Small Business, Big Mindset

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Most people know Komal Patel as the founder of two AI-powered jewelry companies. What they may not realize is that her path started with two decades in big tech, an industry she had known her entire life.

In this episode, Komal shares how growing up in a family jewelry business gave her a unique perspective on an industry that hadn't meaningfully changed in decades. After years building scalable systems in large technology companies, she realized those same skills could solve problems that jewelry retailers had simply accepted as "the way it's always been."

We also talk about what it really takes to leave corporate, why product-market fit matters more than logos and marketing campaigns, and how AI is helping founders build businesses in ways that weren't possible just a few years ago. Whether you're thinking about starting your own company or simply curious about what it looks like to reinvent an industry, Komal offers a refreshingly practical perspective on entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why spending 20 years in big tech prepared Komal to transform a centuries-old industry.
How growing up in her family's jewelry business inspired two AI-powered companies.
The importance of proving product-market fit before investing heavily in branding or marketing.
Why leaving a stable corporate career requires more preparation than people realize.
How AI can serve as a "shadow team" for founders and small businesses.
The biggest mindset shift between leading in a large company and leading a startup.
Why talking to hundreds of customers is the only way to truly understand your messaging.
How family, community, and fellow founders help sustain entrepreneurs through difficult days.

Notable Quotes

"You have to be very emotionally strong. You need to have your 'why' extremely clear on why you want to do this."
"Don't do anything but focus on proving your product-market fit."
"There is no shortcut. You have to keep talking to customers until you start speaking their language."
"I'm in love with AI because now I have a shadow AI team."

Connect with Komal Patel on LinkedIn

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Tarryn Reeves had everything she thought success was supposed to look like: a six-figure career, a corner office overlooking Sydney Harbour, and every milestone she had been taught to chase. But behind the scenes, her mental and physical health were telling a very different story.

In this episode of Clover, Tarryn shares how walking away from corporate life ultimately led her to entrepreneurship, publishing, and helping other business owners tell their stories. We talk about the courage to redefine success, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how writing a book can transform not only your business—but the way you see yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Tarryn left a successful corporate career to build a life that aligned with her values
How writing became an unexpected tool for healing and personal growth
Why women often struggle to own their expertise and build authentic personal brands
What criminology taught her about human behavior, storytelling, and trust
Why books create deeper connections than traditional marketing alone

Notable quotes:

“Authority doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from clarity and conviction.”

“Your life is not your content strategy.”

“The best storytellers create resonance, not voyeurism.”

“Books don’t create authority. They reveal it.”

Resources mentioned:

Tarryn Reeves: https://tarrynreeves.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynreeves

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From styling celebrities like Selena Gomez for nearly a decade to helping women executives own the room in the boardroom, Basia Richard has built a career around one powerful idea: how you show up matters.

In this episode, Basia shares her incredible journey from growing up in Poland to pursuing a career as a professional violinist, reinventing herself in Hollywood as a celebrity stylist, and eventually leaving the entertainment industry to help women leaders build confidence through personal style. We talk about what it takes to pivot careers, why saying yes before you feel ready can change your life, and the lessons she learned working with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

We also dive into why executive presence extends beyond what you say. Basia shares how a thoughtfully curated wardrobe can reflect who you are, reinforce your credibility, support your goals, and help you lead with confidence.

Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, navigating a career transition, or simply looking to feel more like yourself, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately.

In This Episode

Basia's journey from professional violinist to Hollywood celebrity stylist
What she learned styling Selena Gomez and other high-profile clients
Why she left celebrity fashion to help women leaders
How saying "yes" before you're fully qualified can accelerate your career
The connection between confidence, credibility, and executive presence
Why women are often judged differently than men—and how to navigate that reality
How to build a wardrobe that supports your career instead of creating decision fatigue
Why timeless personal style will always outlast trends

Notable Quotes

"Sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes before you know exactly how you're going to figure it out."

"You can't force someone to wear something. You have to find their version of an elevated leader."

"Your wardrobe should function for your life, not create more decisions."

"It's not about looking expensive. It's about looking intentional."

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Basia Richard on LinkedIn
Follow Basia on Instagram

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What happens when a creative mind, a startup operator, a cancer survivor, and a humanitarian all live inside the same person?

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Melissa Wood, founder of Formis and Curate, to explore the winding path that led her from a small town in North Carolina to the startup ecosystem in Austin. Melissa’s story spans early tech startups, design and photography, turning down life-changing opportunities, surviving cancer, humanitarian work in Ethiopia, and building companies rooted in solving real-world problems.

What stood out most was Melissa’s ability to notice gaps others accept as normal; and then build solutions around them. Whether helping homeowners navigate renovations through Formis or simplifying conference experiences through Curate, her work is driven by a simple question: “Why doesn’t something better exist?”

This conversation is about resilience, leadership, community, and the unexpected ways life experiences shape the companies we build.

In this episode, we discuss:

How an accidental discovery of Photoshop in the mid-1990s launched Melissa’s career in technology and design.
Why she walked away from opportunities—including an early chance to join the team behind Me.com—and how she evaluates big decisions.
The life-changing impact of surviving cancer and how that experience influenced her approach to work, family, and entrepreneurship.
What she learned from living and working in Ethiopia, including lessons about community, presence, loyalty, and leadership.
How she built Curate, an AI-powered event discovery platform, in just days using no-code and AI tools after identifying a problem she’d personally experienced for years.
Why trust breaks down in industries like home renovation and how technology can create transparency, alignment, and accountability.

Notable Quotes

“Trust isn’t built in one big moment. It’s built through patterns.”

“The best products are born from real experiences.”

“If the system reflects that someone is being heard and understood, it creates a feeling of partnership.”

Resources & Links Mentioned

Formis – AI-powered platform designed to improve transparency and communication in home renovation projects.
Curate – Event discovery and scheduling platform helping people navigate conferences, tech events, and community gatherings.
Lovable – AI-powered development platform Melissa used to build an early version of Curate.
Claude – AI assistant Melissa uses for ongoing product development and iteration.
FoundHers – Austin-based organization supporting women founders and entrepreneurs.
South by Southwest (SXSW) – The event experience that inspired Curate.
Austin Tech Week
LA Tech Week
Austin TV Festival

Melissa’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t always begin with a grand vision. Sometimes it starts with a frustration, a life experience, or a problem you simply can’t stop thinking about and the courage to do something about it.

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What does it mean to build a life rooted in service rather than status?

In this deeply moving conversation, I sat down with Dr. Farah Shroff—public health leader, educator, researcher, yoga teacher, and advocate for women's health—to explore the experiences that shaped her work and worldview. From her childhood in Canada after immigrating from Kenya, to watching her mother defy a devastating lupus diagnosis, to leading global health initiatives around the world, Farah shares how compassion, justice, and holistic well-being became the foundation of her life's work.

We talked about the intersection of public health and personal healing, why women's health continues to be overlooked by institutions, and what women must unlearn in order to step fully into their power as leaders.

In this episode, we discuss:

How witnessing her mother's health journey sparked a lifelong commitment to women's health, public health, and holistic healing.
Why improving health outcomes requires more than medicine; and how social justice, equity, and community are fundamental to well-being.
What decades of global public health work have taught her about listening to communities instead of imposing solutions.
The ways women are still underserved by healthcare systems and why research focused specifically on women's bodies remains critically important.
How yoga, meditation, and self-awareness have shaped her approach to leadership, advocacy, and personal resilience.
Why women leaders must stop shrinking themselves, trust their own authority, and learn to lead from a place of confidence rather than self-doubt.

One of my favorite moments from this conversation was Farah's reminder that leadership begins with believing you belong in the room. As she shared, so many women still carry the belief that they're "not enough." Releasing that narrative and stepping into our own power may be one of the most important forms of leadership there is.

This episode is both a conversation about health and a conversation about humanity; about caring for ourselves, caring for each other, and building systems that honor the dignity and worth of every person.

Connect with Dr. Farah Shroff on LinkedIn

Listen now and join us for a conversation about leadership, service, healing, and the power of women supporting women.

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Anna Sizova joins Clover for a conversation that spans global healthcare, leadership, reinvention, and what it really looks like to build a life and career across countries, industries, and identities. Anna shares her journey from growing up in Azerbaijan and becoming a pediatric endocrinologist to leading global clinical trials and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship, mentorship, and health innovation leadership in Austin.

We talk about what happens when other people reflect your value back to you before you fully see it yourself, the realities women still face in healthcare and investing, and why Anna believes healthcare needs more humanity, not just more technology. We also dive into AI in healthcare, patient advocacy, motherhood, resilience, and building community without waiting for permission.

In this episode, we discuss:

Anna’s path from physician and clinical researcher to founder, advisor, and community builder in healthtech
The identity shift from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship — and learning to trust her own expertise
Why women in healthcare and innovation still face major barriers when it comes to raising capital and being heard
How AI is already transforming healthcare through diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency — and why cybersecurity and ethics matter just as much as innovation
The importance of boundaries, resilience, and staying grounded through uncertainty, relocation, career pivots, and personal hardship

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with my friend Kara Mandeville — a powerhouse leader at Microsoft whose career journey is equal parts inspiring, relatable, and incredibly timely. From growing up as a military brat and dreaming of working with horses to leading high-performing teams in the fast-moving world of enterprise tech and AI, Kara’s story is proof that careers don’t have to follow a perfectly linear path to become extraordinary.

What I loved most about this conversation is how honest and grounded Kara is about leadership, ambition, burnout, and navigating change. We talk about the pressure of leading through massive industry shifts like AI, how to stay steady when everything feels uncertain, and why some of the best leaders are the ones willing to slow down, listen, and experiment instead of pretending they have all the answers.

This episode feels less like a corporate conversation about AI and more like a real discussion about the future of work, humanity, creativity, and how we can build careers that actually support the lives we want to live.

In this episode, we talk about:

What it’s really like growing your career inside a massive enterprise organization
How great leaders create calm, clarity, and trust during periods of change
Why AI may completely reshape the way we work, collaborate, and lead
The importance of experimentation, curiosity, and staying adaptable in uncertain times
Redefining success beyond burnout, hustle culture, and constant achievement

This conversation is thoughtful, practical, inspiring, and full of perspective for anyone navigating leadership, career growth, or the rapidly evolving world of AI. I know you’re going to love Kara as much as I do.

Connect with Kara on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Bree Whitehead; entrepreneur, AI strategist, and someone who has been building long before AI became the conversation. What I loved about this discussion is how grounded and refreshing her perspective is. Instead of fear, she brings clarity. Instead of replacement, she talks about expansion.

We get into what it actually looks like to use AI in a way that supports your life, your work, and your growth—without losing what makes you human in the process.

In this episode, we cover:

Bree’s journey from early entrepreneurship to building and exiting a media company and how she found her way into AI
Why AI is an amplifier, not a replacement, and how it can actually restore our humanity
The shift from reactive work to strategic thinking by removing friction and mental overload
The invisible “context load” women carry—and how AI can help redistribute that weight
What it looks like to build your own “life operating system” and stop waiting for permission to evolve

Resources & Tools Mentioned:

Bree on LinkedIn
JustBreeK website
Anthropic Claude – Bree’s primary AI tool for day-to-day use
Google Workspace + Gemini – an accessible ecosystem for running work with AI
AI agents – task-specific “team members” to streamline workflows
Conversation transcripts – capturing context to improve how AI supports you
Binaural beats + AI-generated affirmations – Bree’s personal approach to mindset and self-audit

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Dr. Neema Moore—chiropractor, author of Confidence NOW!, and founder of transformative wellness retreats—for a conversation that feels both grounding and expansive.

Dr. Neema’s journey doesn’t follow a straight line. From high school biology teacher to chiropractor to global wellness leader, she shares how one simple idea—choosing happiness—led her to completely pivot her career and build a life centered around healing, confidence, and impact. What stands out most is how much of her path came not from a rigid plan, but from saying yes to what felt aligned… even when it was uncomfortable.

We talk about what she sees every day in high-achieving women: the burnout, the pressure, the “holding it all together” on the outside while their bodies are telling a different story. From chronic stress and exhaustion to the deeper emotional weight women carry, Dr. Neema breaks down how success without self-connection shows up physically—and what we can do about it.

This conversation also goes deeper into:

Why driven women are actually the most at risk for burnout
The importance of creating space to reconnect with yourself (and why retreats can be so transformative)
What it really takes to build confidence—and why it only comes after you take the leap
Letting go of waiting for permission and stepping fully into your own authority
How to stop minimizing your accomplishments and start owning your story

Dr. Neema shares powerful insight from her own life and her work with women around the world, including the mindset shifts that help you move from survival mode into alignment, clarity, and confidence.

If you’ve ever felt like you “should” have it all together—but inside you’re questioning everything—this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone… and that the next version of you is on the other side of one brave step forward.

And yes—Beyoncé makes an appearance, because confidence has a soundtrack. 💫

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Marina Kay, an executive coach and breathwork practitioner who helps women lead, build, and grow their careers without burning themselves out in the process.

Marina shares the story of her own career journey, from working in HR consulting and sitting in Fortune 500 boardrooms to experiencing the intense pressure of startup culture while working at WeWork during its rise and fall. Along the way, she began noticing the toll that chronic stress and anxiety were taking on her body. What started as a search for relief eventually led her into yoga teacher training, health coaching, and ultimately the work she does today helping women build nervous system resilience.

We talk about the many ways anxiety and stress show up in the body, including signals many women overlook or normalize, like brain fog, poor sleep, digestion issues, and constant mental pressure. Marina explains how these patterns develop and why so many high-achieving women end up operating in survival mode without realizing it.

We also dive into the power of breathwork and nervous system regulation. Marina shares how she introduces these practices to founders, executives, and high-performing professionals who are used to operating in high-pressure environments. She also walks through a few simple breathing practices that anyone can use during the workday to calm their nervous system and regain focus.

This conversation is about more than stress management. It is about learning how to listen to your body, reconnect with yourself, and build a career and life that do not come at the cost of your well-being.

Resources & Mentions

Women Who Breathe – Marina’s website and online community with breathwork resources, practices, and courses
Women Who Breathe Community – Free access to guided breathwork recordings, somatic practices, meditations, and nervous system tools
Marina Kay on LinkedIn – Connect with Marina professionally
Women Who Breathe on Instagram and TikTok – Breathwork education, nervous system tips, and community updates
In-person Austin breathwork session on March 10th - use code FIESTA for a discount on tickets
March 25th free virtual session for any women who want to experience breathwork from home.

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In this episode of Clover, I’m joined by Camille Ricketts, now a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and formerly a marketing leader at Tesla, First Round Capital, and Notion.

Camille’s career journey has been anything but linear—starting as a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, moving into communications at Tesla, where she worked directly with Elon Musk, then pioneering content marketing with First Round Review, and later scaling community-led growth at Notion. Today, she brings that breadth of experience to her work in venture capital, helping founders and startups thrive.

We cover:

What it’s like to pivot when the path you’ve been working toward isn’t the right fit.
Lessons from building Tesla’s early communications team and learning from Elon’s leadership style.
How Camille created the First Round Review, one of the most influential startup content platforms.
What it takes to scale community and user-led storytelling at Notion.
Why understanding which “stage” of company you thrive in is essential to building your career.
How Camille defines success today—by helping others rise and giving credit away.

Camille’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t ladders—they’re winding, evolving journeys built on curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.

Related links or mentions within the episode:

Communities / Resources:
- Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (book)
- 'Give Away Your Legos' and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups (article)
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (book)
Social Media / Links:
- Twitter/X: @CamilleRicketts
- LinkedIn: Camille Ricketts

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets

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This week on Clover, I had the honor of sitting down with Celeste Mergens, bestselling author and founder of Days for Girls, a global movement that has reached nearly 4 million women and girls in 145 countries.

Celeste’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t always begin with a master plan. She started out wanting to be an electrical engineer. Life rerouted her into motherhood, raising six children, and later completing two master’s degrees. Celeste is also the author of The Power of Days, where she shares the extraordinary story behind the global movement she founded. What she models so beautifully is that nothing is wasted; every season prepares you for the next.

Days for Girls began with a moment of awareness in rural Kenya. Celeste discovered that girls were missing school because they lacked access to menstrual products—and in some cases were being exploited just to obtain one. What began as 500 handmade kits sewn by volunteers grew, step by step, into a global movement.

In this conversation, we explore:

Why menstruation remains one of the world’s most persistent taboos
How silence around women’s bodies shapes power and opportunity
What happens when girls reclaim authority over their biology
The power of invitation over imposition in global leadership
Why listening—not telling—has been central to Days for Girls’ impact
What it means to trust the next step without seeing the full path

What struck me most is that this isn’t just about menstrual equity. It’s about dignity. It’s about rewriting a narrative that has labeled women’s bodies as shameful or untouchable—and choosing instead to see them as powerful.

Celeste didn’t set out to build a global organization. She followed invitations. She paid attention. She acted when she saw injustice. And she held a vision bigger than what felt “measurable and achievable.”

Without periods, there would be no people.

This episode is about shifting from silence to celebration—and what becomes possible when we’re courageous enough to talk about what the world told us not to.

Resources

Days for Girls - Website

Celeste Mergens - LinkedIn

The Power of Days - Book

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In this very first episode of Clover, I chat with Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, an organization using photography and storytelling to help young women in Africa break into male-dominated media spaces.

Amina’s story begins with her family’s journey as refugees from Uganda to Canada, a career in film and television, and a life-changing return to Uganda that revealed the inequities facing girls denied education and opportunity. That experience inspired her to launch Cameras For Girls in 2017, which has since grown to serve cohorts of young women in Uganda and Tanzania, with a vision to expand across Africa.

We talk about:

How Amina turned a late-night idea into a movement that’s changing lives.
The importance of community-led solutions vs. imposing outside fixes.
Navigating cultural and societal barriers with respect while pushing for change.
Why mental health support and mentorship are just as critical as technical training.
The ripple effect of one girl gaining skills and confidence—and teaching others.

Amina’s mission is bold: to impact 30,000 women across seven African countries by 2030. Her journey is proof that listening to your heart—and refusing to let fear win—can transform lives.

Related links or mentions within the episode:

Communities / Resources:
- Vital Voices (global women’s leadership community)
- Nonprofit Hive (Canadian-run platform for nonprofit professionals)
- We Are For Good (podcast + community, includes “Impact Uprising” events)
Social Media / Links:
- Website: Cameras For Girls
- LinkedIn: Amina Mohamed
- Instagram: @camerasforgirls

Want to support Cameras For Girls?

Monthly or One-Time Donors
Donate Used Cameras or Electronic Equipment

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This episode is about a feeling I do not hear discussed very often, especially among women in leadership: having a career that looks successful on paper, but still not feeling settled, finished, or like you have “arrived.”

I am not sharing this as a complaint or a dramatic confession. It is an honest observation about how my career has actually unfolded. Over time, I have gained experience, responsibility, and perspective, but the moment I assumed would come—the one where everything feels certain and secure; never really did. What showed up instead was continued curiosity, change, and growth.

In this episode, I reflect on how that pattern formed and what it has taught me about leadership, ambition, and stability, including:

How starting my career during the dot-com boom and bust in San Francisco taught me to operate in ambiguity long before I realized it
The difference between ambition and restlessness, and why nonlinear growth is often misunderstood; especially for women
Why choosing fit over optics can be one of the most confident leadership decisions you make
How repeated market disruptions reshaped my understanding of stability, loyalty, and what leadership actually requires

If you thought you would feel more certain by now, or more finished, this episode is for you. You are not behind, and you are not failing to figure something out that everyone else has mastered. Some careers are not designed to arrive at a final destination.

They are meant to unfold; through recalibration, second acts, and choices that prioritize alignment over appearance. That belief sits at the heart of Clover, and it is why this show exists.

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In this solo episode of Clover, I speak directly to the reality many women leaders are navigating right now.

The world feels frightening and unstable. Political volatility, economic uncertainty, organizational upheaval, and an unrelenting news cycle are not abstract background conditions. They affect how people lead, how decisions are made, and how much risk feels possible on any given day. Even leaders with long track records and strong résumés are operating inside systems that feel far less predictable than they did not long ago.

This episode names that fear without dramatizing it and without asking listeners to push past it. It acknowledges how deeply uncertainty seeps into leadership meetings, career decisions, and internal narratives, particularly for women who were taught to read signals, wait for alignment, and move once clarity arrived.

I share a grounding framework I return to during moments like this, shaped by personal experiences with layoffs, systemic collapse, and leadership without guarantees. The conversation examines why uncertainty so often gets internalized as self-doubt, how leadership strategies that worked in stable environments can fail in unstable ones, and why waiting for certainty or consensus can quietly erode authority.

The focus of the episode is agency. It offers practical questions that help leaders orient themselves to what is real, what is available, and what can still be decided, even when the broader system feels out of control.

In this episode, I cover:

How political and economic instability changes the conditions of leadership
Why uncertainty is often misread as a confidence problem, especially for women
Three grounding questions that restore agency when clarity is not coming
What it means to claim responsibility and make decisions without consensus or guarantees

You do not need certainty to lead. You need grounding, self-trust, and the willingness to decide where you stand.

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Rosa Yupari, former Chief Revenue Officer turned fractional CRO and sales advisor, to talk about what actually drives sustainable revenue growth — and why so many companies stall long before they realize it.

Rosa shares her journey from engineering into sales, scaling teams to nearly $100M in revenue, and eventually stepping away from corporate leadership to build a practice rooted in mentoring, coaching, and real-world strategy. This is a candid, tactical conversation for founders, revenue leaders, and women navigating high-stakes leadership roles.

In this episode, we cover:

Why small behaviors — not big strategy shifts — often determine whether revenue scales or stalls
How “family culture” can limit sales performance, and what healthy collaboration really looks like
The biggest mistakes founders make with early sales hires and enterprise expansion
What strong sales leadership looks like in tough markets — and how managers actually motivate teams
How AI is changing the way sales leaders analyze deals, coach teams, and stay strategic

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Being the only woman in the room is rarely just a professional experience. It is a psychological one.

In this episode of Clover, we explore what happens internally when women navigate leadership spaces that were not designed with them in mind, and what it actually takes to stay steady inside those dynamics.

In this episode, we cover:

Why being the only woman in the room creates a constant layer of self-monitoring and internal labor
How awareness can quietly drain your energy when it gets turned inward as self-criticism
The survival strategies many women develop, and how over-adaptation slowly erodes self-trust
How to stay grounded before, during, and after high-stakes meetings in non-neutral rooms
Practical ways to manage mixed signals and stop internalizing structural inconsistency
What power actually looks like when you are outnumbered, and how to build it over time

If you have ever left a meeting feeling unsettled, questioned your readiness despite strong performance, or wondered whether you were imagining the dynamic, this conversation will resonate.

