Align Your True North

Are you struggling to attract high-ticket clients despite having all the right qualifications? Brooke Elder dives into the hidden barriers that often hold operations professionals back, emphasizing the importance of a mindset shift to build unshakable confidence. By treating yourself as your own first client, you can gain valuable insights and results that will enhance your self-belief and marketing efforts. This episode encourages listeners to conduct a thorough business audit, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to pave the way for growth. Get ready to transform your approach, understand your superpowers, and start attracting those premium clients you've been dreaming of!

The latest episode of Align Your True North features Brooke Elder as she unpacks the intricate dynamics between self-confidence and client acquisition, specifically for operations professionals grappling with the elusive high-ticket clients. Elder highlights a poignant example of a top client who, despite an impressive array of qualifications and accolades, struggled to attract premium clients due to a fundamental lack of self-belief. This discussion sheds light on the confidence paradox that many face: the disconnect between their actual capabilities and their self-perception. Elder challenges listeners to rethink their value proposition and embrace their unique talents as superpowers, rather than dismissing them as commonplace.

One of the central strategies Elder advocates is the concept of being your own first client. By applying one's skills and services to their own business, professionals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their offerings, leading to increased confidence when engaging with actual clients. This approach not only allows individuals to refine their processes but also enables them to build a compelling narrative around their journey, which can be instrumental in marketing their services. Elder delves into the 'mirror principle', explaining how the energy and confidence a service provider exudes are often reflected back during client interactions. This connection emphasizes the importance of self-belief in attracting the right clientele and overcoming objections that may arise during sales processes.

Listeners are encouraged to embark on a business audit, a strategic assessment that identifies gaps and opportunities within their operations. Elder introduces the SWOT analysis framework, urging entrepreneurs to view their businesses objectively, almost as if they were consulting for a client. This perspective fosters clarity and allows for the identification of actionable goals that can be pursued in the upcoming months. By drawing a clear line between themselves and their businesses, individuals can better navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, making informed decisions that drive growth and success. The episode offers a wealth of actionable insights and an empowering message about the transformative power of confidence in achieving professional aspirations.

Takeaways:

• To attract high ticket clients, it's essential to develop unshakable confidence in your abilities.
• Treat your business like a client to identify gaps and opportunities for growth.
• Perform a business audit to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats effectively.
• Being your own first client helps you gain the experience and confidence needed for success.
• Recognize the confidence paradox: you know more than you think you do.
• Using yourself as a case study can effectively showcase your growth and expertise.

Links referenced in this episode:

• operationselevated.com/strategic-edge

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• operations elevated

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Ready to create your own agency? Brooke Elder shares essential strategies to help you optimize your business while maintaining a work-life balance. Discover how to systematize your offerings, ensuring they are repeatable and scalable, which is crucial for growth. Brooke emphasizes the importance of understanding your pricing structure and profit margins, especially when bringing on contractors. She also discusses the significance of having a solid contract in place and a reliable project management system to streamline your operations. Tune in to unlock the potential of your agency and gain the freedom that comes with effective delegation and management.

Brooke Elder takes listeners on a transformative journey in this episode, sharing invaluable insights on creating and optimizing an agency for success. The discussion revolves around the practical steps needed to transition from being a solo operator to establishing a fully functioning agency model. Elder emphasizes the importance of creating systems and processes that not only enhance productivity but also allow for scalable growth. By sharing personal anecdotes from her experience running an online marketing and web design agency, she illustrates how building a team can significantly free up time, enabling business owners to enjoy both professional success and family life.

Elder delves into the nitty-gritty of setting up your agency, starting with identifying the services you plan to offer. She highlights the necessity of establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that tasks can be delegated efficiently. Listeners learn about the significance of maintaining healthy profit margins, with Elder explaining how to adjust pricing structures to accommodate contractor costs while still keeping profitability in sight. The episode is rich with practical advice, encouraging aspiring agency owners to think strategically about their pricing, service offerings, and operational structures.

As the episode progresses, Elder outlines how to manage client expectations while utilizing a team effectively. She stresses that clients are not just hiring an individual but are investing in a comprehensive service that includes a team of professionals. This shift in perspective can be a game-changer, allowing agency owners to present their services as a collaborative effort rather than a solo endeavor. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a clear roadmap to start their own agency, equipped with strategies to create freedom in their professional lives while maintaining a balanced personal life.

