Hard Costs With Katy Widrick: Recent Episodes
Katy Widrick
Welcome to "Hard Costs," the podcast where I, Katy Widrick, your Fractional CMO and Funnel Fixer, help you cut through the chaos and get you to clarity in your business. With a knack for crisis management and a passion for untangling complexities, my journey behind the scenes as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs has taught me the value of transparency, which is why my mission is to elevate founders and bring forth the unfiltered truth about the real costs of entrepreneurship. In a world where social media highlights the wins, "Hard Costs" goes beyond the surface to share the untold stories of challenges, lost revenue, strategic pivots, and the roller-coaster ride that entrepreneurship truly is. By sharing my experiences and inviting some of my favorite founders as guests, every episode in this podcast is an opportunity to find solace and inspiration in the journeys of others. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that's what I aspire to achieve through "Hard Costs." So, join me on this journey, share it with your fellow entrepreneurs, and let's build a community that thrives on shared knowledge and support. I can't wait to connect with you on the next episode of "Hard Costs."
In this episode, Katy speaks with special guest Dana Bowling, host of Daily Dose of Dana, a podcast all about life, pop culture, celebrity news, and all things entertainment!
In this episode, Dana brings us along on her journey of becoming a casting director in Hollywood and the pivots she made that propelled her toward her purpose! Dana also shares how she discovered her love for podcasting even as a little child (yes, before podcasting was officially even a thing!) and her experience being immersed in celebrity culture at a young age. Make sure you stick to the end to hear Dana’s prediction of the online coaching industry, as well as how she overcomes money mindset fears as a CEO in an often unpredictable industry.
KEY POINTS
- How the pandemic propelled Dana’s purpose
- Get to know little Dana and her love for entertainment & podcasting
- Learn the inspiration behind the Daily Dose of Dana podcast
- Dana’s journey in Hollywood casting to brand strategy
- What’s future of online coaching?
- Hot seat: Dana’s favorite social media platforms, biggest fear, & signature coffee order!
QUOTABLES
“Sometimes, things happen where you have the right product at the right time.” – Dana Bowling
“At 26 years old, we got our first show, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. They're popular with younger kids. And so, I was the youngest script and casting director at 26 years old.” – Dana Bowling
“I love a mantra, I love a quote, I've got a whole stable full of things that I'll pull out. But one that constantly comes to mind for me is the rising tide lifts all boats. I say this on a near-daily basis.” – Katy Widrick
GUEST INFORMATION
Dana Bowling
Learn more about Dana Bowling here
IG |@thisisdanabowling TikTok | @thisisdanabowling LinkedIn |@dana-bowling
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Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.
IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick LinkedIn |@katywidrick
Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network
In today’s conversation, Katy speaks with Chelsea Winstead, Founder of HerHQ, a consulting agency dedicated to empowering women in the realm of freelancing through courses, coaching, and community. Chelsea's mission revolves around helping women leverage their corporate skills to establish successful freelance service-based businesses, and in this episode, Chelsea is here to share how she has empowered others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams by staying true to her own.
Tune in as Katy and Chelsea dive into the intricacies of freelancing and the path Chelsea took to achieve a six-figure income in this field! Chelsea and Katy also talk about having tough skin as content creators and the importance of staying true to your mission and message, despite the critics. If you're seeking inspiration to navigate the world of entrepreneurship authentically, then this episode is for you. Join in on the conversation and uncover the immense value of cutting through the noise and staying true to yourself & your mission with Katy and Chelsea Winstead today!
KEY POINTS
- Chelsea’s corporate and military lives
- Earning 6 figures in freelance
- What’s the “retainer model” and how does it help increase your income?