You are not too early. You are not too much. And you do not need to contort yourself to belong. I'm glad you're here.

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As January begins, many leaders feel pressure to move quickly; setting goals, making plans, defining the year ahead.

In this solo episode of Clover, I pause that momentum and turn toward discernment. I share the habits, expectations, and patterns I’m choosing to leave behind, and how releasing what no longer fits creates capacity for clearer leadership.

You’ll hear reflections on over-carrying, availability, certainty, and urgency, along with practical prompts to notice where weight has quietly accumulated in your own work and life.

This episode invites you to start the year by choosing deliberately: what you continue carrying, what you set down, and how that choice shapes the season ahead.

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Between Christmas and New Year, time feels different. The structure disappears, the pressure eases. And for many of us, especially leaders, that quiet can feel both relieving and unsettling.

In this solo episode of Clover, I talk about that strange, floaty week we rarely name and why it feels so uncomfortable when the noise finally drops. I explore what happens when our nervous system exhales, why stillness can bring up more than we expect, and how our identity as leaders is often tied to momentum and productivity.

Instead of rushing into planning or goal-setting, I invite you to treat this week as a pause; a portal between what was and what’s next. I share simple reflections to help you notice what feels complete, what quietly drained you this year, and what you’re ready to have less of moving forward.

You don’t need a plan yet. You’re allowed to let the year end before starting again.

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More than a decade ago, I wrote The Snow Globe, a middle-grade novel about courage, belonging, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had. I wrote it before I had kids, before many of the leadership experiences that now shape my life. For years, the manuscript sat quietly as my life changed around it.

Two years ago, I was ready to self-publish. The book had been edited. The cover was complete. And then someone asked me a single question: Is it your best work? The honest answer forced me to slow down, revisit the story, and give it the time it deserved.

In this episode, I share the long arc of writing The Snow Globe, the decision to wait instead of rushing toward closure, and what finishing well has taught me about leadership, integrity, and honoring creative work — especially at the end of the year.

If you’ve ever carried a project longer than you expected, this episode is an invitation to reflect on what it means to finish with intention.

If you’d like to check out The Snow Globe, you can find it here.

If you’d like to follow along behind the scenes, you can find me on Instagram at @erinpatriciageiger.

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The latest episode of Clover went live today, and this one is just me, naming something I think a lot of us are feeling, especially in December, but rarely talk about out loud.

In this episode, I unpack what I’ve been calling the leadership hangover. It’s not burnout or a breakdown. It’s that quieter, harder-to-explain exhaustion that shows up after a long year of leading, deciding, carrying responsibility, and being “on” for everyone else, even when things look good from the outside.

I talk about:

Why leadership hangover often goes unnoticed when you’re still functioning and capable
How emotional fatigue, decision fatigue, and constant responsibility actually show up day to day
Why December amplifies this feeling; reflection, pressure, goals, gratitude, and zero time to exhale
The guilt we carry when we’re exhausted but also proud of what we’ve built
The different ways leadership hangover can look: numbness, irritability, avoidance, or emotional flatness
Why this isn’t a personal failure, but a nervous system that’s been carrying a lot for a long time

Most importantly, I share what not to do right now — no panic, no reinvention, no aggressive goal-setting — and offer a gentler reframe. A leadership hangover isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s a signal that you’ve been leading, often quietly and competently, without much space to set the weight down.

If you’re ending the year tired in a way you can’t quite explain, this episode is your permission slip: you don’t need clarity yet, you don’t need to fix yourself, and you don’t need to end the year energized. You’re not behind, you’re human and you’ve been leading.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with fellow Austinite, community builder, and multi-pivot queen Heather Trumpfheller for a conversation that hits on career, identity, sobriety, boundaries, and what it really means to build community with intention.

We talk about:

Her winding career path & permission to pivot
- Growing up a storytelling-obsessed kid in Dallas, studying broadcast journalism at Mizzou, and working at an NBC station
- The scary identity shift of leaving journalism, trying PR, and then being “discovered” in the Central Market checkout line and pushed into sales
- Working 11 years for the same leader, getting moved to Boston, and realizing she had outgrown a company she deeply loved
That “make it obvious” moment & walking away from misalignment
- The gut-check prayer the morning she asked for a sign to quit
- The wild 1:1 where her boss suggested a new role and she realized the real answer was: “I quit.”
- How she took six months to get clear on her values, not her job title
Networking, mentorship & operationalizing relationships (without feeling icky)
- Why you should never wait until you need a job to start networking
- Building “relationship capital” with systems: calendar-blocked Friday follow-ups, notes on people, and being intentional about second-degree connections
- Her take on mentorship as seasonal, specific, and often most powerful outside your current company
- How to make a compelling outreach ask that actually gets answered
Sobriety, boundaries & redefining worth beyond achievement
- Hitting her two-year sober anniversary and realizing how much she’d been numbing with alcohol
- Recognizing when your self-worth is tied to numbers, titles, and likability
- Using how you feel after events and interactions as data to set better boundaries
- Why she now sees boundaries as a gift—to herself and to the people around her
Leading Austin Women in Tech & building true community
- Moving to Austin not knowing anyone and finding Austin Women in Tech through a random Meetup
- Starting as membership director, then becoming president, and helping grow the org to hundreds of members
- What it’s like to motivate and lead in a volunteer-only environment
- Why volunteering is a low-risk way to practice leadership, test new skills, and expand your network
Her current work: community, referrals & women-owned businesses
- Her role as Chief Growth Officer at Switchboard, a platform connecting skilled virtual volunteers with global mission and ministry organizations
  Switchboard+1
- Her work with What She Said and the RFRL app, a referral platform that routes everyday recommendations (CPAs, lawyers, favorite coffee shops) to women-owned businesses and rewards the people making referrals
  What She Said, Inc.+1
- Why she believes abundance follows alignment—and how these roles line up perfectly with the life she actually wants
Influence without the title
- How to lead before you have the formal authority
- Why influence isn’t always the loudest person or the biggest title—it’s consistency, clarity, and alignment

Links & resources mentioned:

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
Austin Women in Tech (AWT) – the nonprofit community Heather led as president
- Website: awtaustin.org
Switchboard – virtual volunteering platform connecting skilled volunteers with

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with the brilliant and wildly accomplished Tina Sharkey for a conversation that honestly feels like three masterclasses in one: community-building, career design, and the future of human connection in an AI-driven world.

Tina walks me through her very non-linear career path—from hanging out in her mom’s New York fashion office as a teen, to an unexpected pivot into tech and investing, to co-founding iVillage, bringing Sesame Street online, scaling BabyCenter globally at Johnson & Johnson, and launching community-first CPG brand Brandless. Through it all, she shares how she’s always brought the same “toolkit” with her: storytelling, community, curiosity, and a deep belief in creating products and experiences with people, not just for them.

We also dig into her current work at USC, where she’s teaching and backing Gen Z founders, experimenting with GenAI in the classroom, and thinking deeply about what makes us “divinely human” in a world of powerful machines. Tina is both optimistic and clear-eyed: AI can unlock a new kind of renaissance—but only if we protect literacy, critical thinking, and real human connection. And for women in leadership, she shares some tough-love truths about putting your hand up before you feel “ready,” finding hidden doors, and making your career a relay race—not a solo sprint.

Conversation highlights:

From fashion floors to technology boardrooms
How growing up with a single, career-focused mom in New York’s fashion world gave Tina early exposure to women in leadership—and how one moment in an investor’s office completely rerouted her from fashion into tech, media, and investing.
Inventing “social media” before it had a name
Tina shares the early days of iVillage, why chat rooms and message boards were so revolutionary, and how she coined the term social media to explain this new kind of community-driven content to advertisers and partners.
Building iconic brands through community
We walk through her roles bringing Sesame Street onto the internet, scaling BabyCenter into a global platform (including the birth clubs so many of us relied on), and designing Brandless as a community-led, access-first CPG brand.
Serendipity, hidden doors, and saying yes
Tina talks about the role of serendipity—from chance meetings in offices and delis to unexpected board roles—and how being open, curious, and willing to ask respectful questions has shaped every major career inflection point.
Humanity as our moat around the machines
Tina shares her framework for thinking about AI: why she uses it as a collaborator, not a replacement, and why our empathy, soul, and lived experience are the “moat” that machines can’t cross.
Gen Z, consciousness, and going “punk” on attention
From her vantage point teaching at USC, she talks about how Gen Z is already pushing back on screen addiction, what excites her about their creativity, and why reclaiming our own consciousness is non-negotiable in an AI world.
Literacy, equity, and the stakes of this moment
Tina opens up about the crisis of literacy in the U.S., how reading levels are tied to incarceration rates, and why democratizing access to education and healthcare is a core part of her mission.
Real talk for women in leadership
We close with tactical guidance: stop waiting until you’ve “done the job” to go for it, bring your authentic self everywhere you go, surround yourself with people who are brilliant at what they do, and remember that careers are built in teams and relay races—not through hero moments.

Connect with Tina on LinkedIn (her most active platform), Instagram,

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with my former teammate Jordan Lea, now VP of Customer Experience at Plum, to talk about bold career leaps, people-first leadership, and building a meaningful career on your own terms. Jordan shares her journey from a tiny town in North Carolina with dirt roads and cornfields to moving to New York City with no job lined up, flying standby for interviews, taking an unpaid internship in fashion, becoming employee #5 at a fashion tech startup, and eventually finding her sweet spot in HR tech and customer experience.

We dig into what it really looks like to grow up inside startups; wearing every hat, building resilience, and learning to say “give me whatever you’ve got” instead of “that’s not my job.” Jordan talks about how she evaluates new opportunities by looking beyond the job description and title to the company’s mission, timing in her personal life, and whether there’s true alignment with what she cares about. We also get into culture (beyond the buzzword), psychological safety, and her “skill vs. will” framework for coaching and developing people. She shares practical advice for women who feel boxed in or underestimated at work, how to make intentional career pivots into new industries, and how AI can actually free CX teams to be more human, not less.

You’ll hear us talk about:

Taking big leaps: moving to a new city with no safety net, changing industries, and asking “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Startups as a career accelerator: why being early-stage employee #5 shaped her leadership, adaptability, and ability to “Sherpa” others through growth.
Skill vs. will: how she decides when to invest in someone’s potential versus when there’s a true mismatch.
Building real culture: trust, authenticity, and psychological safety as non-negotiables, not just slide-deck values.
Career pivots with intention: how to research new fields, show up prepared to conversations, and decide if an opportunity is a “go” or “no-go” for your life.
AI + Customer Experience: using AI to streamline the boring parts so humans can focus on relationships, storytelling, and proactive support.
Her surprisingly fun productivity hack (involving a giant medicine ball)

If you’re a woman in leadership, or aspiring to be one, who feels ready for your next leap but isn’t sure what it looks like yet, this conversation with Jordan will give you both the mindset and the practical tools to start moving.

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn!

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In this episode of Clover, I get to catch up with my longtime friend and powerhouse media executive, Tracy Kaplan, and her “hodgepodge” career that turned out to be a masterclass in building a bold, non-linear path in media, tech, and podcasts.

Tracy walks us through her journey from WGBH and ABC News to CBS Interactive, SnappyTV, Twitter, TuneIn, Patreon, Tenderfoot TV, and now Courier Newsroom, all while launching her own company, Small But Mighty Media, and creating The 10 News, an award-winning news podcast for kids. Along the way, she shares how she spots the real inflection points in media (from mobile video to podcast subscriptions to now AI), builds durable partnerships with platforms like Apple and Spotify, and refuses to let imposter syndrome keep her from jumping into the next big thing.

We also dig into the business side: subscription models, monetization beyond ads, what actually grows a podcast audience, and how to lead high-pressure teams through constant change without burning everyone out.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to turn a “hodgepodge” career into a strategic advantage and deliberately collect the skills and experiences you’re missing instead of chasing a straight line.
How to spot the next wave in media and tech by staying curious, observing real people’s behavior (hello, commuters watching video in Japan), and forcing yourself to experiment with new tools like AI before you feel “ready.”
Practical ways to move into a new lane—before you’re an expert, including how Tracy taps her network, asks smart questions, and leverages subject-matter experts to fill her own gaps.
A clear breakdown of podcast monetization today—ads, Apple/Spotify subscription channels, Patreon-style membership, and even donations and fiscal sponsorship—and how to think about diversifying your revenue so you’re not at the mercy of one market.
How Tracy built and scaled The 10 News for kids, including the real origin story (NPR in the school pickup line + political ads on YouTube) and the tactics she used to secure high-caliber guests like Dr. Fauci.
What makes a partnership last in a fickle industry, from being radically responsive and direct, to making every deal a “win-win” instead of a zero-sum transaction.
Tracy’s leadership philosophy in high-pressure environments—how she pushes her team to grow while still rolling up her sleeves, taking on grunt work when needed, and making sure no one is left to fail alone.
Hard-won career advice for women in media and podcasting, including why allies inside and outside your company matter, how to recognize when it’s time to leave a role you once loved, and why tearing other women down is a long-term losing strategy.
Her big blue-sky vision for helping kids and families better understand the world—and why she dreams of a “domestic Peace Corps” style program that gets people outside their bubbles and into each other’s communities.

If you’ve ever worried that your career looks “messy” on paper, or felt behind on the latest shifts in media, this conversation will give you both a roadmap and a serious permission slip to build something beautifully non-traditional.

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In this episode, I sit down with mortgage industry veteran and coach Carrie Guarrero to trace a three-decade career built on service, community, and relentless growth. Carrie shares how an 11-year-old’s flyer route in her mom’s mortgage office became a billion-dollar origination career—and why the trophies eventually mattered less than the names and stories behind each loan. She opens up about a career “pause” that didn’t go as planned, the humbling return that led her to Fairway, and how that detour became the on-ramp to launching Fairway Ignite, an internal coaching organization now serving 600+ teammates with 80 coaches.

We also get into how Carrie is building a multigenerational legacy; handing portions of her book of business to her daughter and longtime partner, and what “effective coaching” really looks like inside a high-performance culture: individualized matches, data-driven accountability, and an always-on community. Beyond business, Carrie reflects on being an Army mom (and former Army spouse), holding pride and fear at the same time, and the leadership lessons that come from service, ambiguity, and letting go. She previews her forthcoming guided journal Discovering WISE: Women in Search of Excellence—a 52-week journey designed to help women define success on their own terms—and shares the daily non-negotiables that keep her grounded in faith, family, gratitude, sweat, and stillness.

Discussion Highlights:

How a “failed” pivot can become the exact path you need next
The core ingredients of coaching that actually moves numbers (and people)
Why legacy leadership means empowering others, even before you feel ready to let go
Navigating male-dominated rooms without dimming your light or your voice
The power of holding two truths (proud and scared) and leading through uncertainty
A simple morning framework: gratitude, sweat, and reflective thinking

Links & Mentions:

Connect with Carrie Guarrero: Instagram • LinkedIn
Book: Discovering WISE: Women in Search of Excellence — 52-week guided journey - grab your copy here!

If this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to subscribe, rate, and share. Tag me with your takeaways and the line that hit you hardest.

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In this conversation, I catch up with longtime friend and operator, Stephanie Quay—a five-time acquisition veteran who recently launched Five Experts, a platform matching early-stage companies with proven operators to drive value creation in the first five years. We trace her zig-zag path from film school and TV.com (hi, CNET days!) to growth-stage leadership across PE- and VC-backed companies, and the playbooks she now packages for founders, investors, and fractional experts.

Stephanie opens the hood on the 5×5×5 framework—from the first 90 days through year five—and how to pull the right levers (margin, operations, capital efficiency, customer success, revenue) without losing your culture or your North Star. We also get into what makes someone an expert (outcomes + the ability to teach), why “warm demander” leadership works, and how to protect your focus by controlling what you can (sprinters, we see you).

What you’ll learn

How to diagnose growth inflection points in the first five years—and what to do in each phase
The 5 value levers that move EBITDA (with real examples from PE-backed turnarounds)
Why breaking apart sales vs. customer success can unlock outsized growth
The difference between experience and expertise (hint: repeatable outcomes + coaching)
How to set a clear mission/ICP so teams row in the same direction
“Warm demander” management: high standards + high support
Mindset for founders: doubt is normal—return to your mission fast

Who this is for:

Founders, operators, and investors navigating resource-constrained growth; women in leadership building high-performing teams; and anyone curious about turning career zigzags into a superpower.

Connect with Stephanie:

LinkedIn
Five Experts
Email: growth@fiveexperts.com

Favorite lines

“An expert has proven the outcome—and can teach the path back.”
“Culture and mission aren’t posters; they’re the daily operating system.”
“Control the controllables. Ignore the rest.”

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For years, women in leadership have been told to “find balance” — as if the secret to thriving careers, healthy families, and full lives could fit neatly into a color-coded planner. But what if balance isn’t the goal at all? What if it’s the trap?

In this solo episode of Clover, I unpack the myth of balance — how it was sold to women as a shiny standard we could never meet, and why it’s time to let it go for good.

From early-morning Zoom calls in yesterday’s t-shirt to late-night Slack pings and school newsletters, I take you inside the messy, over-caffeinated reality of leadership and the impossible expectations women face to do it all.

We’ll dig into:

Why “balance” is often just code for “don’t let anything slip.”
The difference between balance and clarity — and why clarity wins every time.
How real women leaders decide what to protect, what to let go of, and what truly matters.
Five practical strategies to ditch the balance myth and lead with intention instead.

This episode is for every woman who’s ever felt like she’s failing at balance — when in reality, she’s succeeding at prioritizing what matters most.

Because the truth is, you’re not here to do it all. You’re here to lead — clearly, powerfully, and unapologetically.

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In this episode of Clover, I’m rethinking one of the biggest myths about career growth — the idea that success is about climbing a ladder.

For many of us, especially women, that ladder was never built for the way our careers actually unfold. So let’s talk about a better metaphor: the jungle gym. It’s flexible, unpredictable, and a whole lot more real.

I share lessons from my own path — from film school to marketing, from startups to enterprise leadership — and how every pivot, pause, and sideways move became part of the story I was meant to build.

We’ll dig into:

Why lateral moves can be the smartest play
How to recognize what season you’re in — growth, rest, or healing
The importance of building your network before you need it
How to own and narrate your unique career story
Letting go of timelines that tell you where you “should” be by now

If your path doesn’t look like a straight line, good. That means you’re learning, adapting, and leading in your own way — and that’s where the good stuff happens.

What’s one non-linear move you’ve made that taught you something you couldn’t have learned any other way? Write it down, share it, or simply own it — that’s your jungle gym résumé, and it’s powerful.

If this episode resonates, share it with another woman who needs the reminder: she’s not behind — she’s building her own structure.

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with the incredible Erin Rich, VP of Trade Marketing & Communications at Paramount, for a conversation that feels like a time capsule of the tech, media, and entertainment worlds over the last three decades — and a masterclass in reinvention.

Erin takes us through her journey from the early Bay Area startup scene and the heyday of Yahoo and CNET, through mergers at CBS Interactive and ViacomCBS, to her current leadership role at Paramount. She shares how putting the user at the center has been her guiding thread, what it really means to “reinvent yourself” through industry shifts, and how she’s built influence in rooms where authority isn’t always guaranteed.

We also talk about:

The iconic Yahoo billboard and what it symbolized for an entire era of innovation
The early debates about mobile adoption (and why we were all wrong!)
How Erin helped her teams “zag” during reorganizations by identifying unmet needs
What it takes to lead through influence, not hierarchy
Why mentoring across multi-generational teams matters more than ever
Three myths women in leadership should stop believing
The importance of learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable

Erin’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and purpose — and her advice for women navigating leadership, change, and growth is refreshingly real.

You can connect with Erin on LinkedIn.

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I sit down with Conni Francini, CEO of Soro Publishing, to explore how she’s building a more author-friendly path to publishing. Conni traces her unconventional route—from journalism/PR into education, then a 15-year run in educational publishing where she rose to editor-in-chief and developed award-winning products with partners like the Smithsonian and TIME for Kids.

After dozens of candid chats with writers—frustrated by low royalties, limited marketing, slow timelines, and losing creative control—Conni launched Soro Publishing. The model blends the best of traditional and self-publishing: professional editorial and design, months-not-years timelines, authors keeping their rights, creative control, and most royalties, plus a true partnership to grow their platforms.

We dig into Soro’s three focus lanes—education, business/leadership, and children’s books—and what’s surprised Conni most about entrepreneurship: the sheer build-from-scratch workload, the importance of loving sales/BD as much as “making the book,” and staying adaptable when the market pulls you into new genres. Conni also shares hard-won lessons for leading creatives (define outcomes, not pixel-perfect solutions) and encouragement for first-time founders and execs: ask for help early and often—you’ll be surprised how many people say yes.

What You Will Learn* Why many authors feel stuck between traditional and self-publishing—and how a hybrid model can be a win-win. * The specific ways Soro helps authors retain rights, voice, and royalties while leveling up quality and speed. * How to lead multidisciplinary creative teams: set audience outcomes, invite expertise, and critique by problem, not by prescription. * The underestimated realities of starting a company (and how to balance making the product with marketing/business development). * How to stay adaptable when real-world feedback nudges your strategy into new lanes. * Practical networking advice for new execs/founders: how (and why) to ask for guidance from leaders you don’t even know yet.

Resources Mentioned* Conni Francini on LinkedIn * Soro Publishing * Instagram — @soropublishing * Past partnerships referenced: Smithsonian, TIME for Kids

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In this heartfelt, high-energy conversation, Stephanie Bohn—entertainment veteran turned startup founder—traces her journey from American Express to 13 years at Warner Bros., scaling Rotten Tomatoes, a pivotal stint at Netflix, and ultimately to purpose-built entrepreneurship. Stephanie shares how “raising your hand before you feel 100% ready” opened doors to building new business lines (hello, early App Store days) and leading through ambiguity. We dig into her time as CMO at Chief, the power of peer boards for executive women, and what servant leadership looks like in practice. The episode turns deeply personal as Stephanie opens up about her daughter’s Rett syndrome diagnosis, the broken systems families navigate, and how that sparked Truly Care—a mission-driven platform connecting families with specialized caregivers and guiding them to underused respite resources. It’s a masterclass in turning obsession into action, finding champions, and designing a life that sustains both ambition and wellbeing.

