Make Space For More

Episode Summary

In this very special episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink interviews Jamie G. Smith, a renowned business & lifestyle elevation strategist, speaker, and content creator! The pair discuss strategies for overcoming burnout and achieving authentic business growth. Tune in to learn about the importance of energy management, the impact of past experiences on present success, and the necessity of letting go of control to rise higher. Jamie shares her journey of empowering high-achieving women and offers insights into maintaining consistent energy and productivity. Stay to the end for a special announcement bout an upcoming masterclass focused on energy management.

Key Highlights:

• Energy management is crucial for achieving more with less stress.
• Letting go of control can lead to greater freedom and success.
• Creating a supportive team is essential for scaling a business.
• Morning practices can set the tone for a productive day.
• Women empowering women can create a ripple effect of success.
• Decision fatigue can hinder productivity and creativity.
• It's important to embrace vulnerability and learn from mistakes.
• Coaching can provide valuable insights and accountability. 

About Our Guest: 

Jamie G. Smith empowers industry leaders to rise above doubts & limitations & gain the competitive edge through next level Authority, Strategies & Powerful Collaborations. As a renowned business & lifestyle elevation strategist, speaker, & content creator Jamie is the founder of L.U.X.E. Everyday. LUXE stands for L.ead a U.nique e.X.traordinary E.xistence Everyday. Jamie has a gift to share, a free PDF to help you enhance your EDGE! Embrace your own fresh Daily E.D.G.E. routine while you ignite both your personal and professional life by implementing and taking powerful action!

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

Tune into this week’s episode of the Make Space for More podcast as Melissa Swink discusses the essential factors influencing the cost of hiring virtual assistants (VAs). Learn how to frame your new hire as an investment in the long-term growth of your business rather than just an expense. Areas influencing the VA’s rates include experience level, skill set, professionalism, location, and whether you’re hiring an individual or a team of VAs. Melissa also shares strategies for maximizing return on investment and managing costs effectively when working with VAs.

Key Highlights:

• The cost of a virtual assistant can range from $15 to $50 per hour, or more depending on the expertise and skills required.
• Hiring a VA should be viewed as an investment in business growth.
• Experience and specialized skill sets are key factors that influence the cost of a VA.
• Professionalism and self-investment are indicators of a good VA.
• Location affects the pricing of virtual assistant services.
• Working with a team of VAs offers more flexibility and backup support.
• Consider the ROI when hiring a virtual assistant.
• Start with small tasks and gradually increase responsibilities.
• Clear communication about budget and expectations is crucial.

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 average employee spends 10 hours and 47 minutes on emails every single week! How would you like to claim back some of that time? 

In this episode, Melissa Swink discusses how a virtual assistant (VA) can help manage your inbox. She shares strategies for setting up access to your email, segmenting messages, unsubscribing from newsletters, filing non-response emails, creating templated responses, and having your VA respond on your behalf. She also provides tips for quality checks, such as daily summaries and documented procedures. Delegating inbox management can save time and allow you to focus on more important tasks in your business. 

Key Highlights:

• Delegating inbox management to a virtual assistant can save you time and allow you to focus on more important tasks.
• Segment messages by creating specific inboxes for different types of emails, such as accounting, customer service, and sales inquiries.
• Unsubscribe from email newsletters that you don't read to declutter your inbox.
• File non-response emails or informational emails in folders to keep your inbox organized.
• Create templated responses for common requests or frequently asked questions to save time in responding to emails.
• Train your VA to become an extension of you by understanding your approach and communicating on your behalf.
• Implement quality checks, such as daily summaries of inbox activity and documented procedures, to ensure smooth inbox management.
• Delegating inbox management can be a gradual process, starting with basic tasks and progressing to more customized responses.
• Handing over control of your inbox can be daunting, but it can provide relief and allow you to use your time more effectively.

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

We’re pleased to welcome Kristie M. Holmes, Owner of The HR Dept, to this week’s episode of Make Space for More!

Melissa interviews Kristie about the steps business owners should take when hiring employees. They discussed the importance of job descriptions, screening candidates, and the onboarding process. Kristie emphasizes the need for transparency in the hiring process and recommends involving trusted colleagues during interviews. She also highlights the importance of having standard operating procedures, plus her recommendations around performance reviews, and much MUCH more. 

Key Highlights:

• Melissa’s team is made up of independent contractors, so she wanted to bring on an HR expert to educate her listeners around proper hiring policies and processes. 
• Creating a clear and detailed job description is essential for hiring your first employee.
• Screening candidates should involve multiple interviews and checking references to ensure a good fit.
• Transparency in the hiring process, including discussing pay upfront, is important for attracting and retaining employees.
• Having standard operating procedures in place can help with training and ensure consistency in processes.
• Regular feedback and communication with employees is crucial for their development and success. Conduct performance reviews at least once a year, ideally every six months. 
• Schedule weekly check-ins with new hires for the first 30 to 60 days
• Use the “build, break, build sandwich” technique for giving critical feedback
• Document all necessary paperwork, including employee handbooks, with legal requirements
• Consult with government agencies, insurance agents, and attorneys for guidance
• Consider using payroll systems to ensure accurate and timely payment of employees

About Our Guest: 

The HR Dept is led by Kristie Holmes who has nearly 20 years of recruiting and Human Resources experience across a variety of industries. Ms. Holmes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Memphis, as well as a Masters in Business Administration (Human Resources) from Bethel University. Her knowledge and vast skillset allow The HR Dept to offer a wide array of services designed specifically for the benefit of small businesses. Ms. Holmes believes focusing on relationship building and a personal touch achieves the best results.

