Make Space For More

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the transformative power of automation, AI, and smart systems. She shares practical strategies to save time and enhance efficiency in all areas of a business’ operations, including sales processes, client onboarding, team training, and accounting. By leveraging technology, business owners can streamline their operations, improve client experiences, and ultimately grow their businesses without the burden of manual tasks.

Key Highlights:

• Automation can significantly reduce manual work in your business. It's important to identify repeatable processes, first, and then lean into automation to fuel growth. 
• You can streamline your sales process through online bookings and pre-qualifying steps. 
• Client onboarding should be systemized to provide a consistent and positive experience.
• Using a single tool for multiple functions can save time and money.
• Team training can be simplified with organized resources and checklists.
• Accounting automation can eliminate the need for manual invoicing.
• Investing in systems is often more cost-effective than outsourcing tasks.
• No time? Virtual assistants can help identify and set up automation systems for you.

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 speaks with Mika Sagindyk, co-founder of Tackle, about the importance of time management and conducting calendar audits. They discuss how Tackle evolved from a simple calendar exporting tool to a comprehensive platform that helps users visualize their time usage. 

Learn about the significance of aligning time spent with organizational goals, the role of executive assistants in managing time effectively, and actionable strategies for improving productivity. You’ll learn how to reflect on your time management practices and consider how Tackle could enhance your efficiency.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding where time is spent is crucial for achieving goals.
• A lean team can lead to greater impact and efficiency.
• Calendar audits help identify time allocation and priorities.
• Executive assistants play a key role in time management.
• Setting time-based goals can enhance accountability.
• Reflection on time usage can lead to better decision-making.
• Creating a system for categorizing tasks can streamline processes.

About Our Guest: 

Mika Sagindyk is a co-founder of Tackle and works with top executives and leaders to run calendar audit on autopilot. She has extensive experience in the technology industry and has previously built a team at AWS. 

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, you’ll learn the #1 way to save precious time as a business owner. Just remove it from your to-do list in the first place! Tune in to listen as Melissa Swink discusses removing unnecessary tasks from your to-do list and provides four specific areas to evaluate. Simplifying your business operations will allow for greater efficiency and alignment in the year ahead. 

Key Highlights:

• Removing tasks from your to-do list is the best way to save time.
• Evaluate your revenue streams for profitability and enjoyment.
• Consider discontinuing services that no longer serve you.
• Networking groups may need reevaluation as your business evolves.
• Team dynamics are crucial; ensure everyone on your team is a good fit.
• Trust your intuition when making these tough decisions.

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 interviewed Heather Herdman, PhD, RN, co-owner of Sweet Willow, an herbal shop and café. Heather shared her journey from nursing to herbalism and entrepreneurship, describing how she and her friends saved a beloved local shop from closing. Learn about the evolution of Sweet Willow, Heather’s thoughtful decision to bring on a business partner, and the importance of community engagement. When it comes to bringing on a business partner, Heather talked about knowing what you want in a partnership and the benefits of having a supportive team. 

Key Highlights:

• The decision to buy Sweet Willow was spontaneous but driven by passion.
• Sweet Willow has evolved to include food offerings alongside herbal products.
• Bringing on a business partner was a strategic decision for sustainability.
• It's important to have clear conversations about roles and responsibilities in a partnership. You need to know what you want before seeking a partner.
• The integration of a new partner can be smooth if they are already familiar with the business.

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Heather Herdman is a clinical herbalist, as well as an advanced practice nurse. Her passion is working with individuals to support them in finding their way toward heath and wellness, using a herb and food-based approach whenever possible. She believes that we each have an innate understanding of what makes us feel and function best, if we learn to listen to ourselves. As a researcher, she combines her knowledge of clinical trial data and traditional ways of knowing to support clients in wellness, and offers integrative options when clients are in the midst of Western medical treatment for a variety of conditions.

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 ready to take your business to the next level? You’ll feel inspired and equipped after listening to this podcast episode!