We cover:

Spotting and pitching opportunities before you’re “ready”
Intrapreneurship at scale: apps, IP, and the Rotten Tomatoes playbook
Inside Chief: “who mentors the mentors?” and changing the face of leadership
Caregiving as infrastructure: access, affordability, and dignity
Defining servant leadership and leading by removing obstacles
Founder fuel: memoirs, The Pitch podcast, and mindset rituals that stick

Guest links:

LinkedIn
Website
Instagram

Mic-drop moment: “If you’re obsessed with the idea, break it into nano-steps, find your champions, and build the scaffolding until it exists.”

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This week on Clover, I sit down with Emily Gupton—a technology leader, community builder, and soon-to-be President of Austin Women in Technology. Emily’s career path has been anything but linear: from studying neuroscience and working in radiology, to project management in commercial furniture, to building a SaaS platform from the ground up, and now serving as CTO at SKG.

In this conversation, Emily shares how curiosity, resilience, and community have shaped her many pivots. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces in tech, the power of asking questions (even the “silly” ones), and how investing in education—from her MBA to an MIT certificate—helped her bridge career transitions.

We also dive into Emily’s passion for building inclusive communities, her leadership journey with Austin Women in Technology, and her past work with the League of Women Voters of Texas. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, looking for inspiration to step into leadership, or craving stories of women making big impacts in Austin and beyond—this episode will leave you energized.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to embrace career pivots with curiosity and courage
Why community and mentorship are essential in tech (and beyond)
Emily’s approach to leadership, equity, and empowering diverse voices
Practical tips for choosing the right further education or certification
How Austin Women in Technology fosters growth, connection, and opportunity

Connect with Emily:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emily-gupton
Website: emilykgupton.com
Austin Women in Technology: https://www.awtaustin.org/

Communities & Organizations

League of Women Voters of Texas: lwvtexas.org
Innotech Women in Tech Summit — partnered event with AWT
Capital Factory / Austin Tech Week — collaborative events with AWT
Austin Forum on Technology & Society — partner org for technical topics like quantum computing

Books & Authors

Smart Brevity — by the Axios team; recommended by her CEO and used as a communication framework
Neil Gaiman — mentioned as a favorite author for personal, whimsical, and fantastical reading

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In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Cherie Werner, the force behind Fiesta, the largest community for founders and investors in Austin, and FoundHERs, a dedicated space for women entrepreneurs. Cherie shares her journey from startup life to building Fiesta almost by accident, and how “leading with welcome” has become her guiding principle.

We talk about what it really takes to turn a crowded room into genuine connections, why consistency and inclusivity matter, and how women founders can push past the urge to be “perfect” before showing up. Cherie also offers simple conversation starters and follow-up practices you can use to walk into any networking event with more confidence.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a room full of strangers—or if you’re looking for a better way to grow community around your own work—this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical tools.

You’ll learn:

How Fiesta grew into Austin’s largest founder–investor community
Practical ways to break the ice beyond “What do you do?”
Why consistency and inclusivity fuel stronger communities
A mindset reset for women founders: show up before it’s “perfect”
Follow-up strategies that turn quick chats into lasting relationships
How to design events and spaces that make people feel truly welcome

RESOURCES MENTIONED

🌐 Websites & Communities

FIESTA → https://www.fiesta.community
Grow.FIESTA (global platform) → https://grow.fiesta.community

📨 Newsletters

The HERald → Women-focused newsletter Cherie publishes (first Friday after FIESTA events).
FIESTA Focus → Founder/community newsletter (week before and after each FIESTA).

📱 Social Media

Cherie’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriewerner
(LinkedIn is her most active platform).

📚 Books Mentioned

Let Them by Mel Robbins
Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima
Worthy - Jamie Kern Lima’s second book

🎙️ Podcasts Mentioned

All-In Podcast
On Purpose with Jay Shetty

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In this episode of Clover, I’m joined by Camille Ricketts, now a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and formerly a marketing leader at Tesla, First Round Capital, and Notion.

We cover:

What it’s like to pivot when the path you’ve been working toward isn’t the right fit.
Lessons from building Tesla’s early communications team and learning from Elon’s leadership style.
How Camille created the First Round Review, one of the most influential startup content platforms.
What it takes to scale community and user-led storytelling at Notion.
Why understanding which “stage” of company you thrive in is essential to building your career.
How Camille defines success today—by helping others rise and giving credit away.

Camille’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t ladders—they’re winding, evolving journeys built on curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.

Related links or mentions within the episode:

Communities / Resources:
- Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (book)
- 'Give Away Your Legos' and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups (article)
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (book)
Social Media / Links:
- Twitter/X: @CamilleRicketts
- LinkedIn: Camille Ricketts

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We talk about:

How Amina turned a late-night idea into a movement that’s changing lives.
The importance of community-led solutions vs. imposing outside fixes.
Navigating cultural and societal barriers with respect while pushing for change.
Why mental health support and mentorship are just as critical as technical training.
The ripple effect of one girl gaining skills and confidence—and teaching others.

Amina’s mission is bold: to impact 30,000 women across seven African countries by 2030. Her journey is proof that listening to your heart—and refusing to let fear win—can transform lives.

Related links or mentions within the episode:

Communities / Resources:
- Vital Voices (global women’s leadership community)
- Nonprofit Hive (Canadian-run platform for nonprofit professionals)
- We Are For Good (podcast + community, includes “Impact Uprising” events)
Social Media / Links:
- Website: Cameras For Girls
- LinkedIn: Amina Mohamed
- Instagram: @camerasforgirls

Want to support Cameras For Girls?

Monthly or One-Time Donors
Donate Used Cameras or Electronic Equipment

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After 100 episodes of Small Business, Big Mindset, it’s time for something new. In this special episode, I share why I’m rebranding the podcast and what you can expect from the next chapter: Clover.

Clover is a show dedicated to spotlighting women redefining leadership—founders, executives, and change-makers who are shaping the future. The name comes from the phrase “to be in clover,” which means to live in prosperity, comfort, and joy. That’s the spirit behind this next season of conversations.

If you’ve been with me since the Small Business, Big Mindset days, you’ll still find plenty to love here—practical insights, inspiring stories, and mindset shifts that apply to building businesses, leading teams, and living with purpose. The focus is broader, the lens is sharper, and the conversations are even more powerful.

Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re just tuning in, this episode is both a thank you and an invitation to join me for what’s ahead. Hit follow, and get ready—Clover officially begins next week.

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Welcome to Clover. I created this podcast to spotlight women who are redefining leadership. Each week, I connect with founders, executives, and change-makers to share real stories of bold leadership, lasting impact, and what it truly takes to thrive at the top.

Whether you’re just starting out in your career, aiming to take it to the next level, or already leading and looking for ways to give back, Clover will leave you with insights, inspiration, and strategies to fuel your own leadership journey.

The name Clover comes from the phrase “to be in clover,” meaning to live in prosperity, comfort, and joy—exactly the energy I want to bring to these conversations.

Follow along so you never miss an episode. Our first full conversation drops next week with Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras for Girls.

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This week on the show we have the one, the only, soon-to-be New York Times Bestselling author, Laura F*ing Belgray!

When I thought of who I would want to help ring in my 100th episode, my mentor, my friend, Laura Belgray catapulted to mind first.

She has a long list of accolades which you can learn more about on her Talking Shrimp website...as well as learn why her company is named after a chatty crustacean to begin with.

A bonafide celebrity and icon in the copywriting world, she's about to launch her first book, aptly named, "Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst". The book comes out June 13th, but you can pre-order it here. I read it cover-to-cover in under four days...a joyous respite between the job, the kids, and the MBA program that currently (happily) rule my life. 😍

In this episode, Laura tells us how she went from wandering through life to earning $1,000,000+ annually (I could have just typed 7-figures but damn, $1,000,000 is more fun) by chucking the standard rules of copywriting out the window and letting her personality shine through. We unwrap what exactly goes into the traditional publishing process, even when what you're publishing isn't traditional - why would a copywriting expert write a book about her life's trials and tribulations instead of how to write emails that sell your product but not your soul? Because. She's Laura F*ing Belgray.

Connect with Laura on her website (linked above), Instagram, and LinkedIn (although she spends most of her time on IG).

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Episode #99! Wow. When I first started this podcast I just wanted to connect entrepreneurs so we could inspire and learn from each other. What a journey it's been.

As we catapult to episode #100, I thought I'd highlight the top 5 episodes so far (by downloads), introduce what's next with the podcast...and let you know who the special guest for episode #100 is (hint - she's a celeb in the copywriting world and about to launch her first book...sure to be a NY Times Best Seller).

Top 5 episodes so far:

The 4 Critical Steps to Starting a Business
10 Free Resources for Copywriting
Six Ways to Set Boundaries for Business Growth
Here's My Exact Email Writing Process
How to Create Super Clickable CTA

What's next for the podcast? CLOVER. I'm beyond excited for this series.

Who's my special guest for episode #100? I'll give you a hint. She met one of her business partners at Crunch Fitness in NY...back in the Crunch Fitness heyday.

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I'll be honest - the mere thought of artificial anything, when it comes to creating the written word makes me cringe. It goes against every fiber of my being because for me, the point of writing is to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard to create something genuine.

Even if it's fiction, it's supposed to come from a place of organic creativity. So when I heard artificial intelligence, I was like, oh here we go. But I'm not one to blindly shut something down. So I did take a deeper look. And AI is here to stay. We'd be silly to ignore it and hope it goes away. And actually, it's been pretty cool.

So, as such, how do we as writers leverage it to our liking? Ultimately, when it comes to writing, is AI a friend or a foe? So turns out, it can be both. I'm committed to using the technology for good. And I'm seeing AI as a friend. I like to joke, maybe it's more like you keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. ;)

Listen in on how to leverage AI for good!

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Maura Kelpy, founder of Veggies & Vodka and Maura K Creative, joins the show this week! Maura runs her own successful graphic design business (in addition to her wellness community under the Veggies & Vodka umbrella) and shares with us specific actions to take when crafting your own visual brand. You know, the look and feel of your business where customers can recognize you in an instant.

Here's an excerpt:

"So when I take on a branding project for a client, I often start with a Google questionnaire. I ask a lot of questions about the person themselves if it's a personal brand or more about their company as a whole and their values. I do a deep dive into what they're trying to express through their logo first, and who their audiences are that we're trying to attract. Your visual brand really encompasses so much more than just a logo, right? It's also your colors, your typography, and even your imagery - how you use your photos, or how you take photos of yourself. You really want this whole consistent look between all of these elements, because it creates this reliable and solid experience for your customers as they start to know and understand what to expect from you. That way, when they see your brand everywhere they will start to recognize you, and that builds trust."

Connect with Maura on her website for Maura K Creative or her wellness community, Veggies & Vodka.

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Hiring. A critical piece to scale your business. But how do you know it's time to grow your team? What role do you hire for first...or next? How do you make sure you don't hire a jerk that will torpedo your business to the ground? (dramatic? maybe...but maybe not!) What are the pros and cons of hiring a full-time employee vs. a subcontractor? If you hire someone that's not working out, how do you let them go?

Sandra Booker, the founder of Any Old Task, joins the show this week. She answers these questions and more to help you hire the right person for the right role at the right time. Having helped multiple entrepreneurs grow their businesses to multi-six figures and beyond, you're gonna want to write down all the insight she shares during this episode.

For starters, so many business owners assume they need help in a certain area (I need someone to help with social media! I have no time!) but when they analyze where their time is actually going, are shocked. Rather than needing help with social media, they may discover that their personal life (Kids! Aging parents!) is what is monopolizing their time...and they need a personal assistant instead.

Listen in and improve your hiring strategy with these proven tactics.

Connect with Sandra on her website, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Frederike Harms, founder of Katalyst Ventures, joins the show this week to dive into how to design a truly scalable offer. Growing up with entrepreneur parents, Frederike remembers that her family went on vacation once and only once. Her parents simply could not step back from their business to enjoy extra time with their family.

Having a front-row seat to that type of schedule and lifestyle, she decided she wanted to work with entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners to create scalable businesses that didn't solely depend upon their daily direction to thrive.

At the core of a scalable business is a scalable service or product. Listen in to learn tactics behind this strategy to leverage a scalable offer and grow a business beyond your own expertise, one that allows you to live a full life not chained to your phone or laptop.

Connect with Frederike on Instagram.

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Dan Mott joins the show this week! You might remember that Dan and I, along with Claire Davis and Matt Zaun hosted a weekly live show for entrepreneurs and business leaders called Power Hour. It ran for just about a year or so and we had a blast! So cool to reunite with Dan here.

In this episode, Dan runs us through the 5 principles he's developed for LinkedIn social selling. Here's a quick excerpt:

"You are organically finding them through content and conversation. And now we're no longer strangers on the internet. I like to use the metaphor of LinkedIn as an in-person event. You just came out of a session and you're walking up to the bar to grab a drink, and you see a person next to you ordering the same beer, and you make a comment on that. And then 10 minutes later, you're down to a discussion about how you two are in the same industry and how you could potentially work together. So it's all about this certain aspect of serendipity."

Listen in as Dan gives specifics on how to reach out to potential connections and prospects via LinkedIn tools and tactics.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn!

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This week on the show I welcome launch strategist and copywriter, Brenna McGowan. We discuss the aspect of an offer that many entrepreneurs skip over: pre-launch.

It seems so much easier to skip right to the promotion of the sale, rather than warming an audience up, doing our due diligence, and testing the market... Alas, those who skip the pre-launch are leaving money (and a loyal audience) on the table.

Putting the right offer in front of the right audience with the right messaging is key. Obvious? You'd be surprised as to how many business owners place a lot of incorrect assumptions within this step.

The market research component is huge. Brenna is actually teaching a workshop where she goes through and validates the offers of her students. From there, they have a true understanding of who their customer is.

Per Brenna, pre-launch is about selling your process, and not your program. For six weeks during a pre-launch, she suggests thinking through what is the buy-in your ideal customer has to have before they decide to buy your solution.

Listen in as we dive deep into these topics and more.

Connect with Brenna at her website and grab her free Pre-Launch Plan Cheat Sheet.

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"And I discovered that as a journalist if you don't have a pitch or a story to share with the big boss on Monday morning, you didn't have a job. What's important for entrepreneurs to realize is that journalists aren't just helping you with your business, you are helping them keep their job. Because if you don't pitch your story, they don't have anything to tell their boss on a Monday morning." - Adela Hussain

That's one of my favorite pieces of insight from my discussion with Adela, founder of Startups & Co and my guest this week on the show. The first thing that Adela teaches her students in her course, Pitch to Press, is that you as an entrepreneur are keeping journalists/podcasters, etc in their jobs - they need your stories and expertise!

The second thing she teaches her students is that when they're pitching to anyone, they have to lead with the story and not their ego. Mention what you've noticed or learned from their work and why your specific topic would be of interest to their readers/listeners.

Tune in for the full scoop of how to pitch your business to press! Connect with Adela on her website and Instagram.

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Sami Miles, founder of Catchiest Copy and creator of Automatically Funny AF in Four Weeks, talks all things funny in copywriting.

When working with clients, she found that the funnest time was when they were joking around, when she could bring that humor out of them and onto paper.

A former stand-up comic who has opened for some of the biggest names in the biz, Sami knows exactly how to inject humor into copy in just the right way.

Whether it's punching up copywriting assets, speeches, or presentations, Sami tells us how to bridge the gap for our audience through humor. One of the tips she shares is she has her clients watch the opening jokes of their favorite comics. From there, they workshop everything from signature talks, guest teaching, webinars - even podcasts. All messaging is curated as well - launch emails, welcome sequences...they all go through her process to increase connection through laughter.

Head over here to grab Sami's '10 tips to Grab Your Audience by the Funny Bone'.

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Email tags. A simple yet powerful tool that way too many business owners don't use to their full potential.

Cheryl Rerick guests on the show this week and goes over how email tags can be:

a simple and intuitive way to sort your contacts based on their interests, preferences, and any special attributes that set them apart from each other
used to trigger automation
a functional tool, as well as give you information about your subscribers

We chat about the difference between (and strategies/tactics around) segmentation and tags as well as Cheryl's three favorite uses for tags.

Toss me a note and let me know how you use tags, or a tactic you discovered from this episode.

Connect with Cheryl at her website here and on Instagram here.

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So many entrepreneurs are, as I've heard Marie Forleo describe it, 'multi-passionate'. There's a school of thought out there that says as an entrepreneur you have to focus on one thing and one thing only.

I call BS.

Laura Scholes joins me on the show this week to explain how she launched another business from her core business. Some overlap between the two? Perhaps. But, she still started her second business essentially from scratch. Not knowing exactly how to manage two businesses at once, let alone launch it.

Listen in as she describes the exact steps she took to explore another one of her passions enough to turn it into a business.

Connect with Laura:
The 24-Hour Site
Story House Creative

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Monica Hollins, founder of OTBC (Outside The Box Consulting, LLC) has decades of experience building super-successful communities. From health clubs to master-planned communities, she has crafted impactful strategies to increase inclusion, engagement, connection...loyalty. These attributes are key during a normal business year, but post-pandemic, they are mission-critical.

Tune in and learn ways to grow not just an audience, but a community clamoring for your brand and your mission.

Connect with Monica at her website.

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Rachel Simon, CEO and founder of Connect the Dots Digital, helps entrepreneurs of all backgrounds "look good on LinkedIn". LinkedIn is the top networking platform for corporate and entrepreneurial professionals, so ensuring your personal and company profiles are structured with the right information and messaged in a way that immediately connects with your target audience is paramount.

Learn to craft your headline with a hook, exactly how to use that 'Featured Section', modern use of your 'About' copy, and more. We go through every section of the LinkedIn profile and spell out exactly how to use it to your advantage.

Head over to Connect the Dots Digital to learn more about Rachel and ways you can work together.

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My conversation with Nicole Rollender, founder of Strand Writing Services, was one that will make you want to take action immediately. My favorite entrepreneurs are those that leave it all on the table - they're open to sharing the minute details on each aspect of their business growth...the roses and the thorns of it.

After being downsized from her six-figure salary executive editor-in-chief role, Nicole decided to go out on her own. Within less than a year she scaled her business to six-figures and has never fallen below that income. In this episode, she shares super specific insights and tactics on how to set the foundation to scale your business to a consistent six-figure income each year...in a sustainable way.

From how to structure your payment process and cash flow to showing up as a CEO rather than a victim, Nicole gives direct, valuable guidance - all substance, no sugar. Should clients pay you upfront? Which is better - a 3-month or 6-month retainer? Should you do test projects to introduce yourself to a new client? What's the quickest way to get a set income every month? Should I zero in on a niche? Is LinkedIn worth it as a business growth tool? Listen in as we discuss all these questions and more.

Want to connect with Nicole? Check out her website, STRAND Writing Services.

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From clarifying your message with a reduction of words to how to use personal stories to get a professional point across...(including ways to use the emails you have sitting in your Inbox to improve your writing skills), these seven tips will have your copywriting take on a whole other level of expertise.

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There are so many tools out there that look nice and shiny that you can buy to increase your skills at copywriting or an online business in general, but in this episode, I want to show you 10 FREE resources that you can use to help out your copywriting.

I include some popular choices like Grammarly and Canva but also some that haven't gotten their full due yet such as Read-able, WordCounter, and OneLook.

Stream the episode and check these incredible FREE resources out below:

Grammarly
Readability Test
Character Count
WordCounter
Merriam-Webster and Thesaurus.com
Google Docs and Google Drive
Google Keyword Planner
OneLook
Related Words
Uber Suggest

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This week, I'm going over the call to action aka the CTA. There are a variety of things that go into creating a very clickable call to action.

I'll go through some of the nuts and bolts with you on this episode. A CTA encourages your audience to take a specific action - it's really a conversion tool. It can help in converting members, subscribers, followers, customers...you get the idea. You must know exactly what you want your audience to do, before you even start to create your call to action.

From how to guide your audience to take action to the color, shape, and placement of your CTA, this episode focuses on all things conversion by call-to-action.

________
Need some help with your copywriting? Customers not converting? Not okay! Let's take your copy from 'meh' to 'marvelous'. Check out how you can work with me here.

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Short and sweet, I'm walking you through the steps I take to write each email. From the two types of emails I create to how I edit, I go over it all.

I share my strategy when creating email subject lines and if I batch process topics or take a more free-wheeling approach.

Listen in!

While you're at it, grab my free 'One Year of Email Subject Lines to Amp Up Your Open Rates & Accelerate Sales' guide!

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We've all been there.

That darn blinking cursor. It's like it's taunting you, "Look at this big, blank page. You'll never figure out what to write. Such a waste of time. Loser."

RUDE.

This week I go over 15 ways you to always know what to write. I'm finally recording this episode because one of the most common things I hear from people is that they have no idea what to write about, especially when it comes to their business.

As well, you don't ALWAYS want to be strictly talking about your business, at least not in a way that it comes across that way. Ideally, you'll make a connection to your audience... I always say to have an ongoing conversation with your audience - a copy as a conversation.

You may be like, "Okay, great, I know how to talk about my product. But what else do I talk about? I'll tell you! Listen in for a few ways (15 to be exact) to keep the writing topic ideas coming.

If you need help with your copywriting, I have a bunch of different ways I can do that. One of them is my Copyedit Polish + Strategy service - if you've written something and it's not performing for ya, not attracting engagement or sales and you need to get it to the next level to really engage and connect with your audience for that sale... you can send it to me and I'll give it a glow-up if you will, to really make it pop for you and engage those customers. I'll also look at all of your copy holistically and suggest strategic placement and perhaps additional copy to add to bring in more sales. Click here for more info!

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Let's talk about finding your voice in writing!

If you've followed me for any time at all, you know that I'm all about conversational copywriting. I've even coined the term copysation, making copy a conversation, because when people go to write something, especially for their business, they tend to freeze up. They're not sure what to say, or how to say it and their personality goes out the window.

Essentially, whatever makes you you, is lost. Many people might see how somebody else writes and talks about their own business and they'll adopt that style.

Unfortunately, that's not going to translate very well to your audience, at least not for the long term. You can only be someone else for so long. Eventually, it's gonna come across as not genuine, right? You might sound stiff, uncomfortable, maybe a little awkward.

Burnout is right around the corner. How long can you pretend to be someone else using someone else's voice?

Listen in as I tell you step-by-step how to find YOUR OWN VOICE in copywriting.

