Fix the Conversation

You want to be known as the industry leader.

You want your voice to be heard at the table.

You want to be taken seriously.

But…how do you do it? What’s the formula?

In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Founder of Yay Dude OKC and co-founder of Chicks in Charge, Malena Putnam. By the way, check out the Frisco/North Dallas chapter of Chicks in Charge that I’m leading too! 

We dive into the concept of personal branding and executive presence and what these concepts mean in a professional setting.

Top 2-3 strategies a business owner or executive can implement to 

What does personal branding mean to you? How does it show up in the workplace? What are people doing online that establishes them as an industry leader?

How does executive presence fit into this concept of personal branding?

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

Raise of hands: do you get easily distracted?

You have intentions set on getting that list checked off…and then, the car doesn’t start or a kid gets sick…or the pipes burst…or you lost track of time scrolling on social media.

This past week, I had the kids at home because school hadn’t started back yet from the holiday break. And let’s be honest…no matter how old your kids are (mine are 15, 13 and 10) - they get “bored” easily and getting work done is a pipe dream. We drove back from Florida. I had multiple clients calls the day after driving 13 hours (that in and of itself was a BEATING) and a training gig the following day. 

I remember telling my business best friend this past Friday afternoon (@keeley…love you, friend), “I had NO time to work IN my business…I worked for clients, which is fantastic (I’m not complaining at all) AND as a solo business owner (and this goes for you too, whether you're an exec or business owner) - I MUST allocate time each week developing new business. Period.”

So, let this be your permission slip to book that hour each week. 

I know you’re busy…and we want to keep work in the pipeline too. 

Here’s how I plan to spend my one hour of business development each week….

1. Make your top 5 (or 10…whatever that magic number is) client prospect list. I keep this list on the notes section on my phone. Send these people a handwritten note and actually mail it to them.

Why handwritten? We rarely receive anything handwritten anymore. Take the extra time. Write the note and stick it in the mail. Let that person know you were thinking about them and are wishing them well in the new year.

1. Spend time doing outreach on LinkedIn or your favorite social media platform. This means writing comments on posts or sending potential clients a direct message letting them know you liked something they posted and what that meant to you.
2. Attend an industry, Chamber or association meeting and interact with your peers and colleagues. Collaboration = NEW BUSINESS. 

I was on the phone with a new friend (introduced to me by another business friend) the other day who kinda works in the same space as me. Come to find out - he’s wanting to phase out of executive coaching (and I want to do more of that) and was interested in talking with me further about opportunities together.

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> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

Personal branding and executive presence are terms that have been thrown around together and separately over the past few years. Are these terms mutually exclusive or do they work together and build upon each other? 

I think they work together…you’ve got to have both in order to stand out amongst your competitors…and there’s a system you can leverage to do this with ease and impact.

One thing you need to know is that you are your brand, whether you work for a company or own your own business. Your subject matter expertise is an asset. In order to capitalize on your expertise, you’ve got to show the world what you know.  
Get visible. Gain influence. This is how you develop executive presence.

What’s the difference between a personal brand and executive presence? 

Your personal brand is how you market yourself — internally within your organization, or externally to clients. When you have established a strong personal brand, you are able to clearly communicate what’s important to you and what sets you apart. 

Executive presence is what makes you a leader that others want to follow. It’s a culmination of character and behaviors that demonstrate your commitment to what’s important to you…and to the development and success of others. 

4 Steps to Create Your Brand

1. Create Your Top 3 Content “Buckets”: What are the top 3 topics or areas of interest you can easily talk about on the regular? If you need help identifying topics, think about the dream job you’d like to have in the next few years or how you’d like your network to think of you and work toward that. Consider your work history, experience and credentials, as well as what your network asks you for help with. 
2. Get “out there” on Social Media: If you’re a professional and not active on LinkedIn (or whatever platform is best for you), GET STARTED TODAY. Update your profile with your current role and headshot. You need to be posting up to three times a week…but, if you’re just getting started - focus on at least ONE post per week and build upon that.  

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

We are diving into Part 3 of this 4-part series titled “How to be profitable moving into the new year, even with a recession looming.” And this week, we are focusing on all the things you need to review when it comes to your social media platforms.

If you’re like so many of my clients, you’re checking the box when it comes to social media…especially if you’re paying someone else to do it for you. But, the fact of the matter is if you’re posting just to post and not paying attention to the quality of the content or if the graphics look good (and people can read them well), you’re throwing money away…and no one has time for that.

This episode is short, sweet and to the point…and full of valuable information to help you take a quick audit of your social media so you can make tweaks that will benefit your bottom line.

