Whenever I work with a new entrepreneur we talk about content marketing. The topic of blogging always comes up, and they say things like, “Do I have to have a blog?” “Does blogging actually work?” “I hate writing. Is there something I can do besides blogging?” In this episode the podcast, I tackle these questions and offer some cool (and effective) alternatives to blogging.

You can listen to this entire podcast episode on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Do You Really Need a Blog for Your Business?

In this episode of the podcast, I answer some of the burning questions I hear from my clients all the time. Questions like:

* “Does blogging actually work?”

* “I hate writing. Is there something I can do besides blogging?”

* “Do I really need a blog for my business?”

You might be surprised at some of the answers.

And if you’re ready to take a deep dive into content marketing, but have no idea what you should be talking about, be on the lookout for my new course: Epic Content Masterclass.

In this masterclass, you will learn how to create a massive library of epic marketing content that communicates your expertise, builds brand awareness, earns trust and credibility, and is guaranteed to get you epic results.

The Epic Content Masterclass course will be opening soon, so be on the lookout for all the details!

Let’s connect like real human beings!

Follow me on Instagram

Like my Facebook page

Join our Facebook community

Drop me an email

Ask a question

Just about every business should have a website. Yes, there are some (very rare) exceptions, but if you’re doing business today, you probably need to have a website. But which website platform should you be using? Today on the podcast I’m going to compare some of the most popular website platforms and help you decide which one will work best for your business.

You can listen to this entire podcast episode on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Which Website Platform Should You Be Using?

In this episode of the podcast, you’ll learn all about the different types of website platforms available today, and the pros and cons of using each.

You’ll learn about the difference between rented and owned platforms and how these affect your website and your business in general.

You’ll also learn which platform I recommend you use, whether you just want something basic or you need a more scalable solution.

Let me know if you enjoyed this episode and if you’d like to learn more about websites in general or WordPress in particular.

Let’s connect like real human beings!

Microsoft scored big with their latest Super Bowl ad, “We All Win.” They’re not just another brand jumping on the social issue bandwagon, they’re creating real connections. Today on the podcast, I’ll share why this commercial is so effective and how you can apply these principles to build more powerful connections to your brand.

You can listen to this entire podcast episode on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

How Microsoft’s Super Bowl Ad Creates Powerful Connections

Here’s how Microsoft sums up their ad on YouTube:

“When technology empowers each of us, it empowers all of us. This Super Bowl, follow the inspirational story of passionate young gamers rising to the top of their game with a little help from their friends, family and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The story illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to building accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us.”

Microsoft does a fantastic job of connecting all of us around the idea of inclusivity. The tagline they use in the ad sums it up beautifully:

“When everybody plays, we all win.”

What a powerful way of capturing the spirit of inclusion and connecting all of us who believe that inclusion should be a vital part of our culture.

You can watch the entire ad here (just make sure to have some tissues handy):

Great job to Microsoft. They’ve created something much bigger than an emotional super bowl ad. They’ve pulled all of us together and connected us around the idea of inclusivity. Something our current culture needs right now more than ever.

Let’s connect like real human beings!

If you’re an independent entrepreneur and you want to be able to scale and grow your business, the first thing you need to do is find your sweet spot.

You can listen to the entire podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

How to Find Your Sweet Spot

In this episode of the podcast, you’ll learn how to combine three key areas of your business in order to find your sweet spot.

These are:

* Your best clients or customers

* Your unique offering

* A way of systemization

Your sweet spot is where you can start to thrive as an entrepreneur. It’s where you begin to grow and scale your business. Your sweet spot is where you start building a sustainable business, one that can last for decades.

Let’s connect like real human beings!

To be successful in business as an entrepreneur, you don’t have to have a million customers or a million dollars. All you need is a minimum viable audience.

You can listen to the entire podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Minimum Viable Audience

Today on the podcast, I talk about the minimum number of customers you need to be a success. It’s not as many as you might think!

I define “Minimum Viable Audience” and even provide some math to show you how this works, whatever kind of business you’re in.

I offer some tips on how you can find your “superfans” and explain how to build those relationships.

Finally, I talk about the curious thing that happens once you’ve hit your magic number (your minimum viable audience number).

As promised, here’s the link to Kevin Kelly’s excellent article from 2008. This is really a great read; I suggest grabbing a cup of coffee and digging in!

Let’s connect like real human beings!

I’ve been doing a lot more with Facebook and Instagram lately, trying to build my brand and my business more on social media. And I have to say that the whole experience has left me feeling pretty down about the state of social media today. I think there’s a better way to do social media.

A Better Way to Do Social Media

You can listen to the entire podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

On this episode of the podcast, I talk about the current state of social media. Spoiler alert: It’s not good. But instead of just complaining about the sad state of the nation, I offer some good advice and some ways we can do social media better.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic – you can do that by:

Following me on Instagram

Liking my Facebook page

Joining our Facebook group – The Brand Sketch Community

Dropping me an email

Let’s connect on social media like real humans!

One of the things I hear all the time about high-achieving, super successful people is that they all share one thing in common – they all have some sort of consistent morning routine that they do every single day. In this episode of the podcast, I’ll talk about the surprising results I’ve experienced since I started a consistent morning routine.

