Make Space For More

Episode Summary

Could your business’ marketing use a refresh? You’ll get some fresh ideas and perspectives in this week’s podcast episode!

Tune in to hear Melissa Swink chat with Leslie Capps of Wild Woman Marketing about the fundamentals of storytelling in marketing. They discussed the importance of having a solid and effective marketing strategy, the power of storytelling in connecting with clients, and the role of emotion and values in storytelling. They also explore effective calls to action and common marketing mistakes to avoid. Stay to the end to hear ideas for alternative marketing channels such as books, journals, events, and even wine clubs!

Key Highlights:

• Having a solid and effective marketing strategy is crucial for growing and scaling a business.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with clients and conveying messages.
• Explore collaborations and alternative marketing channels for greater impact.

About Our Guest: 

Leslie is an international best-selling author and master of strategic storytelling. She shows entrepreneurs how to skyrocket their client attraction through powerful messaging. Once you've nailed your story, marketing becomes your oyster, ensuring you excel no matter the method.

Leslie offers a free Strategic Story Session to help you transform your business narrative into your most powerful asset. Listeners can book a free 60-minute Session with Leslie, the Strategic Story Sculptor, and discover how to craft compelling stories that captivate and convert.

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

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a remote executive assistant for your business? Today’s episode peels back the curtain and shows you exactly how Melissa Swink is filling this role for Melissa Swink & Co.! You’ll learn how to create a job description and outline responsibilities. A remote executive assistant can provide administrative and operational support, accounting assistance, inside sales support, email management, schedule management, gift-giving, invoicing, proposal drafting, payment tracking, and following up with prospects and clients. Melissa also walks through her hiring and interview process and how to find the right person for the role.

Key Highlights:

• An executive assistant can provide valuable administrative and operational support.
• When hiring an executive assistant, it is important to find someone who is a good fit for the role and the company's culture.
• Tips and tricks for creating a job description and interviewing candidates. 

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

When you’re ready to make the leap from solopreneurship to hiring your first team members, it’s crucial to have solid systems in place. Organization and communication are absolutely essential for remote effective team management. Tune in to hear Melissa Swink’s top three must-have team management tools! 

Key Highlights:

• Transitioning from working solo to leading a team requires a mental shift and intentional leadership, communication, and delegation.
• Google Workspace is a must-have tool for managing teams, providing a professional email platform, shared drives, and collaboration tools.
• Asana is a project management tool that keeps everyone on the same page, assigns tasks, and ensures projects are completed in a timely manner.
• LastPass is a secure login credential storage system that allows for easy sharing of login information with team members.
• Using these tools can enhance efficiency, organization, and collaboration within a team.

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’ve ever had a bad experience with a business coach or if you’re considering hiring one for your business - this episode is for you! Tune in as Melissa Swink discusses the importance of hiring a business coach. A great coach will help you gain a fresh perspective, identify blind spots, learn with accountability, navigate new challenges, and fast-track your success. The right coach is a valuable investment that can provide a measurable ROI! In this episode, Melissa provides three practical tips to help you choose the best business coaching program for you. 

Key Highlights:

• Hiring a business coach can help you see things from a fresh perspective, identify blind spots, and provide guidance on areas that might be holding you back. 
• Your coach should have experience and a proven track record of success.
• It is important to find a coach whose values and priorities align with yours.
• Evaluating the coaching program's “container” - including coaching style, implementation support, and progress tracking - is crucial in selecting the right coaching program 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!

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 struggling to keep up with everything on your to-do list? Do you ever get to the end of a workday and wonder what you actually accomplished? 

In this podcast episode, Melissa Swink discusses the six hidden time-wasting activities that can dilute your results and keep you from reaching your goals. After defining each of the six time-waters, Melissa talks about the importance of spending time on impactful work that creates results. Tune in to learn how you can save time and increase your productivity! 

Key Highlights:

• Spending time on impactful work is crucial for achieving business goals.
• Identify and eliminate busy work that can be streamlined, automated, or delegated.
• Minimize time spent on the six time-wasting activities.
• Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to your work hours. 

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’ve ever experienced the “feast or famine” cycle in business, you know how painful it can be. Many business owners struggle to find a balance between consistent sales efforts and handling new business as it comes in, which leads to big swings in revenue and profitability. 