Takeaways:

• Creating your own agency can provide freedom and allow you to prioritize family.
• Systematizing your business processes is crucial for running a successful agency model.
• Understanding your profit margins is essential when determining your rates for clients.
• Having a clear contract with subcontractors helps to establish boundaries and expectations.
• Utilizing a project management system like ClickUp can streamline your agency operations.
• Hiring a team allows you to focus on client relationships rather than doing all the work.

Links referenced in this episode:

• loom
• clickup - Save 10% with this link

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Are you trapped in the hourly rate hustle, trading your time for money? Brooke Elder dives into a transformative approach that helps operations professionals break free from this costly mindset. Discover how to shift from hourly billing to outcome-based pricing, enabling you to command higher rates and deliver real value to your clients. Brooke shares a success story of a client who transitioned from charging $35 an hour to securing $5,000 monthly clients by focusing on the results they provide rather than the tasks they perform. Tune in to learn how to redefine your services and elevate your business to new heights, all while prioritizing what truly matters—your vision and your family.

Brooke Elder dives into the common pitfall that many operations professionals and freelancers face: the hourly trap. This episode challenges the traditional approach of trading time for money, emphasizing that as your skills improve and tasks become easier, your income can actually decrease. Elder shares a transformative story of a client who shifted from charging $35 an hour to commanding $5,000 a month by changing her mindset and approach to pricing. The key takeaway? Clients are not interested in hours worked; they want outcomes. By focusing on the desired results rather than the processes involved, business owners can create packages that reflect the true value of their services. Elder provides actionable advice on how to identify outcomes, restructure offerings, and communicate value effectively to clients, ultimately encouraging listeners to break free from the constraints of hourly billing and embrace a more lucrative, outcome-based pricing model.

Takeaways:

• Many talented professionals are trapped in hourly billing, limiting their income potential.
• Focus on creating outcome-based packages instead of charging by the hour for services.
• Clients are more interested in the results they get rather than the processes involved.
• Using AI tools can help you transition from task lists to outcome-focused descriptions.
• Identifying and communicating the outcomes you provide is crucial for effective marketing.
• Building your pricing around desired outcomes can significantly increase your earnings.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

If you're eager to attract high-ticket clients, this podcast dives deep into the strategies that can make that happen. Brooke Elder shares a proven framework for creating social media content that focuses on client needs, shifting from a self-centered approach to one that highlights the problems you can solve and the outcomes you deliver. By adopting an "arrows out" marketing strategy, you can effectively communicate how your services benefit your clients. Brooke emphasizes the importance of showcasing your expertise and authority within relevant communities, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where you can connect with your ideal audience. Get ready to transform your social media presence into a powerful tool for client attraction and start seeing results!

Unlocking the secrets of attracting high-ticket clients can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but Brooke Elder brings clarity to this often elusive goal. In this insightful episode of the Align Your True North podcast, Brooke introduces a transformative mindset shift for entrepreneurs struggling to connect with their ideal clients. Gone are the days of self-centered marketing; she emphasizes the importance of 'arrows out' marketing where the focus shifts from what you do to how you can solve problems for your clients. This pivotal change not only enhances your content but makes it resonate on a deeper level, especially with those high-ticket clients who are actively seeking strategic partners to elevate their businesses.

Brooke outlines a practical framework for creating impactful social media content, using the 'Problem-Solution-Outcome' model. She stresses the importance of identifying the specific challenges your target audience faces and positioning your services as the solution that leads to quantifiable outcomes. By doing so, entrepreneurs can effectively communicate value and demonstrate their expertise in a way that appeals directly to potential clients. Additionally, Brooke encourages listeners to conduct a social media audit, treating their profiles as resumes for prospective clients. This proactive approach ensures that every post serves to enhance their brand and attract the right attention.

The episode culminates with strategic advice on leveraging social media platforms, particularly Facebook groups, to engage and offer solutions to your ideal audience. Brooke shares specific techniques for finding and contributing to discussions where potential clients are seeking help, thus establishing credibility and authority. This method not only helps in building relationships but also drives traffic to your profile where your carefully curated content awaits. For entrepreneurs eager to land high-ticket clients, Brooke's insights provide a clear roadmap to success, reminding them that attracting the right clients is about making genuine connections built on value and trust.

