Make Space For More

Episode Summary

If your business isn’t growing, and it feels harder than it should, the problem might  not be your strategy, your target market, or your team. The problem might be you!

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses five self-imposed growth roadblocks that entrepreneurs often face. These include doing everything yourself, perfectionism, resisting systems and structure, not re-evaluating pricing strategies, and lacking clarity and vision. In addition to pointing out these roadblocks and describing them in detail, Melissa will help you reflect on your sticking points and consider how you can break free from them. 

Key Highlights:

• Self-imposed limitations often block business growth more than external factors
• Perfectionism and reluctance to delegate are major barriers to scaling 
• Implementing systems creates freedom, not restriction 
• Strategic pricing and regular price evaluation are crucial for growth 
• Clear vision and purpose drive sustainable business expansion

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Episode Summary

Are you running your business, or is it running you? In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the importance of designing a CEO schedule that aligns with your personal and professional priorities!

Tune in to learn strategies for creating an ideal work week, including batching tasks for efficiency and blocking time for focused work. You’ll learn how to set up your calendar in a way that supports both business growth and personal well-being.

Key Highlights:

• You can design your ideal workweek by:
• Prioritizing personal and family time first
• Batching similar tasks for efficiency
• Blocking dedicated time for focused work
• Limiting meeting commitments 
• Build a business that can operate without your constant presence 
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your schedule to support sustainable growth.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

Tune into this week’s podcast for a can’t-miss workshop with Alex Brzozowski and Melissa Swink! You’ll get into the nuts and bolts of digital organization and its role in team collaboration and productivity. 

Alex and Melissa discuss the common hurdles leaders face when they first start working with teams, especially when it comes to digital organization myths. They also provide actionable strategies for laying a solid foundation for success. Tune in to learn the need for effective systems, clear communication, and the understanding that organization is an ongoing practice rather than a one-time fix. 

If you’re looking for tips around digital organization, effective file management, password management systems, and the strategic use of bookmarks, this episode is for you! You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of digital filing, including the use of cloud storage and password managers, and the significance of naming conventions that resonate with users. 

Key Highlights:

• The average worker spends two hours daily searching for documents, but implementing proper systems can dramatically reduce this waste.
• Digital organization is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution 
• Effective file management relies on:
• Clear naming conventions (alphabetical, numerical, or chronological)
• Strategic use of cloud storage
• Simplified folder structures 
• Secure password management and clear team communication are fundamental to successful collaboration. 
• Organization is a learnable skill that should be tailored to your team's specific needs.

About Our Guest: 

Alex Brzozowski is a digital organizer, productivity specialist, and founder of Be Organizing. She's been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and many more. Her team of Digital Professional Organizers and Productivity Specialists have reduced stress, saved time, and given hundreds of businesses and individuals across the country the peace of mind knowing exactly where their files, photos, emails, notes, tasks, projects, contacts, schedules, calendars, and passwords are (and how to quickly access them!). Visit the Be Organizing website to download your free Digital Declutter Calendar today!

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

Does growth feel harder than it should? The problem might not be your strategy, your team, or your target market. The problem might be you!

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink shares her personal journey from being a solopreneur to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of creating a business model that allows for freedom and flexibility. Melissa also shares the five common roadblocks that business owners experience on their path to growing their businesses. This episode is filled with practical advice and insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses in a way that is authentic and sustainable. 

Key Highlights:

• If your business can't function without you, it's not a business, it’s a job.
• It’s important to design your freedom as your business grows.
• There are five common roadblocks to growing a business: 
• Doing everything yourself
• Perfectionism
• Avoiding systems and structure
• Undercharging for your products or services
• Having a lack of vision or clarity

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

If you enjoy learning how to optimize your schedule, today’s podcast is for you! In this episode of Make Space for More, Melissa Swink discusses the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, which theorizes that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. 

You’ll learn about the importance of auditing your business to identify the most impactful clients, services, and marketing strategies. Tune in to discover how to focus on what drives results, eliminate unproductive tasks, and automate processes to enhance your efficiency. You’ll also hear tips from Melissa’s firsthand experience for prioritizing your time effectively, so you can achieve more with less effort.

