Just Start Now: Recent Episodes
Vicky Shilling
A podcast by Vicky Shilling for health and wellness entrepreneurs who want to take action to build and grow their business.
nstagram is a tool that many of us have a love/hate relationship with and feel confused (and often filled with comparison) by how to use effectively. We know it can help us reach loads of ideal customers, yet somehow our accounts are the ones stagnant on numbers, only being followed by other practitioners and feeling like a total time suck.
To finish off the year I wanted to bring in an Instagram expert in the field of using the social media platform as a form of marketing for wellness professionals - someone I know has boundless enthusiasm (and evidence!) for what the Instagram can do for you and your business, if you use it right.
So I hope today you love listening to Marketing & Instagram Expert Molly Cahill, with insider knowledge of what's working right now on Instagram to get your health practice booked.
In this episode we talk about: * How follower numbers mean absolutely nothing when it comes to getting booked: we share stories of knowing practitioners with 100k+ followers are struggling for clients and those with 300k+ have to cancel events when they don't sell enough tickets
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How even Instagram is embracing a return to slow marketing, using your platform to build stronger and deeper relationships with your existing client base, rather than always looking for more, more more people
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How a 'growth sprint' of 30-60 days of posting regularly, particularly with Reels and carousels (that can be repurposed!) can see a massive surge in the effectiveness of your Instagram account, if you can commit to it
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Metrics that are worth measuring and using to determine future ideas for content such a shares, saves and profile visits and simple small tweaks to calls to action that see x4 responses
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Employing a philosophy of 'quantity creates quality', and posting something rather than trying to make it perfect and strategic straight away. It only comes from practice!
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The new (quicker and less cringy) way to make Instagram Reels work as part of your social media strategy
Molly talked about her podcast episode 5 Simple Tips To Help Increase Your Instagram Engagement Today which includes tips on writing attention grabbing hooks.
We talked about Simone Seoul's Garbage Post Challenge.
Molly mentioned Tad Hargrave Marketing For Hippies
Molly has this podcast episode on scrappy ways to improve Instagram engagement.
I was interviewed on Molly's podcast Holistic Marketing Simplified talking about the four business model archetypes which you can listen to here, or take the quiz here.
Connect with Molly:
Molly's website
Molly on Instagram
Molly's free stuff: Download Molly's Reels training and 101 marketing prompts for health and wellness pros
Working with Molly Molly runs the Holistic Marketing Hub teaching you everything she knows about using Instagram to promote your health and wellness business. Find out more.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on using Instagram to attract ideal customers to your wellness business? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
This year I've invested in my own skills as a coach so that I can better serve my clients and the Just Start Now community. And after years of waiting for the right course to come along I chose Sas Petherick's Self-Belief Academy.
Having trained April to November 2023, I wanted to share with you my biggest take-aways now I understand self-doubt and self-belief so much more and what I'll be bringing to my work and programmes going forward with this learning.
In this episode I talk about:
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What is self-doubt? The self-doubt loop, the 7 key risks we're all trying to avoid and the 6 P's of resistance that you are more than likely falling into (for a diagram of the self-doubt loop, the 7 key risks and 6 Ps of resistance visit the show-notes page on the website)
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What causes self-doubt? How the course has shown me a way, even as a coach, to touch on my clients' past experiences, traumas and understandings of the world and how this impacts their beliefs and decisions going forward
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Meeting the protector. Reframing and building a relationship with the protective part of your mind that is not actually a horrible part of us, but in fact a loving part that is keeping you safe.
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How to embody self-belief. With tools like the belief buster and entering into small but powerful experiments to test out new beliefs that are more conducive with taking 'just start now' action
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How to deal with conflict. Whether it's potential or real, being a solopreneur means there is always risk of conflict and disagreement with others - whether in your marketing or your work itself.
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Courageous goal setting. How not everyone is goal driven (like me!) and the ideas and concepts I've learned that I will bring into my goal setting sessions going forward.
If you're interested in learning more about Sas Petherick's work on self-belief:
Take the free self-doubt archetype quiz
Learn more about Self-Belief School (available to all)
Learn more about the Self-Belief Coaching Academy (SBCA) course I took (applicable for already trained coaches)
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on your self-doubt? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Right now as I release this podcast episode in November 2023 we are being flooded with videos and images of the horrific atrocities happening in the Israel/Palestine conflict. And sadly the case is that at any given moment in the world we live in, violence, displacement, persecution and war is taking place somewhere in the world.
When we bear witness to this – how does it affect how we show up for our business? Should we talk about it? Should we carry on as normal? Or should we shut up shop and stop selling? It feels there are loud opinions arguing all sides, leaving us feeling we’re never doing the ‘right’ thing.
With that backdrop I’m talking to Dalia on the podcast today – a Pilates instructor based in London, who herself has experienced war and conflict for many years in her home country of Lebanon.
In this episode we talk about: * Dalia’s own experience with trauma living in a country where she experienced conflict and what this taught her about suppressing, ignoring and avoiding her feelings. * The importance of acknowledging and hearing the voice that tells you to slow or stop and feel if it is hard to do business right now * Bringing a non-judgemental approach to both ourselves and to others in how they handle sharing or not sharing their thoughts and opinions on world events on a public platform * What can be going on behind the scenes for us and others in how we choose to process and move through the grief we feel when we watch others suffer. And how ‘business as usual’ isn’t necessarily a bad thing for some (but in fact necessary). * Tools that Dalia uses to connect with herself and not lose sight of the good and beauty in the world when everything feels dark and difficult – including mindfulness, walking, movement, breath-work and leaning in to communities and networks to feel less alone. * The importance of talking therapies and practitioners in giving us a way to accept and understand ourselves more, and the ripple impact this has of understanding and showing compassion for others in a world that would otherwise seek to polarise and pit us against one another.
We would love to know what you think about this episode and whether it helped you. Drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com) or send me a DM on Instagram to tell us what you thought.
This episode was inspired by another question that was asked recently in the Just Start Now community - which is a safe space for my members to ask any and all questions no matter how small or seemingly silly, at any stage of business.
The question went something like this: you've got a great idea to run an event - maybe a talk or webinar, a challenge, a special class, something in-person or online - but you can't decide: should you charge? Or let people attend for free?
In this episode I talk about: Deciding on charging or free - practical considerations * Have you done your maths? Is your event going to cost you money, if so how much, and are you willing (or financially able) to run it at a loss because it's part of a wider strategy? * Do you think you already have an audience with enough ideal customers in ready to buy from you? If yes then doing something paid makes sense and means you could also upsell something else at the end (if that's appropriate). If no, then doing your event free as an audience or mailing list growth exercise might be the best route - to give yourself new eyes on what you do and people to buy over the coming weeks and months. * If you choose free: set yourself a goal of how many people you'd love to have come - and trust the sign ups are ideal clients that will buy from you in future once they've seen how great your event is * If you do it paid: accept you will get a smaller attendance but if it sells it will get you closer to really 'ready' ideal clients who are more likely to convert sooner to other products and offers (because they're used to paying you, even in a small way!). * Ultimately there is no 'right' or 'wrong' decision and you'll only learn from giving it a go!
Deciding on charging or free - some mindset questions to ask yourself * What is your protective voice saying to you when you make the decision to charge or not? Are you making a decision on paid vs. free from a healthy place? Or a place lead more by fear and risk avoidance? * What outcomes do you want? Are they clear and if you achieve them, how will this expand things for you? * What will you make it mean if you don’t hit the outcomes you want? If the only outcomes you focus on are sign-ups, attendees, engagement or immediate money made or bookings, can you add in some other parameters to measure as well? Things you're in control of and can learn from? * What will make you feel resentful? You’re in control of what you ‘give away’ - no-one can make you feel resentful about running this event apart from you. Decide what that line is, or whether you can embrace whatever the outcomes are. * How much marketing do you have capacity for? Because whether you choose paid or free, one post or one email alone is not going to fill your event. You do need to be resourced to talk about what you're hosting multiple times over a series of days or weeks.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on running events and growing your audience? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
We've covered Pinterest and how to use it to market your business before on the podcast and the basics you need to know, go back and check out episode 34 with Sahar Twesigye.
But that episode was recorded back in 2020 and we know what the internet is like and these tools - they change all the time! So I wanted to get a new expert back on the podcast to explore again, is Pinterest worth our time?
That's where Jano O comes in: a marketing expert, content strategist, and Pinterest educator for coaches, service providers, and other online expert.
In this episode we talk about: * What changes there have been to Pinterest in the last few years and what we need to know if we're considering using it to market our businesses (news flash: it's good news and even easier these days to embrace!) * The sorts of results Jana's clients in the health and wellness space have seen when they start using Pinterest regularly as part of their content marketing strategy * What essentials need to be in place to make Pinterest beneficial - we touch on needing a signature offer and whether you need a website or blog to make Pinterest work, or clarity on your ideal clients * Where ChatGPT can help make posting and getting found on Pinterest quicker and more effective * The two essentials Jana can see helps service-based providers avoid burn out when it comes to content marketing
If you want to know more about creating a signature offer have a listen to episode 82: The impact of a signature offer on your wellness business.