The Surprising Results of a Consistent Morning Routine

You can listen to the entire podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

I’ve always known that a consistent morning routine was helpful, especially for entrepreneurs. I’ve heard that a consistent routine can help you start your day with the right mindset. I’ve also known that a routine helps you increase productivity by using that time first thing in the morning wisely. So a few years ago I decided I’d create my own morning routine and see how it helped me.

I was not disappointed. I became more productive, I started doing better quality work, but then a few other things started happening, things I was actually quite surprised by.

In this episode of the podcast, I go over the routines of some highly successful people like Richard Branson, Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, and Arianna Huffington. I also break down my morning routine in detail and then talk about how my life has changed because I started doing this one thing consistently.

What does your morning routine look like? How does it help you in business and in life?

Too often, I think we get caught up looking for the easy button. We love finding articles that offer a few simple steps we can follow to become successful in business. Well, look no further because that’s exactly what I have here for you today! But there’s a twist. These steps are simple, but they are definitely not easy.

In this episode of the podcast, I’ll lay out a simple plan for you to start creating better marketing.

Better Marketing in 5 Not-So-Easy Steps

Step 1. Invent something worthwhile.

Step 2. Make it attractive and beneficial to a small group of people.

Step 3. Tell a story that matches your audience’s story.

Step 4. Spread the word.

Step 5. Show up consistently.

I unpack each of these ideas in detail so you’ll definitely want to listen to the entire episode.

I want to hear from you! Ask your question here and I’ll answer it on the show.

It’s the end of the year and for me, this is always a great time to look back and reflect on what I’ve accomplished this past year, lessons learned, and where I’m going next year. Today on the podcast, I share what I learned as an entrepreneur in 2018 and why I’m so excited about what’s ahead for me (and for you!) in 2019.

Key takeaways from this episode

Some of the valuable lessons I’ve learned in 2018

* What happens when I start comparing myself to others

* Why I don’t have to always have all the answers right in front of me

* How “perfect” is often the enemy of “good enough”

* Why I need to be a better listener

* Why it was OK for me to completely change course in my business

Some of the things I’m excited about in 2019

* How one-on-one or group coaching can dramatically change your business in 2019

* I’m excited to start doing more training around business strategy and the entrepreneurial mindset

* I’m excited to start having more in-depth conversations on the podcast (with people like you!)

* Doing more video! Facebook Live training, coaching, and interviews, and a whole lot more!

* I’m super excited to get more engaged with you!

What lessons have you learned in 2018? What are you excited about in the coming year? You can share your thoughts or ask a question here. You can even send in an audio question – just record your question on your phone and upload the file. I’ll play your question on the podcast and answer it too!

Back in September, I started my first mastermind coaching group. For me, it was an experiment. Will people get something out of this? Will they like the format? Will they feel supported? Will they learn how to grow their business? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding YES!

Today on the podcast, I’m talking about the mastermind coaching group, how it works, why it works so well, and the transformative power it can have in your business and in your life – seriously!

You can listen to the entire podcast episode here.

How does mastermind group coaching work?

* I hand-pick 5-6 like-minded entrepreneurs.

* You meet every other week via Zoom online video chat.

* Each person in the group gets time to check in and ask questions.

* You get to share your highs and lows since the last meeting – what’s working, what’s not, what are you struggling with?

* You can ask the group for help, support, feedback, ideas, brainstorming, resources, etc.

* You set commitments – actionable, powerful goals for next meeting. What are you going to accomplish in the next two weeks?

* Each subsequent meeting we start with a follow-up – did you reach your goals? Yes or no? What can we do to help support you?

* Between meetings, we have our own Slack channel – a private communication system that keeps us very organized and all on the same page.

Sign up for mastermind coaching group now.

The transformative power of a mastermind coaching group

Accountability

You are held accountable by a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who all have your best interest in mind. The group will help you set big powerful goals and then you are held accountable for getting them done. There’s a power and an energy in the group that makes you want to show up and do what you say you’re going to do! When it’s just you it’s easy to let yourself off the hook, take the easy way out, or even quit (gasp!). But when the group is counting on you, you won’t let them down!

Ask questions and learn

It’s pretty frustrating as an entrepreneur to do everything yourself. With the group, you can ask questions, learn from the experience of others, and tap into their areas of expertise. As entrepreneurs we think we can do it all, but be honest – you’re not an expert at everything! There are other people who are really good at taking photos, or writing, or social media, or goal-setting, or organization – you get to learn from them!

Get honest, helpful feedback

Have you ever asked your spouse or good friend what they thought of your idea? Do they just say – that’s great, honey!

Wouldn’t it be great to get real feedback from other entrepreneurs who have your best interest in mind – but aren’t too close to you

They can be honest and give constructive criticism without being afraid to hurt your feelings – because they don’t have to live with you!

Get access to a branding, marketing, business strategy, and mindset expert

I have years and years of experience helping solo entrepreneurs build successful, profitable businesses. In the mastermind groups, I offer expert advice, guidance, resources, help reaching your goals. I’m here to help guide you in the right direction – whatever that looks like for you!

Feel supported and understood

There’s a lot of power in being able to share your ideas and have them heard!  You’ll be part of a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who get you, who know where you’re coming from, who know what’s it like to do what you do. They will support you, lift you up, and make you feel heard and understood.