Takeaways:

• High ticket clients are actively seeking strategic partners who can help their businesses.
• Shift your social media strategy from self-promotion to focusing on client benefits.
• Utilize the problem-solution-outcome framework to create compelling social media content.
• Evaluate your social media presence as if it were a resume for potential clients.
• Engage in Facebook groups to build authority and attract your ideal clients.
• Start offering solutions in online communities to attract high ticket clients effectively.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Are you considering a career as a virtual assistant (VA) or looking to scale your existing VA business? Alyssa Avant joins Brooke Elder to share her journey from starting her business 17 years ago to launching her own VA agency just recently. They discuss the importance of identifying your marketable skills and the value of niching down to connect with your ideal clients. Alyssa emphasizes the significance of creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations and enhance efficiency when building a team. If you’re curious about what a day in the life of a VA looks like or want to explore practical tips for entering this field, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation. For more information on tasks that a VA can handle, check out the link provided.

Links referenced in this episode:

• virtualassistantadvantage.com/25-tasks/

Takeaways:

• Starting a virtual assistant business can be a fulfilling way to balance work and family.
• Identifying your skills and interests is key to finding your ideal target market.
• Narrowing down your services helps you attract the right clients and stand out.
• Creating standard operating procedures can significantly streamline your virtual assistant agency.
• Building a network through internships can provide valuable experience and referrals.
• Specializing in specific services leads to easier client acquisition and satisfaction.

Brooke Elder and Alyssa Avant engage in a vibrant discussion about the world of virtual assistance, drawing from Alyssa's rich experience of over 17 years in the industry. Alyssa shares her journey of starting her business while managing a busy household with three young children, illustrating the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with professional ambitions. She recounts how her initial foray into virtual assistance began with ghostwriting and evolved into a full-fledged business, highlighting the organic growth that comes from pursuing one’s passions and recognizing marketable skills. Alyssa emphasizes the critical importance of identifying what one enjoys doing and matching those skills with potential clients, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career in virtual assistance.

The episode dives deep into the practical aspects of being a virtual assistant, with Alyssa offering a detailed look at what a typical day might entail. She discusses the various tasks that VAs can perform, from administrative duties to specialized services like content marketing and social media management. Alyssa encourages aspiring VAs to reflect on their own skills, suggesting that even the simplest abilities, such as data entry or email organization, can be leveraged into a successful business. By focusing on a niche that resonates with personal interests, VAs can create more meaningful connections with clients and enjoy their work more fully.

Towards the conclusion of the podcast, the conversation shifts to the topic of scaling a VA business into an agency. Alyssa shares her recent experiences in this area, detailing the strategies she employed to maintain her service quality while expanding her team. She stresses the necessity of developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency, which is crucial as the business grows. The episode wraps up with Alyssa's insights into the tools and resources available to streamline operations, making it clear that organization and preparation are key to success in the world of virtual assistance. With actionable advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or already navigating the path of a virtual assistant.

Feeling like an imposter in your own business? You're not alone, and it's a sign that you're on the path to growth. Brooke Elder dives deep into the concept of imposter syndrome, sharing insights on how to recognize it and strategies to overcome it. With practical tips like keeping a brag book to remind you of your achievements, and encouraging you to take that next step despite your fears, Brooke empowers you to push past self-doubt. Embrace the discomfort of up-leveling your life and business, and remember that progress often comes hand-in-hand with feeling inadequate. Get ready to transform your mindset and take actionable steps towards your goals!

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship often brings along a companion that no one really talks about: imposter syndrome. Brooke Elder dives into this prevalent issue that plagues many business owners, revealing that it's a universal experience rather than a solitary affliction. By acknowledging that feeling like an imposter is a sign of growth, she encourages listeners to view these moments of self-doubt as indicators that they are stepping outside their comfort zones and reaching for bigger dreams. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing these feelings for what they are and using them as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Through practical tips and heartfelt insights, Brooke shares actionable strategies to combat imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the power of self-reflection and encourages listeners to document their successes and the positive feedback they receive—creating a 'brag book' as a tool to counteract negative self-talk. This approach not only validates their worth but also provides concrete proof of their capabilities when self-doubt creeps in. By the end of the conversation, listeners are left with a renewed sense of confidence and a clearer path forward in their business endeavors, armed with the knowledge that everyone faces this challenge and that they are indeed more than capable of overcoming it.

