizations across Canada, through his work as Chairperson of the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation. He writes occasionally about his work and about Canadian public policy over on the Civic Good Substack.

I want to share Samhita's story with you because I think it speaks to specific mindset shifts she made that took her from stuck at zero lbs lost to finally getting some traction and then releasing 11lbs. We talk about:how she first had to get honest with yourself and overcome her challenge of giving up without seeing the scale go down. how she was able to feel proud despite the lack of scale results bc of her efforts and who she's being and the decisions she's making. how she's making weight loss enjoyable on her terms.and why she let go of deadlines and started measuring input metrics and how that effected her weight lossBUY Intentional Indulgence $22 (Available until Jan. 5th 2026)Check out Samhita's planner company Bright Beta or on IG @brightbeta.coWatch Build Momentum Video Series Instagram: @mindful_shape Free Self Coaching Resources Interested in getting coached by me? Go to my website mindfulshape.com

In 2020, Ankur Nagpal sold his course platform, Teachable, for around $250 million. But he knew that the sale would come with a giant tax bill. So Ankur became obsessed with the tax code, and he wanted to make it easier for everyone to legally operate within it. That led him to discover Solo 401(k)s. So he built a new company called Carry that helps you legally keep more of what you earn and invest it the way you want. This podcast is for informational purposes, and not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a financial advisor about your specific situation. → Get Ankur's Free Tax Guide → Sign up for Carry ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction (01:32) Ankur's Crash Course in Tax Law (08:18) Tax Loopholes and Bias (11:02) Solo 401(k) Benefits Explained (14:32) Solo 401(k) Contribution Guidelines (17:46) S-Corp Tax Benefits Explained (20:11) Maximizing QBI Deduction Strategies (23:22) Tax Planning CPA vs Planners (26:29) Solo 401(k) Advantages Explained (31:49) Direct Indexing (32:34) Tax Loss Harvesting Strategy (36:34) Maximizing Retirement Contributions (41:07) Solo 401(k) Tax Planning Deadlines (44:06) Solo 401(k) Setup Guide (46:12) Tax-Saving Strategy Money Markets *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#280: How to LEGALLY Protect Your Channel (YouTube Lawyer Tyler Chou Explains) *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

This week, Meg and Myra recaps 5+ years of Planners and Wine and signs off for the last time!For more info, head to Plannersandwine.com !Follow us on IG:@plannersandwineMegan's IG: @megsgotaplanMyra's IG: ⁠@myra_irl

As an independent consultant, you're your own investor of time, money, and attention. But are you investing at the level of your goals, or are you treating your business like a paycheck?In this episode, Melisa unpacks how to approach business investments for the coming year with a CEO mindset, not an employee mindset. She breaks down the five-step strategy to build a clear, aligned investment plan and highlights the most common (and costly) mistakes consultants make when it comes to investing in their business.You'll hear Melisa share personal stories (including a rookie mistake with her new product launch) and walk you through how to evaluate the real ROI of an investment, beyond just dollars in or out.If you're deciding where to invest in 2026 or wondering if you even should,  this episode will give you the tools to make those decisions like a business owner, not just a billable resource.What you will learn in this episode:[05:34] The difference between investments and expenses and how to reframe how you think about each[09:15] Why not investing is the #1 mistake that stalls your consulting business[12:26] The “employee mindset” traps that keep you stuck recreating a corporate paycheck[17:00] A 5-step strategy for building your investment plan for the year ahead[24:30] How to evaluate investments based on ROI, not fear and make decisions more quickly[27:52] Why making investment decisions isn't about affordability, it's about commitment and resourcefulnessTune in to Episode 249 for practical tools and mindset shifts that will help you make smart, strategic investments and unlock your next level as an independent consulting business owner.Mentioned ResourcesCompanion Resource: Quarterly Business PlannerFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-249Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: ️Episode 155 - Choosing the Best Strategy for Your Stage of Business Growth, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-155/#more-2153 Join the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint, http://www.consultantsprint.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

This TTPod episode is a perfect example of the kind of conversation we want to amplify on this platform.I'm joined online from Tshwane by Tunisia Cassim, recently recognised as one of the South African Council for Planners' Top 30 Women in Planning for 2025. Tunisia's journey is truly inspiring and reflective of many of the challenges young planners face.She shares her early days navigating bursaries and retrenchments, to the resilience and perseverance needed during the COVID-era, JUST when her career was changing gears. And more recently we share in the celebration of her recently completed Master of Science in Planning at Wits.Her story is about more than professional milestones—it's about resilience, mentorship, and the passion to connect theory with practice in the planning profession.  She is a tireless champion and emerging mentor for young planners through her widely followed LinkedIn journal, Journey of a Candidate Town Planner.Tunisia reflects on the giants who shaped her path, the importance of bursaries and supportive educators, and the realities of building a career in a shifting urban landscape.Her reflections on resilience, mentorship, and the intersection of theory and practice remind us why these conversations matter.So settle in as we explore the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of a planner whose voice is helping redefine the future of the profession in South Africa.Recorded: Friday 12th December 2025

If your consulting prospects aren't turning into paid work, it's not because your pitch needs work.Pitching, or thinking you need to pitch, is the real problem.This episode breaks down the “Anti-Pitch” consulting sales approach, a simple conversation structure that helps you convert high-value consulting engagements without selling, convincing, or performing. No pitch decks. No sales presentations. Just a process that positions you as the advisor clients want to engage.If your discovery calls feel like job interviews or you catch yourself trying to prove your value, this episode shows you how to shift into a process that helps clients understand the real problem, the impact, and the best path forward. When you run a conversation this way, clients experience your value, and don't need it to be explained.What you will learn in this episode: [04:50] Why refining your pitch often works against you [10:40] The common helpful move that unintentionally breaks trust [18:10] The four part Anti-Pitch framework [25:45] How to co create a solution with the client [30:00] How to guide decisions without pushing or chasing [35:00] How this approach shortens your sales cycle and improves your win rateListen to Episode 248 to start leading consulting conversations that convert while strengthening your confidence, clarity, and positioning.Mentioned ResourcesCompanion Resource: www.icpricing.com   Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-248Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: ️Episode 149 - Pitching Your Consulting Services, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-149-pitching-your-consulting-services/#more-1901 Mentioned in this Episode:Join the waitlist for the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint, http://www.consultantsprint.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Today's episode is a great one! We interviewed Gary Hamer, the current Director for Strategic Planning at Partner Tulsa, but his previous role with the City of Tulsa led to the implementation of a locally owned, full service grocery store in an underserved area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In this episode we cover how Gary, as a planner, was able to use federal funds to assist in building a community led grocery store, lessons learned and the importance of community engagement and community leaders, as well as the impact of local businesses to the economics and livability of a city or neighborhood.  Learn more about the Oasis Grocery store:Planning Magazine: Partnerships and Federal Funding Build an Oasis in a Food Desert He Opened the First Black-owned Grocery Store in Tulsa in 50 Years (video)Oasis Fresh Market Opens in North Tulsa (video)Want to be a part of the podcast? Send in an email! The team behind the upcoming Better Planners podcast wants to hear from you about the real life issues you handle as a planner. What are the honest, gritty, wicked problems you find yourself managing? To share your experiences, email betterplannerspodcast@gmail.com Your message might end up in one of the upcoming podcast episodes. You can be as anonymous or as identifiable as you want. Where to find us:Website: https://oregon.planning.org/community/betterplannerspodcast/Instagram: @betterplanners