** If you need help with your copywriting, join my membership Email Ally to get monthly email templates OR submit your copy to me so that I can work my magic with it to get you more heart-eyed customers!

Links!
Email Ally
Copyedit Polish and Strategy

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It might surprise you to hear this but: you don't need a fancy website and logo to get your business going…nor to grow it substantially.

Honestly, creating your email list is one of the most important things to do early on. Grabbing an email service provider and then creating a landing page or two, one with info about your offer and another to gate your lead magnet to collect email addresses of those in your ideal, targeted community. (I'll be doing a separate podcast episode regarding the technical and content side of lead magnets)

I looked at over 60 email marketing platforms (even I was surprised at how many email marketing platforms are out there) and whittled that list down to six for you to consider. Links are below.

In this episode I go over some soft and hard skills that your ultimate choice should have a checklist of what to consider when you're looking at email marketing platforms:

ease of use
customer service
pricing structure
segmentation

For data analytics, see more on this in episode 58, "The 3 Email Metrics that Matter" here!

For an all-in-one toolkit to starting your online business including:

Choosing a business formation
Selecting a website platform
Finding the best email marketing platform for your business
Choosing a project management platform
Setting up a business bank account
Managing a business alongside life

check out my digital course, "Online Business On-Ramp" here

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We have a very special episode for you this week!

We talked to a few of our guests from last season and asked them to share with us their goals and plans for 2022.

I think we can all agree that 2020 and 2021 were a little bit off-kilter.

I'm so interested to hear everybody's thoughts and insights for the year ahead - send me a note at erin@musclecreative.com.

Until then, check out how these three entrepreneurs are tackling 2022!

Get more info on this episode's guests:

Andrew Rincon - Craigo's Pizza & Pastaria

Matt Zaun - Strategic Storytelling

Nancy Giammarco - Lil Monsto

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In one week we will enter the last month of 2021. In a few days, millions in America will celebrate Thanksgiving, gathering with friends and family for (hopefully) some relaxation and fun.

As such, we thought it fitting to take this time to reflect on a positive that this year has brought to small businesses. We reached out to previous guests on this podcast and asked them to share what they are grateful they have learned that has impacted their business this year.

We are grateful for them, and the time they took out of their busy schedules to share with you. We hope this is helpful as you wrap up a strong 2021 and start 2022 with a newfound passion for serving your audience and getting crystal clear on the goals you will be accomplishing.

Entrepreneurs featured on this episode (not necessarily in this order):

Mike Geraghty - Romance Novelist
Linda Sidhu - Quiz Funnel Consultant
Matt Zaun - Strategic Storytelling
Andrew Rincon - CraigO's Pizza & Pastaria
Miriam Wagliardo - Children's Book Author
Nancy Giammarco - Illustrator, Artist

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A looooong time ago...I'm talkin' 15-20 years ago, my sister Jen told me about this incredible fitness pro named Lauren Brooks. Jen is one of the fittest people I know, so when she recommends someone, I listen. She mentioned that Lauren focused on fitness with kettlebells, had a ton of expertise, and was a genuine person.

I bought a few of her DVDs - you know, those things that look like CDs but play movies instead of music. Oh right, so, CDs are these round discs...ugh, forget it. I was hooked on her workouts and bought her Baby Bells workout when I was pregnant.

Fast forward to now and Lauran has grown (and continues to grow) her fitness empire. Long gone are the DVDs. In their place, an enormous digital library of workouts, a monthly membership called Lauren's Playground, a thriving community, and a lot more.

I'm honored to now call Lauren a friend as our entrepreneurial journeys have crossed in more ways than one. So grateful that she took time out to chat.

Discussion Highlights:

How being severely bullied impacted the life she's built today
Pioneering the kettlebell movement's growth in the United States
Growing an empire in a male-dominated industry
Building a sustainable business that spans generations and technology evolutions
Creating a fitness career that leverages multiple incomes streams and passive income

The Wrap-Up:

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Drake (fitness) Bob Marley (everyday life)

Where can people find you online?
Website
Instagram
Facebook

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This week I get to chat with Emily King, wealth and abundance coach. She focuses on helping women entrepreneurs with their money mindset to grow their income and impact doing what they love.

After years of hoarding money and coming from a scarcity mindset, Emily learned about money mindset. In addition to vision boards, mantras, and visualizations she learned the science behind it all. Things that 'shouldn't have happened' started to happen the more she learned and implemented…like a $100K product launch.

Highlight Discussions:

What a financial thermostat is and how to manage yours
Harnessing your reticular activating system
The first steps Emily has her clients take toward financial freedom
What she implemented to earn at $100K launch

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Mumford and Sons

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Manifesting Meditations

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Angie Clarke went from full-time corporate warrior to full-time quilter. The mom of three began her t-shirt quilting business, Crafted Angles, on the side and has now turned it into a bustling LLC. The passing of her brother inspired her to expand her already impressive sewing skills to include quilting beautiful quilts made from t-shirts - she describes it as a scrapbook you can hug.

Balancing her kiddos (her youngest was born three months early and is now an active toddler - all three of her babies spent time in the NICU so now Angie supports NICU efforts with fundraisers and donations), husband, work, and everything else, Angie found time to grow her business to one with a full-time income, and a big community impact.

Discussion highlights:

Taking a business to the next level during obstacles (COIVD-19)…with small kids…who require additional supports
Growing a business from local to national clientele
Tools that organize the daily grind to make it all possible!

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Coldplay

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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This week I get to chat with author, Mike Geraghty. Mike also happens to be my cousin - love it when my business intersects with family time! Mike is an accomplished author having been represented by an incredible publisher for years now. Having written multiple books available online and via a variety of book stores, Mike tells all about what it takes to be a published author going the traditional publishing route (as opposed to the self-publishing route).

Some discussion highlights:

How content writing helped him land a publishing deal
The writing process that supports his quick turnaround
Navigating a COVID world without in-person promotional events
Where to get ideas for books and character profiles
Tools he uses for his writing process

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Miles Davis

Where can people find you online?

Scarlet Lantern Publishing

Scarlet Lantern Publishing - Lacy Hart Pen Name

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

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What if there was a way to grow your email list, learn about your audience to offer them the exact solutions they need, AND have a shareable, reusable lead magnet for years to come? You probably know where I'm going with this…there is!

An online quiz checks all these boxes, and this week we have online quiz extraordinaire, Linda Sidhu joining us. Linda is a list-building expert and strategic partner with Interact (a leading online quiz platform). In fact, one of her early quizzes was so successful that Interact reached out to her to ask how she did it, and would she partner up with them? Ever since Linda has made quite the name for herself as THE person to go to when creating an online business to grow your business.

One of the many things I love about Linda is how kind and transparent she is. She truly wants her fellow entrepreneurs to succeed, so she leaves no stone unturned - she shares her processes and completely went about and beyond in this discussion!

Some highlights:

Three big mistakes people make when building online quizzes
How to tell what kind of quiz to create for your business
Critical steps to follow when building your quiz
Length, layout and quiz design
Make sure your results page has these components
The most powerful way to promote your quiz…and build your email list!
How to make your quiz work for you, beyond your email list

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? The Lumineers
Where can people find you online?
- Website

As promised, here are the Resources I promised I'd link to in the show notes:

Discover your Quiz-to-Cash strategy here:

https://www.lindasidhu.com/quiztocash

Join Linda's upcoming 3-Day Nail Your Quiz Idea Challenge:

https://www.lindasidhu.com/challenge

Check out this link to Interact - use this code for 20% off the lifetime of your quiz-

QUIZLOVE20

https://interact.grsm.io/lindasidhu1201

In this episode, we also chatted about some apps we use to meditate and become more centered. Linda referenced this app for hypnotherapy: Grace Space. I mentioned the app Head Space.

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A lead magnet, a freebie, an opt-in - whatever you want to call it, it's a strong tool to leverage when growing your email list. And growing your email list means growing your audience base and growing your audience base means increasing those qualified leads (if your lead magnet brings in your target audience) and more qualified leads mean more revenue.

In this episode I discuss:

info you need before creating your lead magnet
types of lead magnets
creating and designing your lead magnet
the layout of your lead magnet
your thank you page
your delivery email

This is a quick overview, so send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com if you want me to go deeper on any or all of these parts of the process!

Oh and I promised I'd put the link to this episode in the show notes, so here you are:
How to Boost the Power of Your Headlines https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep69

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Maybe you've started a podcast or video series...or perhaps you're in the planning stages.

Regardless of your topic, you're probably like - what the heck am I going to talk about every week (or whatever cadence you choose)?

Perhaps consider a format that allows you to welcome guests onto the show. That way, you won't have the pressure of carrying the entire show every week...and typically the guest will also help promote it. Two birds.

In this episode, I discuss 11 ways to seek out your ideal guests. After all, you want to be selective in who you invite to your show - they need to be a fit for your niche and your audience.

Stream the episode and let me know which tactics you'll adopt to book your next guests!

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This week, I thought we'd talk a little bit about creating headlines, subject lines, your call-to-action - you know, the stuff that gets your ideal audience to DO WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO. Whether it's an opt-in page, sales page, social media post, email, blog post, etc... it's super important to have action-oriented headlines that actually work.

Before you even start to create these glorious bits of copy, I go over the 3 things you have to have right. If you don't have these things, you're SOL. Once you have those things buttoned up, you can move into working on the calls-to-action for your buttons, headlines, subject lines, the whole shebang.

Oh and here are the links to the other episodes I mention - I promised I'd add the links to the show notes, so here they are:

The 4 Critical Steps to Starting a Business (this talks about identifying your ICA - I've done an entire training on this with my Facebook group, need to do one for the podcast)
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep65

5 Qualities of Super Clickable Email Subject Lines
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep54

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In order to grow a sustainable business that won't have you pulling your hair out (at least maybe not every day), automating processes is critical. It saves you time, money, and your sanity. No matter if you're new to business, or an experienced entrepreneur or in your career, building systems that streamline what your business needs is key.

Many people, whether employees or business owners, crave flexibility in their schedules and creating automation in your business or career can help make that happen. In fact, I know of multiple businesses that have turned to a four-day workweek, and automating aspects of their business made that schedule a reality.

In this episode, I go over 7 specific areas of your business or role in your career where you can add automation.

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It might surprise you to hear this but: you don't need a fancy website and logo to get your business going…nor to grow it substantially.

Honestly, creating your email list is one of the most important things to do early on. Grabbing an email service provider and then creating a landing page or two, one with info about your offer and another to gate your lead magnet to collect email addresses of those in your ideal, targetted community. (I'll be doing a separate podcast episode regarding the technical and content side of lead magnets)

I looked at over 60 email marketing platforms (even I was surprised at how many email marketing platforms are out there) and whittled that list down to six for you to consider. Links are below.

In this episode I go over some soft and hard skills that your ultimate choice should have, a checklist of what to consider when you're looking at email marketing platforms:

ease of use
customer service
pricing structure
segmentation
automation
data analytics (see more on this in episode 58, "The 3 Email Metrics that Matter"

Here are some email marketing platforms to consider: (I am not an affiliate)

Mailchimp
Flodesk
ConvertKit
ActiveCampaign
SendGrid
Kartra

For an all-in-one toolkit to starting your online business including:

choosing a:
- business formation
- website platform
- email marketing platform
- project management platform
setting up a business bank account
managing a business alongside life

check out my digital course, "Online Business On-Ramp" here.

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Have you ever felt like you were all over the place? Unproductive? Flitting from here to there? Like you're always saying yes when you wish, you could say no? Doing things that don't feel right or that aren't serving your priorities?

You probably don't have solid boundaries in place.

Boundaries are all about your mental health. If your head's not in the game, if your mind and priorities aren't clear enough to enforce boundaries, you've lost before you've even begun.

Like a lot of things in life, these will be challenged. And when they do, you'll need some solid footing to stand on to move forward.

In this episode I'll discuss the six things to do when creating (successful) boundaries, whether it's for your personal or professional life…or both!

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This week, I wanted to go over critical steps you need to take when starting your own business. So some of you may have already started your own business, and others might be thinking about it but haven't taken the plunge.

You might want time flexibility while earning an income, you might you love your full time job, but want to have a business in addition to that that you want to build.

And maybe you're curious as to what it would entail. Perhaps you've launched your own business, but need a nudge in the right direction.

So I thought, let's do an episode about a few of the critical things, the critical steps that you should take when you're starting your own online business, such as:

How to come up with a business idea
Clarity on vision and why you want a business
Validate your business idea - ensure it's sustainable and profitable!
Identifying your ideal client/customer

Hope this episode is helpful! For more support check out my Online Business On-Ramp course here: https://www.musclecreative.com/course It's the direct, no frills system to managing the often missed yet critical logistics to launching your online business.

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Where do I even start with our guest this week? For 13 years Matt Zaun worked in the political arena as a speech writer - helping politicians with debate prep, speech writing and overall messaging. For the past 5 years, Matt has taken critical pieces of that experience and applied them to helping small and medium business owners catapult their businesses to new heights. How? Matt is a Story Strategist that works with CEOs, executives and business leaders to use their story to inspire their audiences to action. Listen in on how these skills can fundamentally change your business…NOW.

The Start

Background in politics
Debate prep, political speech writing for over a decade

The Shift

For the past 5 years, running his own business as a Story Strategist
Took key learnings from the political messaging arena and is applying them to business

The Strategy

Teaches these strategies to CEOs, executives, and sales professionals
Critical components of constructing political messaging fundamentally changes small and medium-sized businesses for the better

The Action

Building a story bank
How to leverage an emotional POV (point-of-view) in business to connect with customers
The art of connecting stories to emotion for exponential business growth
Looking at personal stories vs. business stories
The #1 thing Pixar is doing right
Why company core values are a waste of time

The Mindset

The importance of a solid, organized calendar - app suggestion CalenGoo
Setting daily habits - app suggestion Way of Life
Seeing the path to achieving goals as a map
Goals and Vision
- Building back up public speaking calendar - already booked until the end of the year
- Launching more VIP packages to clients

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Bob Dylan
Where can people find you online?
- LinkedIn
- Website

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This week, let's talk about a biggie that plagues all businesses - how to tackle the most common online sales obstacles or objections. These are objections you might get from people when they're considering buying your product or service.

When you learn the objections that people have when considering your offer beforehand, you an address it directly...before they even come up. This an be an organic conversation using copysation (listen to episode #53 - Connect with Copy: Grow Your Clientele), like I always say - use copy as a conversation. Some of the common ones you might hear are your product or service is too expensive, people aren't ready, they have to check with their spouse or partner, they think it might not work for them, or they can find the information for free. I go over the three most common:

"I don't have the money." aka "It's too expensive."
"I don't have the time." aka "I'm too busy."
"I'm not ready." aka "It's not the right time."

Remember that your job is not to convince anyone to buy from you. Your job is to make sure they are heard, and that you are making it crystal clear that you understand where they're coming from, what they desire, and how what you have can get them that transformation - the benefits they will enjoy along with their results.

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This week I talk about something in copywriting that trips a lot of people up.

THE SALES PAGE.

Your sales page can be the key piece of success in your sales funnel and customer journey if you take a critical (yet organic) view of it.

Your sales page should be clear on exactly:

what you’re offering
who it’s for
why it’s important
how it will help solve a problem or deliver a transformation

Your copy should be organic to you and your brand. It should be conversational and include the reader. Use copysation, the writing style I teach that uses copy as conversation. It will flow better, come across more natural, and will immediately connect with your reader.

In this episode, I go through how to structure your sales page from top to bottom.

As an example, you can look at my Email Ally sales page. It's a great reference point as I go through each section. Click here to check out that page.

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Whether you're thinking about launching an e-commerce business or are actively building one, this episode with Jamey Warren is key. A musician through and through, Jamey harnessed that creativity and ambition in growing his online career. Back in high school in El Paso, TX, Jamey and our own Joey Ramirez marched proudly in the Coronado High School (go T-Birds!) marching band…and participated in some rowdy hijinks on the side (wink, wink).

Hear how this professional musician found a way to intertwine his passion for and skills in music to create a career helping others start their own business and progress in their musical journey.

The Start

Professional saxophonist
Recording Engineer degree
El Paso, TX to Tempe, AZ to Boulder, CO to Bozeman, MT
Helped build an e-commerce website that became headphones.com

The Shift

The jump to Shopify
E-commerce expert specializing in Shopify

The Strategy

Top tips in getting started with Shopify
Mistakes to avoid when managing an e-commerce business

The Action

How COVID inspired his new project, Groove Buds
Tips to compete with Amazon
Marketing tactics that got his business in front of the right people
The power of SEO in growing an e-commerce business

The Mindset

How high school marching band impacted his career
The impact of journaling each day
Intention - identifying his core values
Goals and Vision
- Build a bed and breakfast recording studio
- Simplifying the offer of Groove Buds
- Have the coolest music store on the planet

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Curt Warren (his dad)

Where can people find you online?

jameywarren.com

groovebuds.com

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I hear the term side hustle a lot. And it makes me cringe every time. Calling something a side hustle gives it less weight. Less importance. As if it's this fluffy thing in the corner that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Pick it up and put it down as needed. That sounds more like a hobby to me.

But what I mostly see that are called 'side hustles' are not that at all. They are legitimate businesses. The start of a company. Really valuable products and services.

Most successful entrepreneurs, in defining success as financial gain, have multiple income streams. They own multiple companies. They invest in multiple companies and start-ups. They own real estate. They offer a variety of products and services.

Guess what? If you work full-time for an employer and have started your own companies that you are putting consistent effort into - you are an entrepreneur.

You are NOT "someone working full-time that also has side hustles". You have multiple income streams. Full stop.

I hope this episode gives people in this situation confidence to keep going, and to be proud of what they're building.

I see so many headlines screaming - quit your day job! But, what if you like your job AND you are building other businesses too AND you are serious about all? If you still work for an employer, should you be ashamed of that? If you're not stepping away from your full-time job to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions does that mean you're not successful? NO WAY.

I want to put an end to this crazy either/or rhetoric that we've all been hearing for too long.

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You may have asked yourself this question multiple times in the past year, a few times this part quarter, and maybe even a couple of times this week:

Do I need to pivot (or shut down) my business?

After having sooooo many conversations with entrepreneurs via this podcast, in my Facebook group, in my courses, on social media…one of the main common threads has been - "this is how I realized I need to make a change in my business."

In fact, I don't think I have spoken to a business owner in the past year that hasn't made an intentional shift.

This week I go over some of my own pivots over the years and these top 3 indicators that a shift may be needed:

How to identify if the passion is dead or if it can be regnited
Business or hobby - making sure you have a validated business that can thrive with some tweaks
Does your business still fit your lifestyle and goals?

Send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com and let me know what changes you're thinking of making or that you have made to your business.

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There are so many metrics you can track when it comes to email performance. Seriously, it can be a full-time job to meticulously analyze reports around the performance of your email marketing. Completely fine to track them all, but less than a handful need your consistent attention.
In this episode, learn:

The 3 email metrics that should command your attention each week
How to improve your email open rate
Action steps to stay out of the Spam folder
Click-through rates of top industries
The real deal about your call-to-action and images
How to increase your conversion rates
The truth about subscribes and unsubscribes

PLUS: doors to the one-of-a-kind subscription, Email Ally, close this week (along with the incredibly low VIP pricing)! Cross 'emailing my list every week' off your list with this powerful tool. More info here. Here's to growing your audience and revenue!

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Why is connecting with your audience (customers, students, clients, followers) so incredibly important? How are you, a business owner who barely has time to shower, supposed to do this?

This week I tell you why's and the how's of using consistent content to grow your audience AND your revenue. I go over 5 ways to make it happen :

who to write for and how
leveraging 'life as content'
executing a content audit
creating a system that scales
time-blocking, batching, keywords

Tune in and LET'S GO.

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Remind me again why you're not using email marketing in your business? Is it because for every $1 spent it returns an average of $35? Or could it be because almost 60% of consumers say that marketing emails influence their purchase decisions? Or maybe it's because almost 50% of Americans subscribe to email lists?

If you've been following me or listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know that when I say 'email marketing' I'm not talking about the email marketing strategies of decades past. I'm talking about real connection (yes, copysation - get the behind-the-scenes info on that in episode #53, 'Connect with Copy: Grow Your Clientele') - not just throwing up some lame promo image and copy that creates the ick factor.

In this episode I break it down for you - the 7 ways your competitors are leveraging email marketing and sliding right on past you. From the astounding number of people using email to how much email absolutely CRUSHES the performance of social media, to the conversions businesses enjoy with this tool, I cover a lot of ground in just a few short minutes.

Grab my FREE download, 'One Year of Subject Lines to Amp Up Your Open Rates & Accelerate Sales' here. https://www.musclecreative.com/emailsubject

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Ever wondered what goes in to self-publishing a book? I have heard from so many entrepreneurs, especially over the past year, who are finally starting to dust off their book idea(s) and turn them into reality.

Our guests this week, Miriam Wagliardo (published author and tradeshow event producer) and Nancy Giammarco (published author, illustrator and sound engineer) did just that. They tell us all about the steep learning curve of the process, tools they used, their first 'COVID' marketing phase, and their plans for getting their book into the mainstream post-pandemic.

The Start

Miriam: dancing ballet professionally and teaching, singer in a band, interior design, tradeshow event producer
Nancy: Market degree, website design, guitars/keyboards/backing vocals in bands, sound engineer
The two met with the band Mojo Dolls

The Shift

Nancy had written and illustrated a book, Under the Purple Sea, and posted drawings to Facebook
These drawings inspired Marian to reach out to Nancy to collaborate

The Strategy

Miriam's vivid dreams would be the foundation of the book
The process they created to get this book finished - remotely and during COVID

The Action

Before long, they had enough content to finalize their book collab, "Oh Look! It's a Bird!"
Using Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) the began their self-publishing journey
Their key learnings from this process (pay attention here!)

The Mindset

Nancy: To recharge - walking the dog (check out stories of her dog Tuff here), weightlifting, and practice illustrating everyday. Read, study, take classes to learn new elements of illustration
Miriam: To recharge - working out (especially crucial when recovering from a serious car accident in 2016), painting, sewing
Goals and Vision
- Working on their next book
- Implement marketing campaign once COVID restrictions lift, including international elements

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Miriam - Journey

Nancy - Fleetwood Mac

Where can people find you online?

"Oh Look! It's a Bird!" on Amazon
Instagram

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If you've been listening to this podcast or have tuned into my live trainings you know that I am all bout growing your email list. And not just growing your email list full of whatever emails you can get on it, but growing your email list full of targeted, actual people that you think will benefit from the information that you're giving them, and that might be interested n your products or services down the line once you develop a relationship.