Connect with Jana:
Jana's website
Jana on Pinterest
Jana on Instagram
Jana on Threads
Jana's free stuff: Access Jana's 5 Secrets For Getting Clients on Pinterest masterclass
Working with Jana Jana's Pinterest With Purpose course gives you a self-paced way to set up your profile on Pinterest and start pinning to attract clients.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about: Mindsets that create burn out when it comes to marketing * Accepting that there isn’t just one way of marketing your business – and embracing the experimentation and time it takes to find what works for you and your audience (and PS. you can’t do it all – so honing in and doing less not more!) * Changing your expectations of what your marketing can achieve – realising there isn’t one magic bullet or quick fix everyone is hiding from you, nor is it the norm to have overnight success (you have to be persistent with whichever method you try) * Changing your thoughts around marketing to prevent burn out – tapping into what your inner protector is trying to shelter you from when it comes to marketing, and switching up your thoughts and beliefs to something more helpful to allow you to experiment * Shifting the focus of marketing to what you can learn – what marketing can prove to yourself about being visible and sharing, rather than “did this piece of marketing = customers / revenue immediately”.
Practical considerations that create burn out when it comes to marketing * Do you have a system or content strategy that takes people from browsing to buying? From discovering you to trusting and being ready to buy from you. If not, you will burn out by just trying to market yourself in the way you see other people doing, when their business model is not relevant to yours or you don’t know their strategy. If you don’t know what to post that actually moves people from finding you to buying from you, invest in my Use Social Media To Get Booked mini-training to discover the three types of content you need to be producing (with 100+ prompts to get started) * Are you thinking long-term with the marketing that you spend your time on? Making sure with the marketing you choose that you have at least one long-term platform or strategy – something that you put your time into now but that will pay dividends to you months and years into the future, like your website and SEO, or Pinterest (more on that next week). If you don’t know what to spend your time on that isn’t social media, then invest in my How To Market Your Wellness Business Without Social Media mini-course.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Something I come up against with clients and Just Start Now members every week is how to be more structured and disciplined with time when working for yourself.
Somehow even though you were (or are) the 'productive' one in a corporate environment, organising yourself in your own business seems impossible. Days or weeks drift by and the important stuff just isn't getting done... why is that?!
Cue Louisa Daubney, the Time Design Coach. Having experienced this exact shift herself after working in the charity sectory for years, Louisa now dedicates herself to helping other business owners and solopreners feel fulfilled in their day and ensure self-care is at the heart of what gets done.
In this episode we talk about: * Time design vs. Time management. What's the difference and do we really need to be more 'productive' anyway? * The importance of setting the right kind of goals - the sort that you actually want to check in on, rather than push to the back of a drawer and never look at again after writing! * Creating 'water cooler' moments for yourself even if you work alone and the science behind working in bursts of time * Building habits into your day so there's less overthinking and more ease with your actions * Louisa's 3 top tips for structuring your day to get more done from your priority list
We mentioned a few books you might like to check out:
Emma Gannon's The Multihyphen Method
James Clear's Atomic Habits
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan
Connect with Louisa:
Louisa's Website
Louisa on Instagram
Louisa on LinkedIn
Louisa's free stuff: Download: Mastering your schedule: 10 steps to create a daily routine that sticks by clicking here
Sign up for Louisa's weekly newsletter: Monday Momentum Moment - where she shares ONE top tip towards building a healthier, happier and more fulfilling relationship with how you spend your time. You can sign up here
Working with Louisa Join her group membership: Monday Momentum Meetups
Book a 1-2-1 Power Hour: where you'll do a deep dive into a current time related challenge that's stopping you from finding more time and energy to focus on what matters most to you; and work together to create an action plan to move forward.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
I last had resident copywriting expert from the Just Start Now community Lea Tierney on the podcast two years ago (have a listen here). But I had to have her back as our first repeat guest! And that's because we both believe passionately in the power of great writing for your business and the fact it's still a main staple of how we support people connect and convert customers in their wellness businesses.
Two years on from the last time we sat down to speak... has copywriting changed? Can't ChatGPT just do it all for us now?
In this episode we talk about: * What's changed in copywriting and content creation since 2021 and the fact that ChatGPT definitely can't and won't replace the skill of human writing (although we acknowledge there are a few handy things it can do for you!). * How long writing for your business actually takes (Vicky shares her numbers!) and why this should be embraced and enjoyed, rather than shunned and resented. * Is there a difference between content creation and copywriting? And does it even matter if the more important thing is just that you're sharing something with your audience? * How to tailor content for different platforms like website, email and social media and how repurposing and writing less not more is actually key to connection (something we teach in Copy That Connects!) * The Copy That Connects course Lea and Vicky have co-created and that received phenomenal feedback when it ran earlier in 2023. We're running it again November-December 2023 and talk through who it's ideal for and what you can find inside. Get all the details and sign up now.
Connect with Lea:
Lea Tierney’s website
Lea Tierney on LinkedIn
Love this podcast? Sign up for Copy That Connects. The live round starting Monday 6th November offers VIP level access for full accountability and feedback on your copywriting from Lea and Vicky. Any questions about this episode or the Copy That Connects course drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
This episode is based on a blog I wrote called “Why prospective clients are ghosting you and how to handle it.”
In this episode I talk about: * How common being ghosted is and the recent rise of this due to the cost of living crisis happening in 2023 * My own experience and reflections on ghosting a serving provider myself (!); why I did it and what I’ve learned from it to bring into my own business * 5 reasons why someone ghosting you has absolutely nothing to do with you * 8 questions to ask yourself if you’re being ghosted (or want to avoid it happening): + Have you helped them to get to know you before they get on the call? + Have you pre-qualified people to get on calls with you? + Are you making yourself distinctive from other offers out there? + Have you given them too many answers on the call? + Have you been clear what the offer is and what it costs? + Is it clear how to follow up? + Do you believe in your offer and your ability to get this person change? + Do you actually want this client?
I mentioned a few resources during the episode:
- How to grow an audience that knows you (blog)
- How to sell without feeling icky training (add on the How To Run Discovery Calls That Convert training for just €25)
- Buy the How To Run Discovery Calls That Convert training on its own
- Becky Lloyd-Pack from Story By Design and her work on being ‘distinctive’ not ‘different’
- Kate’s email about giving away too many answers on your discovery calls
- If you want to know how to write compelling sales pages sign up for Copy That Connects
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Freya Powell is a career coach with a difference. She works with women who are feeling out of alignment with their career or business to dig deeper and harness the power of their subconscious to gain clarity on their 'YOU-shaped career or business'. She also goes beyond this to help women release their mindset blocks and quieten their inner critic, using EFT and other subconscious transformation techniques. so they can achieve their ambitions with more ease.
In this episode we talk about: * What the subconscious is and how it can help or hinder your career or business and your ability to make change. * How the subconscious can be viewed like a computer with too many tabs open, running some distracting and unhelpful YouTube videos in the background of our lives which can be closed down using EFT or other subconscious re-programming tools * The many tools that are available to shift old stories and beliefs held from the past - and how some can be fun and quick to implement, rather than longer and sometimes harder methods of more traditional talking therapy * What EFT is and how this fits into the toolkit of being able to navigate change and release feelings and thoughts that block you taking action
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like episode 76 with Sinead Doohan How your past might be preventing your business success.
Connect with Freya:
Freya's website
Connect:
Freya on Instagram
Find out more about working with Freya
Access Freya's free release meditation
Learn the basics of EFT and how you can use it on your own + 30 minute practice session with Freya - get 30% discount with code VICKY30
--- Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about: * My answer to the question “Is it possible to earn more than €3k a month as a solo health practitioner?” * The basic maths of how you're trying to match your corporate salary in your wellness practice right now and how it doesn't add up * Whether the country you're based in and its healthcare system makes a difference to your ability to hit €3k+ a month * The two-step process that results in stagnating earnings at around €1-3k * The 5 fundamentals to raising your income: + Get really really precise about the sort of person you want to help, your unique way of doing things + Charge properly for your 1:1s and sell in packages or bundles to work with you, ditching low-priced drop-in rates + Grow an audience, in whatever way feels good for you + Look at another stream of income that doesn’t involve you exchanging time for money with another single human + Work relentlessly on the mindsets you need to believe that there are more than enough clients that want and will pay for what you do
I mentioned a few resources during the episode:
- 5 mistakes I made when I launched my first online course (blog)
- How to find your wellness business niche (podcast episode)
- How to shake off the 'time for money' exchange with Joanna Sapir (podcast episode)
- How to start a website (self-paced training)
- How to start a mailing list (self-paced training)
- How to grow your audience (blog) or How to grow your audience (podcast)
- Why I don't think you should launch a course yet (blog)
This episode is based on a blog I wrote called "Is it possible to earn €3k+ a month as a solo health practitioner?"
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Doors are open Friday 22nd - Wednesday 27th September 2023 to the Just Start Now community.
If you've been wondering about whether it's a good fit for you I wanted to introduce you to five Just Start Now members to share their experience of being on the inside and what they've found the most valuable part of being in the community.
In this episode we talk about: * The overwhelm and struggle knowing where to start when you've qualified as a practitioner but don't know how to get clients and make an income (if you're feeling this, you're not alone!) * The big mindset shifts the members have experienced since being inside: increased confidence, ability to learn from 'failure' and see what you do as a true business, not just a hobby * Investing in what you believe in and how signing up for Just Start Now (or any other business support programme) shows you're backing yourself and your skills * If it's possible to be too early to invest in the 'business bit' of your health qualification, or whether committing and learning what we do inside Just Start Now even before you qualify can actually be a really great idea * Two core messages from the Just Start Now content: that embracing your niche and getting clear on who you help has been a game-changer and being part of a community that is the "opposite of scarcity mindset" where everyone is open to sharing advice, connections and tips makes transitioning and growing your business so much easier.