Welcome back to the Rundown with Jake and Nate!! Our Course: https://go.runawayvows.com/courseOur Digital Assets: https://runawayvows.myshopify.com/ (20% off code: RUNDOWN)To submit an anonymous story for our next episode, do so here:https://shor.by/podcastsubmission • Our Course Library: https://go.runawayvows.com/course• Check out our Digital Assets: https://runawayvows.myshopify.com/• Shop our LUT Pack: https://gamut.io/product/prestige/?gamut=runawayvowsUse code RUNAWAY for 15% off• Get our Thru the Lens Course: https://www.thruthelens.io/Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runawayvows/Follow our Education: https://www.instagram.com/runawayacademy/Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/runawayweddings/Follow Jake: https://www.instagram.com/jakeweislerfilms/Follow Nate: https://www.instagram.com/nateahanfilm/

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/nu1GoDS3z-EIn this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry welcome Nate Mielke, a general contractor and remodeler. They discuss Nate's journey in the construction industry, the differences between design-build and general contracting, and the importance of building performance in remodeling projects. The conversation also touches on unique business practices that set Nate apart from other contractors, as well as valuable lessons learned from past experiences.Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events You can check Nate's website here: www.skapar.netTakeawaysNate Mielke has been in the construction industry since 1997.The design-build approach allows for better collaboration and project outcomes.Pre-construction planning is crucial for successful remodeling projects.Building performance considerations can impact client satisfaction and comfort.Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding client budgets from the start.Mistakes in contracts can lead to significant issues, including lawsuits.Value engineering helps clients achieve their desired outcomes within budget.Nate's company focuses on high-end remodeling projects, typically ranging from $200,000 to $600,000.The use of technology and AI tools is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry.Nate's experience highlights the need for good contracts and legal protections in contracting. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates07:17 Nate Mielke's Journey in Contracting18:20 Understanding Design-Build vs. General Contracting22:57 Project Scope and Examples25:48 Cost Insights for Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels26:48 Optimizing Space: Plumbing and Layout Considerations27:49 Integrating Building Performance in Remodeling30:16 Addressing Ventilation and Comfort in Remodels32:41 Client Concerns: Health and Indoor Environment34:16 Identifying Mold Issues in Older Homes37:35 The Impact of Building Codes on Home Performance38:21 Pre-Construction Planning: Setting Projects Up for Success41:28 Leveraging Technology: AI in Construction Management44:23 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Contracts

If you've ever wondered how florists actually get in with wedding planners, this mini episode is going to change the way you think about networking forever. Today, Jeni breaks down the fastest, simplest, zero-salesy strategy to get on a planner's radar — and it's something you can do in less than five minutes a day.Wedding planners are one of the most powerful referral sources you can have as a floral designer. They work with dream clients, they influence design decisions, and they often book 15–50 events per year. But many florists hesitate to reach out because they fear being judged, ignored, or coming off as too “salesy.”This episode is your reminder that you are providing a service their clients actively need. You're not selling a gimmick — you're offering a solution.And the simplest way to start building that relationship?Thoughtful, consistent engagement on their content.Not emojis. Not spammy comments. Not cold DMs.Just genuine, human interaction that helps you stand out in a crowded industry.Jeni walks you through:✨ Why engagement works better than pitching✨ The exact steps to thoughtfully interact with planners online✨ How the algorithm can actually work for you✨ What familiarity and name recognition can do to accelerate trust✨ Why this strategy mirrors real-life networking (but is way less awkward)You'll leave this episode with a clear, doable action step that builds what Jeni calls micro-momentum — tiny daily actions that snowball into real relationships and real bookings.

5 Hours and 9 MinutesPG-13Thomas777 is a revisionist historian and a fiction writer.Here are episodes 6-10 of the World War 2 series with Thomas777 in one audio file.Episode 6: The Origin and Rise of Winston Churchill Pt. 3 - 1936-1939 w/ Thomas777Episode 7: Winston Churchill Becomes a Warlord - Part 4 of 4 w/ Thomas777Episode 8: Dispelling Myths, and an Introduction to 'Operation Barbarossa' w/ Thomas777Episode 9: Laying Out the Details of 'Operation Barbarossa' w/ Thomas 777Episode 10: The Conscience of the War (WW2) Wagers and Planners w/ Thomas777Thomas' SubstackThomas777 MerchandiseThomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 1"Thomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 2"Thomas on TwitterThomas' CashApp - $7homas777Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.

If you think your consulting pipeline only grows with more time, more effort, or a perfectly refined niche, this episode will show you a different path.Kim Andrews, a leadership consultant and executive coach for nonprofit CEOs, joins Melisa to share exactly how she built a thriving, in-demand consulting business. She breaks down the simple systems she uses to generate steady, high-quality leads while running a busy life as a parent and business owner.You'll hear how Kim went from accidental consultant to trusted expert in her niche, and how she created consistent demand through targeted outreach, relationship-building, speaking opportunities, and her new podcast. She also walks through the mindset shifts that made all of this feel doable, sustainable, and repeatable.This conversation gives you a front-row seat to what a healthy consulting pipeline actually looks like and how to build one without overcomplicating the process.What you will learn in this episode:[12:45] How to get traction in a niche without overanalyzing or getting stuck in indecision[15:14] The lead generation strategy that opened the door to dozens of conversations with ideal clients[18:45] Why specificity in your outreach increases referrals and decision-maker conversations[21:04] How Kim uses speaking engagements and webinars to build visibility with aligned partners[30:00] The real way to manage lead generation with limited time (especially as a parent and business owner)[35:10] How Kim's podcast supports business development and what's made it a sustainable tool[40:22] The mindset shift that turned lead gen into a repeatable habitTune in to Episode 247 for practical, real-world strategies that help you create predictable demand in your consulting business without guesswork or unnecessary complexity.Mentioned ResourcesCompanion Resource: https://assessments.melisaliberman.com/lead-gen    Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-247Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: ️Episode 211 - How to Use a Podcast to Land Consulting Clients, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-211/#more-2659  Mentioned in this Episode:Join the waitlist for the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint, http://www.consultantsprint.com/ Connect with Kim: Kim Andrews | LinkedIn Kim Andrews Coaching Listen to Kim's Podcast: Lead Through It with Kim and Jada - Podcast Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, Taryn and DeAndre sit down with their destination wedding planner, Mario M Lopez, the expert who brought their destination wedding vision to life. Together, they unpack the whole behind-the-scenes process of planning a destination wedding—everything from early vision-setting to navigating room block contracts, coordinating guest travel, and choosing trusted vendors.Mario sheds light on the most common pitfalls couples face and explains how a planner helps simplify complicated logistics at international venues. Taryn and DeAndre share firsthand experiences from their Casa de Campo wedding, highlighting what worked, what surprised them, and the decisions that made the biggest difference.This episode offers a candid roadmap for couples dreaming of a wedding abroad—and a deep look at what it takes to create a seamless celebration that feels effortless for both the couple and their guests.Key Highlights:Start with clarity: Defining your wedding vision early helps guide every decision.Room blocks matter: Understanding room block contracts prevents financial surprises.Planners make magic: A destination wedding planner simplifies complex logistics.Guest travel first: Coordinating travel early improves the guest experience.Trusted vendors win: Working with experienced vendors reduces risks and elevates quality.Budgeting upfront: Mapping out your budget helps keep the planning process smooth.Communication counts: Regular planner communication prevents avoidable mistakes.Visit before booking: Site visits reveal details you can't see in photos.Think like a guest: Small touches and thoughtful planning enhance guest comfort.Peace of mind: A skilled planner allows you to stay present and enjoy the experience.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler Premium

