Messy Business - with Libby Langley

Messy Business - with Libby Langley

By Libby Langley | Business & Marketing StrategistBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketingManagement
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Messy Business - with Libby Langley episodes

  • 44: #44 Are You Running a Business or Just Keeping Busy?
    In this episode, released on my birthday (yay!), I'm giving you full permission to stop working, go outside, and enjoy your life — because this episode is all about reclaiming your business and your time. We’re diving into the subtle but powerful difference between owning a business and being a business owner — and how that distinction can totally change the way you work, earn, and live.

    I share the honest story of how I built a business that looked successful on the outside but was quietly draining me on the inside — until I made the scariest and most transformational decision of my career. We’ll talk about:

    • Why so many business owners are overworked and underpaid

    • How I accidentally built myself a job (with worse conditions than employment!)

    • The mindset shift that changed everything

    • The practical steps I now use with clients to help them detach, declutter, and design a business that actually works for them

    • ✨ When you start thinking like a business owner, everything changes — your time, your energy, and your income.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode got you thinking differently about your business, I’d love to hear from you. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and tell me — are you owning a business… or is your business finally working for you?

      Here’s to making your business a lighter, more profitable part of your life.

      Libby x
      28 min
    • 43: #43 Manifestation in Business: Why Mindset Alone Isn’t Enough
      Everyone says if you want something, just put it out to the universe, right? You simply ask, and the universe provides. Well... no. Just no.

      There’s a lot of talk in the Instagram coaching world about manifestation, about being your higher self, and making things happen through the universe’s magic. It really makes me want to say, “just stop!” Manifestation is real, but it doesn’t happen without the groundwork. It’s not all about wishful thinking – it’s about making things happen.

      When you want something in business, you’ve got to get specific. Don’t just say, “I want a better life.” You need to define what that means for you. If you want a better work-life balance, what does that look like? What specific goals will help you get there? Without clear objectives, you're left in the realm of dreams, not action.

      Think about what you want – whether it’s material, like a car or a house, or something intangible like more time or freedom. Be specific. Then, once you’ve defined what you want, start putting in the work. The magic lies in action.

      The universe can’t do it all for you – but if you do the work, you'll be more likely to manifest your success.

      Helpful Links:

      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and show me where you're listening from — maybe you’re jotting down goals in your planner or taking action on your manifestation journey.

      Here’s to a clearer, action-packed path to your goals!

      Libby x


      25 min
    • 42: #42 Why I Stopped Using Lead Magnets (And What I’m Doing Instead)
      Feeling stuck in the never-ending hamster wheel of lead magnets, funnels, and email sequences? It’s time to rethink your approach. In this episode, I’m challenging the norm and breaking down why the standard lead magnet strategy may not be serving you - or your audience - anymore.

      Lead magnets are meant to be a tool to get email addresses in exchange for valuable content. But how many times have you downloaded a freebie, only to find yourself bombarded with emails, upsells, and funnels that just don't resonate? It's a system that's become more about volume than value, and I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.

      I’ll talk about the various types of lead magnets—PDF downloads, masterclasses, and more - and share why they might not be the right fit for creating a genuine, sustainable business. It’s time to let go of the hustle and build something with integrity and ease.

      When you stop focusing on volume and start focusing on quality, you'll attract the right people - people who are ready to invest in you and your work. It's not about getting everyone’s email address; it’s about building a business that aligns with your values and attracts clients who truly need what you offer.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and let me know what you think about the lead magnet hamster wheel. Are you ready to make a shift in how you approach business?

      Here’s to creating with integrity, ease, and alignment.

      Libby x
      27 min
    • 41: #41 The Blueprint for Long-Term Business Success
      Have you ever felt like you're constantly chasing the next thing in business, only to end up exhausted and disconnected from your true purpose? It's time to break the cycle and build a sustainable business model that works for you.

      In today’s episode, I’m opening up about my journey through burnout and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. After 11 years of running my business and always being "on," I realized I had to take a step back and reevaluate how I was working.

      During my time off, I experienced a real eye-opener: building a business that’s not sustainable is a recipe for burnout. I had been constantly pivoting, chasing new ideas, and trying to be the best at everything—but all that hustle had its toll. The truth is, chasing every new opportunity doesn’t lead to success if it’s not aligned with who you truly are.