Doors to Just Start Now are open - Sign up now
Find out more about the members:
Alex Carey Alex is a yoga instructor, nutritionist and Ayurvedic Health Counsellor specialising in fertility, pregnancy and the journey into motherhood. She has a virtual yoga studio, offers group programs (next one launching Jan '24) and 1:1 support for women preparing for pregnancy or experiencing fertility challenges.
www.alexcareyyoga.com
@alex_carey_yoga on Instagram
Ana Stefan Ana helps women to see how truly amazing their bodies - and full selves - are, through mindful and aligned movement. She combines her wisdom in Pilates, Yoga, Meditation, Myofascial Movement and breathwork to take a mindful approach to movement that supports women in attaining their Aligned Body.
www.anastefan.ie
@thealignedbodycoach on Instagram
Melisa Jermin Melisa is a medical herbalist, naturopath and meditation and mindfulness teacher, helping people who feel tired all the time and don’t have the energy to live their life to the full. Having recovered from debilitating fatigue using a natural approach herself, she supports her clients to regain their natural energy levels and build their resilience by taking a holistic approach, using a combination of nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine and meditation and breathing practices.
www.melisajermin.com
Melisa Jermin CFS Recovery on LinkedIn
Tina Hancocks Tina is a Nutritional Therapist in her final year of studies. She focuses on autoimmune conditions and supporting clients through nutrition and lifestyle changes, to transform their health and regain their zest for life.
www.tinahancocks.com
@nutritionwithtina on Instagram
Louisa Daubney Louisa is a qualified personal performance coach and self-confessed time management geek. She works with women solopreneurs to build a healthier, happier and more fulfilling relationship with how they spend their time on their business, well-being and that passion project they have been wanting to start since leaving the corporate 9-5.
www.louisadaubney.co.uk
@louisadaubney on Instagram
Doors will re-open on Friday to the Just Start Now community and I thought this would be a perfect time to invite a guest onto the podcast who has some great advice to share on how to choose what to invest in what it comes to your wellness business.
Kendall Platt is The Mindful Gardening Coach and as well as a Just Start Now member has invested along the way in her business journey in support, accountability and training to create a flexible and enjoyable work-life around her two young children.
What support and training to invest in when you're a solopreneur can feel really overwhelming. There is so much choice and so many urgent marketing messages about what's right and wrong for you. Kendall and I have both been down those rabbit holes and so we have an honest chat about what's worked and what hasn't for us.
In this episode we talk about: * Kendall's transition from full-time forensic work to running her own business alongside having two daughters, and the different iterations that her products and services have taken along the way. * Getting sucked in to marketing promises and quick-fix solutions sold to business owners and the difference between conspicuous and conscious consumerism when it comes to spending on sustainable support. * The benefits and game-changing content inside Just Start Now that Kendall has found most useful and what her advice is if you're considering joining yourself. * The biggest mistake Kendall's made in the last few years which is still taking up space in her cupboards!
Doors open for Just Start Now on Friday 22nd September - join the waitlist now (or sign up when doors open 22-27th September 2023).
Find out more about Kendall:
Kendall's website
Connect:
Kendall on Instagram
Kendall on Facebook
Kendall on LinkedIn
Sign up to Kendall's newsletter The Seed on Substack
In this episode I talk about: * My big realisation running my quiz for wellness business owners and realising so many of you struggle to put together a really clear offer or service to sell with ease * The four key benefits and reasons why a signature offer is key in your wellness business: + Having a signature offer makes it easier to buy from you + Having a signature offer makes it clear what the outcome is of working with you + Because drop-in sessions don’t work + Having a signature offer shows you’re confident in getting results and you know what it takes to get there
I mentioned a few resources during the episode:
- Have a listen to my conversation with Joanna Sapir from last season where we talk about about the importance of creating a signature offer so you can ditch the ‘time for money’ mentality.
- Sign up for the Signatures That Sell free challenge running 18-22 September 2023 if you’re struggling to put a 1:1 offer together for your own wellness business
I also wrote this blog on why you need a signature offer if you want to read back over the content discussed.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about: * My experience working with health and wellness professionals and realising when they got stuck, that usually one of the 5 pillars wasn’t in place. So I created a foundation framework to check all the basics were covered and now I use it with all my clients and Just Start Now community members. * The 5 essential pillars to creating a thriving wellness business: + Clarity - on your goals and ideal client + Packages - clear offers and services + Selling - getting comfortable to promote what you do + Your Sites - building a website and mailing list + Connection - a marketing plan designed around you * The secret, underlying 6th pillar which makes the other 5 actually work!
I mentioned a few resources during the episode:
- Take my What's Blocking You In Your Wellness Business Quiz, if you don't know which pillar to get started on.
- Try my Visualise Your Dream Day Working In Wellness episode of the podcast to help get clear on your vision
- Sign up for the Signatures That Sell free challenge running 18-22 September 2023 if you're struggling to put a 1:1 offer together
- Check out my self-paced How To Market Your Wellness Business Without Social Media course if you need guidance on how to connect
I also wrote this blog on the 5 pillars if you want to read back over the content discussed.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper on getting to know your ideal clients so you feel surrounded by people ready to work with you? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Working for yourself from home is great.
Until it’s not.
You miss bouncing ideas off other people like you used to in an office.
You honestly think you’re going mad sat at your laptop with no-one responding to what you’re putting out there.
You get totally distracted by the house-work, latest Netflix series or staring into the fridge for a snack or dinner.
Fancy a break from working solo?
Come and join us at this Co-Working Day For Wellness Pros.
Banish the isolation and loneliness many of us feel when working from home and connect with like-minded wellness solopreneurs who are building their practices just like you.
These people are your community, not your competition.
Book 6th July in London: https://vickyshilling.thrivecart.com/co-working-day-in-london/
Book 14th July in Dublin: https://vickyshilling.thrivecart.com/co-working-day-in-dublin/
Ready to attract clients that want yourexpertise? Know you need to get specific but struggling? Join my transformative 5-day niching challenge Niche Navigator for wellness professionals to discover how to specialise andcommunicate your unique work, without feeling pigeon-holed or restricted. With 5 free live daily workshops, walk away from the week with the tools and understanding of how to niche without fear so you get more recommendations, clients and loyal fans for your wellbeing work.
Sign up now
Any questions about whether it's a good fit, email hi@vickyshilling.com
If you’ve listened to my content for any length of time you’ll know I’m a big fan of growing a mailing list and in order to do this I really believe having some sort of freebie or lead magnet massively improves your chances of getting people to hand over their email address.
When you’re getting started this can look like a simple downloadable guide, checklist or e-book. But as your business grows a quiz might be something you want to explore to bring people into your world and onto your list.
I get questions pretty much every week from people inside and outside the Just Start Now community about quiz software and how to design a good one. So it felt only right to invite co-founder of Interact, Josh Haynam, onto the podcast to share insight from what he sees working well in the world of quizzes for generating leads and customers for your wellness business.
In this episode we talk about:
The way quizzes mimic the way the brain works and what makes them so addictive and intriguing to us as users
How quizzes are a great way to create connection and intimacy (or as Josh points out in-to-me-see!) with your ideal customers, greeting them and starting a conversation without you needing to chat in person
How Interact is using AI to help build great quizzes fast, yet how Josh still sees real human interaction as the bedrock of all successful businesses
When it’s a good time to use a quiz in your business and when it’s not and the point where automation really fits in.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here. Links to Interact are affiliate links which mean if you sign up for a paid plan by clicking these I will receive a 30% referral fee, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and love myself.
In this episode I talk about:
The uncomfortable truth that we might not always think the best of the people who we want to invest in our services.
How Amy Porterfield helped me notice the difference between ‘it’s tough but possible’ and ‘look you probably won’t make it.’
A pretty nasty incident at a networking event with an estate agent (have I got your interest yet?!).
How thinking the very best of the people we want to attract is related to the clarity we have on who our ideal customers really are.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How adding products to your wellness business helps you create awareness, adds an income stream and establishes you as an expert
- The different ways to add products to your offering depending on your goals and investment
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What stops you adding products to your business - primarily not knowing where to start and feeling it’s overwhelming (and how to overcome that feeling)! Nicole breaks down the steps into:
- Checking your product idea matches with your business
- Identifying what products you want
- Researching the market
- Market research your audience
- Finding suppliers and knowing what questions to ask
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about:
Four reasons why you shouldn’t outsource your social media
How to run your business without social media at all if you don't want to
What to spend your money on instead of a social media manager
When is a good time to outsource your social media marketing
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
I’m always fascinated by the reasons that wellness business owners aren’t able to ‘just start now’ in their work and I know the reasons go deep. I’ve recently started therapy myself (long overdue!) as I’m finding there are certain things I know at a logical level, but that continue to hold me back despite all the coaching and awareness I have.
I wanted to chat to someone more about what might have happened in the past that shows up in our businesses today and what we can do to ensure it doesn’t prevent us achieving what we want and there’s no better woman that Sinead Doohan who is a Clinical Transformational Hypnotherapist and Coach, supporting women to flourish without fear, without worrying about mistakes or what other people think.
In this episode we talk about:
The missing piece if you’re finding that business strategy and setting goals just isn’t getting you results
The three biggest negative beliefs Sinead sees holding people back
The fact that we have to ‘do the cleaning on the way to the rainbow’
All the ‘shoulds’ and where they really come from
How the ‘inner work’ is an ongoing process and requires constant curiosity and compassion
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episde, I talk about the 5 reasons why I closed down my free Facebook group, and discuss wether you should, too. I also talk about why being on Facebook could still work for you.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode we talk about:
How Joanna ran her own strength and conditioning gym and reached the point of burn out in the emergency room before realising things needed to change in her business to make it sustainable
The mistakes we see practitioners making when it comes to charging and putting packages together
How the desire to be accessible brings up many problems that leave you and your clients unfulfilled
The importance of putting your own priorities into your calendar and planning first s
The practical steps you need to take to shift your business from a ‘time for money’ exchange to earning more consistently
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about four ways to achieve more stable income as a wellness practitioner:
The need to create products that answer people’s problems.