I always say grow an email list, because growing an audience on just on Facebook, or Instagram or any of the other platforms comes with a long-term challenge. And it's a pretty big one. You don't own those platforms, right? So the if the algorithm changes again, which it will, if Zuckerberg or whoever decides to shut it down, you're screwed. Because you don't own those followers.

But your email list? That is your crew, those are your people. So I always teach people to start an email list and how to do it. And then some people are like, "That's awesome. But nobody is opening my emails."

So with that, is obviously your subject line is kind of like first line of defense, right? Why write such amazing content that's really going to help people if it's just gonna kind of languish and collect dust in their inbox?

This podcast episode all about the email subject line. In this episode I'm teaching you the five qualities of super clickable email subject lines. I also created a download that gives you all this information as well and a little activity to do to help you create an mail subject line bank, so that you can pull from that when you need it.

Ready to see your email open rate hit the high heavens? Let's get to it!

Grab your download here.

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I've noticed this funny thing that happens when businesses start talking to their audience. They turn into robots.

Picture it: you're having a conversation with a friend. Letting them know what you're up to, your latest project. You're excited about it, detailing how it's going to help your customer base, how it's a game changer, who it's for, why you created it… Your friend is intrigued by your project and is excited for it simply because of your energy and excitement in telling them all about it.

Then.

You go and post about it on social media. Or you send an email. Or describe it on your website. It's like your passion and excitement come to a screeching halt.

(robot dance gif)

The way you describe your project/product/service is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than how you described it to you friend. The excitement and emotion are gone.

Why?

Why do we think we need to switch into 'sterile-corporate' mode when we talk to the public? And not any public but a curated group that have made the decision to be in our community, whether a social media follower, email subscriber or the like.

Obviously you need to 'read the room.' On the opposite end, I've seen people get too casual and not know their audience. Greeting an audience with , 'Hey girl hey!' might not get you too far depending upon their temperature/vibe.

In this podcast episode:

I teach you all about my 'Copysation' strategy
- How to connect with your audience through an organic, continuing conversation
- How to talk with them and not at them
- How this connection increases your revenue of more what I like to call 'heart-eyed' customers
I also give you my 'Triple P Strategy'
- These are three questions I ask myself before I write anything
- These points need to be sorted out before pen hits paper or finger hits keyboard

Before you write anything else, listen to this training and implement it. It will make a world of difference in your audience connection and response.

Let me know when you make these changes and the positive impact you see from it!

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This episode marks ONE YEAR of the Small Business, Big Mindset podcast. We are so incredibly grateful to all of those that have tuned in - thousands of downloads later this show is still going strong!

We have just scratched the surface of valuable trainings and incredible guests and we are beyond excited of what's to come as we continue to bring you the best of the best to move your business forward.

As promised, this week we are going behind-the-scenes yet again (check out episode 51 where I take you behind-the-scenes to share my content process for the podcast). This time, my partner in crime Joey joins us to go over the exact process we use to produce the podcast, including all the hardware and software.

Discussion Highlights:

Tools of the trade: hardware and software
On the cheap: free or lower-priced options to consider
The COVID shuffle: how we had to shift our podcast vision
Lessons we learned along the way
Mastering an episode
Our production process

Software

Pro Tools
Zoom
Landr
Microsoft Teams
Buzzsprout
Waves Audio Plugins

Hardware

Neumann U87 Ai Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (we built one using a DIY clone kit from micparts.com)
Neat Microphones King Bee Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (comes with a built-in pop filter)
Acoustic Treatment - DIY acoustic panels. Grab our DIY guide here
Microphone Isolation Shield
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Interface

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We are coming up on ONE YEAR of our Small Business, Big Mindset podcast launch! As such, we're producing exclusive 'insider's look' episodes leading up to that one year anniversary all about how we create our podcast...including lesson's learned (there have been a few haha) and how we've fine-tuned our processes to create a well-oiled machine of entrepreneurial goodness.

This week I dive into the nuts and bolts of my content process. I go over:

topic selection and talking points for both our guest and non-guest episodes
how I review and select my guests
the exact process I have created from guest research to booking
the four points of guest outreach that make this a turnkey operation
the critical responsibility of all successful podcast hosts

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Where do I start with this one? Andrew Rincon is owner of CraigO's in Lakeway, currently one of the four independently owned locations in the Austin area. I was told of his heart and solid character and that we had to have him on the show! Our discussion reiterated what others had told me - heart of gold, this one. We discussed so much that is so valuable for fellow business owners to hear - Andrew is incredibly transparent.

Not sure if you've seen the news (or experienced it first-hand), but Texas was hit with historic snowfall, ice, and sub-zero temperatures in mid February. For a state that essentially never sees such weather, most were ill-prepared. Hundreds of thousands were without power, others were without water - some were without both…for DAYS. We discuss how Andrew, his team, and friends stepped up to serve the community during this time.

Discussion Highlights:

The Start

Started in the restaurant business in 2006 at CraigO's
Made the move to owning an insurance agency
School, west Texas
The restaurant business kept calling!

The Shift

He answered the call!
Bought the CraigO's Lakeway location in 2018
Over three years grew the business exponentially (we're talking consistent double-digit growth year over year)
Successfully navigated a global pandemic and a snowstorm that shut down the city

The Strategy

Implemented out-of-the-box ideas to thrive in the face of COVID-19 restrictions
Shifted a business model mid-pandemic
Discovered the foundation required to thrive in the midst of catastrophic challenges
Adopted new tools such as Popmenu

The Action

Steps to streamline a franchise for increased efficiency and productivity
Implemented best operational practices for a growing brand and business
The tweak to their marketing strategy that changed everything
The power of the email list

The Mindset

Really unplug when not at work. And take off your Apple Watch!
Take time to recharge
Cook for loved ones
Meet-up with local business owners

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Turnpike Troubadours

Where can people find you online?

Website
Facebook
Instagram

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My guests this week are not only inspiring, empowering business owners, but also my neighbors here in our Austin neighborhood! Amy Arnold and Jessica Stanley are the founders of Card My Yard. Chances are, if you've seen those fun letters in someone's yard celebrating an event, it was from Card My Yard. The two started the company in 2014, shifted to a franchise model and built their custom website in 2017, and saw exponential growth in 2020 in spite of a global pandemic.

The company now has over 365 franchise owners with over 90% of those from female entrepreneurs. In 2020 alone, Card My Yard booked over 150K orders, almost 3k greetings per week company-wide. In the first nine months of 2020, average revenue per location increased to $52,831 - up from an average of $18,788 in 2019.

To say this female-founded yet family-owned company is on a strong trajectory of success spurred on by a mission to serve is an understatement. In addition to supporting their franchise families and customers across the country, Card My Yard Cares (CMYC) is an extension of the brand that carries their mission even further of supporting those in need. Organizations such as Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Pop-Up Birthday, and Jail to Jobs are just some partners that CMYC has donated time and funds out of ongoing support.

The Start

Met at a Bible study, two moms wanting schedule flexibility and a way to contribute financially to their families
Came up with Card My Yard as a way to celebrate kids and support their local community
Came up with logistics in their living room, bought their first letters

The Shift

Started adding additional locations
Shifted to empower other business owners to go out and do what they did and provide for their families
Stepped back to look at how to move forward, transitioned all locations into franchise owners and it caught fire

The Strategy

During quarantine, many have been furloughed or laid off and have been able to use Card My Yard as more than what it was intended for
Over 90% of Card My Yard franchisees are female entrepreneurs
Able to really bless their families and fill in those gaps where it's been needed

The Action

Took a leap of faith in hiring full time employees
Huge change for us in the business over the last year.
Hiring infrastructure and hiring people has allowed true scaling in a sustainable way
Took counsel from advisors and other fellow business owners to be willing to share what they know about running a business.
Been willing to take some risk, step out on faith

The Mindset

By the end of 2021, plan is to have over 500 franchise locations across the country
Technology - continue to reinvest in that and equip franchise owners with new tools
New product rollouts beyond happy birthday/say anything signs
Keeping it fresh and exciting for franchise owners and repeat customers
Support growth of franchise owners, hiring internally, create new resources, continue to improve infrastructure to support continued growth

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

George Strait

Luke Combs

Where can people find you online?

Website
Facebook
Instagram

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Back in my late 90s/early 2000s start-up days - the 'real' dotcom start-up days that can never be recreated (and that's prob a good thing haha) - it was almost like a badge of honor to burn out.

If you weren't burned out, if you didn't spend the night in the office, if you didn't eat, sleep, breathe, your next project or product launch...were you even a true dotcommer?

It was like a rite of passage to regale stories of how your last website launch almost killed you. It was just an understanding - your personal life was secondary. Your health was relegated to whatever you could find in a bottle (medicinal or otherwise).

Today, things have changed. I can't see how things could have kept going down the path that they were - it wasn't sustainable.

While there are still some industries that probably work their people to the ground, most seem to be behind the #selfcare movement.

In each of our podcast episodes I ask every entrepreneur, 'With everything you are juggling between business and personal life, what fuels you? What practices do you incorporate in your regular routine to keep going and avoid burn out?'

I did a training for our private Facebook group a few months ago on this very topic, sharing some of the answers given by these successful entrepreneurs. We're featuring the audio version here as our latest podcast episode.

I feel it's that important - if we are all going to carry on and build strong, sustainable businesses to serve the solution we set out to serve...we MUST take care of ourselves. And not just once in awhile, we've gotta do things that consistently refuel us.

What do you do to refuel? Send me a note at hello@musclecreative.com and let me know.

For the full video training, head over to our Facebook group, 'Start and Scale an Online Business'.

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From an abusive home in a Communist country to a keynote speaker and author, our guest this week took even herself by surprise. Csilla Muscan is an international speaker, author, and founder of Magnify Your Message Training Programs. Inspired by her challenging up bringing and encouragement from others, Csilla embarked on a career path that first terrified her, but now brings her peace. She dedicates her time to helping passionate women with a powerful message find their unique voice and share their story…unashamed and unapologetically.

The Start

Native Hungarian born in Romania
Grew up in a Communist country where using your own voice and thinking for yourself was "not a thing"
Highly abusive upbringing, felt her voice didn't matter
Grew up in a musical home and was encouraged to sing
Auditioned for a music group and toured Europe and the U.S.

The Shift

As small portions of her story came out, people wanted to hear more
Developed the ability to step onstage and speak
Grew passionate about helping women to own their voice, their stories, their message and confidently take it to the stage

The Strategy

Enrolled in John Maxwell's certification program
At first, accepted all speaking opportunities then honed audience
All speaking and singing opportunities came to a halt due to COVID
Her online audience grew and she began listening to the questions they were asking like, 'how are you so clear in your message?' and 'how do I prepare a presentation?' and "how are you so natural on camera?"

The Action

Created an online training program and community in direct response to her online audience, '90 Day Speaker's Accelerator'
When getting clear on your message, ask yourself three things, "what's my passion?' "what do you have expertise/experience in?" "what is the market searching for?'
Have a mentor or coach that is a few steps ahead of you (not so far ahead that they've forgotten how they handled it when they were where you are)
Make a list of 100 people to connect with - interact with them, serve, grow that relationship
Ask for opportunities
Ask for feedback
Start before you're ready

The Mindset

Strong morning routine
Wake up at 5AM, journal/write goals, read Bible, read book - currently Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson
Exercise
Plan out day
Goals and Vision
- Narrowing focus for 2021
- Launching '90 Day Speaker's Accelerator'

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Whitney Houston

Where can people find you online? Magnify Your Message Website

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This week's guest is General Manager of CrossFit 2222 in Austin, TX, Keoni Subiono. Born and raised in Hawaii, Keoni founded and built CrossFit East O’ahu into an insanely successful gym - both financially and community-wise with his members. He's taken that business savvy mixed with a heart for community to help build CrossFit 2222…throughout a global pandemic. How do you keep a community and client-base growing and connected when human connection is a no-go? You get creative. You get scrappy. Listen in as this strategy and tactics can be applied across industries.

The Start

Personal trainer, top producer in Southern California for Bally Total Fitness
Moved back to Hawaii for the birth of their first son
Found CrossFit when writing a story for the Honolulu Star Bulletin
Affiliated the gym he founded with CrossFit, became CrossFit East O’ahu and then opened the second affiliate CrossFit West O’ahu
Created the biggest CrossFit membership in the state of Hawaii

The Shift

Switched his gym to CrossFit in 2008 when the economy crashed
Personal training came back in 2014, shifted his gym to be a hybrid model
Sold CrossFit East O’ahu and CrossFit West O’ahu in 2018 and moved to Texas
Oldest son is ranked #1 in the 14-15 teen division in the world for the CrossFit Games

The Strategy

Took over CrossFit 2222 in 2019, built up membership pre-COVID
Ran Zoom classes so engaging that home fitness people keep connecting
Created the 'Apocalypse Games' during shutdown

The Action

Become a master of building community
Continuously innovate, keeping members moving
Make mistakes, learn, keep building, repeat.

The Mindset

Deliberate and concise on where to place energy
4AM wake-up time, time-block the day
Dedicate certain days for certain business objectives
Prioritize family and core values
Goals and Vision
- Creating and rolling out a profitable guide to mastering the operations of a micro gym
- Focusing on 12-week 'Transform' program, continue to package and sell to other gyms

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Pearl Jam

Where can people find you online?

CrossFit 2222 Website

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You can call this week's guest 'Papa Bear' or Matt - which pretty much gives you a great indication of his personality. Matt Barnett is the CEO (Papa Bear) of Bonjoro. Bonjoro supports businesses in 'sparking meaningful conversations and powerful, lasting relationships with their customers' via personalized videos…but that's just the start. The company is currently building the world's first Customer Delight platform.

We. 👏 Are. 👏 Here. 👏 For. 👏 It.

Matt and team are perfectly positioned to bring businesses and customers closer with a personal touch to surprise and delight…and not in a creepy way. 😉

While remote connection was already building within various industries via video meetings and the like, COVID-19 accelerated the need, and now Bonjoro is taking it a step further. Differentiating your company from the rest of the pack is critical, especially as we begin to shed the pandemic blanket and embrace ways to navigate this unexpected curveball. Genuinely connecting with your customers through personalization is critical, and it seems that Bonjoro is leading the way.

Discussion Highlights:

The Start

Designer/artist in London
Moved to Australia, started an agency
Dealt with a lot of sites overseas, so predominantly London, Paris, New York, was generally about 12 hours out of sync on time zones
Developed a way to send individualized videos to every single lead that came into their funnel to make a solid connection
Tripled the response rate with these quirky, personalized videos regardless of the time zone

The Shift

Realized these personalized videos were actually a service their customers wanted for themselves
This new arm overtook the original business within about 18 months
COVID only accelerated this process - remote communication was already happening but now it was a necessity
Since remote communication was now required the need to personalize it was that much more valuable

The Strategy

Supporting traditionally face-to-face industries
How ecommerce and digital industries fly past their competitors with personalized video
Putting human connection and relationships at the forefront
Leveraging video messages to create sustained, loyal customers
The key points of time to send personalized videos within your funnel - engagement, retention, referral
Key tips on making the best personalized videos (authenticity is crucial)

The Action

Think big, take small steps, don't be afraid of making mistakes, go with your idea and test, test, test
If starting a business, have at least 10 different ideas
Network around you - find other entrepreneurs at your level and one step ahead of you

The Mindset

Starts every day at 5am - conducts conversations early in the day
Structured first half of the day
Stops at certain times to spend with family
Build structure into your culture, encourage your team to have time outside of work
Structure, but open to sacrifice for certain goals
Goals and Vision
- Automating processes, not relationships.
- Looking at further ways, different mediums, to help our customers engage and delight their customers. Turn them into super fans, build great relationships, and drive more customers.

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? London Elektricity

Where can people find you online?

Bonjoro.com
LinkedIn

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This week's guest was successful in accomplishing what so many would-be online entrepreneurs work toward - shifting from their full-time job to creating their own business. Veronica Sagastume is a content strategist for accountants and bookkeepers who moved from her lucrative CFO corporate career to running her own business - trading her corner office for her home office. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Veronica's entrepreneurial journey took many twists and turns impacted by her own aspirations as well as necessary environmental dynamics (COVID, anyone?).

Discussion Highlights:

The Start

College graduate, climbed the corporate ladder
Moved up quickly in fast-paced San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Software and technology, CFO

The Shift

Loved the work but working 16 hour days took its toll
Negative impact on health, priorities, relationships
Something had to give, had to find a solution

The Strategy

Left corporate job to start her consulting business
Quality of life changed, aided her ailing grandmother
Nurtured network from past and present to build business connections
Prioritized those as to who would benefit most from her service
Leveraging LinkedIn voice messaging to increase engagement conversions with network

The Action

Reached a cap of trading time for money, only so many hours in the day
Come up with a productized or standard offer that doesn't depend on your physical time
Researched, interviewed, and hired a business coach to accelerate progress
Turned business 100% remote
Identified when and how to hire

The Mindset

Gratitude in the morning
Morning structure gives freedom throughout the day
No phone or social media first thing
Time blocks calendar
Goals and Vision:
- Work with her niche (accountants, tax preparers, bookkeepers) to help them train themselves/team to handle content creation
- Launching an on-demand workshop in Q1 2021
- Launching an inclusive digital course with office hours during Summer 2021 to help students create content to convert clients

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Bee Gees

Where can people find you online?

Website

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This week we're discussing establishing and maintaining a successful brand identity. Having a strong brand can make the difference between a successful business and one that falls prey to the growing competition. Some might think that your brand identity is simply your logo and design of your website. However, as you can imagine, it goes far further than that.

Discussion Highlights:

Identifying Your Customer
Competitive Research
The Hole Your Company Fills
Your Mission Statement
Tying in Visual Elements and Voice
Consistency Across Your Brand

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With 2021 a mere three days away, goal-setting is critical...but keeping your mind correct is instrumental to even having a chance at accomplishing those goals.

This week we ask the question, 'What does mindset have to do with creating content that attracts your ideal clients?' From the moment we launch something, whether it's a product or a new service, we want it to be perfect, so perfect that it typically doesn't even get launched because it never lives up to our expectations. We're constantly tinkering with it, editing it, making it better.

In this episode we talk about how we all need to suck before we can improve:

failing as an essential part of the learning process
how a business mindset should challenge your perceived limitations
how identifying your fears can help progress
the importance of your 'why'
creating a productive morning routine

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We spoke with a dozen of our previous podcasts guests to ask, 'What new strategy, tool, process or idea are you looking forward to implementing for your business in 2021?'

This episode is dedicated to all those entrepreneurs getting crystal clear on what their businesses will accomplish in the new year - how far they will grow, how they will impact their community.

There are so many ways these businesses are planning to grow in 2021 - take a listen and let them inspire you to do the same.

Big thanks to the companies that participated in this episode:

Jamie Trull - Financial Literacy Coach and Profit Strategist
Harry Shaw - Lakeway Elite Fitness
Wade Lombard - Square Cow Movers
Jodi Hume - Strategy & Decision Support
Mo Pittle - JewBoy Burgers
Salome Schillack - Shine and Succeed
Alex Cook - It's Not Complicated Recipes
Claire Davis - Traction Resume
Crystalyn Aucoin - Crystalyn Aucoin Jewelry
Laney Lyons - One People's Kitchen
Melanie Wright - Melanie Wright Photography
Mindy Henderson - Mindy Henderson Speaks

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We are mere weeks away from the new year - we made it! With 2021 around the corner, we know many people are getting their goals in order. For some, finally starting their own online business (or shifting to a new focus) is toward the top of the list.

We put together a list of online business ideas to consider. These span a variety of backgrounds and skill levels, so we bet there's a few that may spark some inspiration. For your convenience, we've included a download where you can grab a checklist of all these ideas. After listening, review the list and check off the ones that get you pumped!

Get on the waitlist to be notified when enrollment opens for our Online Business On-Ramp digital course. It's the only all-in-one logistics toolkit laid out in a simple to adopt system - saving the business owner time, money, and cutting out the overwhelm, so that they can focus on the core aspects of the business - the service or product offered.

From figuring out what formation you should choose (stay at sole proprietorship? form as an LLC?) to tips on getting your EIN and setting up your business account to guidelines to consider when choosing your website platform, email marketing platform, and project management platforms...AND insight into how to grow a business alongside life (virtual school, COVID restrictions, full-time jobs), this course covers the critical components of building a strong online business foundation.

Get on the list here: https://www.musclecreative.com/waitlist

Links to previous podcast episodes mentioned:

Becoming an Author
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep39

Becoming an Affiliate Marketer
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep22

Starting and Monetizing a Blog
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep21

Being a Realtor in the Time of COVID
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep9

Starting a Meal Delivery Service
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep17

Creating Digital Courses
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep25

Leveraging Etsy to Sell Your Handmade Items
https://www.musclecreative.com/podcast-ep32

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This week we have Dr. Andrea Luise, owner of Lakeway Spine Center and author. Andrea has been a practicing chiropractor for 17 years and for the past 8 years has been the sole owner of her practice and a single mom. An insightful question from her daughter two years ago sent her down the path of becoming a published author.

The Start

School focused on the science of chiropractic even though they were told 60% of chiropractors fail in business…there was no business aspect of their education
Practiced for 2 years in Virginia before moving to Texas
Fell into entrepreneurship after she and her then husband (also a chiropractor) weren't happy with jobs or prospects

The Shift

Single mom and sole business owner was never on her radar
All her eggs are in one basket, pandemic has made it nerve-wracking
A lot of pivoting during the pandemic, changed protocols completely
A major part of the business, massage therapy, was shut down for 2 months, chiropractic was limited (just acute patients)
Down about 80% for 2 1/2 months
Two years ago, daughter asked her, 'Mom, what would you be if you could be anything?' and 'Author' flew out of her mouth, surprising them both
Concept for book evolved over the pandemic with all the extra time

The Strategy

Narrative driven non-fiction style book - inter weaving personal experiences/life with life in her practice and themes that keep coming up with the patients that she treats
Started by getting used to writing, sitting down and writing to strengthen that muscle
Took a class called Author School, led by literary agent Rachele Gardner (Jen Hatmaker's literary agent) 8-week course taught you to go from typing on your laptop by yourself to being on the shelves at a book store.
Learned how important building your platform is, learning how to connect, meet other writers, find her people.

