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2024 is almost in the rearview mirror, and it’s time to reflect, celebrate, and plan for a thriving 2025! In this episode, I dive into the why and how of year-end business reflections. Whether you’re wrapping up a year full of wins or navigating some bumps in the road, this episode will help you approach the new year with clarity, focus, and confidence. I’m sharing 10 powerful questions to guide your reflections, actionable steps for setting 2025 intentions, and tips for creating a vision board that will keep you inspired all year long. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why Reflection is Crucial for Business Growth:
   • Understand how reviewing the past year helps you build a roadmap for future success.
2. The Power of Data:
   • How to analyze what worked, what didn’t, and why using real numbers (not just gut feelings) matters.
3. Celebrating Your Wins:
   • Why taking the time to acknowledge your achievements (big or small) can fuel motivation and momentum.
4. 10 Guided Reflection Questions:
   • Thought-provoking prompts to help you uncover insights, learn from challenges, and set clear priorities for 2025.
5. Vision Board Magic:
   • How to create a vision board that inspires action and keeps your goals top of mind.
6. Refining, Not Overloading:
   • Why it’s better to enhance what’s already working instead of overwhelming yourself with new projects.
7. The Guiding Question for 2025:
   • Learn how one simple question can help you stay aligned with your goals throughout the year.
8. Building Community and Connection:
   • Tips on celebrating your wins with others and engaging with a network for growth and support.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward with purpose.
• Celebrating your achievements is as important as learning from your challenges.
• Use data and thoughtful reflection to refine your business strategies for 2025.
• Setting intentions and creating a vision board will help keep you focused and motivated.
• A guiding question can act as your North Star for staying on track all year.

Grab your list of 10 questions here.

Join the Product Business Growth Club here. 

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of multi-platform selling with the incredible Dylan Jahraus, an e-commerce expert with a wealth of experience across platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify. Dylan shares her journey, strategies, and actionable insights to help product-based businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your reach and maximize sales, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Dylan’s E-Commerce Journey
  From corporate gigs with Zappos and Zulily to building thriving side hustles, hear how Dylan transitioned into multi-platform selling while adapting to a military family lifestyle.
• The Power of Selling on Multiple Platforms
  Discover why focusing on just your website could be holding you back and how platforms like Etsy and Amazon can skyrocket your brand’s visibility.
• Understanding Platform-Specific Audiences
  Learn how the audiences on Etsy (handmade and unique lovers) and Amazon (quick retail shoppers) differ—and why tailoring your strategies for each is key.
• Smart Scaling Strategies for Amazon Sellers
  Dylan’s advice on starting small by focusing on your best-sellers and how personalized products can give you an edge.
• Game-Changing Tools and B2B Opportunities
  How investments in tools like lasers for customization and bulk orders through B2B sales can transform your bottom line.
• Staying Ahead with Market Research
  Why you shouldn’t rely solely on Etsy trends and how platforms like Pinterest and TikTok can give you a competitive edge.
• Flexible Pricing for Growth
  Dylan explains the importance of prioritizing customer acquisition and long-term scalability over short-term profit margins.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diversify your sales channels to increase visibility and reach new audiences.
2. Tailor your approach for each platform—one size doesn’t fit all!
3. Use tools and smart strategies to save time, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
4. Be proactive in researching trends and exploring bulk sales opportunities.
5. Think long-term—early flexibility in pricing can lead to sustainable growth.

Connect with Dylan Jahraus:
Find Dylan on her YouTube channel for in-depth tutorials and tips or follow her on Instagram @DylanJahraus for behind-the-scenes insights and personalized advice.

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

Bold, Creative, and Dancing Through Life: Cathy Hamilton’s Artful Journey.
This episode is all about proving that it’s never too late to shake things up, chase a dream, and build something incredible. At 57, Cathy Hamilton launched her art business, Cathy Hamilton Artworks, and has been breaking barriers ever since. From her vibrant, Australian-made designs to her bold steps into trade shows, collaborations, and bespoke fabrics, Cathy is an absolute powerhouse of creativity and determination.