- Strategies to monetize your corporate skills
- How Chelsea and business partner Hollie established the HerHQ community
- Chelsea’s favorite social media, person to be with on a 3-month sabbatical & biggest fear
QUOTABLES
“I find it to be my purpose to bring that confidence and give women tangible strategies to build. My goal with the business is to do everything that we do like our free communities.” – Chelsea Winstead
“I wholeheartedly believe that you should go where the people are. You shouldn't be like build a house and then try to invite people off the interstate to come over.” – Chelsea Winstead
GUEST INFORMATION
Chelsea Winstead
Website | Her HQ IG | @chelsea.winstead LinkedIn | @chelsea-winstead-mba TikTok | @chelsea.winstead
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Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.
IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick LinkedIn |@katywidrick
Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network
In this episode, Katy speaks with Veronica, Master Marketer, Executive Leader, and Founder of Rainmaker Residency, an agency that helps her aspiring entrepreneurs transition from full-time marketers to full-time founders of their businesses!
Join in on this conversation as Katy and Veronica talk about curating communities and building strong teams in your entrepreneurial space. Veronica also shares her personal upbringing with immigrant parents, the challenges & hardships faced, and the many invaluable lessons learned that have shaped her unique insights and perspectives as a business owner today.
So, tune in on this episode with your host Katy and learn from Veronica’s personal experiences, insightful tips, and uplifting beliefs today!
KEY POINTS
- Embracing duality: Being a team member as a CEO
- Veronica’s upbringing with Cuban immigrant parents
- Why asking for help is all part of the process
- Navigating and overcoming the challenges of parenting
- Which is the hardest — marriage, parenthood, or entrepreneurship?
- Finding meaning in every adversity
- The shifting roles of intimacy and proximity
- Veronica’s favorite social media platform, her 3-month sabbatical, and her biggest fear
QUOTABLES
“Freedom is being defined by nothing to prove and nothing to hide.” – Veronica Romney
“When I think of a true visionary, I think this is a person who is led by ego and not even in a necessarily negative way, but they feel very convicted of what they are called to do in their business in their life.” – Katy Widrick
“I have this belief that entrepreneurs birth other entrepreneurs. And I see it, I see this kind of generational continuation of entrepreneurial mindset within the family walls.” – Veronica Romney
GUEST INFORMATION
Veronica Romney
Website | Veronica Romney IG | @vromney LinkedIn | @vromney Twitter | @vromney
To learn more about Veronica Romney and working with her, click here
Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!
Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.
IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick LinkedIn |@katywidrick
Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network
Welcome to the premier episode of the Hard Costs podcast! Katy kicks things off with her very first guest Jordan Gill, the visionary CEO of Systems Saved Me, a consulting agency that provides tools, training programs, and consulting opportunities, all designed to build businesses that revolve around life's priorities.
In this episode, Katy and Jordan dive into not only Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey but her personal story as well - from growing up all too familiar with chronic illness to juggling her public and personal relationships, you will uncover the many hard costs behind running a successful business while still being open & vulnerable with your audience. Jordan and Katy also talk about the power of EMDR, tapping into your inner circle, and why it’s so important to ask for and be willing to receive help.
So join in on the honest conversation around childhood, business, therapy, and so much more with Jordan and Katy today.
KEY POINTS - Jordan on sharing her hard costs with the public - How Jordan tapped into the power of EMDR therapy to trust her gut - Getting to know young Jordan and her journey to becoming a CEO - The power of collaboration and asking for help - Challenges faced and lessons learned in her business journey - Calling out vs calling in the people in your inner circle - Jordan and Katy on being Ambiverts as business leaders
QUOTABLES
"In this space of sharing, the conversations I've had with my husband, my relationship with my bonus son, how that has impacted my life and chronic illness, and making changes in business — all of that is done for the people who know who I am, while everyone else I ignore. It's kind of like my philosophy on it." – Jordan Gill
“I like being the boss. I like being in control. I like being the person who figured out what to do when something went sideways.” – Katy Widrick
GUEST INFORMATION
Jordan Gill
Website | https://systemssavedme.com/ IG | @systemssavedme Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/systemssavedme LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilljordan/
Join the waitlist for Ready, Set, Collab at https://makemediaover.com/readysetcollab
Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!
Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.
IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick LinkedIn | @katywidrick
Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network
Welcome to Hard Costs, the podcast! Join your host, Katy Widrick, on a journey of learning, growth, and empowerment as she dives into the many unfiltered truths about entrepreneurship. This isn't just a podcast – it's your guide to turning your passion into profit, understanding the hidden challenges of entrepreneurship, and embracing the thrill of the founder's journey.
Prepare to be captivated by real stories, raw experiences, and invaluable insights from visionary CEOs, entrepreneurs, and content creators who've dared to pursue their dreams. Hard Costs is your backstage pass to the untold tales of lost revenue, game-changing pivots, hiring and firing moments, and the real-life rollercoaster that is building a business. Each episode will leave you inspired, motivated, and armed with the wisdom you need to overcome obstacles and keep soaring toward success.
Subscribe now and be the first to embark on this exciting journey with Katy Widrick. It's time to turn your passion into profits and conquer the Hard Costs of building your empire. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes – we can't wait to have you along for the ride!
Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!
Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.
IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick LinkedIn | @katywidrick
Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network
Launches are…all of the superlatives.
Amazing. Exhausting.
Exhilarating. Defeating.
Chaotic. Yet Laser Focused.
If you’re the founder behind the launch, it’s your vision, money, energy and reputation at stake.
But if you’re a service provider – like me – the journey is no less of a roller coaster. So let’s talk about it, today on the Rising Tide Talents Show.
I recently updated my headline to say:
Fractional CMO and CRO helping 7-figure founders recover their biggest business expense -- lost sales -- through simple funnel fixes.
Because I am CONVINCED that too many founders – too many growth-focused business leaders – are trying to solve for the wrong thing.
Let’s dive in, on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
If you want to be a leader – no matter what industry you’re in – you will inevitably find yourself the bearer of bad news. Sometimes it’s an HR situation, sometimes it’s with a partner or a colleague, sometimes it’s not even YOUR bad news but you’re obligated to deliver it…
And the earlier you master the art of difficult discussions, the better you’ll be. Let’s dive into it, on this episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
You know all about influencers and the creator economy – but what about the rise of the DEinfluencer? Why is it happening, what does it look like in the wild and why do I think it’s a significant shift in the marketing industry?
Let’s take a deep dive on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show!
We all have parasocial relationships. They’re fun and fulfilling. But they’re WEIRD, too. These are, by definition, one-sided friendships…but they feel so real, right?
Let’s dive in, on this episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
Can you be Type A and embrace your more soulful side? I say YES, and I'll go further and say that embracing some of these personal and professional development tools can change your whole life. (They changed mine.)
Here are 5 resources that I love ... and they may surprise you!
I onlyhave a few thousand followers.
My email list has only a few hundred subscribers.
I launched my podcast and only a handful of people listen every week.
Is this you? Confession…it has been me, too, but there’s a big shift in the way I think about a so-called smaller audience now (and funny enough, it has helped my audience get much bigger and more engaged, anyway!)
Let’s dive in today on the Rising Tide Talents Show.
…You probably KNOW that having a set of healthy habits and routines is helpful, as you’re pursuing growth. Personal, professional and in between. But I know that it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to start, what to do and what NOT to do, and how to keep going when it’s tough. So, let’s work on it together, on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
Do you want a fixer, or do you want a friend?” It’s a question I’ve learned to ask whenever someone brings me a problem, and when I talked about it on social media, my DMs and comments went wild… …it turns out that I’m not the only one who sometimes butts in where help isn’t actually needed, but a hug sure is. So let’s navigate it together, today on the Rising Tide Talents Show.
Is it better to have four quarters or 100 pennies? They add up to the same amount … but depending on your stage of business and the goals you’ve set, you may be ready to rethink your approach. Not a business owner? This applies to friendships, too – so let’s dive in, on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
What’s the HOTTEST social networking platform that many of you are ignoring altogether? LinkedIn! It’s not just for job searches and resume posting anymore, y’all. In fact, if I had to F-M-K LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok right now… I’d marry LinkedIn for sure. How can you build your LinkedInfluence, and why should you? I’m sharing the juicy details on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
Can I tell you a secret about my success, and about my business growth? I make good money helping clients repurpose content that they have already created…but usually, forgotten about. That’s correct – I’m a marketer and copywriter who has built a multiple six figure “done for you” service business by digging into the archives, mining the forgotten gems, and spending MORE time on amplification and LESS time on creation. Let’s talk about how you can do the same, on today’s Rising Tide Talents Show!