The Action

At first, hiring was on craigslist to find a massage therapist, front desk help, office coordinators but now it's Indeed and local Facebook pages
To get chiropractic clients:
- Mostly word of mouth
- Weekly post on social media for local Facebook sites, and Instagram post on Small Business Tuesday
- Some print work (hit or miss, people not reading as much mail as they used to)
- Local neighborhood newsletters
- Great group of doctors that refer patients to her regularly
To build audience and community around her upcoming book, having a strong following if trying to publish traditionally is expected.
- Focused on building that following
- Huge underground community of bookstagrammers that support each other

The Mindset

Up at 5 or 5:30am to work out
Lunch break to decompress, reading and breathing
Compartmentalize loose ends at work so the can be present at home
Prayers and gratitude at bedtime
Goals and Vision
- For the practice - maintain a good team, keep the practice moving forward
- For writing - start the query process, become represented and published

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? U2

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram - Chiropractic
Facebook - Chiropractic
Instagram - Author

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This week features an excerpt from a Facebook Live training we did a little while back. It's a quick training on finding the right niche for your business, and therefore your content.

We cover:

The intersection of what your audience needs and the direction of the market
What your audience wants and what you can anticipate they'll need
Focusing on one ICA even though you may serve several
Choosing the most effective and needed niche
Niching up - it's not a perfect science!
Absorbing your niche
Giving the niche your own unique flavor
What to do when you're still not sure what your niche is

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In one week we will enter the last month of 2020. In a few days millions in America will celebrate Thanksgiving, perhaps in ways they never thought they would, but celebrate and give thanks nonetheless.

We are grateful for them, and the time they took out of their busy schedules to share with you. We hope this is helpful as you wrap up a strong 2020 and start 2021 with a newfound passion for serving your audience and getting crystal clear on the goals you will be accomplishing.

Entrepreneurs featured on this episode (not necessarily in this order):

Alex Cook - It's Not Complicated Recipes
Claire Davis - Traction Resume
Crystalyn Aucoin - Crystalyn Aucoin Jewelry
Krystal Proffitt - Proffitt Media
Laney Lyons - One People's Kitchen
Lauren Kilgore - Beautiful Wreaths and Etsy Expertise
Melanie Wright - Melanie Wright Photography
Mindy Henderson - Mindy Henderson Speaks
Mo Pittle - JewBoy Burgers
Paul Totaro - Bargsley, Totaro, Andrews & Steinbach
Salome Schillack - Shine and Succeed

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Many of you may already have your content strategy in place to handle the holiday season the best way possible - showcasing how your product or service can serve your target audience.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, though, we thought we’d go over some best practices and key insights, especially for those that are still putting their plan in place. No shade thrown or judgement cast - this is a crazy time and 2020 has been topsy turvy at best.

Discussion Highlights:

How 2020 has impacted consumer needs and perceptions
The five key insights of consumer behavior around this time
The top five factors shoppers care about when making holiday shopping decisions
Questions to ask your audience to create better holiday content
Connecting with your audience through various platforms
Creating and organizing your holiday content calendar

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Mel Afflerbach is a self-described 'health nut, yoga teacher and mama who drinks green juice with a dash of Tequila'. A serial entrepreneur at heart, Mel has created and built multiple businesses in the health and wellness arena, from yoga instructor to women's retreat creator, to prepared meals chef and podcast host…Mel is not afraid to blur the lines of entrepreneurship.

We dove right in, discussing what made her jump in to her small business journey and how COVID-19 put a wrench into things but also sparked innovation. As she pivoted to grow her wellness brand online, we look at tactics she leveraged to grow her audience online, and her vision for the future.

The Start

Health and wellness career began 15 years ago
Discovered that yoga helped her anxiety so began teaching
Explored yoga in Utah, Austin, and Colorado
Expanded to nutrition with her prepared meals business 'Natural Kitchen'
Dove into health/holistic coaching with Ayurveda

The Shift

Maximized yoga to lucrative business - Women's Yoga Retreats
COVID shut downs and partial closures had a heavy impact
Had to pivot and publish content on a virtual platform
Still needed to give students that intimate studio connection
Time to slow down a little bit and to pivot
Realized anxiety was suppressed with staying busy

The Strategy

Identify avenues to connect with people: social media, email, texting, messages
Be personable and connect as you would in person
Expanded website with a blog, newsletters and email captures
Be real and authentic: leverage FB or IG Live

The Action

Follow people that you are authentically connected to
Take their trainings, see what's working for them.
Capture contacts to build your email list to have that physical connection
Pick four categories for your social media content
Avoid over-curation, don't want to trigger people
Ask why am I doing this, what's my goal in it? All content must hit those points

The Mindset

Mornings: meditate, gratitude journal, coffee, time outside
Has a lot of amazing women as an entrepreneurial support system
Focused on the next 30 days at a time
Goals and Vision
- Women's Yoga Retreat in May 2021
- Continuing with Green Juice and Tequila podcast
- Launching the Green Juice and Tequila cookbook

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Gorillaz

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram

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We met Mo Pittle at his Austin brick and mortar restaurant, JewBoy Burgers. While born in Cleveland, Mo grew up in El Paso, Texas and meandered his way to Austin. From pre-med to advertising to now owning one of the most sought after and talked about diners in the Austin area, Mo has a wide breadth of knowledge in business - both starting and scaling. Let's dive in.

The Start

Started pre-med in university
Left school a few years in, worked at Club Med in Cancun
Back to El Paso, played in the band AYB
Back to school, graduated with a degree in Advertising
Owned an ad agency from 2002-2012
Started to consult after that, not his thing

The Shift

At a crossroads: go back to corporate America with a steady job or be a serial entrepreneur
Owned a food truck for 3.5 years
Steady growth, toward end of 2019 saw increased media exposure - bloggers, influencers
January of 2020 started to see real exponential growth
By June, doubling income almost every month
In July approached by a property owner to create a brick and mortar restaurant
Decided to give it a try, lots of outside seating so perfect for the pandemic
August 22nd last day on truck, Sept 1 first day in restaurant
Now has 21 on staff

The Strategy

Saw exponential growth through patience
New business owners get jumpy and are always in reactive mode - avoided that
80% food is critical but 20% is the experience, you have to do more
On the food truck he could connect with each customer
Work on the repeat business
Take the pretention out, be yourself

The Action

Research is critical - know who you are and who your customer is
You can't have a good review without a good customer
Have a strategy and then intel and then tactics
A word of caution re: discounting and delivery services
Identify which media makes the most sense - for food, it's Instagram

The Mindset

Always over-deliver
Value the 2 C's: content and culture
Marketing is effort and commitment - it's a process, not a product
Goals and vision
- possible local expansion
- potential ideas other than JewBoy

The Wrap-Up

If you could only listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Eagles

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Our guest this week, Claire Davis, started out as a corporate warrior. After multiple lay-off situations (we joked that this episode was more like a cautionary tale) she turned to entrepreneurship. Claire founded Traction Resumes and began focusing on being a career coach and resume writer for professionals. She shows them how to expand their network strategically, what to include in a compelling resume, and how to interview for success. We discuss how all of this translates for small business owners, including how to frame your LinkedIn personal and business profile to attract the clients you want.

The Start

Grew up in CA with entrepreneurial parents Saw budding candidates coming in, some needed more guidance than others
Graduated from Ohio University with a Journalism degree
Impacted by several layoffs, reevaluated her career path

The Shift

Founded her own career coaching and resume writing business
COVID-19 has rocked the job market, causing an increase in her business
Teaches professionals a viable way to continue to grow their career despite obstacles

The Strategy

Industries such as Hospitality, Oil and Gas may be changed forever due to COVID
Reviews her client's work experience - focusing on how it translates as value in their career
Leveraging expertise, translating it to other industries

The Action

LinkedIn profile should focus on the value you bring
A clear title and value statement by your name as well as testimonials are powerful tools on LI
what problem do we uniquely solve for our customer
LinkedIn features to check out - voice memos and stories
Post value-laden content frequently on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a largely untapped networking platform for entrepreneurs when compared to FB and IG
Consistent, intentional, genuine, messages each day on LI is a solid way to increase your network and client-base

The Mindset

Start before you're ready!
Having an online business uniquely positions entrepreneurs to have expansive reach and a supportive community
Works with a fitness and nutrition coach, time blocks her calendar each morning
Goals and Vision
- Scale through creating a course to teach others these skills so they can use her strategies for the rest of their career
- Our first digital courses: List Builder's Society, Hilary Rushford and Rick Mulready's Facebook + Instagram Ads Foundations

The Wrap-Up

If you could only listen to one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Steely Dan

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Lauren Kilgore has found a perfect intersection of two online businesses - selling a product and teaching others how to sell products…on one of the most popular platforms out there. Lauren founded Beautiful Wreaths and Etsy Expertise after fielding many questions around the Etsy platform via her successful wreath making business.

The Start

Accountant by trade, made wreaths for fun on the side
Started as a wreath maker in 2014 after encouragement from family and friends
Started an Etsy shop and Facebook page on the same day
Joined wreath making groups to connect and learn

The Shift

Many in the Facebook groups were asking how to use Etsy to increase their sales
Found herself in there a lot answering questions about the Etsy platform
Realized there was a hole in the market
Due to the pandemic, businesses were moving online and needed help
Discovered online sales far outweighed those of craft shows (and COVID shut those down)

The Strategy

Developed 2 digital courses: one for Esty beginners, and another one for those already online but not hitting their sales goals
First three things to do for those just starting out (hint: SEO, SEO, SEO)
Two main keyword tools for Etsy: eRank and Marmalead
Top marketing tactics for those growing their Etsy shop
Social media strategy for handmade sellers (Pinterest - the forgotten tool for many)

The Action

The 80/20 rule for content posting on social media
Brand awareness, consistency and cross-platform visibility
Leveraging video
Tools for email list building

The Mindset

Breaking out of your niche, while still connecting to your niche
Fave part of having an online business - not working to build someone else's dream
Goes for a walk/run for a clear head, strives to have a clear workspace, outsourced house cleaning
Goals and Vision
- Met her big goal of replacing her full time income, so now has to set a new revenue and dream goal.
- Help others to have the success she has had with their own businesses, have the same feeling of pride and joy that she has

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Michael Jackson

Where can people find you online?

Website
Beautiful Mesh on Esty
Pinterest
Facebook
Handmade Sellers University Facebook Group
Instagram

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If you haven't heard the name Krystal Proffitt yet, you will. She is fast becoming one of the most sought after educators in podcasting. Her digital course, Proffitt Podcasting, is a step-by-step plan for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to start, launch, and market their podcasts with confidence. The Poddy People monthly membership brings together a community of podcasters to collaborate and innovate, taking their podcasts to the next level. Krystal shares with us how this career came to be, as well as specific steps would-be podcasters should take when first starting out.

The Start

Left corporate to be a stay at home mom
After being a Pinterest-perfect mom didn't work out, she realized had to find something for herself
Started writing, journaling and unsuccessfully blogging
A blogger she followed started a podcast inspiring her to do the same
Launched her first podcast, The Rookie Life, correlated with her previous blog

The Shift

People started asking her questions about how podcasting worked
Started podcast coaching in 2019, jumped in with her new podcast, 'The Proffitt Podcast'
Launched her daily podcast, The Poddy Report, in March, focused on being transparent on what it takes to have a podcast
Didn't feel right promoting her course during COVID, launched a membership, 'The Poddy People' at a lower price point to support the community

The Strategy

Focused on the value-add to listeners
Was strategic about launching - timing and content
Evolved her format by listening to her audience
Included more success stories and insight from other podcasters
Conducts a half solo and half interview format

The Action

Keep it simple!
Pick launch date, stick to it, and talk about it everywhere
Set a budget for yourself and reverse engineer necessary equipment
Manage expectations - use it as the marketing arm of your business
Practice recording yourself speak on your voice memos app on your phone
Before you launch, try to get on 4-5 podcasts to talk about your topic
Get over it and ask for people to subscribe or leave a rating or a review
Tools we talked about:
- Audacity
- GarageBand
- Hindenburg
- Calendly
- Acuity
- Buzzsprout
- Buzzsprout Magic Mastering
- Buzzsprout Affiliate Marketplace

The Mindset

Her first book, 'Start a Bingeworthy Podcast' comes out October 20, 2020
Journals 30 minutes every morning, gets up at 5AM
Goals and Vision
- Simplifying a lot!
- Her membership is open for the rest of 2020 but in 2021 it will only be available to those in her digital course

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Alanis Morissette

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Pinterest

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Our guest this week, Jodi Hume; who focuses on decision support for entrepreneurs growing their businesses, grew up in a family of entrepreneurs dating back to her grandparents. How cool to have such a background that you can ask your grandma what it was like to run a business in the 1940s?

After college, Jodi found herself employed at an architecture firm where she stayed for 17 years moving up the ranks from Marketing Director to COO. Anything that wasn't architecture at the firm, Jodi ran it. Through those leadership meetings and facilitating conversations of decision-making as well as fixing previous decisions, Jodi had an extraordinary learning experience that brought her to where she is today - a personal strategist and facilitator for busy leaders and their teams.

The Start

Surrounded by an entrepreneurial family
Business conversations with the dinner table conversation du jour
After college, grew from Marketing Director to COO of a growing architecture firm

The Shift

Due to COVID-19, in-person facilitations and workshops were out
Adopted online facilitator tools to adapt
Continued roundtables via Zoom
Every client from past and present came out of the woodwork at the beginning of COVID
Personality profiles were either of those comfortable in uncertainty and thriving or those paralyzed because of it

The Strategy

Saw a need to support business leaders who didn't have an unbiased resource to help decision making
Sought to help entrepreneurs avoid wheel spinning, a toxic and draining aspect of business
A entrepreneurs make progress in their business, new problems arise
Learning to celebrate new problems as a sign of progress

The Action

Roundtable framework used - speaker tees up the issue, others only ask questions
Best thing you can do for an entrepreneur - be curious, ask lots of questions to get at the real problem
Focus on the problem, not the symptoms
Avoid comparing solutions rather than honing in on the actual problem

The Mindset

To keep her mind and body fueled: sings in a band, performs vigorous strength training exercise
Monitors her energetic and emotional capital, listens to her body - plays strategic hooky when necessary
Goals and Vision
- Launching a service at a scaled level - supplying business owners with someone to talk to on the business side, talk an element through that is holding them back so they can move on

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Where can people find you online?

Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

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Our guest this week, Nadine Fonseca, is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mighty Kind. This beautiful publication, available in both print and digital versions, is a 'kid's magazine that focuses on developing kindness and empathy as a foundation for anti-bias education, global citizenship, and service.' Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nadine was surrounded by a thriving atmosphere of diversity and colorful culture. Having moved out of state with her husband and kiddos to the suburbs lacking this, she began to create experiences for her kids to learn about various cultures, diversity, and inclusion. She figured other parents would want this as well, so she surveyed over 500 parents from 22 different countries. The results from that survey sealed the deal and Mighty Kind was born.

The Start

Team of moms across 5 time zones
Launched the first issue September 2019
Solidified internal messaging of what they stood for before anything else
Created their structure from four pillars
Identified a printer and fulfillment center
Leverage key apps and platforms to manage such a complex process of magazine production

The Shift

Due to COVID, partnerships with independent book stores has diminished
Challenge of ecommerce as people cannot touch and flip through their pages to feel and validate the price point as an educational resource

The Strategy

Participating in online publicity opportunities such as IG story takeovers
Sales keeps them afloat but the work is the most important, the message, the mission
Partnering with charitable organizations and foundations to deliver their message

The Action

Creatives can send submissions or collaboration interest via www.mightykindkids.com
Tips for pitching to your content - run with the ideas they mention and make it your own
Focus on the thought and purpose behind your pitch
Craft your pitch in a way that is unique to you and your experiences

The Mindset

Lesson learned: Embrace a compassionate mindset and the fact that some loved ones will support you in different ways
Lesson learned: stop apologizing for trying to do something good and making yourself small in the process.
Give yourself grace. Map something out and allow the day to happen as it's going to happen.
Goals and Vision
- Become a nonprofit organization with a team that spans countries, cultures, and voices.
- Create a foundation that funds great works focusing on social-emotional skills, antibias, antiracism, diversity and inclusion, mental health
- Fund service projects that are organically derived by young kids

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Whitney Houston

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

** They are grant recipients from the iFund Women Foundation for Latinx and Hispanic-owned businesses. There is currently a live crowdfunding campaign here: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/mighty-kind

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This week's topic is one that every small business owner needs to listen to, and learn more about: pitching to media. Ashley M. Biggers, founder of 'How to Pitch Media' started her company when she realized that so many great stories were not being told because small business owners didn't have the means or the know-how to get themselves covered in the press. A journalist by trade, entrepreneurs hold a special place in Ashley's heart, so she decided to become an educator and help others on the other side of the pitch to grow their businesses and increase their credibility through press coverage.

Discussion Highlights:

The Start

Caught the writing bug from a young age
Drawn to Communications field
Senior year of college still figuring it out, joined AmeriCorps Vista
- Domestic peace corp program, fighting the systemic cause of poverty. Helps women and people of color start and grow their businesses
Figured out she wanted to do journalism but support small business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives

The Shift

Turned toward educating small business owners how to do press outreach
COVID-19 impacted freelancing due to a changed media industry landscape
Many publications closed, budgets decreased, causing a decrease in content and less opportunities to be featured in the press
Planned to launch a digital course teaching these skills to small business owners the very week U.S. shutdown, so shifted into a service mindset since covid was so devastating to many small businesses, to share her info

The Strategy

Leverage press as a vehicle to get the word out and increase your credibility
Read, listen and watch the media outlets you want to be featured in
Reach media outlets that your audience accesses
Media outlets work off of social proof
How to leverage social media

The Action

How to Pitch
1. Identify journalists that consistently report on certain topics
2. Send a short and sweet email, 3 sentences long
  - First sentence - establish the relevancy of your story to that journalist.
  - Second sentence - Establish the newsworthiness or point of differentiation, what's timely, interesting, about your business
  - Third sentence - wrap up asking if they would like further information. Leverage one media outlet for another
Biggest Mistakes
- Achieving media coverage with a publication one time and then going radio silent.
- Not approaching the right publication or journalist with their message
- Stopping after one attempt and never pitching that journalist again
When to Pitch
Follow Up!
Social Media Etiquette

The Mindset

Daily Routines - Morning jogs, daily gratitude practice, top 3 biggest tasks that day
Goals and Vision
- As a journalist - always to tell great stories but also to have people feel that they have truly been seen. That is the most fundamental gift to give to another human.
- As an educator - teach hundreds of entrepreneurs to do this for themselves so they can grow their businesses via press coverage

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Maggie Rogers

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Paul Totaro may be a CPA by trade, but he's a small business owner devotee at heart. Before getting his CPA license, he was a business broker because he specifically wanted to work with business owners. He went on to purchase his own firm, now Bargsley, Totaro, Andrews & Steinbach, CPAs, LLC, and while they support individuals with their tax preparation and planning, they also focus on entrepreneurs.

We had a lively conversation that included top actions entrepreneurs should take when setting up as well as scaling their businesses, how the topsy turvy programs and less than stellar guidance the government rolled out during COVID impacted their firm and clients, and…one of my favorite parts of the episode…his BIG struggle with answering our very last question.

Discussion highlights:

The Start

Business broker turned CPA
Bought his own firm
Supports individuals and entrepreneurs, soft spot for business owners

The Shift

Industry had gone high tech so easier COVID transition
Everything went remote
Tracking of tax returns and projects from card stock to digital
Moving toward technology solution for team communication
Auditing all processes for better solutions

The Strategy

Shutdown right after Business returns were due (March 15)
Other returns postponed to June/July
New info with little guidance caused a few shaky months
Inundated with calls and emails from clients asking about new government programs
Like running a marathon and then tacking on 20 more miles at the end

The Action

First thing for starting a business - identifying the right business entity
Keep it simple! Plenty of time for your business to get complicated
Hire a bookkeeper when you can
Read the market & validate your business idea
Easiest way to manage your business finances and expenses is…
Learning the income flow and when you are taxed in that flow

The Mindset

Take breaks and move around
Can only sit at your desk for so long, give yourself a mental 5 minute break every now and then

The Future

Keep working remote for the next several years
Find a client portal to manage their growth and their adoption of technology
Potentially buy another firm and form a merger

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Beatles

Where can people find you online?

Website

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For many, working a 9-5 job or one with inflexible hours is just reality. Once something disrupts our flow, such as having children, we realize…hey, wait a minute. There are other, higher priority things I want to be doing with my time.

This was the predicament of today's guest Salome Schillack, CEO/Founder of Shine and Succeed. Working as a pharmaceutical rep, Salome was tired of choosing between her income and her family. After attempting a coaching business, Salome dove into online course creation. (which by the way, she quit after her first course launch was not what she anticipated - more on that in this episode). Salome now has a multiple six-figure Facebook ads agency, a membership, and online courses…all which serve the online course creator niche.

Discussion Highlights:

The Start

The rise and fall of an online coaching business
Launching her first online course for $2,000 in revenue after only spending $400 on Facebook ads…and quit
From Facebook ads side hustle to the start of a full Facebook ads agency

The Education

B-School
Amy Porterfield's suite of courses
Any digital marketer and Facebook ads trainings she could get her hands on
Podcasts, podcasts, podcasts

The Growth

Free clients from Facebook group networking
Started charging $500 a month, then $750, then $1500, then more to manage ads
Now has an full scale agency with employees and amazing clients
Niched down to serve digital course creators to build and scale their entire business with ads
Word of mouth referrals, course launch ads

The Strategy

Mission to help people get out of their jobs and not have to choose between a 9-5 job or being home with the kids
Adjust their model to not run as an agency, has online courses and memberships too
Created the original Shine Show with female entrepreneurs and broadcasted from her phone
First course was Facebook Live Superstar
Worked with online course creators as ads managers, saw the backend of people 20 steps ahead of her

The Shift

Launched a course, A-Lister, during COVID-19
From key learnings, pivoted to a membership
Help students start earlier at a lower dollar value, so that over the course of a few months they get sustainable long term results

The Action

Create your ad account, setup your pixel, set up your custom audiences
Run engagement ads consistently in the background, all the time
Build engagement, then build email list, and then build your launches
Create lead magnets that solve a problem that your ideal customer wants solved

The Mindset

Grateful for lessons learned and to learn; know you have learned enough now to keep going
The pros talk about the same thing for years, gaining mastery
Daily routine: Meditation, journaling, exercise
Save social media and email for later - get to the meat of your day first thing

The Future

Teach women to create more autonomy by creating more income, have more freedom
Grow the membership of students learning and using ads to make an impact
Teach students to be ads managers for online course creators

The Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Beyonce

Where can people find you online?