The holiday season can fill your schedule, but it doesn't have to empty your time with God. In this episode, Brooke shares practical, grace-filled tips to help you stay consistent in Scripture during the busiest time of year. You'll learn how to simplify your study routine, make time for what matters most, and use the Finding Freedom Planner and Quiet Time Journal to stay rooted in peace and purpose all season long.PS: Loving the podcast?Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.Episode Resources: Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides⁠Learn More About The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Membership Community⁠⁠Free Resources⁠ Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

Send us a textWe trace the “domino decision” that turned corporate burnout into a calling and show how timing, not tricks, drives real tax savings. Dominique Molina joins us to reveal practical ways to choose your tax rate and stack permanent advantages without gimmicks.• Why timing beats complexity in tax strategy• Permanent savings versus simple deferrals• When to accelerate income or delay deductions• Prep and planning collaboration to avoid waste• Real estate developer opportunities with CCM• How to vet claims, court history and oversight• Designing plans around cash flow and financing• Whole‑picture planning across crypto, real estate, business• Typical savings ranges and when fees are worth it• FAQs on credentials, structures, and thresholdscertifiedtaxplanners.com — whether you are a taxpayer seeking help or a tax advisor ready to level up, explore resources and get matched to a licensed plannertaxplanningchecklist.com — get an introductory course into tax planningprosperocpa.com/opportunity-report — get a free opportunity report and a custom video on what may be possible for you

Independent consulting is a relationship business, but most consultants only focus on a few obvious ones. That leaves untapped opportunity on the table.In this episode, you'll learn the ten relationship types that directly influence your pipeline, your revenue, and your long-term growth.Some are familiar, like client and channel relationships. Others are the hidden drivers most consultants never think about, such as your relationship with your time, your goals, your expertise, and even your business model.This isn't about being more social or more outgoing. It is about strengthening the specific relationships that create leverage, predictability, and growth.You'll learn how to assess where each relationship stands today, identify which ones are holding your business back, and prioritize the few that will create the greatest impact in the next ninety days.If you want a more profitable, sustainable, and aligned consulting business, this episode will show you exactly where to focus next.What you will learn in this episode: [06:30] The four external relationships that drive demand, pricing power, and delivery leverage. [13:50] The three strategic clarity relationships you must build with your goals, your future self, and your ideal client persona. [29:45] How internal relationships like time, money, and your own expertise either accelerate or stall your growth. [42:00] A simple prioritization method to identify which relationships need your attention now, and how to start small.Tune in to Episode 246 for tools you can implement immediately to deepen the right relationships and unlock new growth as an independent consultant.Mentioned ResourcesIndependent Consultant's Business Health Assessment: www.icassessment.com  Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-246/Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: ️Episode 123 – A Simple Strategy to Revive The Relationships You've Neglected In Your Network, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-123/Mentioned in this Episode:Join the waitlist for the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint, http://www.consultantsprint.com/ The Best CRM for Consultants, Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

As Christmas approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the lists, the gifts, and the constant rush of the season. But Christmas isn't just a date on the calendar, it's the fulfillment of a promise God made long ago. In today's episode, Brooke helps you slow down and remember why Jesus came, how He completes every one of God's promises, and how to lead your family in creating a Christ-centered Christmas this year.PS: Loving the podcast?Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.Episode Resources: Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides⁠Learn More About The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Membership Community⁠⁠Other Free Resources⁠ Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, John Bunn pulls back the curtain on what really moves the needle when it comes to getting noticed, trusted, and booked by top wedding planners. Fresh off a packed wedding season and a retreat surrounded by elite planners, John unpacks the mindset shifts, the strategy, and the long-game approach that has helped him grow his business into the luxury space. This one is all about relationships, presence, value, and consistency. Not hacks. Not shortcuts. Just the intentional work that builds a brand planners want to refer again and again. John also shares a teaser for an upcoming mentorship experience designed for creatives ready to level up in 2025. Want to join my private mentorship group that is coming up? email john@johnbunnfilms.com  and say 'i want mentorship' to be added to the list for more info as soon as it is available.

Send us a textThe KREWE is back at it! Solving the problems of the world, without a plan, but with #weeklywhiskey!  This week, you'll hear about "your" weekly whiskey, picked by Implicit Bias listeners at Implicit Birthday! The bottle has dropped and you can get it at Nunu's Markets!As for the stories you won't hear anywhere else, Epstein is back in the news, a recap and EVERYTHING we think we know at this point, We'll hear about the fake butter that's being put into our food, what happened in Mexico, and yes, the conspiracy theorist were right again. The BBC editing scandal just took another turn.Don't miss your Implicit Bias!Support the show

Is it possible for lead generation to be sustainable for independent consultants who are wearing so many hats in their businesses?What does a sustainable lead generation process look like?In this episode, Melisa breaks down why so many consultants fall into the start/stop lead generation cycle and end up creating feast or famine in their businesses. It's because their lead generation strategy, routines, and mindset are not sustainable.You'll learn why outsourcing or automating your lead gen isn't a silver bullet, and what you need before you consider those options. Plus, Melisa walks through five key components of a lead gen system that doesn't burn you out or leave you guessing whether you're doing enough.What you will learn in this episode:[07:45] Why lead generation often feels unsustainable, and why it's not a time issue[14:22] The #1 question keeping consultants stuck in feast-or-famine and how to answer it[17:30] The 3 essential “modes” of lead generation (and how to shift between them)[25:14] How to make lead generation easier through inbound systems[28:00] Why managing your mind is the most overlooked part of consistent lead genIf your lead gen strategy feels inconsistent, unclear, or completely nonexistent, this episode will show you how to simplify it, sustain it, and make it work with the rest of your business.Mentioned Resources1) Companion Resource:  The Consultant's Lead Gen Effectiveness Scorecard 2) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-245/3) Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman4) Related Podcast Episode: Episode 244 - The Real Reason Your Consulting Pipeline Isn't Predictable Episode 156 - The 3 Lead Generation Modes for a Consulting Business Pipeline 5) Mentioned in this Episode: Join the waitlist for the 2026 Lead Gen SprintWant help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get swept up in the busyness, shopping lists, events, and expectations. But what if this year looked different? In this episode, Brooke shares how to simplify the holidays without losing the heart of what makes them meaningful. You'll learn how to plan intentionally, create margin for peace, and keep Christ at the center of it all.PS: Loving the podcast?Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.Episode Resources: Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides⁠Learn More About The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Membership Community⁠⁠Other Free Resources⁠ Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