There’s a lot of talk about revenue and profits and how much business owners and creators make. But what I don’t hear is the much more enticing, much more achievable goal of setting an effective hourly rate that matches YOUR particular needs… It’s not as sexy as saying “a 6-figure or 7-figure business” but in my experience, the process and the outcomes are much more scalable, sustainable and joyful. So let’s figure out your EHR today on the Rising Tide Talents Show!
What a difference a year makes. This episode is going to be a bit more woo than others – but it’s from the heart and I hope the message will resonate with you, whether you’re struggling with burnout and looking for an out OR if you’re doing well and want to celebrate your journey, along with me. It’s burnout – one year later – today on the Rising Tide Talents Show.
When it comes to lead generation – do you have a lot of content and resources but only lukewarm list growth? Or are you totally stumped on what to offer and where to start? Implementing monthly lead generation goals, priorities and all-team focus is a great way for any organization to drive new leads, nurture their audience and ultimately, see consistent growth in their list size and revenue, with a consistent drop in stress levels. Let’s break it down in today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
Today, I’m excited to share an approach to setting my revenue goals. This is EXACTLY what I use to grow and scale companies -- including my own! -- to 6, 7, 8 figures and beyond. You do not need to be an accountant or a math whiz to make this work (I'm neither of those!), but you will need to dream big, have an abundance mindset and then start getting REAL about your revenue. So let's go!
I love email and SMS marketing funnels. I still find them to be the most effective, most consistent, most predictable and most FUN methods for engaging an audience… Plus, you have so much more ownership and control over your funnels, compared to social media or other platforms where your reach, engagement and ability to talk to the people who actually WANT to hear from you are always under threat. So, what are the funnels I believe every creator or business owner should have? And what should be included? Let’s dive in, on today’s episode of Rising Tide Talents!
If you try to be everything to everyone…you’ll find yourself doing nothing and serving nobody. NO is a complete sentence but it’s also one of the hardest to utter. As I’ve experienced and recovered from burnout, it’s more clear than ever that a simple question – am I operating inside of my zone of genius? – can unlock the answers that you need to feel fulfilled, find your flow state and truly be INSPIRED about the life you’re living. Let’s dive in – on today’s episode of The Rising Tide Talents Show.
Hurt people hurt people. Post that on social media and you’re sure to get a lot of likes! But is that the most complete sentence? I’ve learned…the answer is no. If hurt people hurt people – and they do! – but we’re ALL hurt people…what can we do to make sure we’re making positive changes and minimizing the hurt we then inflict on others? Let’s dive into it on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents Show.
What does it ACTUALLY mean to be a 6-, 7-, 8- or 9-figure founder? When someone talks about their financial success – what are you NOT being told? And most importantly…how can you feel confident about your own work, and your own worth, when you’re bombarded with messages about making more while doing less, even from founders or business leaders who operate under a different business model or in a different industry than you? Today on the Rising Tide Talents Show, I’m shedding some light on what can be a pretty dark and murky topic – money.
Take the leap and build your wings on the way down. If there is ONE phrase or mantra or affirmation that I believe applies to everyone, at every stage of business or stage of life, it’s this one. That includes, by the way, scenarios where you aren’t leaping so much as getting pushed off a cliff – facing a layoff from your job, ending a relationship or friendship, closing a company or ending an initiative that once had hope and promise. Building your wings is an ACTIVE endeavor, but it’s also one that requires faith. And to use another statement that’s been around the block… You have to trust the process. Oh, and I’ll also explain the special meaning behind part of my tattoo! Let’s dive into it on today’s episode of the Rising Tide Talents show!