As with anything in your business, I want you to think about your WHY. Why do you post on social media? Is it because you want to sell a product? Do you want to use social media as more of a “digital business card?” This means that when people meet you and look you up on social media - you have interesting and compelling content and anyone can see that you’re a legit business. 

Once you’re clear on your why, then take a look at the top 5 items you need to review. 

1. ANALYTICS: Numbers don’t lie. We want to be sure that the posts we are pushing out on social media are landing with our perfect client. We can gauge this (typically) by looking at various metrics. Then, ask yourself which posts perform well and which ones didn’t.

**It’s important to know that just because your followers and friends may not comment or give you a “like” does NOT mean they don’t love your content. So many people are “silent” on social media…they see what you’re posting but never comment.

I have a client who received every email I sent out for TWO YEARS and followed me on social media…never commented…and then boom…. One day, he called me up and asked me to take on a high-ticket project.

CONSISTENCY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME when it comes to social media.

1. Instagram: Take a look at your shares, saves and engagement (this is the comments and direct messages people send you because of a specific post) over the past 6 months (or more). 
2. LinkedIn: Take a look at your engagement and impressions on videos.
3. Facebook (this goes for groups too): Take a look at your engagement and views on videos.

2. CLEAN OUT YOUR FOLLOWERS: Yep, that’s right. Take a look at who is following you and if they’re not people or businesses that align to your vision, you need to delete them. Quality over quantity…ALWAYS.

3. UPDATE YOUR BIO: Update your bio to reflect new skills, credentials and certifications. It’s also a good time on LinkedIn to ask clients to write a recommendation for you. (Side note…take that recommendation and develop a post about it!)

4. LINK IN BIO: Freshen up your link in bio as well as your Facebook and LinkedIn banners. Make sure your link in bio (this i

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

I’m heading into my fourth year of being a business owner. I can’t freaking believe it either.

I’ve always been a results-oriented person, and having my own business has elevated this to a whole new level. I want to share with you HOW I go about determining goals I want to reach…

…because if you don’t have goals - both financial and marketing - you don’t have a business, you have a hobby. 

Step #1: Review what worked and didn’t this past year.

• Take a look at your balance sheet and P&L statement. 
• What products or services made you the most money?
• Do you like working with your clients? Do they pay on time or nickel and dime you?
• Check your social media analytics and email open rates - why did some perform better than others? Did some posts have better engagement…why? Were you subject lines better in some emails over others?

Step #2: Imagine your future.

• What would you love to see happen in your business next year? Is it more clients? More visibility? Speaking on big stages? Writing a book?
• How much money do you want to make? How many hours do you want to work?
• What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
• What would success look like?

Step #3:  Be SMART about your goals…and only set 1-3 goals (otherwise you’ll get overwhelmed and won’t see things through)

• Specific: Establish clear goals that are specific. Don’t get too pie in the sky with these goals, or you risk overwhelming yourself and not doing anything.
• Measurable: Determine how you can measure the success or completion of your goal. No need to attach a number to all goals, but you need to have some measure in mind so you know you have reached the goal.
• Attainable: A goal has got to be something that you can actually reach. Again, no pie in the sky stuff…look at your financials, client data to help you determine if what you are looking to achieve is actually achievable.
• Relevant: Is your goal relevant to the bigger picture of what you’re looking to achieve in your business? Will that goal contribute to the success of your business?
• Time-Bound: Be realistic about setting a time on your goal.

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

For those of you who know me well, you KNOW I’m the ultimate planner.

I check my social media analytics and email marketing stats regularly. I am diligent about my monthly balance sheet. I even create spreadsheets for our vacations (maybe that’s gone tooooo far for some of you though!! 🤣).. 

I have learned to implement regular reviews so I can pivot and make changes quickly so I don’t waste time and money.

Much like you, I have a team who I pay to help support my business. If I’m not staying on top of my numbers, I’m literally throwing money away.

👉 If you’re not reviewing what worked and didn’t in your business this past year, you’re leaving money on the table…

…and no one has time for that! 🤑

Listed below are 4 things I take a deeper dive to review as we near year-end.

1️⃣ Review your numbers.

Review the following items:

• Balance Sheet: Which services or products performed best? Are these offerings yielding a high return on investment? In other words, is the time you’re putting that offer worth the money? 
• Social Media: Which posts performed well and which ones bombed…and then, be sure to not repeat the crappy ones in the future.
• Email Marketing: Check your open rates. Why were some emails higher than others? This is likely tied to your subject line…was it catchy and interesting? Would you have opened it if that email were in your inbox?