Find a way that you love to consistently market yourself.
Diversify your income streams so you’re not reliant on one thing.
Believe that stable income is possible.
I help you with practical tips and the mindset tweaks needed to do all of these things.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
When we’re working in our business we’re often not terribly kind to ourselves when things feel hard, when they go wrong or we’re not getting the results we want. This is why I thought a conversation with Helen Kelynack about the importance of self-compassion as business owners was a really needed reminder for all of us.
In this episode we talked about:
What self-compassion is and what happens when we lack it
How the voice of self-compassion can also be a warrior and a cheerleader
The benefits of self-compassion to us as business owners
“This is tough” - acceptance of the fact that many things in business are hard and new to us, and the role that self compassion can have
The steps to bringing more self-compassion to our lives and business
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Business is not sustainable unless you find a way to play to your strengths
I'm hosting a free workshop 10am GMT Tuesday 21st March 2023.
In this free 60 minute workshop I'll show you:
👩🏼💻 The 4 key business models in the wellness industry
🙋🏾♀️ How to discover the business model archetype that best suits you
📝 The actions to take to build a business that feels good (and the ones to stop taking!)
Sign up for the workshop here. Replay will be available and sent to you afterwards if you can't make it live.
Remember to take my business archetype quiz here first to discover which model suits you best and receive a free training.
In this episode I talk about:
The services and softwares I invest in to run my business, and how these have developed over the last four years.
I break this down into categories including software, website & email, scheduling and organisation and business storage.
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode, I talk to Samantha Harman, The Style Editor, who shares her insight with you on how your clothes can affect your ability to step out of hobby mentality and take yourself and your business seriously.
We talk about:
How getting out of the pyjamas and dressing for business, even when you’re working from home can be a game changer
How to reconcile selling people services and offers when what we really want them to do is trust themselves and their own amazing abilities
How the way you show up and what you dress is 80% of what people take and learn from you, no matter how great your tips and advice are
How simple preparation and less scrolling online shopping can help you dress for success with the wardrobe you already have
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode I talk about:
- The sliding scale of knowledge and where you sit on it
- Why there are some people who will never buy from you (and that's OK!)
- How to turn your attention to people who ARE ready to buy from you
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
Using Instagram more effectively is something I know a lot of you are curious about, so who better to invite on than my friend and pelvic health physio Helen Keeble, to spill the beans on how she has grown a loyal audience of nearly 20k followers on the platform and used it to enable her businesses to help more people.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
In this episode we talk about:
- Why it’s important to have a good grasp of your finances if you run your own business.
- The common mistakes people make about financial management in the early days of their business
- Advice on tracking your income and expenses and being tax compliant, whether you want to do this yourself or not
- How vital it is to start a separate business bank account, right from the start (if you do absolutely nothing else as a result of listening to this episode, please do this!)
- What you should look for if you want to hire an accountant to help you manage your finances (and grow with you and your business)
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to Just Start Now Podcast - Vicky Shilling
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners. Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
The podcast is back for another season!
In this episode I talk about:
- What an audience is and why we need to grow our audience continually, not just as a once off activity
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Fast acting activities you can do to grow your audience:
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- Guest appearances
- Influencer marketing
- Networking
- Running free events
- Building a referral network (listen to episode 45 with Kate Matheson for more on this)
- Leverage hot/warm contacts
- Paid for ads
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Slow burn, long term activities you can do to grow your audience:
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- Website and SEO / Google My Business (listen to episode 28 with Maddy Shine for more on this)
- Content marketing
- Mailing list (listen to episode 5 for more tips on this)
- Press and PR (read this blog post on how to do your own PR)
- Pinterest (listen to episode 34 with Sahar Twesigye for more tips on this)
- How important it is to believe in yourself and your ability to help and the value you add into the world by creating these opportunities and pitching yourself for features (grab a copy of my book for more help with this)
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to vickyshilling.com/just-start-now-podcast/
Love this podcast? Want to go deeper? Join the Just Start Now course and community for wellness business owners.
Any questions about this episode or the Just Start Now community drop me an email (hi@vickyshilling.com), send me a DM on Instagram or book in a chat here.
I've been missing in action on the podcast recently, but I'm back for 2023!
Before I release Season 7 I wanted to check in and let you know about a couple of things happening this month:
Hang out online to goal set with me in my annual new year Wellness Business Goal Setting Workshop, totally free. This takes place live Sunday 8th January 2023 09.15-10.45am GMT, but if you can't make it live (or missed it) then you can still sign up and watch the replay back whenever you want.
Hang out in person to goal set with me at my next CEO Day at the stunning Cliff At Lyons in Kildare, on the border with Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday 12th January 2023, 09.30-16.00 GMT. All the details here.
And any time you want to get in touch come and chat on Instagram where I'm posting and sharing regularly, and if you don't trust the algorithm (who does?!) then sign up for my mailing list so you never miss a thing.
Can’t wait to see you, speak soon! x
This season has been dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
I couldn't have wished for a better end to the series than an actual in-person live Q&A however, due to the nature of it being a live event the sound quality of this episode is not quite up to the usual standard.
I hope you can understand and treat this episode a bit like being a fly-on-the-wall listening in to an event you sadly missed, which might mean adjusting your audio a little bit.
We've done what we can to ensure you can hear me and the great questions and contributions from the people in the room.
Some of the topics we covered in this live Q&A: * How I viewed writing the book: was it client creating or was it a passion project? * The moment I realised that mindset was such a key part of building a business * How the book helped other readers realise they didn't have to kill themselves to run a business! * My tips on how to break the 'scarcity' mindset * How to write to 5 people a day about your work, even if you're a weight-loss coach (and don't want to imply people need to lose weight!)
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/just-start-now-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
What I cover in today’s episode, and chapter 9 of my book, is one of my all-time favourite topics! The concept of 'running out of time'. It's something I hear a lot when I talk to wellness business owners and let's face it we've all said it at various times to ourselves and to other people. But are you being honest with yourself about what "I don't have time" actually means?
In this episode, I go a little deeper into the mindset blocks around time and how by changing that mindset you might find you actually get better results in your business.
Some of the things I talked about when it comes to how you feel and think about time: * The concept of "I don't have time" and what it actually means * Things that do take time in your business, like building trust and connections with your audience * The mindset shifts you need to make to take more aligned action in your wellness business * Taking responsibility and being honest with yourself about how you spend your time * Why it's important to be open to having time to make 'mistakes' and experiment in your business * Why you are not 'lazy' despite what you might be telling yourself * Being honest about what your priorities actually are
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/just-start-now-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
Trigger warning*:* We discuss racism, body size discrimination and gender identity in this conversation, and some strong language was used in this episode in case you may find this offensive or if little ears are around while you listen.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by two guests - Samantha Carbon, psychotherapist and coach, and Lucy Rowett, certified sex coach and sexologist - to discuss the larger societal things at play that may stop you from just starting now.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to just starting now: * What you need to be aware of beyond your own mindset that may be holding you back from starting your business or taking action * Having courage and compassion to engage and interact with uncomfortable conversations, particularly with marginalised groups and the fear of 'getting it wrong' * Body size discrimination and diet culture within the wellness space * The importance of feeling safe being visible online and in business * What's missing in the mainstream business conversation and the understanding that all our minds and bodies work differently * How your business model should reflect what truly works for you, your mind and your body * The 'resilient edge of resistance' and finding your own window of tolerance * How doing the inner work can help you to develop a more inclusive business
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/just-start-now-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
In today’s episode, I’m talking to legal expert Lucy Wheeler of Lucy Legal, who helps make legal more accessible and affordable for small business owners and wellness entrepreneurs.
We discuss and expand on the chapter in my book about ethics, selling legally and in a way that feels good and address some of the fears and mindset blocks that come up for wellness business owners when they are just getting started or growing their business.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to getting legit in your business:
- Building solid foundations and having a legal framework to support you and your clients
- The importance of being clear on your expertise and feeling confident and empowered to share what isn’t
- How you can turn your concerns and fears into content that addresses your client’s own concerns
- How to turn self-sabotage into positive action
- The fear of being copied and some ways to protect your business
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Get away from working inyour wellness business and spend a day working onyour business to make the second half of 2022 your best 6 months yet. I'm hosting three CEO Days for wellness professionals who want to get away for a day from serving clients and get more strategic in their business.
Join me in Edinburgh, London or Dublin for an exclusive in-person mastermind in June and July 2022.
To book go to https://vickyshilling.com/events
Places are already filling fast, so don't miss out!
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
I’m excited to bring you today’s episode, where I discuss my favourite chapter in the book - Chapter 5, Finding your own path, which is all about finding the business model that works for you.
In this episode, I introduce you to the 4 different business model archetypes: Influencer Izzy, Bespoke Betty, Responder Rachel and Signature Sally. Looking at these business archetypes can help you discover the business model that suits your personality and feels authentic to you.
Some of the things I talked about when it comes to finding the right business model for you:
- Why it’s important to find the business model that works for you
- How tapping into your own strengths will help you build a sustainable business that aligns with your big picture vision
- The different types of services and packages that align with each archetype
- Ways to build a business that does not have to be visible on social media
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
I'm dropping into your ear-holes to let you know about an in personevent I'm hosting to celebrate the arrival of the Just Start Now book.
Join me in London on Tuesday 14th June for a private podcast recording. We'll have drinks and nibbles and do a Q&A that will be recorded for the final episode of the season. Get your ticket here.
To check out all the live events I'm hosting in the next few months visit my website: https://vickyshilling.com/events
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
In today’s episode, we are taking a deep dive into Chapter 4 of my book - Making the right decision, and looking at the idea of getting it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in your business.
