Make Space For More

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink chats with a special guest, Jenni Schubring. They discuss the transformative power of understanding and leveraging your personal strengths in both business and life. 

Melissa and Jenni talk about the CliftonStrengths assessment, the importance of coaching, and how recognizing one's strengths can lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment. The conversation also touches on the significance of setting boundaries, embracing one's role in teams, and shifting the focus from weaknesses to strengths.

Tune in to learn how authenticity can lead to success, the value of collaboration, and the significance of building a culture of strengths awareness within your entire team!

Key Highlights:

• Cultivating self-awareness is vital for personal growth. Understanding your strengths can transform your life and improve collaboration within teams.
• Coaching can deepen your understanding of personal and team strengths and expedite growth, helping you align your work with your passions.
• Setting boundaries and saying “no” when necessary are powerful acts of self-care that maintain harmony and alignment with your personal passions.
• Embracing individual roles, collaborating effectively, and building trust are essential practices for utilizing team strengths.
• Effective communication and regular check-ins foster a culture of strengths awareness and improves personal relationships.

About Our Guest: 

Jenni Schubring is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, speaker, and owner of Embrace Your Story Coaching. Along with her 1:1 coaching, she works with teams, speaks at conferences, and utilizes CliftonStrengths in staff trainings. Jenni lives in Green Bay with her husband of 25 years and is still getting used to having only one of her four children living under her roof.

Offer link: https://embraceyourstory.as.me/virtualstrengths

CODE: MSwink25 for $25 off

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

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink and Senior VA Sara Sutton discuss the essential building blocks of working with virtual assistants (VAs). They discuss the professional commitment of VAs, what to expect when you first start to work with a VA,  and the importance of taking time to develop a solid rhythm. 

Tune in to learn about the importance of feedback, the onboarding process, and the need for clear communication to ensure a successful partnership. They also address the challenges and red flags that may arise and how to navigate them. 

Key Highlights:

• Most VAs are committed professionals, not just side hustlers.
• Building a strong relationship with your VA takes time, and the onboarding process is crucial for success.
• Not every VA-client relationship will be a perfect fit.
• Communication and feedback are key to a successful partnership with your VA.
• Most VAs are managing multiple clients - and this is a good thing, for you!
• Confidentiality is paramount in VA-client relationships.
• What to do if you experience red flags with your VA.

About Our Guest: 

Sara Sutton lives in San Antonio, TX, with her husband, five children, and their dog, Sasha. Her family enjoys traveling, camping, and hiking together. In her free time, she enjoys running and reading. With over 10 years of experience as a virtual assistant, Sara has worked with clients across a wide range of industries. She is passionate about handling tasks, both big and small, that allow her clients to focus on what truly matters in their personal and professional lives.

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 and guest Marissa Rether (Senior VA on the Melissa Swink & Co. team) discuss the importance of building trust with virtual assistants and the challenges of letting go of control in your business. They explore the mindset shifts necessary for effective delegation, the significance of clear communication and expectations, and actionable steps to foster a successful working relationship when you’re working with a virtual team. Tune in to learn why trust leads to freedom, allowing business owners to focus on growth and scaling their operations!

Key Highlights:

• Building trust with your virtual assistant is crucial for success.
• Letting go of control can be intimidating but is necessary for growth.
• Clear expectations help set the foundation for a successful working relationship.
• Communication should be frequent and proactive to avoid misunderstandings.
• Delegating tasks you dislike can free up mental energy and time.
• Feedback is essential for improving the working relationship with your VA.
• Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) can ease the delegation process.
• Trusting your team allows you to focus on higher-level tasks.
• Successful delegation leads to business scalability and reduced burnout.

About Our Guest: 

Marissa Rether holds a BA in psychology and has spent the past decade supporting entrepreneurs and building businesses—first as a Professional Organizer and now as a Virtual Assistant. Her passion lies in system strategy, and whether she is integrating a tech stack or supporting a course launch from behind the scenes, she is always seeking opportunities to improve efficiency.

In her free time, she can usually be found on her 80-acre homestead in Northern Ontario, Canada. She enjoys reading, hiking, and, most importantly, spending quality time with her family.

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 the seven signs that hint at the fact that you might not be ready to work with a virtual assistant or build a team. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal readiness, overcoming cashflow challenges, prioritizing relationships, and establishing clear goals. The conversation also touches on the need for organization and trust in hiring processes, providing you with actionable insights to prepare for successful team building!