Takeaways:

• Imposter syndrome is a common experience when pursuing big goals and dreams.
• Recognizing that imposter syndrome signifies you're on the path to growth is crucial.
• Keeping a 'brag book' can help counteract negative self-talk during imposter syndrome episodes.
• Instead of validating negative thoughts, focus on your past successes and learnings.
• Taking small steps forward can create momentum to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
• Surrounding yourself with supportive feedback from others can strengthen your self-belief.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Jade Smith shares her inspiring journey from a project management role in the film industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur and certified Dubsado specialist. She emphasizes the importance of finding a niche that aligns with personal passions, highlighting how her initial role as a general virtual assistant evolved into a focus on systems and automation. Jade discusses the challenges and successes she encountered while building her agency, Misses Smith Assist, and the significance of collaboration within a supportive community. She also introduces her training program, the Learned VA, designed to help aspiring virtual assistants gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the online space. Listeners will appreciate Jade's insights on scaling a business by leveraging the strengths of others and the power of pursuing what you love.

Brooke Elder converses with Jade Smith, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from a project management role in the film industry to becoming a certified Dubsado specialist is both inspiring and instructive. Jade discusses her transition into virtual assistance after realizing that traditional employment did not align with her long-term goals of working from home and being present for her children. This pivotal moment in her life led her to discover the concept of virtual assistance, a role that allowed her the flexibility and fulfillment she was seeking. With her background in project management, she leveraged her skills to build a successful business centered around client management and organization.

Throughout the conversation, Jade emphasizes the significance of niche specialization and the power of following one’s passions. Initially, she took on a variety of tasks as a general virtual assistant, but as she explored her interests, she found her passion for systems management, particularly with Dubsado. By focusing on this niche, Jade was able to differentiate herself in a competitive market, which not only boosted her confidence but also attracted a steady stream of clients who valued her expertise. She encourages listeners to explore various opportunities within their fields and to not shy away from pivoting toward what truly excites them.

Jade’s agency model reflects a shift towards collaboration in the virtual assistance community. As her client base expanded, she recognized the necessity of building a team. Jade implemented an internship program that evolved into a comprehensive training course for aspiring virtual assistants. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to empowering others while also fostering a supportive network. The podcast concludes with Jade’s insights on the importance of community and collaboration in entrepreneurship, stressing that success is often achieved through shared efforts and mutual support, rather than solitary endeavors.

Takeaways:

• Jade's entrepreneurial journey began with the desire for a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Transitioning to a virtual assistant role can be a gateway into online business.
• Finding a niche, like Dubsado mastery, can set you apart in the marketplace.
• Collaboration in business allows you to focus on what you love and excel at.
• Building a team requires clear communication and understanding of each member's strengths.
• Jade emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in growing your business.

Links referenced in this episode:

• mrssmithassist.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dubsado
• ClickUp

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Teagan Hintze shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and adaptability in overcoming challenges. After facing a demotion while managing the demands of new motherhood, she took a leap of faith to create her own business, which has now flourished for nearly a decade. Teagan’s mission goes beyond her success; she is dedicated to empowering other women, especially single moms, to find their own paths in the virtual assistant space. By teaching essential skills and providing support, she helps them balance work and family, ensuring they don’t miss precious moments with their children. Tune in to discover valuable insights on lead generation, client acquisition, and the importance of creating a business that reflects your personality and passions.

Brooke Elder welcomes Teagan Hintze to the Align Your True North podcast, where they discuss Teagan's inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for women. Teagan shares her experiences as a director of marketing who found herself unexpectedly demoted after returning from maternity leave. This pivotal moment forced her to reconsider her career path and led her to create a business that allowed her to prioritize her family while achieving her professional goals. Teagan emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the necessity of taking risks to find happiness and fulfillment. Her story is not just about personal growth but also about empowering other women to find their own paths in life, especially mothers who struggle to balance work and family responsibilities.

The conversation takes a turn towards practical advice as Teagan shares her insights on client acquisition and lead generation strategies that have proven successful in her business. She highlights the significance of building a reliable system for attracting clients and nurturing relationships within various platforms, particularly Facebook groups and LinkedIn. Teagan's approach is refreshing; she encourages listeners to actively engage in communities where their ideal clients reside, offering value and expertise without the pressure of direct promotion. This strategy not only positions them as trusted resources but also opens doors to potential client relationships. Teagan's enthusiasm for helping others shines through as she emphasizes that anyone can become a virtual assistant with the right mindset and determination, regardless of their background.