In today’s podcast, Melissa Swink discusses the “feast or famine” cycle, its impact on sales and growth, and six strategies to combat it with the help of a virtual team. She shares personal experiences and examples of how to leverage help from a virtual team to maintain consistency and increase sales. Virtual assistants can smooth out your sales cycle and help you experience steady, consistent growth through tracking leads, list building, outreach campaigns, new product launches, creating marketing content, and email funnels and campaigns. Don’t miss this week’s tactical tips! 

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the feast and famine cycle in business 
• How this up-and-down cycle hinders sales and business growth
• How leveraging help from others helps maintain consistency and increase sales
• Tactical strategies for how a virtual team can help a business with tracking leads, list building, outreach campaigns, new product launches, creating marketing content, and email funnels and campaigns

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

How would you like to cut your work week in half? It’s possible - with the power of time blocking your schedule.

In this episode, Melissa Swink shares a quick guide to leveraging time blocking to increase your productivity as a CEO. She discusses three easy-to-implement strategies for time-blocking your weekly calendar, including scheduling email checks, consolidating availability for meetings, and reserving time for needle movers. She also shares how she shifted her own schedule to massively increase efficiency. Tune in to learn the importance of structuring your day to achieve the results you want, while maintaining balance and focus!

Key Highlights:

• Time blocking can significantly increase productivity and efficiency in a work week.
• Scheduling email checks and consolidating availability for meetings are key strategies for effective time blocking.
• Reserving time for “needle movers” and prioritizing tasks is essential for achieving business growth and maintaining work-life balance.

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

While many entrepreneurs can accept the idea of needing team members in order to grow and scale their businesses, most are leery about the onboarding process. In this episode of “Make Space for More,” Melissa Swink dives deep into how to onboard and cross-train team members effectively. 

Melissa first addresses the anxiety and overwhelm that many entrepreneurs feel when it comes to onboarding and training, and then shares her best practices. She also discusses her team's tools to manage their virtual team members and emphasizes the importance of cross-training. Listen now to become equipped and empowered to onboard virtual team members!

Key Highlights:

• Onboarding and cross-training team members can be overwhelming, but it is essential for business growth.
• Having the right documentation, such as independent contractor agreements and non-disclosure agreements, is important when working with new team members.
• Providing the necessary tools and access, such as shared drives and software logins, is crucial for team members to perform their tasks effectively.
• Conducting a team orientation and regular check-ins with team members help ensure clarity and open communication.
• Using project management tools, communication platforms, and time-tracking software can streamline team management and collaboration.
• Cross-training team members by creating standard operating procedures and using tools like Loom can save time and facilitate task handoff.

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 hire team members to grow and scale your business, but don’t know where to start? Today’s episode of “Make Space for More” provides your blueprint!

In this episode, Melissa Swink discusses her best practices for hiring a team. She first shares her personal experience of how hiring a team has led to increased 20x revenue and 5x profitability, all while maintaining a weekly work schedule of 20-25 hours. She then provides a step-by-step guide for hiring team members, including how to create a job description, how to find quality candidates, and how to conduct interviews. Melissa addresses the importance of references and trusting your gut, and provides encouragement for business owners to take the first step right away. 

Key Highlights:

• Building a team is a critical step in growing and scaling a business.
• Hiring a team can lead to increased revenue and profitability without working more hours.
• Creating a clear and concise job description is essential for attracting the right candidates.
• Seeking out quality candidates through social media groups, networking, and direct outreach is more effective than waiting for applicants.
• Conducting interviews, checking references, and trusting your gut are important steps in the hiring process.

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

How are you going to grow your business to its first $100,000 or $1,000,000? The answer is by building a team. In this episode, Melissa Swink breaks the news that a one-person operation is not scalable and limits your ability to make more money. 

Learn the steps to calculate what your time is worth and the return on investment you can expect by hiring help. Melissa provides examples of tasks that can be delegated, such as social media management, invoicing, bookkeeping, and website updates. For business owners who just don’t know where to start, Melissa shares three task categories you can outsource immediately. Tune in to learn what those are and how you can take your next step forward to being a true CEO!

Key Highlights:

• A one-person operation is not scalable and limits the ability to make more money.
• Consider what your time is worth and the return on investment you can expect by hiring help.
• Delegate tasks that you struggle with, dislike, or have been on the back burner.
• Hire based on skill sets and the needs of your business.

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.