Website
Facebook
Instagram

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You know when you meet someone and in the first five minutes you're like, 'oh yeah, we're gonna be friends'? That's Jamie Trull. (by the way, her name is not pronounced 'troll' and I know that…but listening to this in playback I totally pronounced it like that! Why?!) Anyway. Jamie is a corporate CFO and CPA-turned entrepreneur.

After working for years for corporations with 90 hour work weeks during multi-billion dollar mergers, she had an epiphany - time is the most valuable commodity. She started her own company, Balance CFO, picking up multiple clients along the way. When she found that going out on her own resulted in multiple bosses instead of just the one at a corporate job, she started looking more seriously at digital courses. Jamie's heart is with small business owners, and her passion is to educate them on financial literacy and maximizing their profits to pay themselves more.

Discussion highlights:

The Male-Female Finance Divide

The huge difference between how genders approach business
The financial knowledge gap of women small business owners
The staggering '40% and 4%' statistic every small business owner should know…and change

Relatable Financial Literacy

The market for fun, relatable finance education
Leaving client work behind for profitable digital courses
Letting go of the money shame spiral

1 to 1 vs. 1 to Many

The power of scalability and impact
Serving a larger audience through digital courses
How she landed a spot on Amy Porterfield's top business podcast, 'Online Marketing Made Easy'
The complete transformation of business and life in one year

Niche Down or Niche Up?

Starting with a very niche course idea
Niching up to a service your audience needs
Listening to clients, group members
Identifying a process that could become a course

Exponential Growth Amidst COVID-19

Grew her Facebook group from 5,000 to over 28,000 members in 4 months
Shifting content to serve finance needs due to the pandemic
Identifying a need to educate small business owners through PPP, SBA loans and more

The Art of Supplying Value and the Sale

Showed up for her group consistently, educating via Facebook Lives
Realized new members needed a back to basics business finance course
Launched a $179 course, sold over 860, earned six-figures
Sold the course before building it to gauge interest

Cornerstones of a Six-Figure Digital Course Launch

The critical piece of content marketing
Tap into what members of your Facebook group need
Show up consistently and give value for free
Leverage Facebook group for list building
Growing an email list from 0 to over 24,000 within a year
The sales mindset shift

Moving Forward - Goals and Visions

Focus on automation to continue creating her ideal lifestyle
Maintain flexibility, especially through COVID-induced virtual learning

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? The Hamilton Soundtrack

Where can people find you online?

Financial Literacy for Women Business Owners Facebook Group
Balance CFO Facebook Business Page
YouTube
Instagram
Website

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I first heard of Genia Stephen when she had landed a 5-figure contract with an organization that wanted to not only purchase her digital course, but roll it out across their org. When I dug further to see what she was up to, I learned that her business 'Good Things in Life' was completely centered on supporting parents with kids that have disabilities. Some of you may be aware, but this tugged on my heartstrings as my parents (after having 8 of us biologically) adopted 12 children from varying backgrounds and hardships.

Genia is a prime example of someone that had knowledge in a certain area, saw a hole that needed to be filled, and figured out a way to build a service that filled that need. Growing up, Genia was surrounded with leaders in the disability world as her mom became a powerful advocate alongside her younger sister's diagnosis. Cut to 14 years ago, Genia's own son was born with disabilities and medical complexities.

Conversation Highlights:

Identifying a Business Need

Midwife background highlighted a gaping hole
Parents with kids of disabilities start their journey online
Created ongoing instruction and support for this community
Launched Good Things in Life: podcast, free monthly webinars, digital courses and a membership

The Power of Digital Courses

Started from scratch with no entrepreneurial experience
Began with Marie Forleo's B-School online course
Then took Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy

Leveraging Collaborations & Personal Knowledge

Co-created the course, 'Belonging in School: The What, Why, and How of Inclusive Education'
Moved on to launch 'Inclusion Academy' as a membership for parents with ongoing support and community
Accelerates progress by making high quality information, resources, ideas, and support more available to parents across the board

Top Tools & Processes for Success

Digital Course Academy - created by Amy Porterfield as a comprehensive program to create, launch, and sell digital courses
Tribe - created by Stu McLaren as a course that teaches how to launch a successful and profitable membership site
Full Focus Planner - created by Michael Hyatt, this planner helps to cut down on overwhelm by helping you focus on what matters and ditching the never-ending-to-do-list
Digital courses speed up your progress by delivering the info you need in an accelerated pace

Selling Your Digital Course to Other Organizations

Building relationships, credibility, and authority
The power of the 'ask'
Getting over the money mindset of making money = burning yourself out
Re-using one digital course for multiple income streams

Moving Forward - Goals and Visions

Improving her membership, growing that audience
Continuing to build her email list
Build and scale her podcast
Reassess late 2020/early 2021 - re-evaluate, tweak, set goals, move forward

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Bob Marley, The Dixie Chicks depending upon her mood

Where can people find you online?

Good Things in Life
The What, Why, and How of Inclusive Education
Facebook Group
Instagram

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When chatting with our guest this week, you would haze zero idea that she has overcome such adversity in her life. Or maybe you would, maybe her sunny yet determined outlook on life is one that would only come after such obstacles. We are overjoyed to welcome Mindy Henderson of Mindy Henderson Speaks to the show - professional speaker, coach, and writer focused on overcoming adversity.

At 15 months old, she was diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy. Her parents were told she would lose all of her abilities to stand or walk, she would lose all of her cognitive functions, and probably wouldn't live to be 3 years old. Between parents that would not take her diagnosis lying down, and a self-described personality of a natural born project manager with a sprinkling of bossiness, Mindy has defied all odds and our world is better for it.

Discussion highlights:

Hope, Gratitude, Independence

Implementing a plan in the face of devastation
Impact of being the Texas State Poster Child for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
The start of catching the public speaking bug

From Tech Career to Speaker Entrepreneur

Working in high tech for two decades
Overcoming fear of risk to become an entrepreneur
What pushed her into following her dream of becoming a published author
Adding coach to her repertoire

Life's Curve Balls as Messenger

Skipping the pity party and jumping into productivity
Ignoring your life's plan for your life's purpose

Becoming a Public Speaker

How to identify your topic
Engaging with your audience with stories and tools
Getting clear on your values, priorities for audience connection
Speaking for groups, organizations, nonprofits, UT Austin

The Impact of COVID-19

Battling through event cancellations
Creating workshops that align with the current state of the world

Key Success Principles

The importance of having multiple arms to your business
Getting comfortable with risk taking
Being intentional with honesty and vulnerability
Networking through social media and 1:1

Moving Forward - Goals and Visions

Expanding coaching clients
Land a publishing contract
Increase speaking engagement
Do a Ted Talk or Tedx Talk

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Eagles

Where can people find you online?

Mindy Henderson Speaks
Instagram
Facebook
Women's Thrive & Shine Network Facebook Group

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Growing a group on Facebook can be a powerful tool in scaling a business, and, in the case of our guest this week, it can be the foundation of the business itself. Erica Marie created and runs Erica's Steals & Finds VIP Group. We met via another successful entrepreneur and social media guru, Jasmine Star, who runs the company and group Social Curator.

Erica is a mom of four boys and when her youngest headed off to school, she realized she needed to do something for herself. Like many stay-at-home moms, she had dedicated her life to her kiddos and found she had lost herself along the way. Seeing 'influencers' posting pictures of perfect outfits, perfect homes, perfect lives started to make her feel badly, she wanted to create a safe space for women to be themselves. She loved her friends, she loved shopping, so her deals Facebook group was born.

In two years she has grown her group to over 45,000 women and has expanded her team to 5 virtual assistants. Take a look at our discussion highlights:

The Business of Affiliate Programs

Becoming an Amazon affiliate, navigating the rules
Expanded to Jane, Shopstyle, and rewardStyle

Attracting Members

Growing a deals group from 40 members to over 45K
The power of authentic posts and genuine community
Giveaways with specific incentives

COVID and Facebook Rules

Navigating Facebook rules for deal groups (and most groups that take traffic off the platform)
Posting 50-90 times a day with a shifting algorithm
The drastic drop in Amazon commission during COVID-19
Change of focus from cute clothes to personal care essentials and supplies

The Reality of Being an Entrepreneur

Continuing on no matter what, this is business #6
First two years reinvesting in the business
Working 16 hour days with a household of essential workers

Business Game Changers

Getting super clear on niche ideal customer
Tracking engagement on public page to grow private group
Encouraging group members to post their buys and experiences
Hiring help, Chalene Johnson's program 'How to Hire'
Empowering 5 overseas virtual assistants

Growing an Email List

Suggested platform, Flodesk
Hosts strategic giveaways
Reminds audience that Facebook could shut them down, email is forever

Moving Forward - Goals and Visions

Empower her team to grow and take on more
Continue to increase the pay rate for her virtual assistants so they can buy homes, etc
Expand upon ways her group can impact the world

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? The Offspring

Where can people find you online?

Erica's Steals & Finds VIP Group
Instagram
Facebook

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If you've ever thought about starting a blog, or have a blog but are stumped as to how to keep it growing…this episode is for you. This week we chat with Alex Cook, creator of the It's Not Complicated recipe blog. After leaving her career in in real estate and aviation, Alex started a blog combining her two passions - cooking and writing. She assumed it would be a hobby on the side, but within four months of starting her blog it was growing so quickly that it needed her full-time attention. Two years in, Alex continues to run her blog business full-time, having grown her page views beyond what is required to partner with an ad network.

Cadence and Content

Avoiding the temptation to expand your niche
Stuck with a cadence of 3 posts a week on set days
The power of consistency and quality over quantity
Start with what you can, improve over time

Monetizing a Blog

Leveraging viral posts
Hitting required page views to partner with ad networks
Strategically planning content around prime keywords
Measuring competitive rank of keywords
Focusing on what audience is searching for

Key Steps When Starting Out

Getting a good host
Researching the right website platform
Recipe cards and other perks to rank in Google

Growing Your Audience

Grew her Facebook business page to over 26k
Engage with fellow bloggers
Ways to build relationships with readers
Strategies to inspire audience to share
Tactics to grow organic traffic from Google

Moving Forward - Goals and Vision

About to hire a Social Media Manager
Double blog page views by the end of 2020
Diversify income streams including new e-book and product line
Expand to a commercial kitchen, increase video content

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Queen

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Imagine you own a beautiful brick and mortar boutique a gem of the neighborhood. COVID-19 hits, you face a mandatory shutdown of your business. Three months later you are preparing to reopen, getting all safety requirements in place, abuzz with excitement. Then a phone call at 3AM, a mere two weeks before the reopening date, changes everything. The neighboring business that shares a wall with yours is on fire. You race down there to find the worst has happened. This is the reality that Alta Alexander, owner of the gorgeous boutique Altatudes, is facing. Below is a quick overview of our important discussion.

Opening and Scaling a High-End Women's Boutique

First and only African-American owned upscale women's boutique in Austin
Located in the heart of historic East Austin
Curates gorgeous apparel locally to globally

COVID-19 & Fire Disaster Impact

Mandatory shut-down on March 18, 2020
Was hopeful to reopen around June 15th
On June 1st, a fire broke out in the business next door
Smoke, soot, and water entered her shop destroying her merchandise
Austin Fire Department has deemed the fire to be arson
Looking to rebuild the brick and mortar shop while also focusing on building out ecommerce presence
To support the rebuild: Go Fund Me or PayPal

The Strength and Resilience of Entrepreneurship

The heart of her shop was to help women feel confident
Felt as though her dream was demolished with the fire
Hopeful to rebuild via support of insurance and community
Prepared with the necessary PPE and social distancing options
Working with manufacturers and designers to curate pieces
- Had pieces from local designers such as Nina Means and Amberleaf
- Curated from countries in addition to the U.S. such as France, Spain, Denmark, Australia, UK, Canada.

Advice and Insight to Fellow Entrepreneurs

Push through fear - procrastinated before originally opening but just jumped in
Launch your business during COVID regardless of fear an uncertainty
Building through fear builds your confidence to accomplish the next thing
Ensure your ecommerce platform is up and running
Build social media presence

Building Clientele

Leveraged earned media strategically
Worked with the community
- Take Heart shop created a map for a boutique tour for the area
As President of the East 12th Street Merchants Association, she encourages everyone to shine some light on other merchants
- CNBC reached out to do a piece on Altatudes, Alta worked with them to create a piece on E. 12th Street as a whole. Check out the video here.

Moving Forward - Goals and Vision

Graduating with her MBA this year
Rebuilding her brick and mortar shop
Building out her ecommerce presence further

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Beyonce (although Brian McKnight is a favorite too!)

Where can people find you online?

Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Lorena (Lo) Hixson is not only a full-time nurse who at one point practiced in ER and Trauma, she's also the founder of a powerful monthly subscription box, Passion & Growth. The idea to combine two of her favorite things - receiving something fun in the mail and helping to empower women to accept who they are, expand their mindset, and change their narrative - came to her while at a winery in Fredericksburg. (side note: if you are ever in the Austin area, we do have quite the array of wineries, distilleries, and breweries throughout the Hill Country). As it is with most entrepreneurs, she took 'messy action' at the beginning, learning as she went - starting with creating a website and a blog and building her business from there.

Some discussion highlights:

COVID-19 Impact

Anticipated numbers would drop, decreased her inventory
Numbers increased; more people shopping online, looking for self-care products
Anticipated one thing, had to shift when the opposite happened

First Steps in Building a Subscription Box Business

Was a member of Sparkle Hustle, Grow, a box for female entrepreneurs. Turned to that community for insight.
- Discovered that the founder, Julie Ball, offered a digital course 'Subscription Box Bootcamp', enrolled in that (she also has a podcast, 'Subscription Box Basics with Julie Ball' )
The six things to do when embarking on your subscription box biz
The #1 thing to ensure when identifying vendors to work with
Ways to conduct vendor outreach
The importance of continuing to niche your focus down
Wholesale marketplaces mentioned:
- Faire
- Tundra
- Abound

Growing Your Clientele

Consistency on social media to gain traction
Running Facebook and Instagram ads as top of the funnel tool
Converting your email list to subscribers, the power of nurturing with consistent content and messaging
Showering your early adopters with perks and insider access

Lessons Learned

Ask for dimensions and/or samples - product size is everything for a subscription box
Remember that you came this far by figuring it out, use the same mindset for any obstacle you come across

Future Goals

Leverages the Start Today Journal to write out gratitude and goals as if they've already happened
Meditating from time to time and sets a time to read and be present
Long-term goal: grow this full-time
Short-term goal: have box subscribers in every state. Only state that is missing is Mississippi - come on Mississippi, where you at? Time for some self-love!

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? The Beatles
Where can people find you online?
Website
Instagram
Facebook

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This week we chat with Wendy Jensen and Linda Sidhu of The Email Collection. This duo left full-time executive roles in their respective corporate careers to jump into entrepreneurship for something most of us crave - more time and schedule flexibility. What they found, after spending some time in an MLM, was that they could impact small business owners with the business acumen they absorbed along their career path.

While most entrepreneurs were leveraging the hamster wheel of social media to grow their client-base, Wendy and Linda introduced them to the wild world of email marketing. They quickly discovered that many small business owners weren't adept at even the basics of email marketing, so they decided to create a course to teach it to them. When thinking of the best tool to leverage for lead gen in order to grow an audience for this upcoming course, they landed on quizzes. A 60% conversion rate and a strategic partnership with quiz platform Interact later, this duo is flying high and ready to take their business to the next level, while helping other entrepreneurs along the way.

The Online Quiz as an Audience Personality Tool

How personalities play a big role in buying decisions
Leveraging the DiSC assessment model when creating quizzes to learn about your audience
Created email marketing templates for MLM team and network to use
Discovered the #1 obstacle facing entrepreneurs they were working with
Quickly learned they needed to teach email marketing from start to finish
Launched email marketing course

Leveraging Quizzes as a Powerful Lead Gen Solution

Created a quiz to increase lead gen to market email marketing course to
Used the Interact platform, quiz had 60% conversion and a high share rate
How they landed a strategic partnership with Interact
Top 3 ways a quiz can grow your business

Creating a Successful Quiz: The Nuts and Bolts You Need to Know

Personalizing your marketing strategy through quizzes
How to tie a quiz to your product messaging in order to grow your list
The content you need to include on your quiz results page
The 3 common mistakes businesses make when creating a quiz and how to avoid them
6 ways to get your quiz out there to new leads
How to use your quiz to segment and personalize your offers to your ICA

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
Linda: The Lumineers
Wendy: Eddie Vedder as musician but Odessa is always playing ODESZA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW935N0msb0eDy4zQmxTwQg or Odessa https://www.facebook.com/thisisodessa/
Where can people find you online?
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
BONUS: Grab their latest quiz, 'How to Build the Perfect Lead Gen Based on your Pop Diva Personality' here. Upon completion of the quiz, you'll find tons of free, valuable content such as '10 Tips for Email Marketing'.

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This power couple each run two completely different businesses, but their biggest commonality is building them based on acts of service - the key marker of a true entrepreneur. We welcome Laney and John Sturdivant, owners of Back Office Drafting and One People's Kitchen.

Perhaps one of the biggest examples of confidence in a relationship is to have not one, but both members take the entrepreneurial path. Laney started her own company, Back Office Drafting, over a decade ago to fill a need for attorneys looking to outsource services rather than take on the expense of full-time employees. She has grown her company to a team of 10, whom coincidentally are all empowered women, and some of which are family members. Her husband John is an accomplished chef, having been trained internationally and holding the executive chef role at fast-paced, upscale resorts and restaurants. After discussing how he could use his talents yet still be present with his family, they landed on One People's Kitchen - healthy, chef-prepared food (that caters to ANY dietary need) that is delivered to your door.

Please note: the audio is a bit rough toward the beginning but improves as the discussion progresses.

Highlights of our conversation include:

Using What You've Got

Leveraging experiences from time spent in the Philippines, Spain and New Mexico to fuel the flavor of their business
Leaning on knowledge gained while working full-time to create a sustainable business of her own
Finding your passion and shifting your career to allow time to cultivate it
Identifying ways to thrive during a recession career-wise

The Key to Making it as an Entrepreneur

The #1 thing that will make you go back to working for a steady paycheck
How the will to serve supports the growth of their businesses
Smoothing out fulfillment to round out a solid infrastructure amidst quick growth
Managing expanding a business into a variety of new areas in parallel
The top action to take when business is growing at a slower pace than desired
The entrepreneurial mindset that can make or break a new business

It's Not You, It's Logistics

Pinpointing the cause of communication issues
Supporting each person's ideal working environment
When your work-life vibes are at odds with each other

Their Method of Success

Consistent acts of service fuels their energy for business and life success
Community First plays a huge role in the foundation of their businesses
Staying grounded amidst the daily grind
Organic ways to build the right clientele for your business

Looking Ahead

John embraces the New Mexico culture that has inspired his work with a special tribute
Laney learns the hardest entrepreneurial lesson - letting go in order to give her team the opportunity to step up and shine
A culinary school to serve the community
Building the One People's Kitchen model as a natural progression that many restaurants will follow in the post-pandemic world

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Both Laney & John: Spearhead
Where can people find you online?
- One People's Kitchen
  - Website
  - Facebook
  - Instagram
Back Office Drafting
- Website
- Facebook

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Raise your hand if you have dealt with the following struggles whether in your professional or personal life: accomplishing goals you thought you were 'supposed' to go after, making sure outward appearances on your life come across as polished and perfect, trying to handle every single thing yourself, wondering why you're left feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.

We are not only raising our hands over here, but are waving them in the air like we just don't care. Sara Palmer of Sara Palmer Speaks is our guest this week. If there was ever a resource that entrepreneurs need in order to keep their momentum going in the right direction it's someone such as Sara. Coming from an abusive childhood, dealing with assault, addiction, an alcoholic marriage, Sara leverages the help, guidance, and information she received when working through all of that in order to serve thousands of people who are also processing tough and at times heartbreaking impacts of their lives.

Our conversation hits at the heart of why many entrepreneurs get stuck, and 5 simple steps to apply every single day to keep moving forward:

Permission to Choose

How high-achieving women aged 30-50 find themselves lonely and overwhelmed
Analyzing, 'Well, now what?'
The bag of lies of 'perfect and polished'

Getting Over Yourself = Powerful Business

The dangers of not asking for help
Setting boundaries against attention suckers and joy stealers
How to feel terrified but still let go

Your Business is Not Your Baby

Personal You shows up as Professional You
Why your business will fail if it's your 'baby'
Identifying areas of delegation to scale your business

The Business Benefits of COVID-19

The #1 business shift she hopes sticks around post-pandemic
Group coaching vs. Individual coaching
Serving client needs, even if not with her

The One-Minute Miracle Method

Her top game-changer process
5 steps to make a quick yet intentional decision
Eliminates drawn out decision making that can drown a business
Free, direct access for our listeners: The One-Minute Miracle Method

Building Clientele and Daily Success

Attack from all angles: client referrals, free resources on Instagram and through her email list
Leverages Rachel Luna's Profitable To-Do List each day to cover 4 categories - gratitude, life and family, profitable and operational
Sticks to 1-2 things each day for Profitable and Operational to stay productive
Vision moving forward is to reach 10-20K women in the next few years via professional speaking, group coaching workshops and trainings - build impactful communities

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Anything produced by Dr. Dre.
Where can people find you online?
- Website (under construction but group coaching section is up)
- Instagram
- Facebook

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As we continue to explore the role that content plays in a successfully scaling business, this week we chat about creating a solid content marketing plan. Without a clearly documented path, consider your content marketing strategy dead in the water.

In this mini-episode we take a look at what could be the missing piece - content. This is a HUGE topic, so we are breaking it down into bite-sized pieces and sprinkling them throughout our podcast series.

Content marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow and audience and sustainably scale a business, yet it is also one of the most overlooked. What can content marketing do for you? Listen to episode 2 of the Small Business, Big Mindset podcast, 'The Tool Every Business Needs to Succeed.'