If you've ever felt like your pipeline is out of your control, this episode is for you.It's common for independent consultants to think an unpredictable pipeline is just “how this works.” But that belief keeps them stuck in feast or famine, working with clients who underpay, don't fully value their expertise, and leave their skills underused.In Episode 244, Melisa reveals what's really going on beneath a stop-and-start pipeline and how to create consistency that lasts, no matter the market or your bandwidth.This episode breaks down the three root causes of pipeline unpredictability (none of which are the market, your niche, or your availability) and walks you through the Predictability Formula Melisa teaches inside her Lead Gen Sprint.She also challenges a common consulting mindset: waiting to work on pipeline until you need leads. That cycle is not sustainable. You'll walk away from this episode with a clear framework to break it.What you will learn in this episode:[06:58] Why most consultants misdiagnose pipeline issues, and how those false narratives keep you from creating sustainable lead flow.[10:12] The three true root causes of unpredictability (hint: it's not external, it's operational).[15:22] The Predictability Formula: mindset, system, and measurement, and how to apply it in your business.[24:55] A quick self-check to audit how predictable your pipeline really is and how to fix the gaps.Tune in to Episode 244 for practical ways to build a reliable, repeatable lead generation process that runs like a system, not a hope-and-pray cycle.Mentioned Resources1) Companion Resource:  The Consultant's Lead Gen Effectiveness Scorecard 2) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-244/3) Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman4) Related Podcast Episode: Episode 236 – Why Your Pipeline Isn't Filling (And It's Not What You Think)  5) Mentioned in this Episode:            1) Join the waitlist for the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint           2) OnePageCRM Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

DeShawn Wynn is a veteran event strategist, entrepreneur, and transformational retreat leader. With nearly 30 years of event planning experience and 15 years as the founder of Winning Touch Event Design, she blends logistics and heart-centered transformation. Her mission? To help people pause, ask deeper questions, and reconnect with the why behind their actions. "An event is supposed to cause change — people should leave different than when they came in." "Don't wait for a tragedy to be your catalyst. Let a luxurious retreat be your wake-up call." "Value means putting yourself in the equation — not after the job, the family, or the to-do list, but now." DeShawn Wynn shares the behind-the-scenes truths of event planning and the powerful inner work needed to live with intention. She discusses her transformational retreats, the importance of mindset, and how understanding your "why" can shift everything. This episode is a roadmap for moving from autopilot to purposeful action — without waiting for crisis.

This BCR program opened with a bit of Richard Harris' rendition of "MacArthur Park" and then quoted Daniel Libeskind -- whose architectural firm rebuilt the World Trade Center site; he described the slurry wall that held back the Hudson River after the collapse of the Towers as “an engineering wonder” and like the US Constitution – was a symbol of the “the durability of democracy and the value of human life.” We then asked is our democracy a melting cake or an indomitable slurry wall?In the fall of 2011 – young Americans took over a private park near Wall Street -- they set up camp and built a thriving community -- and for 59 days the 99% protested the 1%. Could Zuccotti Park happen today?Rebecca McKean and I had a ranging conversation with Lynne Elizabeth the founding director of the New Village Press -- publishing progressive books in the humanities and social sciences. Ms. Elizabeth was a past president and active member of Architects, Designers, Planners for Social Responsibility, which produced programs for peace, environmental protection, and social justice. And we talked with Wendy E. Brawer, a designer, social innovator, consultant, speaker and the creator of Green Map System. Wendy is one of UTNE's [ chutney ] ”50 Visionaries Changing Your World.” She was the Designer in Residence at the Smithsonian National Design Museum and a 2017 TED Resident. And she is an active cyclist.Our conversation focused on the New Village Press 2012 book -- "Beyond Zuccotti Park: Freedom of Assembly and the Occupation of Public Space" and Occupy Wallstreet.Alan Winsonbarcrawlradio@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast is celebrating its 5 year anniversary! Celebrate with us with a re-play of one of our favorite episodes from season two. A panel discussion with four Black women, working in four different sectors of the built environment, in four different cities, all with the same singular approach: improving the quality of life through urban planning. Your host is joined by Michelle Juma: project manager, real estate investment strategist and graduate student; Nimotalai Azeez former co-host of the podcast, and Jasmine Burnett community organizer, strategist, and narrative designer. This episode heats up as we get through it, so make sure to listen till the end. This episode is for anyone at an inflection point in their career. The host and guests share their stories of making pivots in their career, the struggle to make the decision and the joy that comes from the result. This episode is for anyone curious about urban planning/city design/real estate industries, each of the panelists are educated under the same degree: city planning but work in four vastly different roles. Give us a listen if you're wondering what “urban planning” entails and how you can enter the profession. Where are the entrepreneurs? This episode is critical for independent creatives, social justice advocates, and others who want to do good in this world. The panelists are entrepreneurs and 9-5'ers wanting to grow, guests share our story of making the transition from employee to entrepreneur. Finally, this episode is for anyone curious about how cities work. Through discussion of our roles as policy makers, designers of neighborhoods, and financiers of housing you will learn about the system of cities. The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast is celebrating its five year anniversary!! This episode is a re-play of our season 2 episode “Four Degrees, Four Careers” from way back in 2021. But don't worry, the topic of doing good for your community while earning a living and enjoying your life is still relatable today in 2025. Thank you for listening to the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast. Share this episode with a friend or family member who cares about their neighborhood.

When life feels heavy and your to-do list never ends, it's easy to lose sight of peace. In this episode, Brooke shares a collection of Bible verses specifically chosen to encourage overwhelmed moms. You'll discover how God's Word can calm your spirit, remind you of His presence, and give you fresh strength for the season you're in.PS: Loving the podcast?Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.Episode Resources: Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides⁠Learn More About The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Membership Community⁠⁠Other Free Resources⁠ Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

Fueled by caffeine & rageNose productsFraud is how you make moneyBanks or churches…for dispensariesCar washes - late stage capitalismCan you cook steak?raging at city plannersWe're reading Great Expectations!!https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_ExpectationsCollin haikusCounting syllablesExperience fills our pageMore stories aheadORWe pause, then we writeThis week, like all the othersFinds its perfect shapeCheck out our other episodes: ohbrotherpodcast.comFollow us on InstagramCheck us out on Youtube