TOFU. MOFU. BOFU. These acronyms sound deliciously confusing, don’t they? They are three components of a marketing and sales funnel, and for many growth-focused companies, they are the KEYS to conversion. We’ll dive into the strategies, the implementation and a few SIMPLE but super effective ways to incorporate these funnel elements into your business. Today on the Rising Tide Talents Show!
What is your personal brand? In the words of Alexander Hamilton, “if you stand for nothing, what will you fall for?” Growth-focused founders and organizations have incredible opportunities to grow BECAUSE of their employees’ and team members’ personal brands and influence, but only if they keep an open mind and a safe environment for creation. Today, I’m sharing my regrets about letting my personal brand all but disappear for a number of years, how I’m getting back in the game, and hopefully, giving you some difficult but empowering decisions to make. It’s all on this episode of the Rising Tide Talents show.
Build it, and they will come. But what about building in public? Sharing, the good, the bad, the ups and the downs, of life as a boss, a creator or a business owner. Today, I share my thoughts on this strategy, highlight a few people who are doing it WELL, and ask you to consider joining in on this trend of being an open book as you grow and also…opening your books to show your audience REAL numbers and statistics. Welcome to the Rising Tide Talents Show!
To outsource tasks or grow your in-house team… …it’s a question every organization has to answer, but more and more, growth-focused founders are choosing an in-between option: hiring FRACTIONAL service providers who join the leadership team for a limited time, set and reach BIG goals, mentor and even hire team members and then leave – filling the current gaps and working to make themselves redundant over the course of months, rather than years. So…is hiring a fractional service provider a good idea for YOU? Or perhaps a good career choice, as you plan out your own 3-year goals? I’m sharing my experience as a fractional CMO and CRO, the pros AND cons for this kind of partnership and more, in this episode of The Rising Tide Talents Show.
This is not the first episode of Rising Tide Talents that I have recorded…but it is the first that I’ve published. And I’ll be honest with you: this one is not only much longer than future episodes will be, it’s also much more personal. Today, I’m sharing my experience with severe burnout – and not just the fatigue, frustration and confusion that so many people face at work and at home. No, I’m talking about the kind of burnout that led me to dive into intensive therapy, that manipulated me into becoming a bit of an arsonist and setting fire to my professional path, that had my closest friends and even family members telling me that they didn’t want to be around me… And tears. So, so, so many tears. This episode was hard for me to record, but it’s quite easy for me to share. Because I know that if even one of you hears my experience and learns how to prevent burnout, or how to take back your life starting TODAY – it’s 100% worth it. Thank you in advance for your kindness, your grace and for your attention. Now…here’s more on my brush with burnout. Episode discussion points: What burnout felt like for me. How loved ones and colleagues in my life supported me (and also, didn’t), including a mini-intervention by one of my business besties and my husband. There is no wrong way to ask for help, even if you have to say “I don’t know what’s wrong or why I’m feeling this way or what steps to take but I don’t want to feel like this anymore. The traps of high performance and perfectionism. How social media contributes to burnout. The odd ways that my journalism career contributed to my burnout but also my resiliency. All of the things I tried to overcome burnout (and which habits I'm still engaging)!
If you are experiencing mental health challenges or are in crisis, I urge you to get help. I urge you to visit https://linktr.ee/kwidrick (https://linktr.ee/kwidrick) for some of my favorite resources.
Welcome to the Rising Tide Talents show! Together, we’ll dive into the 7-figure facts that every business owner needs to know, we’ll talk about what truly works for sustainable success in and out of the office, and yes…we’ll get REALLY REAL about what it takes to find fulfillment and flow, avoid burnout and actually love your life. I’m Katy Widrick – a Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer who scales businesses to and through 7, 8 and even 9 figures. I’m obsessed with systems and spreadsheets but I also believe that when Mercury is retrograde, you’d better honor that vibe…oh, and I’m also a mom, which, let’s admit…may be the hardest job of all. The tide is rising – so let’s dive in.