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

Let’s talk about something that can be a little controversial: Is it a good idea for business owners to outsource their social media? 

In today’s podcast episode, Melissa Swink discusses whether or not to outsource social media. She explores the different opinions on this topic and provides insights for business owners considering this big step. Melissa underscores the importance of authenticity and the need for a collaborative relationship with your chosen service provider. She also discusses setting realistic goals and expectations for outsourcing social media, such as what you can expect for ROI. Tune in to hear both sides of this discussion!

Key Highlights:

• There are differing opinions on whether or not to outsource social media, so it's important to consider what works best for your business.
• Authenticity is key in social media content, whether you do it yourself or outsource it.
• When outsourcing social media, look for a service provider that offers a collaborative relationship and open communication.
• Set realistic goals and expectations around ROI, and consider starting small and gradually expanding.

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, Melissa Swink discusses the concept of “inbox zero” and how her perspective has evolved over the years. She shares tactics for achieving “inbox zero” on a daily basis, while cautioning that this might not be the best goal for every business owner. Tune in for a nuanced perspective on inbox management, as well as some tips for having an assistant help manage your emails.  

Key Highlights:

• “Inbox zero” is the concept of achieving zero emails in your inbox, every day. 
• This can be achieved by reducing the overall email volume, redirecting messages to others on your team, and spending focused time in your emails each day. 
• Learn the importance of organization and responsiveness in managing email.
• Every business owner should decide if “inbox zero” is a reasonable or smart goal. 
• CEOs should prioritize big picture goals and initiatives that drive growth and success in their businesses.
• Email management is crucial for productivity, but it should not overshadow more important tasks and responsibilities.

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 happens when your clients love one of your services… but you no longer do? 

In today’s podcast episode, Melissa Swink discusses what to do when you fall out of love with your business, or perhaps just one of your products/services. She explores the topic of burnout and identifies several areas of your business that could be dragging you down and preventing you from loving your work. This could include clientele, partnerships and collaborations, products and services, roles and responsibilities, and team members or vendors. Listen to learn what steps you can take to cut out what’s not working, with the ultimate goal of realigning your business to work for you and bring you joy and fulfillment!

Key Highlights:

• 34% of business owners and entrepreneurs report experiencing burnout. 
• Learn how to identify what's not working in your business.
• Take steps to resolve each issue, whether it's having a conversation with a client, discontinuing a service, or reviewing roles and responsibilities.

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

On today’s special episode of Make Space for More, Melissa chats with Alex Brzozowski, founder of Be Organizing. Alex shares her journey of building a digital organizing business, how she provides her services remotely, and how she scaled her services by building a team. Alex also provides insight into how she developed internal systems and processes, including a central hub for information and a sales process script, to streamline operations and maintain consistency. Stay to the end to learn about a free offer from Be Organizing, to help you better organize your business! 

Key Highlights:

• Alex began as a solopreneur and evolved her business over time to include team members and fully remote services. 
• Today, the team at Be Organizing focuses on creating customized solutions that work for each client.
• They have developed internal systems and processes, including a central hub for information and a sales process script, to streamline operations and maintain consistency.
• Be Organizing offers a free digital declutter calendar and consultations to help individuals and businesses get started on their organizing journey.

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

Have you ever wished you could get a behind-the-scenes look at another business’ balance sheet? 

In today’s podcast episode, you’re going to get a breakdown of expenses! Melissa Swink shares how much it costs to run her virtual assistant services company, Melissa Swink & Co. She discusses the labor costs, merchant fees, and various software expenses, plus client and team gifts, bonuses, and business insurance. Gain insights into the investments required to scale a business and apply what you learn to your own operations!

Key Highlights:

• Running a virtual assistant company involves a range of expenses, including labor costs, merchant fees, and software expenses.
• Understanding the costs involved in scaling a business can help entrepreneurs make informed 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

We’ve all heard the comment, “Well that could have been an email” in relation to meetings. But it’s really the truth! As we grow our businesses and add team members, our time spent communicating with them is going to increase. But meetings can be expensive, and it’s important to take a quality-over-quantity approach. 

In this episode of the podcast, Melissa Swink discusses team communications and how to cut back on the time spent in meetings. She provides communication tools to improve efficiency, tips on reevaluating the necessity of meetings, and how to use tools like Voxer and Loom to reduce the need for real-time meetings. She also shares strategies for making meetings more efficient. Listen now!

Key Highlights:

• Reevaluate the necessity of meetings and consider using communication tools like Slack, Asana, Voxer, and Loom to reduce the need for real-time meetings.
• Prepare for meetings by creating an agenda and posing brainstorming questions ahead of time.
• Evaluate who needs to be present in meetings and structure the agenda to minimize unnecessary attendance.
• Facilitate effective discussions by staying on task, managing side conversations, and focusing on the meeting agenda.
• Limit the duration of meetings to allow for transition time and follow-up tasks.

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.