Topics discussed:

Identifying your mission and #1 goal
KPIs as a measure of success
Who exactly is your ICA?
Pain points to solve for your audience
Refreshing and repurposing content
Yes, you need a content calendar

Resources:

The Tool Every Business Needs to Succeed (Episode 2: Small Business, Big Mindset Podcast)
Content Marketing Institute
Marketing Charts

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As an entrepreneur, many times it may feel as though you have multiple plates spinning in the air. You are doing so much, stoking so many fires and yet your business isn't scaling as you'd like it to. In this mini-episode we take a look at what could be the missing piece - content.

This is a HUGE topic, so we are breaking it down into bite-sized pieces and sprinkling them throughout our podcast. Here we explore the top content types to consider to attract your key audience. As stated in the podcast, do not attempt to tackle all of these. Pick one (maybe two) that most directly correlates with your target audience and business goals. Master that, then expand if needed.

Quick overview:

11 top-performing content types to grow your business
The content type to choose for better Google search results
Traffic that video can bring to your business
Looking to increase your leads pipeline? This is the content for you.
Engaging an audience with Q&As via live broadcasts
The magic that is a case study

Resources:

The Tool Every Business Needs to Succeed (Episode 2: Small Business, Big Mindset Podcast)
Forbes
Hubspot
Spectrio
Intercom
Edison Research

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This week we chat with Danira (Dani) Cancinos of Dani's Dulce Confections. Dani and I met as students of Amy Porterfield via her Digital Course Academy and Momentum Membership. Dani's story is one of true determination that resulted in breaking the economic and scarcity mindset cycle that was keeping her family from getting ahead.

Dani tells us how she went from making $20,000 a year working a part-time job to earning a six-figure income from building her own business. Starting in 2012, Dani would sell pastries to her local community on the side. From cheesecakes to cake pops to caramel apples and beyond, her local following continued to grow. Once she started to leverage social media to get the word out, people from across the country began to take notice and ask her to teach them how to create their own goodies.

Here's an overview of our discussion:

Growth Through Obstacles

Launching a course during COVID-19
The one shift that saved her sales goal
Managing a one-person business during personal illness

From Employee to Entrepreneur

When to know when to leave your job
Impact on family and friends
Managing growth expectations, pricing

The Impact of Online Courses

Investing in online courses for business growth
Exponential revenue growth when launching online courses
How Dani's courses grew from $10 to $200
Growing a business to six-figures in less than a year

Growing Your Audience Through Instagram

Started with 15 second tutorials
Building an audience through this one simple action
How to leverage IG live and stories to grow client-base
Key tip on figuring out what to post when you're stumped

Facebook Groups to Grow the Business

How to utilize Facebook Groups as teaching platform
Growing a course from 10 people to 700
Showing up and over-delivering
Segmenting courses into separate modules

Handling Guilt, Fear, Anger

Growing from a single mom of three kids, financial struggles, scarcity mindset
Overcoming anger and unhappiness
Dealing with 'success guilt' when making more money
The impact of success while raising kids
Identifying fear and pushing it aside
Breaking a toxic generational cycle
The power of therapy
Book recommendation: Joyce Meyer - Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don't Control You

Moving Forward - Goals and Vision

Porting content to Kajabi, social media as 'borrowed land'
Continuing to create online courses, serve her community
New membership offering
Buying her first home

Muscle Creative Wrap-UpIf you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Bethel Music

Where can people find you online?

Instagram
Facebook
Website

Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don't Control You

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Sometimes you run across someone in life and you feel the nudge to reach out and get to know them better. Nicie Andrew is one of those people. We were reading an article on Austin Monthly, 'Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Austin' and saw that her business was featured. The more we learned about her via our Google searches, the more we wanted to meet her. We reached out via Instagram DM, and here we are.

Nicie is 25 years old and is already shaping up to be a serial entrepreneur. In addition to being a 5th grade Math teacher, she is growing two of her own businesses - The Millennial Perspective, which focuses on helping others launch their own online businesses from idea conception to web presence to branding and packaging, and Golden Goddesz, a passion project turned business centering on beautifully made stationary and planners.

Here's a quick overview of our discussion:

Running a Business in Today's Landscape

Her role in the anti-racism movement
The shift she made in her product-based business due to COVID-19

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Bug in College

The birth of her first business
The mission of helping and serving young entrepreneurs in her community of Northeast Austin

Insight for Those Starting Out

Why all your passions are not business ideas
How to identify the most sustainable business idea out of a long list
Recovering from imposter syndrome and identifying as an entrepreneur

Daily Routines to Fuel Success

Morning coffee, devotional, intentional thoughts
Prioritize 2-3 items for the day, YouTube University
The one nutrition tip she includes every single day
The daily practice that keeps her grounded and empowered to keep going

What's Next

Online stationary design courses
The ultimate goal: community space for entrepreneurs to have access to trainings, technology and supplies to start and further their businesses

Muscle Creative Wrap-UpIf you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Demi Lovato
Where can people find you online?

Instagram
- Miss Nicie
- The Millennial Perspective
- Golden Goddesz
Facebook
- All Businesses
Website
- http://missnicie.com/
- https://themillennialperspective.net/
- http://www.goldengoddesz.com/

Special shout-out to Purposefully Craftee for inspiring Nicie to jump in with Golden Goddesz

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We all know, either from first-hand experience or via media coverage, how hard New York has been hit with COVID-19. This week we speak with Melissa McLoughlin owner of MB Studio Salon & Spa in Rochester, NY. Since the time of this recording, hair salons in certain regions have been able to reopen in NY as part of phase 2 announced May 29.

We discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Melissa's business, the impact on her staff, and how the salon experience will change for clients upon re-opening. In addition, we take a look at the challenges of knowing when to go from a sole proprietor to hiring your first staff member...along with the challenges that go along with expanding your team.

Here's a quick overview of what we covered:

The COVID-19 Impact in NY

Showing up consistently during uncertain times
The slap in the face that are the high level of restrictions to reopen in NY
Selling retail to keep income coming in to make ends meet
The 4 core steps to take to keep your clients and employees engaged

Getting Scrappy: Opening a Salon at the Age of 28

Attending and graduating high school and hair school at the same time while working multiple jobs
Transitioning from hairdresser to salon owner
Building a brand, not just a company
The Rachel Hollis connection & leadership

Build It: Key Insights When Starting a Business

Stopping the slippery slope of buying unnecessary business supplies
If you're not driven and humble, rethink being a business owner
Hair trends and competitors
Leveraging social media and YouTube to consistently learn and stay ahead of the game

The Art of Hiring and Expansion

Hiring staff with the right skillset and culture fit
The hardest part of hiring
Social media as a tool to find your next hire
Know every single part of your business before you hire

Wellness Measures

Phone reminders with intentional prompts
The impact of a gratitude journal

Looking Ahead

The risk of losing clients with re-opening restrictions
Post-covid plans - exciting expansions in the works
The concern of a covid outbreak in the winter

Muscle Creative Wrap-UpIf you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? OneRepublic
Where can people find you online?

Instagram
- Personal
- Business
Facebook
- Personal
- Business
Website
- https://www.mbstudiosalon.com/

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Oh my goodness. This woman has such a story, such a mission. This week we connected with Crystalyn Aucoin of Crystalyn Aucoin Jewelry. She has built a solid business over the past 18 months - so solid that you would think she has been in business for a decade.

Out of New Orleans, she has gone through personal tragedy that brought her to Houston and back home to New Orleans again. She emerged from that stronger: a single mom, a widow in her early 30s. A fire was lit within her - she fanned that flame and committed to diving into her dream, starting her own business in spite of those around her questioning, 'Why would you do something so hard, after you've just gone through something so painful?'

Entrepreneurs are used to that question...luckily the 'why' of it all is everything. The stronger your 'why', the the stronger your will to build a sustainable business and the stronger your determination to leverage that business to impact and serve others.

This is a powerful one - here's a quick highlight of our discussion:

The Impact of COVID-19 on a Product-Based Business

The shift she made when her manufacturers shut down
Friendship bracelets and the importance of customer connection
Adopting a creative solution to nudge a slower-moving product

The Importance of Mentors

The support, coaching, and promotion of her product from Rachel Hollis
The 1 key thing Jasmine Star personally told her to do in order to launch her business (she launched within one month of that advice!)

Coming Out of a Personal Tragedy Stronger

Dealing with 'imposter syndrome'
Pushing through when those around her doubted her goals
Managing grief, being a single mom, a young widow, starting a business
Coming to terms with new roles, titles, responsibilities, and expectations

Career Shifting: The Jump from Billboard Sales to Jewelry Design

Creating an everyday jewelry line for women from work to the soccer field
Jumping in with zero experience in building a business
Leveraging online courses and content, hiring help
Finding success in a male-dominated industry (yes, the jewelry industry is run mostly by men!)
Empowering women to buy jewelry for themselves

Just Start.

A special message for single moms and those going through hardships looking to start their own business
Building the foundation: what you start with won't be what you finish with
Learning while putting that learning into action
Obstacles as a reminder of what you've accomplished and a way to prepare you for what's next
The ultimate question, 'Is it really as hard as I'm making it out to be?'
The money mindset - investing in yourself and your business

The Mission.

Inspiring women through her story and journey
Basing her business on connection and relationships
Giving back to cancer-related initiatives to honor her husband Ryan
Earning more to give back more

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Adele (Vance Joy was a close second)
Where can people find you online?
- Website (also at womenbuyjewelry.com)
- Instagram
- Facebook

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The real estate industry is one in which many flock to with aspirations of financial gains, schedule flexibility, and fulfillment by helping others. Our guests this week, Sarah and Stephen George of Magnolia Realty (yes, the same Magnolia of the infamous Chip and Jo Gaines) take this to a whole other level. Coming from different backgrounds and family lifestyles, these two weave their strong feelings of the importance of a home and all it stands for, their passion to serve, and their dedication to their family throughout their realty business.

This episode was recorded when our state of Texas was just days away from phase 1 of re-opening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As real estate is about as social and face-to-face business as they come, it was interesting to hear how they shifted during this time to continue to grow, not just maintain, their lucrative business by leveraging technology solutions as well as amping up their client service offerings.

Here's a quick overview of our discussion (which included a lot of laughs along the way):

COVID-19 Impact

Transitioning a social, face-to-face business to virtual while keeping client care intact
Virtual tours and open houses, zoom meetings, Facetime walkthroughs
A day-in-the-life of helping out-of-state buyers during the pandemic
The impact on the Austin real estate market

Shifting Within an Industry in Flux

Three big reasons why people are choosing to move now
Creative ways to offer support in new ways to clients
Virtual/technology solutions that might stick around in the real estate industry post-pandemic

Business Insights

The 4 key pieces to the art of a people-centric business
Helping clients identify what will work and what won't
Transitioning to real estate from another career track
Running a business with your spouse...successfully, and during quarantine

Entrepreneur Journey

Turning would-be crazy ideas into realistic sustainable businesses
3 steps to take to transition from the corporate world to building your own business
How community is critical when going out on your own
Daily routines that help intention rather than just 'winging it'
Making a constantly changing and fluid schedule work with business, kids, and distance learning

What's Next for Sarah and Stephen

Their big goals moving forward (exciting!)
Their vision will impact Austin and the surrounding areas in a big way

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? Sarah: Lauryn Hill
Stephen: The Beatles
Where can people find you online?
- Instagram
- Facebook

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One of the most loved industries that has been one of the most impacted during the global pandemic has been hair salons. I can tell you (from personal experience) that when public officials call a press conference to announce the gradual and safe re-opening of local businesses that many of us are on the edge of our seats to hear when we can get our hair done. (Especially those of us with grey hairs that have a mind of their own. Why are those hairs so wiry and untamable?)

We are overjoyed to have Rita Fellers of Rita Fellers Hair as our guest this week. It just so happened that on the day we recorded this, Texas Governor Abbott had announced the first phase of 're-opening the state' - which did not include hair salons. Since then, he surprisingly accelerated the plan for salons to open, sending many to scramble for required supplies and to put necessary safety protocols into place.

Rita has been practicing hair (styling and coloring) for over twenty years. She honed her craft in Los Angeles, fast-tracking her way to success working with a variety of celebrities and training under highly respected stylists. After pausing her career to dedicate herself as a stay at home mom, she jumped back in to create the successful business she has today. Here's a quick highlight of our discussion:

COVID-19 Impact

Initial reaction to Governor Abbott's re-opening of the state for businesses
What her business might look like once she returns to the salon
Safety measures to take with her clients moving forward

Building a Business in Hair

How she found herself with a career in hair
Managing working with celebrities and doing hair for bi-coastal events
She shampooed Morrisey's hair you guys!
The art, psychology, and therapeutic aspect of hair

Strategic Insights for Entrepreneurs

Implementing your vision to achieve your goals
Sharing your inspiration and business via social media
Supporting other small business entrepreneurs
Daily meditation and gratitude, and reflection

Transitioning Back Into Your Career After Being a Stay at Home Mom

Going back to school
Personal belief and managing fear
The importance of confidence in your pricing
Empowering women through hair
The critical need to ask for help, especially as mom entrepreneurs

Looking Ahead - What's Next for Rita

Clear vision of what her business plan entails for the future
The effectiveness of writing down your goals to manifest
The hair trend of 2020 (once we can all get our hair done)

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? The Rolling Stones
Where can people find you online?
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritalynnfellers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitaLynnFellers

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This episode has an additional layer of specialness to it, as Muscle Creative's own Joey Ramirez is reunited (via Zoom) with his best friend since he was a little tike. This week we welcome serial entrepreneurs, Gabriel Gonzalez and Maya Sanchez.

Gabe and Maya have a variety of business interests that they are in the process of expertly weaving together.

Gabe's background is in music; having been a member of many bands, the most recent of which have been El Paso-based Sparta and Sleepercar. Music has been a steady constant in his life and career as he has owned a recording studio, opened a live music venue in El Paso with partner Jim Ward (also of Sparta and Sleepercar) called Tricky Falls as well as bar Bowie Feathers. Gabe continues to build his business in music via recording, sound engineering live and studio projects, as well as mixing, producing, and recording client material. In addition, he offers a mobile service where he can meet clients at their location.

Maya's background and career is one for the record books (literally). After a career as a post production commercial producer in Los Angeles (where she also grew up), she moved to her hometown of San Elizario to start her own business. In addition to running an event venue, Presidio Hall, her vision is to grow a farm-based restaurant and destination experience, focused on sustainable agriculture. In parallel to all of this, Maya was instrumental in the incorporation of the city of San Elizario and was elected the city's first mayor. Yes. She is basically a queen and we should all bow to her.

Aligning Multiple Business Ventures

Juggling the trifecta: established business, new businesses, working full-time
What motivated Gabe to take a break from touring and start a business
How Maya saw an opportunity to make a difference in the San Elizario and El Paso communities
Obstacles experienced as a trailblazer, growing a new and unique business
Ways to ensure various businesses are aligned, carefully selecting opportunities that build their brand

Moving Ahead Through Obstacles

Obstacles experienced as a trailblazer, introducing the local community to a new and unique business
Knowing when to end a business and lessons learned in doing so
Impact of COVID-19 on an events-based business and a music production business
How to adjust a business model to survive in a changing economic landscape
The top key strategy to help ensure your business is nimble and sustainable

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
Maya - Cat Stevens (with a mention of Lionel Richie)
Gabe - Ritchie Valens
Where can people find you online?
Presidio Hall
https://www.facebook.com/presidiohall
https://www.instagram.com/presidiohall

Wavelength Audio Resolutions
https://www.facebook.com/wavelengthaudio
https://www.instagram.com/wavelengthaudio

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The fitness industry is a crowded one, with every one and their neighbor seeming to have some sort of health and wellness related business. So to be in business for 15 years with no signs of slowing down (well, except for this pandemic the world is currently experiencing), is quite the feat. We had the pleasure of chatting with Harry Shaw, owner of Lakeway Elite Fitness, who not only has accomplished this but other impressive things as well…such as being one of 20 active Krav Maga 3rd Degree Black Belts in the world.

We cover everything from running what is considered a non-essential business during the pandemic of COVID-19 to pitfalls to watch out for when starting your own business all the way to the vision he has for his gym. Here's a few highlights:

COVID-19

The painful process of applying for the small business loans and payment protection plan offered to those affected by COVID-19
How COVID-19 has impacted his gym and ways he has shifted his business operations to stay afloat
How to see a tough time in business as an opportunity and rely on your strengths to get you through
His master plan for re-opening a gym post COVID-19

Starting and Growing a Business

The story behind how he discovered Krav Maga and CrossFit
How to cultivate an engaged community that supports your business goals
Getting into debt for your business - is it ever a good idea?
Who to leverage for business advice
A warning against business partnerships
Exploring the tactic of not obsessively looking at your competitors
4 New habits to adopt to create a better you, a better business
It's not all about the numbers - how tracking certain stats too closely can slow you down

Muscle Creative Wrap Up

If you could only listen to one artist the rest of your lift who would it be? Johnny Cash
Where can people find you online?

https://www.facebook.com/CrossfitLakeway/

https://www.facebook.com/lakewayelitefit/

https://www.lakewayelitefitness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/crossfitlakewayelitefitness/

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This week we chat with baker extraordinaire, kid entrepreneur, and finalist on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship Season 6, Madison Totaro, as well as her mom and 'Momager', Mindy Totaro.

It continues to be a strange time as at the time of this recording, Austin, TX had just begun their quarantine lockdown and students were beginning ‘distance learning’ as school buildings were closed. We had a delightful conversation covering how COVID-19 is impacting their family as well as a closer look on what it takes to be a successful kid entrepreneur.

In this episode discover:

The Impact of COVID-19

Tips on how to keep kids productive during COVID-19
Insight on helping kiddos with different personalities manage distance learning
Madison’s view on coping with a quarantine

How the Baking Began

What influenced Madison in catching the baking bug at a young age
How her neighbor’s love of sweet treats inspired her baking business
The next ingredient that Madison will be experimenting with

The Kids Baking Championship Experience

How Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship came about
Did they really say that? How Madison’s parents let her know she made it on the show
How Madison juggled school, her business, and keeping the secret of taping the show under wraps
The one treatment Madison and Mindy would pamper themselves with each off day during taping
How Madison handles the challenges that come with being well-known from a television show
Madison’s favorite part of being involved with the show
Mindy’s biggest challenge as a parent having a kiddo on a national show
The one ritual they would do every day before Madison would go on set

Building a Business as a Kid Entrepreneur

How Madison’s business nurtures her philanthropic spirit
What makes up Madison’s daily routine for success
Creating something of your own vs. improving upon something already out there
Managing the financial side of the business
Tips from Mindy for parents with a kiddo that wants to be an entrepreneur – the one thing to focus on
Tips from Madison for kids who want to start their own business
Next steps for Madison and how she’s expanding beyond traditional baking

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

Favorite thing for Madison to bake: cakes or cupcakes because she can let her creativity fly!
Favorite thing for Mindy to eat that Madison bakes: ummm...everything?
If you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
Mindy – Maroon 5 (Adam Levine…swoon)
Madison – Meghan Trainor (coincidentally on tour with Adam Levine)

You can find Madison and see what she’s up to here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madison_bakes/

For more info on Food Network's Kids Baking Championship, Season 6, click here.

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If you've ever wondered how to create a business from scratch after relocating your family out-of state, within an industry you have no experience in, expand that business into multiple markets, win multiple awards and esteemed recognition, and still have it going strong more than ten years later, this is the podcast episode for you.

This week we're chatting with Wade Lombard, co-founder of Square Cow Movers. In this episode, Wade is super transparent not only regarding what it takes to set out on your own to start a business but also to then see sustainable growth followed by severe setbacks stemming from said exponential growth. Wade and his team built a strong business in 10 years that almost completely unraveled in 18 months. Their ingenuity and getting back to basics strategy saved their business and gave them the leadership tools to handle other obstacles...such as leading an essential business through the global pandemic of COVID-19.

In this episode learn:

COVID-19

How an essential service continues to operate amidst COVID-19
The most important message to give your customer-facing team in uncertain times

Kicking Off a Business

Tentpoles to consider and measure when choosing an industry to enter
How identifying key cornerstones for your company and ensuring your team lives and breathes them, plays in company growth

Identifying & Managing Pitfalls

Turning your business around once it gets off track - financially and organizationally
Identifying problem areas and prioritizing which to tackle first
Why the small things matter the most
How hard years prepared them to handle the COVID-19 pandemic
What leadership means and when things get hard
Why considering growth a strategy could mean the start of your business's downfall

Growing a Strong and Sustainable Business After Conflict

Four tactics to implement to align company goals for a strong future
How the tipping point is an actual thing (Book reco: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell)
Growing your business by multiples of 1
Why chasing your passion as a business is not always the right decision
How a daily routine is critical to success
What's behind serial entrepreneurship and what's next for Wade

Muscle Creative Wrap-Up

Favorite CrossFit Movement: Double-Unders
If you could only listen to one music artist the rest of your life who would it be: Justin Timberlake

You can find Wade and more information on Square Cow Movers here:

Wade Lombard on LinkedIn
Wade has graciously offered to connect with our podcast audience of entrepreneurs via email: wlombard@squarecowmoovers.com

Square Cow Movers Website

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

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This week we are chatting with Melanie Wright of Melanie Wright Photography. We booked this session weeks before we were aware that COVID-19 had entered the United States. Rather chatting in our home studio we tested out our first (and not our last) technology solution for doing podcasts remotely. In this episode we discuss:

How COVID-19 has impacted her business
Unique offerings she has shifted to due to COVID-19
The dramatic event that drove her to leave her teaching career for photography
How she worked through her biggest fears to build her business
The critical part online courses have played in her business growth
Key insights for others wanting to start their own business
Next steps in her entrepreneurial career

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This week we are focusing on the question, 'Why does every small business need content marketing'?

The Content Marketing Institute defines content marketing as “the marketing and business process for creating and distributing relevant and valuable content to attract, acquire, and engage a clearly defined and understood target audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer action.”

According to Hubspot, only 37% businesses claim to have a content marketing strategy in place. Which means, by creating and executing a content marketing strategy, you can potentially gain a definite edge over your competition.

As a solo or small business entrepreneur, you might have been told that you need content marketing to scale your business. Your response to that might have been to flat out ignore that suggestion, or maybe it annoyed you…mostly because you know they are right but you're not sure why or even where to start.

Take a listen as we discuss this much needed, and commonly overlooked, piece of building a sustainable business.

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**In this episode, we go over who the heck we are. You'll learn how a Texan married a New Yorker, why our kids are unimpressed with our studio, and all the amazing stuff you're about to learn in this series.

It's about to get lit.

Can we get away with saying that? No? Didn't think so.**

Small Business, Big Mindset: Recent Episodes

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