Most independent consultants think their business bottlenecks come from systems, tools, or strategy.But the real bottleneck is often you, and specifically, how you respond to resistance.In this episode, you'll learn why resistance shows up, how it slows your growth, and a simple plan to move through it so you can scale faster and with less friction.Whether it's overthinking a new offer, delaying a move into advisory work, or hesitating to raise your pricing, that internal friction isn't a fixed limitation or missing trait. It's a signal that you're ready to move beyond your current comfort zone.Melisa shares a practical framework for noticing, normalizing, and navigating resistance so it doesn't sabotage your results.If you want to stop getting in your own way and start taking clean, strategic action, this episode gives you the tools to do it.What you will learn in this episode:[03:12] Why you, not your systems, are likely the bottleneck in your consulting business[07:40] How resistance shows up and what it looks like day to day[15:26] The two root causes of resistance and how to identify them in your thinking[20:41] Five methods to work with resistance, not against it[32:15] How to implement a resistance plan so you can stop circling and start progressingTune in to Episode 243 for tangible coaching tools to help you shift from bottleneck to business accelerator.Mentioned Resources1) Companion Resource: The Consultant Mindset Audit2) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-243/3) Melisa's Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman4) Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 237 - Make the Most of Your Business Owner Thinking Time  5) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcast - Huberman LabWant help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Your city just legalized “missing middle” housing in its zoning code… now what? With Memphis, Tennessee, as a case study, John Zeanah and Andre D. Jones discuss the hidden non-zoning barriers to developing small apartment buildings — and how to lower them. This is part 4 of our series on misaligned incentives in housing policy.Show notes:Zeanah, J. (2025). Beyond Zoning: Hidden Code Barriers to Middle-Scale Housing. Center for Building in North America.Garcia, D., Carlton, I., Patterson, L., Strawn, J., & Metcalf, B. (2024). Making missing middle pencil: The math behind small-scale housing development. UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Zeanah, J. (2022 January 12). Memphis, TN Amends Local Building Code to Allow up to Six Units Under Residential Building Code (IRC) to Enable Missing Middle Housing. Opticos Design. 'Beyond Zoning' Abstract:In recent years, planners have made zoning reform a key priority to enable housing supply, including “missing middle” housing … This article explores the barriers beyond zoning that can hold back development of middle-scale housing. It begins with a background on why these lesser-known codes matter for housing diversity. This is followed by a case study of a project in Memphis, highlighting the non-zoning barriers posed to the development of an infill collection of cottages and small apartment buildings, and how they were overcome. Next, the article delves into specific categories of barriers, from building codes and fire safety mandates to infrastructure and local ordinances, explaining how each can impede middle-scale housing projects. Finally, it concludes with an Action Steps for Planners section, offering implementable strategies for reforming codes and coordinating across departments to unlock middle-scale housing development.

As the holidays approach and our schedules fill up, staying consistent in our spiritual life can feel harder than ever. In this episode, Brooke shares encouragement and practical steps to help you stay grounded in the Word even when life gets busy, including what she learned during her own season of moving this past summer. Whether you're packing boxes, planning family gatherings, or simply juggling all the to-dos, you'll walk away with tools to stay spiritually connected and rooted in peace.PS: Loving the podcast?Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.Episode Resources: Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides⁠Learn More About The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Membership Community⁠⁠Other Free Resources⁠ Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

Jenn Lee, president and chief marketing officer for Travel Planners International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the host agencies newest programs for its travel advisors, including Luxe House, a new division focused on selling luxury travel, as well as where the Vacation Planners unit fits in the mix. For more information, visit www.travelplannersinternational.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Forming a partnership as an independent consultant can feel difficult and even risky. You're used to autonomy. You've created your own unique way of running your business. And, you also feel lonely at times.Bringing someone else into your process? That can feel like a threat to your freedom, your income, or your control.But what if the right partnership expanded your possibilities instead of limiting them?In this episode, I sit down with two of my past coaching clients, Abbie DuBois and Scott Allen, who have built a mutually beneficial joint offering.They share how they met through this podcast (I am so honored to be part of their story) and how they organically grew from one conversation to a fully functional collaboration, without sacrificing their individual practices.We unpack how they brainstormed, pressure-tested their idea, went to market, and ultimately signed joint clients. You'll hear how they use divide-and-conquer tactics for business development, how they structure contracts and compensation, and how they manage capacity between solo work and joint projects.They don't hold anything back.If you've ever considered working with another consultant or dismissed the idea entirely, this episode will challenge your assumptions.What you will learn in this episode:[05:12] How an organic connection led to a formal partnership and why they never forced the outcome[08:44] Why complementary skills are the key to building a synergistic joint offer[13:22] How they used surveys and iterative testing to identify a viable niche (value-based care)[17:40] Their client acquisition approach and why they focused on building reps together first[23:55] How they structure contracts, fees, and incentives in a way that preserves autonomy and ownership[30:41] What's next: retainer models, advisory boards, and leveraging AI for scalabilityTune in to Episode 242 to hear the behind-the-scenes of a successful partnership model that preserves independence and accelerates growth.Mentioned Resources1) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-242/2)  Find Abbie DuBois: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-dubois 3)  Find Scott Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allen-b06b6b5/  4) Melisa's Free Resources, Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman5) Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 172 - Filling Your Pipeline, Landing Ideal Consulting Clients, and Turning Away Work with Abbie DuBois Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

A Conversation about Money and Formation

This November, we're diving into gratitude and stewardship, how noticing God's blessings changes everything from your perspective to your daily routines. In this episode, Brooke shares practical ways to cultivate gratitude in your life, how it shapes faithful living, and introduces the November study inside the Finding Freedom Co. membership.You'll learn:Why gratitude matters, even in busy seasonsHow thankfulness fuels stewardship of your body, home, and relationshipsPractical tips to notice blessings and integrate them into your daily lifeHow to join the 4-week Gratitude & Stewardship studyResources & Links:Join the Finding Freedom Co. Membership Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Study GuidesOther Free Resources⁠ Email Us⁠: ⁠thefindingfreedomco@gmail.com⁠Let's connect on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠

"Let me think about it."It sounds harmless. Strategic, even.But for independent consultants, that phrase can quietly erode revenue, momentum, and confidence.In this episode, Melisa breaks down the hidden toll of decision debt, which is the backlog of unmade choices cluttering your mental inbox. From pricing delays to lingering red-flag clients, these non-decisions drain your bandwidth and reinforce the status quo.Melisa walks you through the mindset traps keeping you in limbo, and shares a simple but powerful framework to clear the backlog and prevent future debt from accumulating.You'll learn how to stop letting “I'll decide later” run your business.What you will learn in this episode:[04:48] What decision debt actually is and why it quietly undermines your business.[08:45] The four root causes that keep consultants stuck in indecision.[15:20] The real cost of “I'll think about it”, including missed revenue and lost confidence.[22:04] Two examples of decision debt that are likely hiding in your business right now.[26:13] A simple, repeatable tool to eliminate decision debt and build decisive momentum.Tune in to Episode 241 for a straightforward system to start making faster, cleaner decisions and stop the drag on your energy and results.Mentioned Resources1) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-241/2) Melisa's Free Resources, Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman3) Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 164 – Thinking “I'm Behind” Is Dangerous for Your Independent Consulting Business  Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Wedding days inside a church can feel like navigating a maze of policies, people, and expectations, and many planners carry battle scars from these sacred spaces. In this episode, Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Emma Cockerham joins Krisy Thomas, COO of the CWP Society, to unpack why church venues often feel more challenging and how to transform tension into trust through intentional communication and genuine respect.From first contact to final blessing, Emma maps out a calm, proven approach that honors sacred spaces while protecting timelines, budgets, and your couple's vision. We start with the real friction points: delayed outreach, multiple conflicting contacts, and the cycle of assumptions that creates unnecessary stress on both sides. You'll learn how to establish a single point of contact, use strategic CC etiquette to prevent crossed wires, and confirm who needs what information, and when.We dig deep into policy hot spots that trip up even experienced planners: florals, candles, adhesives, aisle access, photography angles, flash restrictions, and AV limitations. Emma shares how early briefings and coordinator-approved plans keep your creative team flexible instead of frustrated, plus practical scripts for introducing vendors to church coordinators, securing written clarity on access windows, and avoiding last-minute surprises that can derail your timeline or blow your couple's budget.The heart of this conversation is a powerful mindset shift: treat each church as a collaborative partner, lead with kindness, and follow through on every promise. We explore how showing deep respect for the ceremony as the true purpose of the day, using gratitude as a relationship-building tool, and documenting every decision creates a week-of experience that runs quietly and seamlessly. While these habits strengthen your work at any venue, they truly shine in sacred spaces where meaning runs deep and schedules are non-negotiable.If you want smoother rehearsals, warmer welcomes, and stronger referrals from both churches and vendors, this conversation delivers the roadmap. You'll walk away with communication strategies, clarity frameworks, and the confidence that comes from leading with genuine respect.If this episode reminded you why professionalism matters, subscribe, share it with a planner friend, and leave a review. Ready to level up your skills and join a community that gets it? Explore certification and exclusive resources at cwpsociety.com—home to the world's largest community of certified wedding professionals.www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