Key Highlights:

• The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts.
• Identifying your top clients can have a significant impact on your revenue.
• Auditing your business helps you to focus on what is actually working.
• Eliminating unproductive tasks can free up valuable time.
• Automation can streamline processes and reduce manual work.
• Time blocking is essential for prioritizing important tasks.
• Learning to say “no” is crucial for maintaining focus.
• Marketing channels should be evaluated for effectiveness.
• Understanding your best-performing products can guide business decisions.
• Regular audits can help you adapt to changing business needs.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

Are you busy, or are you truly productive? In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, you’ll learn four strategies for spring cleaning your business. Host Melissa Swink shares signs that your business may need a reset, such as feeling overwhelmed or experiencing clunky processes. 

You’ll learn the four practical steps for spring cleaning: auditing current systems, decluttering subscriptions and tools, streamlining processes, and organizing your digital workspace. Listen now so you can take action and improve efficiency and productivity in your business! 

Key Highlights:

• Spring cleaning isn't just for your home; it applies to your business, too.
• Feeling overwhelmed can be a sign that your business needs a reset.
• Start by conducting an audit of your current systems and processes.
• Declutter subscriptions and tools that are no longer useful.
• Look for free or low-cost alternatives to expensive tools.
• Streamlining processes can significantly improve efficiency.
• Documenting processes can be made easier with collaboration.
• Organizing your digital workspace saves time and improves productivity.
• Take one actionable step to start your business spring cleaning, today.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses strategies for building a high-performing team when you are on a budget. You’ll learn about shifting your mindset about hiring, especially if you feel like you’re not quite ready to take the leap. You’ll also discover the steps to identifying the key needs in your business that you need to fill and how to strategically hire your first team members. Finally, Melissa will close with some tips for managing and motivating your team to ensure business growth and scalability.

Key Highlights:

• Building a team is crucial for scaling a business.
• Missed opportunities are a hidden cost of doing everything yourself.
• Hiring is an investment, not an expense.
• You're not going to feel ready to hire.
• New to hiring? Choose just one area to start!
• When hiring, ask for recommendations from your network.
• When interviewing, pay attention to their level of professionalism.
• When training, set clear expectations for your team. 
• Use communication tools for clarity.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

What if you could be more productive while working fewer hours, this summer?

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses strategies for preparing your business to operate on a reduced schedule during the summer months! She emphasizes the importance of setting intentions and boundaries, batching work, clarifying meeting strategies, and leveraging team support to maintain productivity while enjoying a lighter work schedule. The episode provides actionable tips for business owners looking to balance work and personal life during the summer months.

Key Highlights:

• 36% of U.S. workers are less productive during the summer months.
• To make your summer workload lighter, setting clear intentions for your schedule is crucial.
• Batching work can help lighten your load.
• It’s important to prioritize critical meetings and communications. Utilize tools like Loom and Voxer for efficient communication.
• Having a team or assistant can ease your workload.
• Be proactive in blocking time for personal commitments.
• Enjoying a lighter schedule can lead to greater overall satisfaction!

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink shares her top five business books that have significantly influenced her approach to entrepreneurship. Each book offers unique insights into the importance of leveraging expertise, financial management, and a relaxed mindset toward success. Melissa encourages continuous learning and provides actionable takeaways from each book, making this episode a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses!

Key Highlights:

• Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Reading books that are tactical and actionable can drive results in your business.
• Here are the five books Melissa recommends: 
• “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• “10X is Easier Than 2X” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz
• “We Should All be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers
• “Chillpreneur” by Denise Duffield-Thomas

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink interviews Angie Huffman, owner of Big Horn Advertising. Angie shares her journey of evolving her business, transitioning from recreation management to marketing, and the importance of leveraging technology and AI. 

Tune in to learn about Angie’s challenges and opportunities, the development of a comprehensive marketing toolkit, and the shift to a membership-based revenue model. Angie emphasizes the significance of building a strong team and the intentionality behind her growth strategies, ultimately providing valuable insights for small business owners looking to scale authentically!

Key Highlights:

• Angie's journey reflects the importance of evolving with intention.
• AI can significantly enhance business processes and customer interactions.
• Building a strong team is crucial for scaling a business effectively.
• Membership-based revenue models can provide stability and growth.
• Leveraging technology can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• It's essential to adapt and pivot based on audience needs.
• Growth often requires patience and a solid foundation.

About Our Guest: 

Angie Huffman is the owner of Big Horn Advertising, specializing in print and online marketing for small-town and Plain Community businesses. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, she helps business owners simplify marketing, increase visibility, and connect with their ideal customers. Through The Big Horn Directory, social media spotlights, and targeted advertising, Angie provides practical, results-driven marketing solutions. 

Offer: Website Rebuild, $297 setup

Contact Angie by text message at 641-732-7333

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.