Enthusiastically Self-Employed: LinkedIn tips, Business tips, and Marketing tips for the self-employed & small business owners

My mom and the Michigan State Fair is a memory baked into my heart, and it's one of the moments that transformed pie from a mere dessert into a slice of my personal brand. 

On Pi Day, join me as I recount the journey from baking with love to branding with purpose, and how pie isn't just a sweet treat but a cornerstone of my professional identity. 

We'll explore the creation of #socialmediapie and the evolution that led to my LinkedIn strategy book, "Social Media Pie: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of LinkedIn," infusing the essence of pie into every my business, and gain inspiration for YOUR business through the process. 

As we celebrate the delicious dualities of pie and branding, we'll also shine a spotlight on the clever marketing collaborations that Pi Day stirs up in the Metro Detroit area. A slice of pie at Achatz bakery and a complementary coffee from Biggby Coffee aren't just treats for your palate but a masterclass in synergistic promotions. 

This episode is a fusion of nostalgia, strategy, and entrepreneurial spirit that's sure to inspire – whether you're a pie aficionado, a branding enthusiast, or just in search of a sweet slice of inspiration.

Support the show

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My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Ready to give your LinkedIn profile the New Year's makeover it's been craving? Join the LinkedIn Trifecta Talks as we, Michelle Griffin, Michelle Raymond, and I, Brenda Meller, unveil our insider strategies to revamp your personal brand and optimize your presence on LinkedIn. Whether you're basking in the Sydney sun or bundled up in Michigan, our global conversation aims to transform your online persona from overlooked to overbooked.

This episode is brimming with insights on everything from leveraging the 'Open to Work' feature for job seekers to creating a buzz for your business with an impressive company page.

We dissect live profiles, providing real-time feedback and showcasing the impact of community accountability.

Find out why your LinkedIn headline might be the secret weapon you're not using enough, and learn the nuances of profile optimization that even Google appreciates. With a sprinkle of humor and a host of actionable tips, we guide you through refining your professional narrative for maximum impact.

Cap off your learning spree with our discussions on personal branding that extends beyond just your job title. From Susie's leap into entrepreneurship with Mad Little Marketer to Dale's seamless transition into consulting post-retirement, we share stories of real-world LinkedIn triumphs. And if mastering your LinkedIn headline for 2024 sounds like a daunting task, fear not—we break down the art of crafting an introduction that not only captures attention but also conveys your unique value proposition. Get ready to make your LinkedIn profile not just a reflection of your past, but a beacon for your future success.

Join Us LIVE
We go LIVE once a month on LinkedIn. Our next show is Tuesday, April 9 at 4:30pm ET. Listen / watch here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin/recent-activity/events/

Connect with Michelle B. Griffin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin/

Connect with Michelle J. Raymond on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/

This episode originally aired Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Embark on a journey with me as we unlock the secrets of streamlined website navigation through the innovative use of a 'fat footer.'

Reflecting on my own experience with mellermarketing.com, I reveal how this simple design element can improve access to essential services and resources on your website, ensuring everything you need is right at your fingertips.

No more endless clicking or scrolling; a fat footer could be the game-changer your website needs to enhance user interaction and satisfaction.

As we dissect the intricacies of responsive design for varied device screens, gain actionable insights from my corporate marketing history on creating a user-friendly experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

A cluttered navigation menu is a quick way to lose your audience. That's why we're discussing the transformative potential of the fat footer; it's like a Swiss Army knife for your growing online space, offering a solution to the labyrinth of hidden submenus.

By concentrating your website's heart and soul into a visible and accessible area, we're paving the path to a more intuitive user experience. Join the conversation and see how this could apply to your digital presence.

Follow along on my website:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/ 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Are you ready to transition from a solopreneur to a business leader with your very own team? That's exactly what we're tackling with the help of recruiting expert Adam Klug.

Together, we're unveiling the blueprint for solopreneurs to make their first hire, discussing the importance of finding a candidate who not only fits the job description but also aligns with your company culture. From the intricacies of creating a detailed scorecard for evaluating potential candidates to implementing a performance-based interview process, this episode is your guide to expanding your business with the right people by your side.

Hiring your first employee is a milestone, and we've got the insights to make it a success. I, Brenda Meller, share my own journey with Meller Marketing, discussing how a well-crafted careers page adds legitimacy and attracts quality candidates. We'll navigate the legalities and the must-dos of onboarding to ensure you're setting up your new team member for success. Our conversation is peppered with actionable advice and personal anecdotes, making the intimidating process of hiring feel like an achievable, exciting step in your business journey.

Wrapping up, Adam Klug from Express Employment Professionals shares his wealth of knowledge on specialized recruiting, particularly in light industrial, skilled trades, office services, and more. He underscores the value of a clear hiring process and how proper onboarding is crucial for employee retention. For those self-employed listeners eager for hiring assistance, Adam's tips, including using tools like chat GPT for crafting job descriptions, are invaluable. Tune in to be empowered with the expertise to confidently hire and foster your very first employee.

Originally Aired on Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Watch this on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/live/CenlCPMrv9w?si=ixzm7wYrhuBry1fl?sub_confirmation=1

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-klug/

Learn more about his company:
https://www.expresspros.com/FarmingtonHillsMIsrg/

Learn about HRUnite! Michigan
https://hrunitemichigan.com/home 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Unlock the secrets to transforming your LinkedIn profile into a magnet for speaking engagements and sales opportunities with cybersecurity expert Michala Liavaag and me, Brenda Meller. 