Are you so worried that you’re not making the right decision that you’re stuck in paralysis? Well, you’re not alone and I hope this episode helps you to reframe some of these mindsets and get unstuck so that you can move forward in your wellness business.
Some of the things I talk about when it comes to getting things 'right' or 'wrong':
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The idea that you cannot make a wrong decision - instead how to reframe your ‘mistakes’ and learn from them
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Changing your default mindset from thinking of the worst-case scenario to the best-case scenario
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Expectations v outcomes - what is your inner critic making it mean if something doesn't meet your expectations?
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One of my favourite topics - the Dunning-Kruger effect and getting stuck in the ‘valley of despair’ - plus my own experience of this!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
In today’s episode, I take a look at chapter 3 of the book, titled ‘Imposter complex and needing to know more.’ Now, this is something I see all too often with wellness practitioners so I hope this episode helps all those that feel they don’t know enough and need more qualifications in order to actually help people.
Some of the things I talk about when it comes to imposter complex:
- How this chapter was inspired by Tara Mohr’s book Playing Big and the particular problem of women feeling they always need more qualifications.
- The ‘should’ of overcomplicating the ideal customer.
- How you are capable of helping people right now with what’s in your head.
- Tanya Geisler and her way of explaining imposter complex - knowing that if you think for even a second you are one, that you’re definitely not!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us. You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
Content Warning: Please note that this episode contains some strong language towards the end.
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Money and Business Coach Ray Dodd, who helps people master the skill of money-making. We take a deep dive into the chapter I have written in my book all about scarcity.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to a scarcity mindset:
- All the ways in which scarcity shows up for business owners - including time, money, competitors and audience size
- Trusting in the skill of making money, not in money itself
- The flow and momentum of money
- How societal beliefs promote scarcity and how to navigate a scarcity mindset
- ‘Time optimism’ and what it is
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
Today’s episode is all about goal setting, which I cover in Chapter 1 of my book. I’m talking to the lovely Kerry Lyons, the business and creative coach who helps people turn their daydreams into their day-jobs.
We unpick the mindset blocks we tend to see and discuss how to use goal setting and change how you’re thinking about goal setting, in order to see more results in your business.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to setting goals:
- The common mindset blocks that stop you from achieving your goals
- The fear of failure, but also the fear of success
- How to reframe self-sabotage and change your belief system
- How to think about goal setting in a fun and adventurous way
- What might happen in your businesses if you don’t set clear goals
- Kerry gives us her tips on how to get past common mindset blocks
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
Today I’m talking to meditation teacher Laura Farrington, who runs an online meditation studio and is the co-founder of Umbrella Wellness, which provides wellness activities for corporate businesses.
We discuss how meditation can help us to be better business owners by shifting our mindset. A topic I discuss in the opening chapter of my book.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to changing your mindset through meditation:
- What meditation actually is - Laura busts some myths around what people think it is or ‘should’ be.
- How meditation can help you on a personal level as well as in your business.
- How using box breathing for just 5 minutes per day can help you to get started.
- Using affirmations to help shift from a negative to a more positive mindset - I also talk about this in the book!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Season 6 is coming! The new season of the Just Start Now podcast will land in your podcast app on Monday 2nd May 2022.
This season will be dedicated to taking apart and going deeper into the Just Start Now book I released earlier this year. To get the most from the season (and to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!) I recommend you grab a copy of the book and read along with us.
You can purchase your copy here: https://vickyshilling.com/book
Also a reminder: my How To Market Your Wellness Business Without Social Media course starts next week too, doors close this Friday 29th April.
If you want to get more clients and work in your business in a way that isn't reliant on pumping out contnet and going live every day, this is the course for you.
Sign up here: https://vickyshilling.com/marketing-without-socials-mini-course
I'm dropping into your ear-holes with a quick message - Just Start Now the book is ready for you! I'm having a launch party Friday 4th - Saturday 5th March 2022 with big give-aways, fantastic guests andcanapés and cocktails. It's all totally free and you're invited!
Grab your free place now (replays will be available if you can't come live):
https://vickyshilling.podia.com/booklaunch
In today's bonus episode, I’m talking to Erin Chamberlain, publishing consultant and editor. Erin is also the mentor that has helped me bring my first book into the world!
Erin shares with us the benefits of publishing your own book, how to create a writing habit and gives you a sneak preview of what my book Just Start Now is all about, because she’s editing it!
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to writing a book:
- The benefits of publishing a book: to give your ideal customers a taste of how you can change them, to show them your process (and help you get clear on it!)
- The mindset blocks and beliefs people have when it comes to writing.
- How to create a writing habit and do what works for you.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today's bonus episode, I’m talking to Sarah Taylor, LGBTQ+ Coach for Queer Women, Trailblazers & Allies.
Making our businesses more inclusive to people who identify with different genders and sexualities from ourselves can feel like a minefield that we don’t want to get ‘wrong.’ I ask Sarah how to navigate this and what tips she has for helping you create a more welcoming and inclusive business.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to making your business more inclusive:
- What the benefits are of making your business more inclusive.
- Why pronouns matter and what to say if someone asks why you’ve included them in your website or profiles.
- How to be inclusive without being ‘token gesture’.
- The necessity for making mistakes and being willing to get it ‘wrong’ when you attempt to be fully inclusive in your business.
- How to be inclusive whilst still niching and knowing your ideal customer. For example - how to say you help women in the menopause, but still be inclusive.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today’s episode, I talk about whether you should put your prices on your website and go through the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for you and your business.
Some of the reasons I cover for listing prices on my website are:
- I find sales conversations easier to have when people know my price.
- If I was on the other side of the transaction i.e. I am being sold to, I feel the seller is someone I am more likely to buy from if they are transparent about pricing.
- I think revealing a price only on a call rather than listing it on a website or other marketing material is for those more confident in sales.
On the other hand, here are some reasons you might not want to put your prices on your website:
- Your customers will all have money stories about what is and isn’t ‘good value’.
- A sales page, however awesomely written it is, can never truly convey the transformation and result that your ideal client could get.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today's episode, I’m talking to Natasha de Grunwald: author, teacher, coach, trainer and breath-work facilitator.
Natasha has trained hundreds of massage therapists in her time and so we deep dive in this episode into the difficulties we both see wellness practitioners face when it comes to pricing in a way that serves you, your customers and your industry.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to charging your worth:
- The mistakes we see people making when it comes to setting prices.
- How we feel about ourselves impacts the way we price.
- The balance between pricing led by feelings (Natasha’s way!) and a bit of spreadsheet and strategy work (Vicky’s way!) to come to a price point that feels good and makes practical sense.
- Pricing as a way to take care of yourself - a revolutionary thought!
- How to increase your prices - giving people notice and not being afraid to do this to reflect your increased skills and capabilities.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today's episode, I discuss the 10 reasons I think you shouldn’t be relying on social media to market your business and what you should be focusing on instead that is more effective!
Here are a few of the reasons to stop relying on social media I cover in the podcast:
- You’re building your business on someone else’s land
- You have to spend more and more time for less and less results
- Algorithms change which is super frustrating
- It affects our brains negatively
- There are better ways to market yourself
And some of the areas you should focus on instead:
- Website and SEO
- Referrals and your network
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Lea Tierney, our resident copywriting expert inside my Just Start Now community.
Lea and I talk about the power of great copy and how it's all about storytelling, what stops wellness business owners writing brilliantly to attract customers, plus Lea shares 3 tips to master compelling copy that converts.
- Practice talking to your ideal client and write content as if you were speaking directly to them
- Your copy isn’t about you - centring your writing on the reader and describing instead why you’re the perfect person to help them
- Focus on the transformation and outcome you help your customers achieve
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today's episode, I discuss 8 reasons you may not be getting any clients right now. These are common problems - practical and mindset - that could well be killing your ability to get booked.
The points I cover include:
- You don't know who you're selling to
- You don’t have a clear offer
- You’re not getting in front of new audiences
- You’re consuming more than you’re creating
Along with two mindset blocks:
- You're doubting your ability to achieve change for your clients
- You’re scared someone will actually buy
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Bridget Daley, founder of Parents in Biz, a platform equipping parents with the tools and resources they need to manage running a business and having harmony at home.
We talk about:
- The importance of asking for and accepting help, whether with your business or children.
- How time management is the biggest issue for parents running their own business and how to overcome this.
- The language we use around parenting and running a business - is it, juggling, harmony or balance?
- Bridget’s top tips for better mental health as a parent business owner.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
This episode is all about how to start building your confidence even if you’re right at the start of your business building journey and don’t have much, or any, experience of being paid for what you do.
I talk about:
- How no one is born confident - it’s something you develop by building up the courage to try things.
- What is the difference between you now and you having had loads of clients? And how you should be an act as that person right now.
- How focusing on your next step, on what you can do and what is within your scope right now will lead to bigger things.
- The benefit of surrounding yourself with positive inspiration and uplifting voices that say you can make this work and get lots of paying clients.
- How quiet is normal when you are getting started so don’t get sucked into the fast growth messaging you see on adverts.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking to health + wellness business coach Kate Matheson, from Matheson & Co., about an often overlooked but highly profitable potential income stream: professional referrals.