      One of the biggest lessons I learned is that building a business with heart and soul—rather than just for money—is key. I also realized that it's essential to focus on what truly makes me happy and to build my business around that.

      If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of doing things "the right way," know this: it’s okay to let go of things that aren’t working for you. I’m living proof that you can build a profitable and sustainable business by sticking to what feels right for you, not what the masses are doing.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and share where you're tuning in from—and what you’re ready to release in your own business.

      Here's to creating more ease, clarity, and alignment in your business.

      Libby x.

      26 min
    • 40: #40 How to Know When It's Time to Quit Your Business
      Over the years, I’ve quit plenty of things in my business, and it’s been a journey of self-reflection. It’s not about throwing in the towel for the sake of it; it’s about listening to yourself and giving yourself permission to stop doing things that no longer serve you.

      Quitting can be freeing, like when I left my job without a backup plan because I was unhappy and burnt out. From there, I started my business, and while I’ve built and pivoted countless times, each phase was necessary for growth. I even had to quit my own persona of being the “focused, determined hustler” because it wasn’t making me happy anymore.

      If you feel like you’re maxed out on learning, like things just don’t excite you anymore, or if you’re feeling drained, it's okay to step away. Your business should work for you, not the other way around.

      And it’s okay to quit even the small things that don’t feel right anymore—whether it’s cutting down on social media, reducing email frequency, or even rethinking your approach to client work. If something no longer feels aligned, it might be time to quit.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and let me know where you're listening from, or how you're planning to make a shift in your business.

      Here’s to creating a business that truly aligns with you.

      Libby x

      28 min
    • 39: #39 How to Boost Productivity and Actually Get Things Done
      Do you ever sit at your desk, full of good intentions, but nothing happens? We've all been there - whether it's the weather, distractions, or just your brain not being in the game, it’s tough to get things moving sometimes. If you're struggling with procrastination, especially if you're neurodivergent, it can feel like a daily battle to get things done. But don't worry, you're not alone, and there are some strategies to help you break through that barrier.

      In this episode, I'm talking about how to get things done when you're just not feeling it. From shadowing (yes, even virtually!) to breaking tasks down into bite-sized chunks, I'll share some productivity hacks to help you beat procrastination and finally tackle those tasks that have been on your to-do list for way too long.

      Procrastination can be a real killer of productivity, especially when you’re working from home or on your own. Sometimes you need that extra push, whether it’s the accountability of a friend, a timer, or a simple change of environment (hello, coffee shops!). So, let’s talk about how you can get yourself unstuck.

      ✨ The key to moving forward is finding what works for you. Whether it’s shadowing, setting a timer, or breaking things down into smaller, more manageable tasks—try it all and see what sticks.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear how you’re tackling your to-do list! Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and show me what you’re working on.

      Here’s to getting things done—one step at a time.

      Libby x.

      28 min
    • 38: #38 The 7 Best Business Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read
      Books have always been a big part of my life, especially business books, but honestly, I don’t always read them cover to cover. I’ve bought eight books in the last week, and I’m barely a third into one! But there are a few that have stuck with me, changed my perspective, and shaped the way I run my business. In this episode, I dive into my top 4 books that had a profound impact on both my personal and business life.

      First up, Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas. 

      Next, The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha. 

      Then, Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. 

      Finally, I started Stop Checking Your Likes by Susie Moore. 

      These books, in different ways, have taught me the value of slowing down, trusting my instincts, and putting kindness and empathy first. If you’re looking for books that offer more than just business advice—books that encourage personal growth too—these are for you.

      If you're overwhelmed by the sea of business books, focus on the ones that align with your values. Books like Work Like a Woman, The Happiness Equation, and Delivering Happiness are not just about business; they're about creating a life and business that align with who you are and what truly matters to you.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and show me where you're listening from — whether it’s with a coffee in hand, your notebook open, or in the middle of your next big idea.

      Here’s to less pressure, more presence, and a gentler way of doing business.