Host Melissa Swink interviewed Alina Stansu, founder of The Orange Notebook, about authentic strategies for growing and scaling a business. They discussed Alina’s journey of starting a business during the pandemic, effective lead generation techniques, the importance of building genuine connections, and the lessons she has learned about outsourcing. Alina also spoke about the significance of understanding one's identity in relation to business and shared insights on navigating challenges while maintaining authenticity.

Key Highlights:

• Effective lead generation requires a balance of inbound and outbound strategies.
• Building genuine connections is key to fruitful networking. Your sales outreach should focus on relationship-building.
• Understanding your identity is crucial for business success.
• Investing in your business is important, but do your due diligence, especially when it comes to outsourcing.
• The right support can save time and energy in business growth.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters a strong team culture.

About Our Guest: 

Alina Stancu is the founder of The Orange Notebook as well as a Brand Identity Expert & Strategic Advisor. Alina’s background in storytelling means she’ll always find a way to illustrate difficult concepts with a story. With a passion for mindset, self-development and mental health she’s able to spot patterns and explain a client’s actions through a psychological framework that usually allays fears and brings peace. She is committed to caretake their vision of becoming the business leader they wish to become. Alina has over a decade of content and PR expertise, a degree in Marketing, Advertising and PR and has previously set up the entire PR department for a cybersecurity startup in the UK.

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 shares key takeaways from a recent calendar audit workshop. This led to some surprising insights regarding her role as CEO, and how she SHOULD be spending her time. She also reflects on the benefits of delegating more tasks to her executive assistant, as she strives for better time management and business growth, such as having her EA attend workshops like this one.

Key Highlights:

• Delegating learning opportunities to executive assistants.
• Executive assistants can help distill key takeaways from courses and other professional development opportunities, provide valuable outside perspectives, and put together action plans. 
• Team involvement in learning can reduce individual workload.

About Our Guest: 

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 are a visionary, “big ideas” type of person, and/or you’ve always wished you didn’t have to get bogged down in all the operational details of running your business - this episode is for you!

Join Melissa Swink as she discusses the importance of getting support for your business operations, especially if you want to grow. She highlights three key areas a virtual team can help with, ultimately allowing business owners to focus on their visionary roles. Tune in for practical examples and insights into effectively integrating virtual assistants into your business operations for improved efficiency and scalability.

Key Highlights:

• Streamlining your business operations is key to growth.
• Virtual assistants can manage your operations so you can get out of the details and stop being the bottleneck. 
• Area 1: Manage, streamline, and execute on repeatable processes. 
• Area 2: Manage vendors, team, and projects. 
• Area 3: Be the first line of communication and answer FAQs.
• You can get operations help without hiring a full-time person.

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 three practical strategies for preparing your business for the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear intentions, planning for time off, ensuring operational coverage, and determining your top priorities to finish the year strong. Tune in to learn how to navigate the busy holiday season with balance and joy!

Key Highlights:

• It’s important to prepare your business early for the holiday season.
• Set clear intentions for the final months of the year.
• Plan for time off and ensure operational coverage.
• Ask your team and clients about holiday availability.
• Pick a few top priorities for the end of the year.
• Maintain consistent marketing efforts during the holiday season, but make sure content is easily digestible content for your audience.

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 the integration of AI tools in her business operations, focusing on how they can enhance efficiency. She shares the most common tools her team is using, including the ways she is creating this podcast with AI support. 

Key Highlights:

• AI tools can enhance efficiency in your business. 
• Systems and automation are essential for scaling.
• AI should complement human input, not replace it.

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 effective strategies for growing and scaling your business through three specific conversation types. Tune in to hear her personal experiences with these conversations and how they have positively impacted her business.

Key Highlights:

• Networking is crucial for generating leads and referrals. 
• Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals.
• Engage in conversations with industry peers for mutual benefit.
• Reconnecting with past clients can lead to new opportunities.
• Regular conversations with coaches can provide valuable insights.
• Be open to learning from business owners at different stages.
• Collaboration and cross-promotion can enhance visibility.
• Invest time in building relationships with others.

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.