We talk about:
- How local business and communities are often overlooked, in place of social media
- How valuable and trustworthy referrals are, and how they can form a valuable chunk of business if done well
- The mindsets that might hold you back from creating a referral network of your own
- How to start building your own referral network, in a way that feels good and not pushy or needy
- The importance of always asking people how they found out about you, so you can see where your enquiries and bookings are coming from i.e. what marketing is working for you
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about how to use Instagram more efficiently. In just 20 minutes a day if you do the right strategic things (which I share in the episode!), you can massively increase your chances of getting enquiries and bookings. More than the mindless scrolling and comparing you’re doing right now…
I discuss:
- Three things not to do if you want to get clients on Instagram
- Non-negotiable things I think you should be doing with your 20 minutes on Instagram
- Ways to strengthen bonds and find new followers with 20 minutes on Instagram
- How to tidy things up if you are going to achieve maximum effectiveness with 20 minutes on Instagram
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is a little update on what's happening with me and the podcast and how I'm helping people like you get your wellness business started.
More about my 12 week group programme The Core here: https://vickyshilling.com/core
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is with Registered Nutritional Therapist & Empowerment Coach Deirdre Egan.
We talk about:
- Going from a full-time mum to retrain as a nutritional therapist and battling the “you’re never going to make this work” mindset
- Deirdre’s Plan A to become a nutritionist and Plan B: to work harder on Plan A!
- The ebb and flow of working for yourself, seeing the positives and feeling grateful for quiet down times, rather than anxious and worried
- Increasing your confidence by just ‘doing the thing’ rather than sitting thinking about it
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is with clinical nutritional therapist, functional medicine practitioner and health coach Anoushka Davy.
We talk about:
- How Anoushka moved from working in TV production to going full-time as a nutritionist releasing her first book
- Social media as Anoushka’s big mental block and the ‘should’ of using socials to build her business. I mentioned this blog post I wrote called ‘Do you need to be on social media to have a successful wellness business?’
- Getting help and delegating so that you can stay in your zone of genius, and how to think about this even when you’re just getting started
- Bringing in joy to your work and how to be a better practitioner by having more fun and letting go of pressure and being too serious
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is with nutritionist and yoga teacher Sarah Hawkins, from Food Is Good (F.I.G) Nutrition.
We talk about:
- Blending together nutrition and yoga to help Sarah’s ideal clients with their IBS and gut health
- The worry about a saturated market when it feels like so many other people are doing the same thing as you
- Sarah’s evolving journey to going full-time into her business, rather than suddenly appearing fully formed onto the market
- The importance of having a network and getting support, like Sarah does in the Just Start Now membership
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is with Ultramarathon Runner and Coach, Hannah Walsh who helps women to run their first ultramarathon.
We talk about:
- Hannah’s journey from a long-distance commuter, to working for a small business in the training industry alongside her own coaching business allowing her to create more impact
- Imposter complex and how this shows up when you think you ‘aren’t good enough’ to teach or help other people
- Using your own network and the people closest to you to do market research and find out what problems you can solve in your business.
- Receiving negative feedback from clients when things don’t go as well as you both hoped and how to use this to grow and get better, rather than taking it personally
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today’s episode is with retired cancer nurse and Life and Women’s Wellbeing Coach, Tracy Acock from The Wellbeing Wisdom Club.
We talk about:
- Tracy’s journey from retired cancer nurse, to feeling like she had more to contribute and retraining as a Life Coach helping women to navigate mid-life
- The importance of learning to take the first step and finding a coach or mentor who supports and believes in you, such as my Elevate package
- How letting go of the past and tackling the mindset block of needing outside validation allowed Tracy to step in to the new version of herself and create space for ‘morning miracles’
- Tracy’s tips on embracing discomfort and how keeping curious and an open mind can lead to a life better than you’d ever expected!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
The podcast is back for a mini Success Series - showcasing people doing what you want to do - turning their passion for health and wellness into a career.
Today’s episode is with Nutritional Therapist and women’s health expert Le’Nise Brothers from Eat Love Move.
We talk about:
- Le’Nise’s journey from busy advertising exec, travelling the world for work, to nutritional therapist and yoga teacher, with a life that enables her to spend time with her son
- How it is possible to earn money as a nutritionist and how important it is to surround yourself with people that truly believe this (no matter what you’ve been told in college!)
- Choosing to go all in on her nutrition business, even though the lure of her old advertising job was still there. The tough days and the honest length of the journey, to reach today with a busy practice and a book deal
- Le’Nise’s tips on focusing on one or two platforms to build your audience and really engaging fully on them in order to build your business
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
The podcast is back for a mini Success Series - showcasing people doing what you want to do - turning their passion for health and wellness into a career.
Today’s episode is with personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur Elle Linton from Keep It SimpElle.
We talk about:
- Elle’s journey from bored full-time office worker, Nike training club instructor, through to the multi-hyphenated career she has today
- The mindset shift of learning to harness the power of choice and possibility
- Choosing the right support at the right time, from joining communities such as the Just Start Now Facebook group when you’re starting out, to getting admin help to be able to focus on the ‘sexy’ side of the business
- The importance of goal setting, being open to goals shifting or changing, and how they help Elle with making everyday decisions to keep her on track
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
The podcast is back for a mini Success Series - showcasing people doing what you want to do - turning their passion for health and wellness into a career.
Today’s episode is with Nutritional Therapist Claire O’Brien from Honest & Goodness.
We talk about:
- Claire’s journey from burned out digital marketer, to running her own busy nutritional therapy practice
- The magic of setting goals and how doing this with support from the Just Start Now membership helped Claire achieve her income targets
- What to do if it feels like a client knows loads about your area of expertise and the imposter syndrome kicks in
- The mental block of being a single parent and needing to see income and be financially independent. Claire’s clever mindset shift to overcome this.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
I'm back! But whilst I’m still juggling everything with childcare and business, I’m not fully returning quite yet with a full season of Just Start Now like you’re used to.
Instead across May 2021 I'm going to be presenting a mini-season showcasing people doing what YOU want to do - turning their passion for health and wellness into a career.
They’re not making millions but they’re making it work for them and I am really hoping these stories and insights will be inspiring to you as you get started on your path.
I’m calling it the success season, so if you’re ready for a bit more success in your life, this month is going to be an absolute treat.
Stay tuned and make sure you're subscribed!
In this episode I talk to my husband about the reality of what it’s been like living with me while I build my business over the last two years.
This is an intimate conversation with my husband’s honest thoughts on me going solo, investing in myself with a coach and what it takes to be supportive when you’re starting a new business.
We talk about:
- What David thought when I wanted to quit the music industry and go into coaching.
- What it takes to run your own business - from an outsider’s perspective looking in.
- My bad habits and secrets that only my husband sees behind the scenes as I build my biz!
- How necessary it was for me to invest in myself at a high level and what his thoughts were when I did
- How David thinks you can be the most supportive partner to someone who is just getting started running their own business, tips for your partner if you’re not getting the support you need
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to life coach and online business strategist Sahar Twesigye, who you might also know from her healthy eating blog Earth & Spoon.
We discuss the powerful marketing tool that is Pinterest and the steps you need to take to harness it to drive eyes onto your wellness business.
We talk about:
- The difference between Pinterest and social media - Pinterest is a search engine where people are coming to answer questions and solve problems, not to connect with people.
- The benefits of using Pinterest including the fact it’s not a ‘hungry monster’ like social media - you can have pins that keep returning traffic to your website for weeks, months and years after they’ve been created.
- What you need to have in place before you start using Pinterest.
- If you think you’re ready to start using Pinterest as part of your marketing strategy, Sahar's recommended steps to get started.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about scarcity and the multitude of ways it shows up for you and holds you back from being successful in your wellness business.
Whether it’s your belief that the market is saturated, that there aren’t enough customers who want what you offer or the thoughts that cross your mind when you look into your bank account, it all dictates how much success you’ll see.
I talk about these 5 scarcity mindsets you might be suffering with:
- You think there are a limited number of customers out there and the market is too saturated
- You think money is finite and will run out, or that your customers don’t have the money to invest in what you do
- You feel not enough and think you need more qualifications
- You think there’s not enough time to do what you want
- You don’t think you have a big enough audience to get the income you’re aiming for right now.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode, I’m talking to Business Coach Caroline Thompson about the myth that you need to have a huge audience in order to bring in decent money to your business.
Caroline is a great example of how with small numbers she could still attract paying clients and shares her tips on how to do this.
We discuss:
- The importance of quality over quantity when it comes to your audience
- How in-person networking and know/like/trust factors were key to Caroline’s launch successes
- Being authentic and showing up fully as yourself in your content and communication which is what sells.
- The importance of rest instead of stress and strategy in order to get your energy right
- Believing 100% in what you’re doing and selling as the core of having successful launches
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about how to schedule and repurpose content for your wellness business.
Creating content for social media, emails and other marketing channels can feel like a huge and overwhelming task and is something I help many clients with.
I’ll talk you through ways to break it down and re-use what you have so it’s easy to stay consistent.
I take you through:
- Looking at the channels you want to schedule content for
- Why your mailing list should always be part of your plan, not just social media.
- Developing some kind of consistent framework that you stick to for at least 3 months to get into a rhythm and see what works
- The importance of repetition and sharing your content more than once in different ways
- Re-sharing old content that’s still relevant and also making sure in your content planner you are scheduling regular sales posts
- Scheduling tools that might help you stay consistent.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to Quantum Transformation and Embodiment Coach Suzy Ashworth.
With a background in building a hypnobirthing business, Suzy now uses her expertise in marketing and mindset to help female business owners get what they want.
If you want to write content that makes your audience think “that’s exactly me!” then this is a must listen.
In this episode we cover:
- Suzy's 3 steps to mastering your message and connecting with your ideal customers
- Staying in your own lane and focusing on what you want and need to do in your own business.
- Connecting with yourself and your purpose in order to show up in the way you want in your messaging.
- The importance of taking risks and being willing to not be liked by everyone. Suzy’s promotional photos in a swimsuit are discussed!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about how to ‘ask for the sale.’ It’s a phrase you might have heard talked about by many coaches and business owners and it’s one that makes a lot of us really squirm.