      Libby x.
      28 min
    • 37: #37 How to Navigate Tough Times in Your Business
      Let’s face it — business can be hard. Even when you're the one expected to provide positivity and solutions, it’s tough to keep up that energy when you’re not feeling it yourself. If you're a coach, business owner, or leader, the pressure to stay positive for your clients or customers can sometimes feel like a heavy weight.

      In this episode, I’m opening up about the impact of the pandemic, the changes in the world that forced us all to adapt, and how we’ve been riding a wave of uncertainty ever since. Business owners have had to pivot, deal with financial strain, and navigate the emotional toll that comes with it.

      I’m sharing my own journey through this — from the personal challenges of a surprise autism diagnosis to the weight of leading a business through unprecedented times. I’ve faced burnout, and I've come out the other side, but it hasn’t been easy.

      Most importantly, I want you to know you’re not alone. Admitting when things aren’t going well doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. If you’ve been pushing through without acknowledging the stress or exhaustion, maybe now’s the time to pause and reflect.

      This episode is a reminder that it's okay to share your struggles with others, lean on your network, and make changes when things feel off. And if you’re feeling like your own business is overwhelming right now, take comfort in knowing that it’s okay to not have all the answers — you can shift, you can change, and you can keep going.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and share how you're navigating the hard times in your business.

      Here's to making it through together, and finding a way to feel better doing it.

      Libby x

      29 min
    • 36: #36 Why Chasing 10K Months Won’t Guarantee Success
      You’ll often hear about the 10K goal — 10K months, 10K launches — like it’s the gold standard for business success. But let’s get real for a second. I’m here to tell you that this is not the magic number you should be focusing on. Sure, it sounds impressive, but it's not the full picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the revenue numbers and think that hitting 10K in sales is the answer to all your problems. But that’s not the case. What matters more is profit — what you actually keep after covering your costs, not just the revenue you bring in.

      I’ve seen so many business owners hustle to hit that 10K milestone only to find themselves barely breaking even, or even losing money after expenses. So, today we’re breaking down why hitting 10K isn’t the win it’s cracked up to be and how focusing on profit will serve you better in the long run.

      We’ll cover the reality of business expenses, how much it actually costs to bring in those big sales, and how focusing on the numbers that really matter can give you the clarity and peace of mind you need to keep growing your business in a sustainable way. Whether you’re in your first year or your tenth, this episode will help you refocus on what’s really important and give you a clearer path forward.

      ✨ The truth is, when you focus on profit, not revenue, you can create a more sustainable, enjoyable business. Let go of the 10K obsession and start focusing on what you truly take home.

      Helpful Links:

      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and show me where you're listening from — whether you’re taking a break, batching content, or reflecting on your next big business move.

      Here’s to less pressure, more presence, and a gentler way of doing business.

      Libby x.

      28 min
    • 35: #35 Pricing Strategy: How to Set the Perfect Price for Your Services
      Pricing isn’t just about what feels right; it’s about balancing what you’re offering with what your clients are willing to pay. I’ve been there — charging too little, not making enough, and ultimately realising that my pricing had to reflect the true value I was delivering.

      I started my business back in 2011 doing social media management, offering services for as little as £80 a month. But trust me, that didn’t even cover the time I was putting in. Fast forward a few years, and I increased my rates to match the level of service I was offering — and guess what? I made more money, and clients still came.

      The key here is finding that sweet spot between offering quality and charging accordingly. And if you’re getting complaints or struggling to fill your client base, it might be because you’re either over-delivering or undercharging. You need to be realistic about what your time and expertise are worth.

      If you’re stuck in this pricing limbo, listen in. I’ve got a few practical tips to help you find the right pricing strategy for your business, so you can stop wobbling on your prices and start attracting the right clients who value what you do.

      Helpful Links:
      🌀 Download the free guide: Feeling Stuck
      📖 Read my book
      💬 Work with me

      If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me on Instagram @libbylangley and show me where you're listening from.

      Here’s to pricing that reflects your worth — and the freedom to charge what you deserve.

      Libby x

      28 min

    About Messy Business - with Libby Langley

    From the publisher's feed

    Messy Business is a podcast about business and work, and all the things we’ve been taught to believe about both. It’s here to help you think better, not just know more.