As the episode progresses, Teagan delves deeper into her mission to assist single mothers and women looking to transition into the virtual assistant field. After experiencing her own challenges as a single mom, Teagan developed a strong desire to guide others in similar situations. She discusses the importance of financial independence and how her training programs empower women to monetize their skills and create flexible careers that allow them to be present for their families. The episode concludes with Teagan sharing her heartwarming vision of a community where women support one another, ensuring that no one has to face the burdens of financial insecurity alone. Her passion for helping others is palpable, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical tips for navigating their own business journey.

Takeaways:

• Teagan Hintze transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship after facing personal challenges.
• She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself despite the fears of starting a business.
• Networking in Facebook groups can be a powerful and free lead generation strategy.
• Creating a reliable pipeline of leads is crucial for the sustainability of a business.
• Teagan advocates for helping other women and moms achieve financial independence through virtual assistance.
• She believes that corporate jobs may not offer the same loyalty as self-employment does.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

In this episode, host Brooke Elder interviews Paige Clark, an entrepreneur and mindset coach. They discuss effective goal-setting techniques, particularly for women, and the importance of aligning one's vision with daily actions. Paige shares insights on the differences between male and female goal-setting approaches, emphasizing the power of shorter-term goals for women. The conversation also covers methods for tapping into intuition, including guided meditation, intuitive writing, and stillness practices. Paige draws parallels between her experiences in business and Brooke's time living on a sailboat, highlighting the importance of being in a flow state and adapting to changing circumstances.

The episode provides practical advice on setting and achieving goals, emphasizing the need for flexibility and alignment with one's true purpose. Paige introduces the concept of focusing on three main goals and identifying three key actions each day to move towards those goals. This approach allows for a balance between planning and remaining open to opportunities, which is particularly beneficial for women entrepreneurs.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Women are more likely to set goals, but they're less likely to achieve them. But a lot of the reason for that is because we're on the Gregorian calendar."
2. "Your inner part, the inner wise part of you that's in everyone, like every one of us has this, this part of us that's connected to wisdom and love and unconditional love and all of that. And how do we tune into that? It's just getting still."

Keywords:

• Goal setting
• Intuition
• Flow state
• Feminine approach
• Mindset
• Meditation
• Hypnotherapy
• Business alignment
• Daily priorities
• Adaptability

Episode Outline:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome

03:30 - Paige's entrepreneurial journey

07:00 - Goal setting differences between men and women

12:00 - Techniques for tapping into intuition

18:00 - Lessons from living on a sailboat and applying them to business

25:00 - The importance of being in flow state

30:00 - Conclusion and contact information for Paige

To learn more about Paige Clark and her services:

• Website: paige360.com
• Schedule a call: schedulewithpaige.com
• Upcoming events: Event in Utah on August 3rd, Retreat in September (second weekend)

Follow Brooke Elder on Facebook at facebook.com/therealbrookeelder. If you want to find the hidden money in your business, take the invisible money quiz at www.invisiblemoneyquiz.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!

Summary:

In this episode, Brooke Elder shares her experiences of living on a sailboat for a year with her family and the valuable lessons she learned as a mom and business owner. She introduces the concept of "Align Your True North," which focuses on aligning all aspects of life, including business, family, friends, social, physical, and spiritual goals. Brooke emphasizes the importance of creating systems and automations in business that don't rely solely on people, as this can lead to increased profits and more free time.

Notable Quotes:

1. "When you really have your True North aligned, it makes it so much easier to make decisions."

2. "By systematizing my business, I went from a team of 27 people down to a team of six. Now just imagine what that did to my profit margins because our revenue stayed the same."

Keywords:

- Align Your True North

- sailboat living

- business systems

- automation

- family time

- profit margins

Episode Outline:

00:00 - Introduction and updates on Brooke's life

03:30 - Lessons learned from living on a sailboat

06:00 - Introducing the concept of "Align Your True North"

10:00 - The importance of systems and automation in business

14:00 - How systematizing can increase profit margins and free up time

16:30 - Introducing True North Strategies and its mission

18:00 - Conclusion and call to action

Follow Brooke Elder on Facebook at facebook.com/therealbrookeelder. If you want to find the hidden money in your business, take the invisible money quiz at www.invisiblemoneyquiz.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you!