We dive into her journey of starting a business later in life, transitioning from her kitchen table to a warehouse, and even dancing and tambourining (sic) her way through trade shows (yes, you read that right!). 

Cathy shares the highs, the hurdles, and her unfiltered advice for anyone thinking about pursuing their passion—no matter their age.

If you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a whole lot of “wow, I need to start doing that,” this episode is for you! Cathy’s story will have you laughing, crying, and definitely rethinking what’s possible for your business and your life. 

🎧 What’s Inside:
✨ How Cathy went from $200 to $4000 wholesale orders and her immediate trade show success.
✨ Why age is a superpower in business and creativity.
✨ The joys (and challenges) of keeping everything Australian-made.
✨ Collaboration magic—like her game-changing partnership with Buy From The Bush.
✨ Bespoke fabrics, Christmas cards, and why you should never underestimate the power of networking.
✨ Cathy’s top advice for artists and entrepreneurs: "If you don’t ask, you won’t know!"

Key Takeaways:
💡 Age is irrelevant—Cathy’s proof that it’s always the right time to follow your passion.
💡 Networking and trade shows = game-changers for visibility and growth.
💡 Staying Australian-made isn’t easy, but it’s worth the fight.
💡 Collaboration opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
💡 Technology struggles? Ask for help. Don’t try to do it all solo!

Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or just need a good kick of inspiration, this episode is packed with gold. Cathy’s journey reminds us all to dream big, ask for help, and have a little fun along the way. (And yes, you’ll want to be dancing at trade shows after this one.) 🎨✨💃

Cathy Hamilton, art business, Australian made, collaborations, trade shows, networking, growth, challenges, art prints, creative journey, Cathy Hamilton, entrepreneurship, bespoke fabrics, Christmas cards, networking, aging gracefully, business challenges, creative journey, women in business, innovation

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this episode I dive into 5 unique strategies for product-based businesses to boost sales in the peak holiday season.
From creative email series to streamlined ordering, I share actionable tips for engaging new customers, maximizing eCommerce opportunities, and making shopping easy and enjoyable for clients.
Key takeaways

• Focus on foundational elements for sustainable business growth.
• Utilize email marketing creatively to engage customers.
• Incorporate fun and storytelling in marketing content.
• Surprise customers with unique offers and gifts.
• Streamline the ordering process for ease of purchase.
• Edit delivery options to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Engage customers through live product showcases.
• Explore online marketplaces to reach new audiences.
• Boost conversion rates by optimizing website elements.
• Participate in community event

Get on the VIP BF Waitlist here

Grab the Nail Your Email Marketing Program here
-
Conversion Rate Checklist

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

Let's talk about the critical role of email marketing in driving sales and building customer relationships. We discuss the common pitfalls businesses face, such as neglecting email marketing in favour of social media, and then provide actionable strategies to enhance email effectiveness. 
Key topics include the importance of having a strategic plan, utilizing templates, focusing on design elements, regularly analyzing performance metrics, and segmenting the email list for targeted communication. I want to encourage businesses to invest time in email marketing to unlock its full potential for growth and customer engagement.

Email marketing can generate significant sales for businesses.

• Many businesses under utilize email marketing compared to social media.
• A strategic email plan is essential for effective communication.
• Templates can streamline the email creation process.
• Design elements greatly impact email readability and engagement.
• Regularly sending emails helps nurture customer relationships.
• Analyzing email performance metrics is crucial for improvement.
• Testing different email strategies can lead to better results.
• Segmenting your email list allows for more targeted messaging.
• Building a strong email list is vital for long-term success.