We love helping people improve their health, but asking them to buy from us? Cringe! Listen to get my tips on asking for the sale in an easy and effortless way.
I cover:
- Why asking for the sale is critical and so often missed
- How many times a day you should be doing it
- Your energy and mindset around asking people to buy from you and how crucial this is to seeing success when asking for the sale, not just taking the actions
- Ideas for how asking for the sale can look
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to SEO and Visibility Queen Maddy Shine about the scary and technical sounding world of search engine optimisation.
As well as practical tips on doing your own SEO, Maddy and I talk about the real issues with being seen online and what it takes to step out and be recognised for what you do.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to SEO and getting found: * Lessons from a recession and discovering what you really want to do, as Maddy did after the 2008 crash. * SEO = Seeking Exciting Opportunities. Seeing improving your visibility as a chance to find new opportunities in your business to bring in customers and income. * The importance of experimenting in business to get the results you want. * Blocks when it comes to visibility - how to be truly yourself and accept yourself in order to overcome your fear of being seen.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about how to create a website for your wellness business that attracts rather than repels your ideal customers.
Your website is a powerful tool for selling yourself but often what you’re choosing to focus on and put on your site isn’t doing you any favours. Let me put you straight!
In this episode I cover:
- Focusing on your ideal client and how this should underlie everything you do on your website
- Basic pages you need to include and what pages don’t need to be included if they’re holding you back from launching your website
- Calls To Action - ways to make people take action, get in touch, book in or join your mailing list, rather than just passively browse your site.
- Formatting and why using headers, paragraph breaks, italics and bold text are so important
- Photos of yourself - why these are so vital because ‘people buy from people’!
- Making it easy to book and pay - why and how to make things quick and easy for people to contact, book and buy from us
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to Fab Giovanetti, social media and marketing consultant and founder of Creative Impact Co, formerly the Health Bloggers Community - where I met her at the beginning of my blogging adventures.
Fab has an incredible eye for branding and shares practical tools as well as pit-falls to avoid when branding your biz.
Some of the things we talked about when it comes to branding your wellness business: * Three stages to create a brand for your wellness business * We both talked about graphic design tool Canva for creating your branding deck and brand graphics * Shiny object syndrome and why it’s so important to keep your brand consistent * "Procrastibranding" - wasting time and hiding behind perfecting your logo, website, visuals and social media graphics * The importance of accountability when it comes to completing your branding and sharing it with the world.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I talk about how to get help in your wellness business and what you need to consider if you’re thinking about working with a VA (a Virtual Assistant).
You can do anything but not everything in your business, but how do you get the right support?
In this podcast I go deeper into my tips including: * Hiring before you feel ready and staying in your zone of genius * How delegating and hiring help doesn’t magically make you more consistent or successful * The difference between hiring someone to do things you can’t, and hiring someone to do tasks you could do, but they’re not a great use of your time * Tasks you could give a VA and tasks to outsource to other experts * Q&A on working with a VA including contracts and NDAs, how much to pay them and how to find the right person
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to Kerry Lyons, Business Design Coach and host of The Imperfect Life® Podcast.
Kerry was my own coach when I started my business and truly helped me step into doing what I love. We discussed the mindsets it takes to leave your job and leap into your own biz.
In this episode we cover: * Having no plan and trusting the process of experimenting when it comes to leaving your job. * The mindset of “My only option is to stay in this job” * How necessary it is to limit the amount of time you faff around with your side-hustle * Making a decision and commitment to do something * Choosing to help people over the stories and limits of your ego.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I share my tips on how to get your wellness business fully booked using a free Facebook group. They're a fantastic free tool to build know, like and trust - but how can you make one work for you?
I talk about:
- Giving your Facebook group a purpose
- How to sign up members to your group
- What content to share in your Facebook group
- How to get engagement and interaction in your group
- Ways to sell regularly that feel good
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm bringing you a little bonus episode - something you requested from me when I asked what you wanted to celebrate the end of Season 2.
It’s a visualisation meditation for you to spend time living and breathing a perfect day in your future wellness business.
If you want to listen to the meditation without the introduction, skip straight ahead to 7 minutes, where the meditation itself starts.
The meditation lasts around 10 minutes, so get comfortable and get ready to soak up the experience of running your dream wellness business.
Thank you so much for listening and see you again soon for Season 3.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to Annette Kelly about how she grew Little Penny Thoughts from a side-hustle, passion project, into a business that she could leave her teaching job for. Full of wisdom and insights and with a true belief in community over competition, this is a gorgeous inspiration filled chat.
We discuss:
- Fear of judgement online and feeling paranoid when getting started, especially when working in another job.
- Overanalysing your videos to camera in the early stages, and how to move on from that and show up for your audience.
- Noticing the difference between tuning into your gut and posting on social media only when you’re inspired, and when you are being paralysed by the fear of judgement which stops you posting what you want, or at all.
- Community over competition. Supporting others in the wellbeing industry, rather than trying to compete with others.
- ‘Doing the double’ of both jobs together. Making the transition and making the leap - how Annette knew it was the right time to jump.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I share my tips on how to stop worrying about judgement from other people. It’s one of the biggest topics I cover with my clients and one I see holding you back time and time again from going big and doing what you want in your business. Let’s tackle it together.
I talk about:
- Thinking about who you think is judging you. Who are these people you are so afraid of judgement from?
- How people think, feel and behave towards you says more about them than it does about you.
- Sometimes people who judge us are coming from a place of love and fear for us.
- People who judge are not your ideal client or customer.
- Writing a list of people whose opinion actually matters to you.
- Keep doing the work to reframe your thoughts. It takes time.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I’m talking to Gracie and Sophie from Squirrel Sisters. I was inspired to get them on the podcast when they shared how they had successfully launched their products into stockists like Holland & Barrett, with no external backing. We talk brand building, market research and who to rely on in business.
We discuss:
- Fear of judgement when you’re just starting out
- Running a lean, flexible business that suits your lifestyle.
- Building a brand and having values, a tone and an ethos that runs through everything you create.
- Finding your confidence in your own brand voice and not getting distracted by what other people are doing.
- The advantage of being known for one thing and becoming an expert at your specific area.
- Working with people that respect you and support you, rather than undermining you.
- Tapping into networks so you don’t feel alone.
- Being open to feedback and doing market research.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I share my tips on how to keep showing up, even when you’re just getting started and it feels like you’re talking into an echo chamber where no-one is hearing you. With practical tips and insight from my own journey, I’ve got loads of fresh ways to think about it and to keep you consistent.
I cover:
- Focusing on being internally motivated, not externally.
- Cultivating self-belief - what you have to offer is valuable.
- Trusting that people are listening and watching, even if they don’t engage.
- Understanding you’re not perfect and that’s okay.
- Stop obsessing about your metrics and reach. Focus on the quality of your content instead.
- It takes time - it takes 10 years to become an overnight success.
- Put the blinkers on and ‘stick to the knitting.’ Just do you, stop comparing yourself to others.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I’m talking to Business Mentor Ruth Poundwhite. We talk about creating content that truly connects and builds the engaged audience we are all seeking, to inform and inspire our work and turn into paying customers.
In this episode we cover:
- Creating content that shares your story and resonates with other people.
- Connecting with people where they are right now through your content and your language and topics.
- What to do if you’re really struggling to come up with content ideas.
- What content doesn’t resonate.
- Showing up and giving it a go, whether your content connects or not.
- The importance of repeating things that are important - because not everyone hears it the first time.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this episode I share 5 tips about how to have conversations with your audience and potential clients, to build strong relationships and move people to feel ready to buy from you in your wellness business.
I cover:
- Treat people like human beings. Engage on a human level and meet them where they’re at.
- Start conversations and ask questions. And stop worrying if no-one replies! You have to appear to be open to talking at all times. Use Calls To Action (CTAs) at all times.
- Don’t underestimate Direct Messages. Drop into people’s DMs wherever you can. Get feedback, get input and chat in a personal space.
- Get people onto calls. If someone shows interest, get them onto calls as much as possible and keep asking them questions.
- Keep track of your conversations in a spreadsheet or CRM. I now use the free version of HubSpot to track my sales conversations.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I’m talking to Nutritional Therapist Jodie Brandman. But that’s not what she’s always been!
In a frank and open conversation I chat to Jodie about her career path and all the different avenues she’s gone down from psychologist, to food truck owner to where she is now helping women with hormones and fertility.
We talked about:
- Feeling like a failure when something doesn't work out at the time, even though with hindsight it feels like everything happens for a reason
- Different versions of success - what society tells us vs. what really makes us happy
- Constantly striving for the next step and the career ladder, rather than tapping into our own intuition and doing what we love
- How to learn when to pivot and jump between different paths
- The importance of asking for help when we are growing our businesses. We don’t have to figure it out by ourselves, and with help we can fast-track our growth.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about finding your niche, something we've all heard about when it comes to growing a successful business, but which gets in the way of starting for many.
In this podcast I discuss:
- What a niche is and whether we need one
- The magic that comes from finding your niche and how it helps you with consistency
- Why having a niche does not mean cutting people out and restricting your possible audience
- Tips on finding your niche
- Mindsets and stories we tell ourselves that stop us getting really specific about who we want to help
- How your niche will evolve - and the story of how mine has evolved over the last few years since I started
- Just getting started and testing things out
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking to Life Performance & Wellbeing Coach Jack Kavanagh. After a dramatic injury changed his life in his early 20s, Jack has transitioned from a job in pharmacy to become an inspiring motivational speaker. I ask him to share him experience and tips on turning his public speaking into a full-time job.