Key Highlights:

• Building a team can make your business more enjoyable and manageable.
• There are stages to hiring; you don't have to jump in fully.
• You need to be ready to embrace a new role in your business.
• Trust issues with delegation can stem from past experiences that need to be addressed.
• Start where you are and take steps to prepare for hiring.

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 discusses five common goals that virtual assistants can help leaders achieve. These goals include increasing revenue, achieving work-life balance, learning new skills, improving health and wellness, and building work relationships. Each goal is explored in-depth, with practical examples of how virtual assistants can provide support, streamline tasks, and ultimately help you reach each goal.

Key Highlights:

• Reverse-engineer your goals by working backward to see how you can get support to reach each of them. 
• Virtual assistants can help you make more money, improve your work/life balance, learn new skills, improve your health, and deepen professional relationships. 

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 the importance of creating “white space” for business owners. This is defined as time to think strategically and innovate, outside of work time and meetings. She shares insights from her own experience and evolution as a business owner, emphasizing the need for delegation and how she uses her team’s support to free up time for higher-level thinking. Melissa also provides examples of tasks that can be handed off to others to enhance productivity and reduce bottlenecks in business operations.

Key Highlights:

• According to HBR, CEOs spend 72% of their time in meetings.
• Creating white space is essential for strategic thinking.
• Delegating tasks can free up time for innovation.
• Hiring a senior team can alleviate bottlenecks.
• Regularly auditing your calendar can reveal time wasters.
• It's important to let go of tasks that don't serve you.
• Effective delegation leads to better team performance.

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

Whether you’re working solo in your business or have a sizeable team, do you know exactly what needs to get done every day? Or do you find yourself letting responsibilities slip through the cracks because you’re struggling to keep track of it all? 

A project management tool should be your best friend as a business owner. In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the importance of using project management tools to organize your business and personal life. She shares practical examples of how project management tools can streamline client tasks, track leads, manage repeatable processes, and even organize personal responsibilities. Tune in for practical tips and plenty of “ah ha” moments to help you better organize and prioritize your business! 

Key Highlights:

• Project management tools help entrepreneurs organize both business and personal tasks.
• Prioritization is key to managing an overwhelming to-do list.
• Using a project management tool can prevent tasks from falling through the cracks.
• Templates in project management can streamline repeatable processes.
• Project management tools can help track client tasks and projects efficiently.
• Using a project management tool can enhance team collaboration, especially when your team is remote.
• Setting reminders for personal tasks can reduce stress and improve efficiency.
• Choosing a user-friendly project management tool is essential for consistent use.

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 three key strategies for scaling a service-based business with the help of a virtual assistant (VA). Each of these concepts can be modified if your business sells products. Melissa walks through how to invest strategically in a team, how to turn services into products, ways to replicate successful systems, and how to reach the goal of doubling your revenue. Tune in for actionable insights for business owners looking to grow and scale their organizations.

Key Highlights:

• Investing in a team is crucial for scalability.
• Turning services into products can create passive income.
• A virtual assistant can handle tech and marketing tasks.
• Standardizing processes helps replicate success.
• Documenting standard operating procedures is essential.
• A VA can assist in hiring and onboarding new team members.
• Increasing prices can lead to higher revenue.
• Outreach to potential clients can be streamlined with a VA.
• Creating a course can diversify income streams.

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

The only way you’re going to make 2025 a better year for your business is if you take an honest look at 2024, assess where you excelled and where you struggled, and identify specific, actionable ways to improve in 2025. This week’s episode will help you do all three of these areas! Tune in to hear practical, tangible steps you can take to declutter your business and reset for 2025.

Key Highlights:

This is a replay of a popular masterclass that Melissa Swink offers.

Tune in if you are serious about making real progress in the year ahead.

Learn the five areas that will help you improve your efficiency and become more profitable in your business.

Get an action plan to help you confidently tackle all your big goals for 2025.

Workbook from workshop: 5 Steps to Declutter Your Business and Reset for 2025 - Worksheet Fill.pdf

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 the importance of delegation and outsourcing for a business. She also shares her favorite December tradition, the “12 Days of Christmas,” which is a social media series that highlights popular tasks that are delegated to a virtual team. 

Tune in to reflect on your time management pitfalls from the last year, including the non-revenue-generating tasks that may have hindered your success. Plus, you’ll get a comprehensive list of tasks you can delegate in the year ahead! 

Key Highlights:

• Delegation is essential for business growth and efficiency.
• Doing non-revenue-generating tasks can dilute your business results.
• How you spend your time in the year ahead will dictate your level of success.  

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.