I'm working with a client who is a gifted communicator with years of real-world experience. He kept hearing that paid speaking is off limits unless you are already well known, can sell tickets by name alone, or have a massive audience. I knew that wasn't the full story. So I brought in someone I trust and have known for nearly 15 years, Grant Baldwin, to walk through what actually works today for getting paid to speak without celebrity status. Grant has trained thousands of speakers and built The Speaker Lab into a respected, enduring brand, one that has ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest, growing privately held companies in the United States for five consecutive years. What This Episode Is… And Who It's For This conversation is designed for strong communicators who are comfortable on a stage and want to translate that skill into paid opportunities. If that's you, you'll find a clear framework, realistic fee guidance, what event planners actually want, and the specific outreach and follow-up cadence that moves you from “aspiring” to “booked.” Core Mindset Shift: From “Be Famous” To “Solve A Specific Problem” Event planners aren't always evaluating your follower count. They are reducing risk. They want a reliable speaker who can solve one specific problem for one specific audience and make the organizer look like a hero for choosing wisely. If Oprah or a former president is headlining, tickets sell on name alone. For the rest of us, the job is to solve a defined problem so well that attendees are grateful and organizers are relieved they chose us. The trap to avoid: “I can speak to anyone about anything.” Don't be a buffet. Be a steakhouse. A steakhouse does one thing exceptionally well. Most buffets do many things mediocre. Your positioning must signal sharp focus, not “I do it all.” Practical implication: Choose a niche problem and audience, and let everything else in your marketing reinforce that narrow, valuable focus. The SPEAK Framework Grant Teaches (And How To Apply It) Grant uses a five-part framework. I'll restate it with my commentary and application steps you can take immediately. S - Select a problem to solve Pick one clear problem for one identifiable audience. Validate it by confirming that organizations actually hire speakers on that topic. Avoid niche passions that no one budgets for on stage. Look for the Venn overlap between what you love, what you're skilled at, and what event buyers pay for. Quick validators you can run this week: Make a list of real conferences or associations where your topic would fit. Start with local, state, and regional events rather than national headliners that pay six figures to celebrity keynoters. Identify a few working speakers one or two steps ahead of you as benchmarks. If no one exists in your proposed niche, that's not a blue ocean. It's likely a market that doesn't buy talks on that topic. P - Prepare your talk Design a talk that offers a concrete solution to the chosen audience's felt need. Make sure the talk aligns with what planners already hire speakers to address. Your talk is a product. It must reduce the organizer's risk and fulfill the promise in the program description. Tip: If there's a personal subtopic you care about that isn't a main-stage draw, embed it as a 5 to 10 percent segment within a widely purchased theme, rather than making it the headline. This blends your passion with market reality without performing a bait-and-switch. E - Establish yourself as the expert You need a sharp, professional website and a demo video. Event planners who hire speakers will compare you to several other speakers. Your materials must look as good or better than your fee peers, because people judge books by their covers, especially under risk. You do not need to spend tens of thousands, but you do need clarity and quality. What to include: Crisp positioning: audience, problem, outcome. A talk page with titles, descriptions, and learning outcomes. Select testimonials that match your audience and topic. A short, high-quality demo reel showing stage presence and audience engagement. A - Acquire paid speaking gigs This is where most speakers falter. Do not wait passively for inquiries. Identify target events, start conversations, and follow up with discipline. Smaller events are not “lesser.” They are accessible and often pay in the $1,000 to $5,000 range for quality speakers who fit well. Those reps build momentum and referrals. A starter outreach line that works: “When will you start reviewing speakers for your [season/year] event?” You're aligning to their process, not forcing a pitch at the wrong time. If they say, “in three months,” get explicit permission to follow up, then actually follow up in three months with a helpful, short note. They won't expect you to do it. Showing up reliably previews how good you'll be to work with. My added tactic: Use Facebook groups where your audience gathers to crowdsource a list of live events they already attend. Ask, “If someone wanted to fully immerse in solving [problem], what live events should they attend?” Now you have a prospect list drawn from the market itself. Then apply the outreach process above. I share the exact post volume thresholds and how I used this approach during my Free The Dream years. K - Know when to scale Speaking can be the whole business or the front end of a larger business. Some speakers aim for many gigs and fee growth. Others use speaking primarily to acquire coaching, consulting, or long-term clients worth tens of thousands, which can dwarf the fee itself. Decide your model early, then shape your targeting and topic accordingly. What To Charge When You're Getting Started Set expectations realistically. Most speakers who are early in their professional journey charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for the first several paid gigs, with growth as reps, results, and marketing assets improve. Fees vary by industry: corporations generally pay more than nonprofits, for example. Your website, demo video, testimonials, and relevance to that organizer's audience all factor into perceived value. If you are already collecting checks in the $10,000 to $25,000 range, you're likely in a pond that routinely books at that level, with the credentials and references to match. Your materials and proof must stand shoulder to shoulder with other speakers priced similarly. The decision-maker is weighing risk. Your job is to make the yes feel safe. How Event Planners Think: Risk, Fit, Proof Event planners and committees are in the risk mitigation business. They need to justify why choosing you is safe. The fastest way to help them feel safe is to present tightly aligned positioning, a clear solution for their audience, relevant testimonials, and a professional demo that shows what they will see on their stage. If you're a known quantity in their industry, you reduce risk further. Translation: Your niche experience matters. Even if you want to speak beyond your current industry later, start where you already have credibility and connections. Build momentum there, then expand. Be The Steakhouse, Not The Buffet We swapped a memorable story about a dinner in Vegas that nails this point. A top steakhouse has a short menu. It's exceptional at one thing. Too many speakers showcase a menu of twenty topics across every domain. That spreads you thin and confuses buyers. You don't become referable as “the person who solves X.” Choose X. Then keep saying X. Building Momentum: Breakouts, Workshops, Local and Regional Stages Keynotes are the glory slot, but many buyers hire outstanding breakout or workshop speakers they've never heard of. Target smaller, local, or state-level events where budgets are sensible and competition is less fierce. Use these to gather testimonials and in-industry proof. The more you speak, the more you speak. People in the seats are often the next bookers. Referrals compound. Proactive Prospecting And Follow-Up: Exactly How To Do It Most speakers fail because they wait. Here's a workable cadence: Build a prospect list of the right-fit events. Send a short, no-pressure opener: “When will you start reviewing speakers?” Capture their answer and permission to follow up. Follow up exactly when promised with a crisp, helpful note. Keep the thread warm with brief check-ins aligned to their process, not your pitch calendar. This shows the organizer what it's like to work with you. Reliability beats bravado. My supplement to this: Source events by asking active Facebook groups where your audience congregates which conferences they actually attend. Then research and contact those events using the cadence above. Two Viable Business Models: Fee-First vs. Lead-Gen-First Fee-first speakers optimize for the check, the travel schedule, and fee growth over time. Lead-gen-first speakers optimize for speaking to rooms filled with ideal buyers, then convert into higher lifetime value offers such as retainers, advisory, or premium programs. In some niches, a single client is worth more than the speaking fee. Choose the model that matches your goals and build your targeting and talk to support it. Host Your Own Stage To Create Reps And Proof You don't have to wait for an invitation. Design a focused one-day workshop around your problem-audience fit, sell tickets, and put yourself on stage. This both validates your topic and produces assets, testimonials, and compelling footage for your reel. Tactical Tips, Stories, And Subtleties You Might Miss On First Listen Expectations prevent discouragement. Speaker fees range from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands. Unless your name sells tickets, start where the market is and grow. Manage expectations early so you stay persistent long enough to break through. Industry matters. Corporate, association, education, nonprofit, faith, and government markets all have different norms and ranges. Choose the pond that fits your topic, background, and goals. Marketing assets are not optional. At minimum, have a professional, focused site and a tight demo. Decision-makers compare several speakers side by side. Present like a pro. Momentum is real. The more stages you're on, the more invitations you'll receive. Some referrals hit years later. Plant seeds now. Harvest later. Start where you have leverage. If your career was in real estate, restaurants, law, healthcare, or tech, begin there. You speak the language, know the players, and reduce buyer risk. You can always evolve your niche after you build proof. Breakouts build keynotes. Deliver great breakout sessions that solve concrete problems. That creates case studies and word of mouth that lead to higher-fee keynote opportunities. Small and local is a feature, not a bug. Many high-quality regional events have budgets in the $1,000 to $5,000 range and want excellent speakers who fit. Those are perfect on-ramps. Be personable and reliable. The subtle signals you send in email cadence, brevity, and clarity matter as much as your sizzle reel. Planners notice. Use audience hubs to find events. Facebook groups with significant daily activity are a goldmine for discovering exactly which conferences your market actually attends. Ask the right question, harvest the list, then do surgical outreach. Speaking as impact. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Grant shared doing a virtual session for inmates in a county jail, and he has also spoken to arenas of 10,000. There isn't one “correct” venue. There are aligned venues for your mission and model. If You're A Strong Communicator And Ready To Start, Do This In The Next 7 Days Define your niche: Write a one-sentence positioning statement: “I help [audience] solve [problem] so they can [outcome].” Keep it painfully specific. List 25 target events: Use Google, LinkedIn, and active Facebook groups your audience frequents. Ask what events they already attend and compile answers. Tidy your materials: Ensure your site and speaker page reflect your niche clearly, with outcomes and a clean bio. If you don't have a reel, assemble a short, honest highlight cut from any footage you have. Send five concise outreach emails: “When will you start reviewing speakers for [event]?” Track replies. Ask for permission to follow up at their timeline. Build a simple follow-up system: Calendar reminders or a basic CRM. Follow up exactly when promised with a short, service-oriented note. Reliability is your advantage. Book or create one rep: Pitch a breakout locally or host a focused micro-workshop yourself. Capture testimonials and footage. Momentum starts here. Resources Mentioned The Speaker Lab website The Speaker Lab podcast The Speaking Fee Calculator The Successful Speaker book by Grant Baldwin My Closing Thought If you're gifted on stage and willing to do the unglamorous prospecting and follow-up, there is a clear, repeatable path to getting booked and paid. You do not need to be famous. You do need to be focused, professional, and persistent. Choose your “steak,” serve it beautifully to the right diners, and keep showing up. The rooms you want will start asking for you by name. Ready to Turn Your Experience Into Income? If you're still here reading this, I have a feeling I know something about you. You're a communicator, a creator, someone with real experience, skill, and a genuine desire to serve others. You've been working hard to build your business, grow your audience, and create content that helps people. Yet even with all that effort, the profit still doesn't reflect the impact you're making. If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a different approach. Over the years, I've worked with countless creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs who started by doing what everyone said they should: creating content, building websites, and growing an audience. The problem? That's actually Step 8 in the process of building a profitable business. They skipped the first seven steps, the ones that make everything else work. That's why I created my Building an Online Business Program. It's the same proven 11-step framework I've used and taught to help others finally see consistent, sustainable income from the work they love. The program includes my complete course, recorded live in the Next Level Studio, and two private 90-minute one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Those sessions are where we take what you're learning and apply it directly to your goals, your challenges, and your business model. It's personalized guidance designed to bring focus, clarity, and predictable income to your business. If you've been creating content for years but still feel like you're spinning your wheels, this is your chance to change that. You'll get the clarity, structure, and strategy that can finally convert your experience into income, and build the freedom you set out to create in the first place. Click Here To Learn More And Enroll Today Let's journey together.