We talk about:
- Tuning into your inner mentor and inner voice when it comes to following your passion for sharing your story.
- Everyone has an important story to tell. But how do you make the story of one become the story of many?
- Needing to work at the craft of being a public speaker.
- How to overcome nerves when it comes to public speaking (and yes, Jack still gets nervous too!).
- Tackling negativity and judgement if we stand up and speak.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about how I have grown my Instagram follower numbers by 1,000 in a year for the last two years.
I’m still aaaall about the engagement, but I do understand that follower numbers still play a role, particularly if you are attracting the right kind, not just numbers for the sake of it.
In this episode I break down the practical tips that I take to consistently and sustainably grow my Instagram following so that you can do the same.
The tips are broken into three areas:
- Engagement - how we spend time on Instagram and engage with people so that we get it back
- Content - how we can create the right type of content that gets shares, saves and attracts new followers
- Growth - how to beat the algorithm and seek out the people that we know we can help
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm bringing you a little bonus episode answering your questions as a thank you for being such great supporters of Season 1. These questions came from my Facebook group community so make sure you join to take part next time. Some of the questions were so juicy they might be topics for full episodes in a future season.
In this episode I answer your questions which were:
- How can I find the patience and time to learn necessary skills and figure out what's wrong?
- I'm very scared of speaking on screen. Have you any tips to get me started?
- How do you stay inspired in an authentic way, within the overhyped and inauthentic social media world?
- How is it best to price your services?
- How do I share what I'm doing on Facebook, where I know my friends and family will be watching?
- I've already put a lot of time and money into my business, but it's still not reaping the rewards I want. How much longer will I keep going and investing?
- How did you learn all the tips and tricks you share with us so readily on a daily basis?
- What is your biggest challenge in your business life?
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm interviewing Tally Rye, Personal Trainer and author of Train Happy.
We discuss the tricky subject of being authentic online and saying what we want, even when we’re afraid of judgement and criticism. With some juicy topics and amazing take-aways, this is a fab episode to end Series 1:
We cover:
- Being afraid to say what you want online, in case people call you out or judge you
- Putting on a persona on Instagram, saying things and using ‘formulas’ to get engagement, instead of being authentic
- External validation and being people pleasers. How this can get in the way of speaking authentically about the things you want to
- Moving through a transition period knowing it’s more important to stay true to what matters to you than chasing follower numbers
- Creating content for your ideal clients, without worrying about what your friends or family think (because they’re not your target market)
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about how to grow an audience for your business that's truly engaged: the buzz-word of the year when it comes to online growth.
Follower numbers mean less and less these days and they don't prove you have a successful or profitable business. Did you hear about the Instagram influencer with 2 million followers that couldn't even sell 36 t-shirts?
If you want to grow an audience for your business that talk, comment, give you feedback and inspire you as you grow, this episode covers my 6 tips for engagement:
- Be patient (and consistent!)
- Be clear about what you offer
- Engaging with your audience if you want the same in return
- Include calls to action (CTAs) to encourage people to engage
- Make things easy for your audience when it comes to engaging with you
- Talk about personal things and how to do this in an authentic (and not over-sharing) way
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to: https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm interviewing Helena Ryan, co-founder of Ireland's biggest health event WellFest.
In this episode we cover practical tips and mindsets you need to have when it comes to setting up and running your own events in wellness including:
- Doing what you love and dedicating time to your side-hustle while you have a full-time job
- How Helena never considered her WellFest idea would fail and how that belief helped her push forward the idea and contact big-name speakers
- Struggling to sell your event concept to speakers and customers in Year 1 with no track record
- Asking for and dealing with feedback - both positive and negative and how this shapes future events.
- Giving your audience ownership and creating a ‘cult following’ for your events by creating a community
- Getting more creative about marketing your events and remember that if you think you’re advertising it enough, you probably aren’t!
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about selling. And I bet the concept is already making you cringe, right?
We can be the most qualified practitioner going with fabulous products and services. But unless we get comfortable with selling and find an authentic way to do it, we're not going to have a business.
If you hate sales, think it's all about being pushy and think you're always going to suck at it, this is the episode for you.
In this episode I talk about:
- How selling is all about starting conversations, and talking less, not more to your ideal customer.
- Adding value and how to conquer imposter complex around what you’re offering
- Intangible vs. tangible benefits and which one is more important to highlight when it comes to helping people make sales decisions
- Getting other people to sell for you (in a non-MLM type way)
- Scheduling and how to use this harness the times you feel great about what you do
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm interviewing Toral Shah, scientist, writer and chef, the name behind The Urban Kitchen and co-founder of What The Health events.
In this episode we cover some great topics related to diversity and how we can all do our bit to ensure the right people hear the health messages they need including:
- Basing health and wellbeing on how people look, and the dangers this has to our message as wellness experts.
- Increasing diversity in our messages so we help our audience see people more like themselves and therefore they listen more carefully to our health messages.
- The fact that we all have prejudices, regardless of our own race, religion or ethnicity.
- How we can all stand up and support other minorities - even if we feel we don’t identify with that community ourselves.
- Finding commonality in our messages, rather than division - celebrating our differences rather than using them to divide, polarise and argue.
- Getting more diversity at health events and panels so we don’t just keep hearing the same things over and over from the same people.
- Apathy in small things like social media, right through to larger issues like the environment and politics. How we can lift ourselves out of apathy and question things more.
- Listening and learning different perspectives, not just living in an echo chamber that reinforces our own views.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about how to start a mailing list for your wellness business. Because as great as social media is for connecting you to people, the real value is when you have a list of your own so you can contact your ideal customers whenever you need.
But starting a mailing list can seem overwhelming or just downright pointless when you’re just getting started. Why create yet another thing to do in your business?
If that’s how you’re thinking about mailing lists right now, this episode is perfect listening.
In this episode I talk about:
- Choosing a provider to send your emails from: my experience and why this mustn’t hold you back
- Creating a freebie or lead magnet to entice people onto your mailing list (because no-one gives away their email address for free these days!)
- Automated email sequences and why these are so important
- Promoting your lead magnet so you get lots of people signing up to your mailing list
- What you should be sending to your email list and how often
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm interviewing Laura Agar Wilson, health coach and business mentor helping coaches start and grow their business using beautiful design, helpful tech and effective strategy.
We covered some brilliant topics in this conversation about starting a wellness business and getting overwhelmed with all the things you think you need to do including:
• Shifting and changing as a person and investigating where we feel resistance in moving into a new area of business
• Trying to do all the things and struggling to let go of where things started
• Not having one big realisation that you’re doing all the things, but a gradual awakening that you can’t continue stretching yourself
• Reframing the ‘failure’ of stepping away from aspects of your business as testing and ‘course correcting.’
• What to actually focus on when you’re getting started in a wellness business
• Why you need to market beyond just posting on Instagram - and what that looks like in practical terms
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about how to name your wellness business. Because we all know a name is important - it's something we'll say a lot, it's how we'll get known and it will become our 'brand.'
But choosing a name for your health based business also creates a block that stops many of us even getting started with our business ideas.
If that's you, this episode is perfect listening to help you get started.
Some of the things I talk about:
- My own decision about how to name The Flourishing Pantry and how I look back on that with hindsight
- Visibility and how people buy from people
- Whether you should use your own name - the pros and cons
- Avoiding trends when it comes to naming your business
- Accepting that your business will evolve and change and how your business name needs to reflect this
- Offering potential customers and clients clarity in what you offer
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm interviewing Lauren Armes from Well To Do. Lauren is also a coach helping wellness business owners just like me and I've been hugely inspired by her journey and investment in herself to grow herself and her brand. She makes the perfect first guest for the podcast.
We covered some amazing and really valuable topics to help people getting started in the world of wellness including:
- Starting a blog with no idea where it would lead. Finding an entrepreneurial path in wellness by just starting and taking one step at a time.
- Having a ‘big idea’ vs. a trial and error method. Do we need to know where we’ll end up?
- Everyone is a beginner at some point. Being kind to yourself and remembering that even successful entrepreneurs
- Whether you need a business plan when you’re starting out
- Reframing ‘mistakes’ as things that we could do differently or things we could have learned quicker with better support
- How we are our own biggest barriers to success - the stories we tell ourselves that get in the way of growing a business
- Wanting to make money and be financially successful and how to change our mindset around money without feel too ‘woo woo’
- Investing in yourself and how important it is to shift you forward - even at an uncomfortable level
- Swallowing your pride and working with a coach to teach you what you want to know, rather than trying to work it out yourself and taking longer than it needs
- What is ‘enough’ in your wellness business. Shaping your own work life and balance.
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
Today I'm talking about how to start a blog for your wellness business. I have met so many people that dream of starting a blog and sharing what they love about health online, but something is holding them back.
If that's you, this episode is perfect listening to help you get started.
My whole business was formed from starting my blog The Flourishing Pantry in 2016. It taught me so much about writing, connecting with an online audience and how to engage and be of value to an audience that needed me.
Some of the things I talk about:
- What is a blog and why they're so important in an age that's seeing a bit of social media backlash
- My journey setting up The Flourishing Pantry, how it all began and what I've learned along the way
- Finding a niche and being specific about who you're talking to
- Choosing a platform for your blog - a block for many people that shouldn't be as complicated as we make it!
- Creating a brand for your blog that makes you stand out
- Busting through perfectionism and comparison when it comes to starting a blog
For episode show notes, resources and links, head to https://vickyshilling.com/juststartnow-podcast
In this trailer, I introduce myself (hello I'm Vicky!) and share what you can expect from the podcast.
Make sure you subscribe for weekly conversations and value packed tips episodes, all about how to start and grow your health and wellness business.
You can find out more about me at vickyshilling.com.