2️⃣ Check out your competitors. 

What are they talking about and sharing online? Are there posts that have performed well? How could you take those concepts and make them your own? 

This isn’t a compare and despair exercise…but I DO want you to know what your competition is doing so you know how to best position your message.

3️⃣ Do you enjoy your clients?

This is a BIG one. If your clients are causing you heartburn, you may need to revisit who you’re trying to serve.

• Think about one of your favorite clients. Name that person. Then, I want you to consider what you really like about that person. What characteristics do they have that makes them enjoyable? What type of personality and communication style do they have (i.e., are they direct, bold, fun, collaborative, data focused)? 
• Your messaging needs to align with the type of person you really want to invite into your network…and those who you would love to work with too.

4️⃣ Marketing Results: What was your number one marketing objective for 2022? Did you achieve it? If not, why? 

I’ve developed a fabulous tool to help with your year-end planning. Click HERE to grab my “Designing Your Business SWOT Analysis” to help you plan a profitable new year!

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

What content to post on LinkedIn verse what not to post... that is the question.

If you are active in LinkedIn or not active but knowing you should be active, then you are going to want to listen in to this.

In this episode, I am talking about how to message best on LinkedIn and how to attract your perfect client to you with your messaging through LinkedIn specifically. A big key is we need to stop being so "corporate" with our messaging and bring out your own personality to form the Know, Like & Trust approach quicker.

You will hear about 3-5 content areas you want to focus on, what your ideal client wants to hear as I give you real world examples from a dear friend of mine on how I helped her out with her messaging as a recruiter for an accounting firm.

If you are struggling with your messaging and not gaining momentum attracting your ideal client, then the DiSC assessment is a must! Click here to take the assessment and start attracting your ideal client through your messaging today!

Follow me:
IG - @heatherlisle
LI - @heatherlisleco

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

Have you ever felt you never have any time to market your own business?

It's safe to say we have all been there, and that we have spent too much time working in your business and not working so much on your business. If you aren't spending any time marketing in your business, it will fail and quickly.

In this episode, I will talk about 1 key (and easy) strategy you can do to make sure you are set up for the month to market your business. All it takes is just a quick time block in your calendar and thoughts on what is coming up in your industry. 

Take notes, listen in and make sure you take this advice into action so you can start to generate more business and get clear on your goals.

To book a strategy call with me and see how I can help you with your marketing needs, click here!

Make sure to follow:
IG - @heatherlisle

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

If you’ve ever worked with a client who didn’t express much emotion and is extremely analytical, you’ve likely worked with a C type on the DiSC. This is the Conscientious type.

Their biggest fear is making a mistake. They love having lots of information to consume and keeping to themselves.

Communicating and selling to this personality type can be simple if you focus on these key concepts:

• Use data and facts - don’t talk about personal issues.
• Be sure to give detailed information and time for them to think and decide.
• Be patient.

Today’s guest is the Founder of Lady Changemakers, Jessica Bargenquast. Jessica and I talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the C type and how her personality has helped her build a business. If your perfect client is a C type, you’ll want to tune in and learn how to market and sell to this personality. This conversation will change how you message and market your business.

To connect with Jessica, follow her business on Instagram @Ladychangemakers or on Facebook Lady Change Makers. 

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.

If you’ve worked with a client who was super sociable, talkative, enthusiastic…and overall - an open, fun person…you’re working with the i type personality on the DiSC. The i is the Influencer type.

Their biggest fear is being taken advantage of or someone losing respect for them. They love being the life of the party and bringing a positive energy to everyone around them.

Communicating and selling to this personality type can be simple if you focus on these key concepts:

• Don’t give them too many details.
• Have some fun!
• Focus on the positive.

Today’s guest is Christian Scott with Keller Williams, and our conversation will light up your day! If you sell or work with the i types, you’ve got to tune in to this chat. We talk about what fuels the i type…what we are repelled by…and how you can best message and position your brand to this personality type.

To connect with Christian, you can find him on Facebook @pastor.christian.scott.

> If you’re an up and comer or manage up and comers at your firm, be sure to register for Partner Power Lunch Hour mini-trainings (only 30 minutes!) designed to teach you how to create, connect and cash in on your network. Click HERE to register!

> To learn more about how to communicate with others based on personality type, click HERE to grab my FREE cheatsheet.

>Connect with me on Instagram @heather_lisle or on LinkedIn @heatherlisleco 

>Visit my website at www.heatherlisle.com to learn more about the trainings I offer and how to work with me.