Discover how to create a peaceful, faith-filled morning rhythm that helps you start your day with purpose and draw closer to God.Are your mornings rushed, distracted, or inconsistent? In this episode, Brooke shares how creating a Christ-centered morning routine can completely transform the way you approach your day, from your mindset to your time with God.You'll learn:

✨ Episode Summary In this heartwarming episode of the Bewitched Crafts Podcast, host Tracy Miller shares how to capture the joy and color of the season through your camera lens. Inspired by a recent family outing to a local Fall Festival, Tracy offers practical photography tips for scrapbookers . From hayrides and pumpkin patches to golden-hour light, she'll help you see your memories with fresh eyes and creative inspiration.

5 Hours and 9 MinutesPG-13Thomas777 is a revisionist historian and a fiction writer.Here are episodes 6-10 of the World War 2 series with Thomas777 in one audio file.Episode 6: The Origin and Rise of Winston Churchill Pt. 3 - 1936-1939 w/ Thomas777Episode 7: Winston Churchill Becomes a Warlord - Part 4 of 4 w/ Thomas777Episode 8: Dispelling Myths, and an Introduction to 'Operation Barbarossa' w/ Thomas777Episode 9: Laying Out the Details of 'Operation Barbarossa' w/ Thomas 777Episode 10: The Conscience of the War (WW2) Wagers and Planners w/ Thomas777Thomas' SubstackThomas777 MerchandiseThomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 1"Thomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 2"Thomas on TwitterThomas' CashApp - $7homas777Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.