We review Michala's LinkedIn presence, pinpointing how to make her speaker identity pop with her header image and finessing profile components to shout her cybersecurity prowess from the virtual rooftops. Listeners will snag actionable tips on leveraging stage photos to beef up credibility and the art of crafting a message that reels in the ideal audience.

Dive deep into the craft of tailoring a LinkedIn profile for speaker bookings, as we emphasize the goldmine of having your contact info at the fingertips of future collaborators. Learn to spotlight your speaking triumphs in the featured section, finesse an about section that captures attention, and sidestep common blunders like broken images. Plus, don't miss our spotlight on Innovation Women, an incredible network bolstering female speakers worldwide, and a warm nod to our own Michala for her contributions. Join us and supercharge your speaking career with the insights from this episode!

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

The Importance of Managing W.A.F.F.L.E.S. to Make Better Decisions with Katie Nall

Imagine conquering the emotional chaos that clouds decision-making with Katie Nell's 'WAFFLES' technique. This podcast peels back the layers of Worries, Anxiety, Fear, Frustration, Lethargy, Exhaustion, and Stress, as we sit down with the esteemed mathematician and TEDx speaker to learn how we can apply her blueprint to our lives. 

Katie's heartfelt storytelling adds a personal touch to our conversation, as she shares her challenges in marketing this method and the triumphs of those who've embraced it. By mastering our emotional responses with her innovative approach, we unlock the potential for success in every facet of our lives.

Have you ever felt like your brain has a mind of its own, especially under stress? We're engaging with the 'lizard brain' and showing you how to soothe it using tapping, or the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Katie and I guide you through this fascinating process, offering not just a discussion but a live demonstration of how tapping can calm deep-seated anxieties and fears, leading to profound personal breakthroughs. It's not only educational but also a unique auditory experience that might just change the way you handle stress.

For the self-employed warriors out there, we haven't forgotten you. Katie and I reveal the secret sauce to fostering connections and community through platforms like LinkedIn. We share tips on engaging with content and the art of visibility in the digital landscape. Whether you're navigating your personal 'WAFFLES' or gleaning inspiration from Katie's journey, this episode is laden with wisdom for both personal and professional growth. So, plug in, take a breath, and let's unravel the path to emotional clarity and networking prowess together.

Connect with Katie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienallphd/
https://www.nalledgeco.com/

Interview originally aired Tuesday, October 17, 2023

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/A3yyNsN91Hs?si=Bl2oW-EGmacPqolv 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Ever hit the share button brimming with excitement, only to have a wonky or mismatched image sabotage your website's first impression on social media? We've all been there, and that's why this episode is a game-changer for anyone looking to solve the mystery of perfect social share images. We're tackling the common frustrations and providing a non-techy, step-by-step guide to ensuring the images that accompany your shared links are always professional, on-brand, and just plain accurate!

This time around, we're stirring the SEO pot and peeking behind the curtain of back-end settings that make or break your content's online appearance. Discover how to craft a default, device-friendly image that avoids the awkward crop, why simple designs reign supreme, and tips for keeping your web presence polished across platforms.

For those grappling with LinkedIn's notorious image caching, we've got you covered with savvy tricks to keep your visuals fresh and accurately updated. So, grab your notepad and let's get your website's social shares looking as impeccable as your content deserves!

Related Blog:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/blog/what-is-a-social-share-image-and-how-do-you-set-it-on-your-website

LinkedIn Post Inspector:
https://www.linkedin.com/post-inspector/

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

The Importance of Building a Human & Emotional Brand with Lydia Michael

When Lydia, a multicultural marketer, joins me, we don't just chat about run-of-the-mill branding tactics; we dive into the heartbeat of marketing—human connection.

Listen and learn why it's pivotal for brands to intertwine with consumer values and cultures in a busy marketplace.

This episode is great for those navigating the waters of branding, seeking that genuine resonance with their audience that can withstand the test of time and change.

Connect with Lydia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiamichael/
https://lydiamichael.com/
https://blendedcollective.com/

Learn more about Together Digital
https://www.togetherindigital.com/

Interview originally aired Tuesday, October 10, 2023

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ooDt3ifFUyw?si=5Xcuz8ZpXpTeLFzG 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Discover my secrets behind curating successful virtual events that resonate and create real impact with this latest podcast episode, where I share my personal successes and lessons learned with booking non-paid speakers for my free events. 

• Learn about my "Fairness / Abundance" approach
  
  
• How to find speakers
  
  
• How to invite your network to suggest speakers, using a LinkedIn post like this: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7137975384523845632/  
  
  
• What to consider when selecting non-paid speakers - and how I use follower count as a key!
  
  
• Bonus tips: how to promote your event with and through your speakers and with an event hashtag, such as #WBL24
  • On  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=wbl24
  •  On IG: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/wbl24/ where it also means “Winter Bouldering League” for a rock-climbing wall gym in London. 
  • On TW / X: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wbl24&src=typed_query&f=live
  • On FB: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/wbl24 
  • On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/search?lang=en&q=%23WBL24&t=1707838878837 – found a video by RidetheTideCol – Julia who is one of our speakers, which prompted me to do a video promo there. 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

How Introverts Can ROCK at Networking! with Shawna Ramsey

Connect with Shawna:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna01/

Originally aired Thursday, April 16, 2020.

To see the list of upcoming interviews, visit:
https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews

WATCH on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnSfMU_ihFY

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)