00:00
The Importance of Email Marketing

07:15
Creating a Strategic Email Plan

15:48
Design Elements for Effective Emails

22:26
Testing and Analyzing Email Performance

29:28
Building and Segmenting Your Email List

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

Revolutionize Your Business with Cycle Syncing: Special Guest Renae Fieck

In this can't-miss episode, I sit down with Renee Fieck, an occupational therapist, breathwork facilitator, and feminist feminine leadership coach, to reveal how aligning with your menstrual cycle can elevate your business game. 

Together, we unpack the transformative concept of cycle syncing, offering practical advice on matching your business activities with hormonal phases for maximum productivity and well-being. 

Discover the significance of estrogen and progesterone phases, the impact of life stages like perimenopause and menopause, and how to leverage tools like the lunar cycle. Renae also share insights from her book, strategies from 'Your Cycle Advantage' and 'The Flow Collective', and personal anecdotes about the evolving conversations around women's health. 

This episode is brimming with invaluable tips to help you run a stress-free, efficient business that thrives alongside your natural rhythms. 

Tune in and learn how to master time management, enhance productivity, and embody feminine leadership for a flourishing life and career.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:56 Renee's Personal Journey

03:21 Discovering Cycle Syncing

03:48 Understanding Cycle Syncing

05:28 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

10:25 Practical Applications of Cycle Syncing

15:11 The Importance of Tuning into Your Body

16:11 Adapting to Life's Unexpected Changes

17:19 Understanding Cycles and Rhythms

20:20 Impact of Contraception on Hormones

21:48 Changing Conversations Around Women's Health

25:34 Promoting the Book and Its Insights

28:28 Ways to Work with Renee

To grab Renae's book head here: Cycle Sync Your Business

And head to instagram @renaefieck to follow Renae and dive into more details about how you can incorporate cycle syncing into your business. 

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this podcast episode, I welcome jewelry designer and business mentor Tracy Matthews, who shares her insights on building successful jewellery brands through effective marketing and mindset.
Tracy, with over 30 years of experience, discusses her 'Desired Brand Effect' approach, which emphasizes the importance of branding, audience understanding, and messaging to attract and retain customers.
We explore the significance of in-person interactions, understanding customer desires, and translating these into sales strategies, especially in an online setting.

Tracy also highlights the need for an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging listeners to take risks, learn from failures, and continuously improve their business practices.
We discuss maintaining focus in marketing efforts and the importance of consistent mindset work, offering practical tips for product-based businesses looking to thrive in challenging economic climates.

You can follow Tracy at @tracymatthewsny

And dive into her podcast or website to learn more about the Flourish and Thrive Academy at https://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/

To join the Mel's Roadmap to Profit program and learn the Sales and Marketing Strategies you need to start and scale your product business head here: Roadmap to Profit.

We are also running LIVE Pinterest Masterclass this week - join here.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Tracy Matthews

00:19 The Importance of In-Person Networking

02:18 The Desire Brand Effect: An Overview

02:34 Building a Jewelry Business: Lessons from the 90s

03:26 Creating and Scaling Desire in Your Brand

05:53 Understanding Your Audience and Messaging

12:35 Marketing Strategies for Different Customer Segments

22:30 Exploring Marketing Podcasts

22:46 Understanding Customer Psychology

23:02 In-Person vs. Online Sales

24:04 Feedback from Physical Retail

24:53 The Importance of Mindset

27:29 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

29:52 Setting Clear Goals and Priorities

36:16 Taking Calculated Risks

36:41 Learning from Failures

43:38 Hiring and Team Building

44:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this podcast episode, I welcome Anna from House of Cart and we dive deeply into the world of Shopify and e-commerce. Anna, a Shopify expert, shares her journey from starting a children's clothing label to becoming a leading name in Shopify website design and email marketing. 
We focus on the importance of theme selection, optimization, and customer journey to enhance the customers user experience (UX). 