What does it really take to hit a $100K quarter as an independent consultant in your first quarter out of corporate?In this episode, Melisa talks with her client Elizabeth Freedman, founder of E•Suite Leader, who went from zero to $100K in the first three months of her business.Elizabeth shares the inside story of not just what she did, but how she thought. From taming the temptation to do too much, to building a pipeline with targeted outreach (not a LinkedIn posting spree), to navigating pricing drama and client delivery overload, this is the kind of honest, detailed breakdown every consultant needs to hear.If you've ever overcomplicated your lead generation strategies, second-guessed your pricing, or tried to grow your consulting business by writing another blog post instead of making a sales call, this episode is your wake-up call.What you will learn in this episode:[05:14] Why simplicity is non-negotiable when launching your consulting business and how Elizabeth fought the urge to do too much too fast[09:58] How to fill your pipeline without becoming a social media content machine[15:40] Why B- work beats perfection, especially when it comes to business development[20:18] The real secret to consistent high-revenue quarters (hint: it starts in your own head)[25:44] How to stay out of the “consultant friend zone” and ask for the order[35:10] Why Q4 is the best quarter of the year, and how to sell into it instead of slowing downTune in to Episode 240 for a real-life look at how to structure your consulting business for revenue, results, and long-term impact.Mentioned Resources1) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-240/2) Find Elizabeth Freedman: Website: https://esuiteleader.com/October Executive Intensive Details: https://esuiteleader.com/impact-intro3) Melisa's Free Resources, Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman4) Related Episode:  Episode 237 – Make the Most of Your Business Owner Thinking Time    ️Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

If you've ever said, “One day I'll write a book,” this episode is your call to stop waiting and start writing. LeAnne Lagasse joins Melisa to walk through the real process of writing and launching a book as a consultant, including the parts no one talks about.LeAnne doesn't sugarcoat the process. From decision fatigue to imposter syndrome to learning how to repurpose your workshop content into a compelling written format, she shares what it takes to go from idea to finished product.More importantly, Melisa and LeAnne dig into why a book isn't a vanity project, it's a strategic business asset when you give it a clear “job” to do.If you've got a book idea on your "someday" list or want to see how a consultant uses authorship to elevate demand, thought leadership, and pricing, this conversation is a must-listen.And, as a bonus LeAnne shares tips on how to hire an Executive Assistant and wh she engaged to help her with the book writing process and launch.What you will learn in this episode:[03:41] Why LeAnne finally decided to write her book after years of putting it off[10:25] The mindset shift that helped her overcome imposter syndrome and commit to authorship[16:30] How she used AI like ChatGPT to test reader reactions, tighten stories, and simulate feedback[21:55] The job she gave her book and how she aligned the publishing path to fit that goal[26:10] What made the process harder than she expected and how she managed the emotional challenges[36:40] Advice for consultants considering writing a book and the investment she believes made it possible [42:33] How LeAnne consistently attracts more demand than she can handle and her systems for staying top-of-mind[47:30] Why she hired a full-time employee (and how she finds someone who can write in her voice)Tune in to Episode 239 for an honest look at what it takes to write a book that not only adds credibility, but becomes a core asset in your consulting business growth strategy.Mentioned Resources1) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-239/2) Find LeAnne Lagasse: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannelagasse/ Website - https://www.leannelagasse.com/Book - The Congruent Leader: Build Trust, Lead with Self-Awareness, and Close the Gap Between How You See Yourself and How Others Experience You - https://www.thecongruentleaderbook.com/LeAnne's Amazon Book TeamBecky (Graphic Designer): https://beckysgraphicdesign.com/Deb (Editor): https://www.radiantmedialabs.com/Vanessa (Copyeditor): https://www.vanessamayco.com/3) Melisa's Free Resources, Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisaliberman4) Related Episode:  ️Episode 071 – Creating Compelling Consulting Offers (and more) with LeAnne Lagasse Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Animal intelligence is far greater than once thought, with bees demonstrating the ability to anticipate changes and evaluate situations logically. This intelligence is a gift from the Creator, tailored for each species, not a product of evolution. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29

Start Organize October: simplyconvivial.com/october - Choosing a planner doesn't have to waste your time. Should you go digital, paper, or both? In this episode of Simply Convivial, I walk through the pros and cons of each option—digital planners, paper planners, and combo systems—so you can quickly choose what works best for you and move forward.We'll look at:Why digital planners are convenient, searchable, and shareable—but also distracting.Why paper planners engage your brain differently and help you remember more—but can get messy fast.How a combo method works best for moms who just need a quick start.I also share the four essential planner pieces—calendar, weekly dashboard, daily card, and interval plan—and the best way to start using them today.Don't overthink it. Your planner only works if you use it. Let's make a simple choice and get going.Start Organize October: simplyconvivial.com/october

Even though the year is wrapping up and vacations take over, landing consulting clients in Q4 doesn't have to be hard.Q4 isn't a write-off.When Q4 rolls around, many consultants either start to panic that they won't hit their revenue goals or they ease off the gas because they've already met them. These approaches can cost you momentum and opportunity.In this episode, Melisa Liberman walks you through a simple three-part framework to help you finish the year strong: Choosing what to sell that fits the season, Creating a clear plan to deliver it, and Fueling your work with an aligned mindset.You'll hear why clients are still buying in Q4, what types of offers are easiest to land this time of year, and how to use the last few months as a launchpad into next year.Don't let the calendar dictate your results. There is still time to set and achieve goals in your independent consulting business.What you will learn in this episode:[02:52] What Q4 might look for you right now[06:50] How to make the most of Q4[11:25] Developing a plan to optimize your Q4 results[21:19] Benefits of taking this approach[24:00] 3 steps to put this into actionTune in to Episode 238 to learn how to win consulting clients in Q4 while setting yourself up for a stronger start to 2026.Mentioned Resources1) Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-238/2) Melisa's Free Resources, Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanWant help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Are you ready to finally get your planner or journal into the hands of customers? In this episode, I share 10 powerful strategies to sell your planner, plus the pros and cons of each. From Kickstarter campaigns to email marketing, I'll show you what's worked for me over the past decade running a 7-figure planner business. You'll learn: The best way to launch without spending your own money Why Shopify is the gold standard for selling planners The truth about wholesaling, Amazon, and subscription boxes How to leverage influencers, conferences, and corporate gifting Why email + SMS marketing are the secret to repeat customers Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this episode will help you create a plan to grow your planner business with confidence. About me: I'm Polly Payne, CEO and founder of Horacio Printing. I've sold over 45,000 Dream Planners worldwide, along with Bible studies and journals. Now, I teach other dreamers how to do the same through Print School. Your Next Steps:

From Barista to Wealth Planners for Small Business Owners New Interview guest- Brandon & Amanda Neely CFP. I'm happy to have The Neeley's join me for a one-on-one interview! They've got experience running a small business just like yours or the one you might run one day. Tune in and as we'll be discussing the story of tragedy in their business, how they recovered and what they learned from my latest book. This is a ‘must see event' for anyone who owns or will own a business one day. Set yourself a reminder on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1H4uPZ9r1s0 It will be going live Monday September 29, 2025 at 1 PM Atlantic Time 12 Noon Eastern Time See you there! David C Barnett **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

In the 1930s, New Deal-era technocrats devised a solution to homelessness and poverty itself. They believed that providing free or low-cost urban housing projects could completely eliminate housing scarcity. Planners envisioned urban communities that would propel their residents into the middle class, creating a flywheel of abundance where poverty was eradicated. However, once construction began after World War II, these projects quickly became dangerous, poorly maintained slums, serving as breeding grounds for crime and decay. By the 1970s, crime rates were so high that levels of violence rivaled those of war zones in Sub-Saharan Africa. What happened? Why did so many of the best and brightest who promoted housing projects—like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt or city planner Robert Moses—create one of the worst government debacles of the 20th century? Why didn’t they foresee that housing projects would become hotbeds of crime, completely destroying the social fabric of the neighborhoods they aimed to help? Today’s guest is Howard Husock, author of “The Projects: A New History of Public Housing.” He explains how we got here, detailing the tragic rise and fall of public housing and the pitfalls of other subsidy programs. He takes us inside a progressive movement led by a group of New York City philanthropists, politicians, and business magnates who first championed public housing as a solution to urban blight. We explore everything that went wrong and what can be done to avoid these same mistakes in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.