Anna's shares valuable tips on decluttering your website, utilizing call-to-action (CTA) buttons effectively, leveraging user reviews and social proof, and integrating essential apps like Klaviyo for email marketing and Tolstoy for interactive videos. 

Tune in for actionable insights on how to improve your website navigation, product titles, and conversion rates through data analysis. 

Don't miss the chance to learn how to elevate your Shopify store to the next level.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Anna's Journey to Shopify Expertise

01:31 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

03:08 Why Shopify is the Best E-commerce Platform

10:09 Optimizing Your Shopify Store

10:37 Choosing the Right Shopify Theme

14:24 Maintaining and Updating Your Shopify Theme

17:21 Effective Product Page Design

22:23 Streamlining the Online Shopping Experience

24:06 Optimizing Your Homepage for Better Conversion

28:49 Effective Product Page Strategies

31:02 Essential Apps for E-commerce Success

37:02 Understanding and Improving Conversion Rates

40:17 Balancing Business Operations and Growth

43:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Get in touch with Anna at @houseofcart

Aggregated Core Web Vitals performance by Shopify:

https://performance.shopify.com/pages/theme-performance-data-table

Apps we recommended: 

Tolstoy - Interactive video shoppable content to engage users.

Klaviyo - Email marketing automation for targeted campaigns and customer retention.

Judge.me or Okendo - Product reviews to build social proof and trust.

ReConvert or Selleasy - Post-purchase upsell app to increase average order value.

Lucky Orange - Heatmaps and session recordings to understand user behaviour and improve UI/UX.

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this episode I share 10 Essential Visual Merchandising (VM) tips to boost sales in physical retail spaces. 

From identifying your store's hotspot to ensuring clever lighting and strategic product placement, Melissa covers it all. 

Learn why consolidating products and pricing transparency can significantly enhance your customer experience. 

Discover the magic of changing your display frequently to keep things fresh while maintaining a clean and visually appealing environment. 

Packed with insights and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to increase retail sales. 

Tune in and transform your retail store today!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:18 Understanding Your Store's Hotspot

01:24 Importance of Pricing Everything

03:05 Optimizing Store Lighting

04:22 Consolidating Products for Better Appeal

05:29 Utilizing Various Heights and Levels

07:41 Effective Product Grouping

08:15 The Power of Regular Changes

09:44 Maintaining Cleanliness

10:39 Adding Visuals to Enhance Appeal

12:31 Maximizing Counter Display

14:48 Conclusion and Recap

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this episode, I chat with Rene Skelton of Concrete Jellyfish. 

We dive into the challenges of running a small business, to the unique ways Renee maintains her creativity.
We talk about the origins, growth, and innovations of her fashion accessories brand Concrete Jellyfish.
Rene shares insights about transitioning her business to Italy, the importance of community, dealing with production challenges, and her passion for creating handmade accessories. 
The episode also highlights her unique approach to product design, the balance between creativity and business operations, and the importance of setting proper pricing from the start. 

Overall, this episode offers an inspiring look at Rene's dedication to her craft and the personal touches that set Concrete Jellyfish apart.

We also find out how much Rene hates pop ups. And she wishes she started collecting emails a long time ago!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 Challenges of Small Business and Motherhood

01:06 What is Concrete Jellyfish?

02:12 The Journey of Concrete Jellyfish

03:36 Building a Community Through Business

05:31 Moving the Business to Italy

06:43 Logistics and Operations

12:27 Creative Process and Design Inspiration

21:12 Wholesale vs. Direct-to-Consumer

25:49 Pricing for Sustainability

27:52 Investing in Quality Equipment

28:29 Innovative and Unique Creations

29:57 Building a Supportive Team

31:07 Marketing and Email Strategies

36:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life

43:56 Future Plans and New Ventures

47:54 Creating Joy and Excitement

You can check out Rene's instagram here @concretejellyfishco and her website at
https://concretejellyfish.co/ where her new collection has just been released.  Check out her innovative light weight hoops skins here

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.