Next Level Influence

In today’s business landscape, standing out is crucial for success. However, there is a major difference between being known and being known for what you do. So as a business owner, what are the strategies that can help leverage your uniqueness and expertise?
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson deep dive into helping your step into the spotlight and stand out from the crowd. There’s so much impact on your brand and business when you become known as someone with expertise in your market.
However, expertise will not always guarantee you getting clients, hence the importance of standing out so you can share the value you offer. When people recognise your brand, it’s easier for them to send you business opportunities. 
If you’re ready to stand out, be remembered, and be referred, then this episode is for you.


Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• Understanding the difference between being known, and being known for your expertise (01:48)
• How can multi-passionates showcase what they’re good at? (03:33)
• Being consistent to achieve a standout brand - what does this really mean? (06:58)
• How to maintain industry relevance (10:33)
• The value of leaning on your energetic blueprint to help you stand out (15:37)
• The importance of understanding Human Design type to amplify your uniqueness (19:37)

Quotes:"The people who are able to clearly articulate what they do, are the people that we remember, we're able to refer to and who will get the opportunities in their industry." -Samantha Riley
"Just because you're an expert in something doesn't mean that you are automatically going to get clients." -Samantha Riley
"It's very easy to become invisible quickly by being somebody who's jumping on the latest trend and pivoting your business to pursue that new trend." -Melanie Benson
"A lot of people have an expertise and are good at what they do, but they are not conveying it in a way that other people remember them for that." -Melanie Benson
Resources:

• The Human Design Advantage - https://samanthariley.global/advantage/ 
• The 7-Step Proven Framework to Leverage Other People's Audiences www.amplifywithmelanie.com
  
  

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

The scarcity mindset is often a product of deeply ingrained limiting beliefs that have developed into a habit, and usually operate unconsciously holding back business owners from their next level of success. So how can you shatter these restrictions and transform into a better thought leader?
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss flipping the impact of scarcity thinking and discovering abundance. Scarcity thinking developed from situations that make entrepreneurs think they have limitations in energy, finances, and time. 
Flipping the scarcity thinking into an abundance mindset begins with being aware of the thought that may be restraining your ability to grow, reach more people, and achieve wealth.  
This episode will serve as your guiding light on how you can flip frequently limiting thoughts into abundant thinking and unlock better opportunities in business. 
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• The impact of having an abundance mindset on your energy and decisions (03:28)
• Using “qualifiers” to tap into the abundance mindset (06:15)
• Understanding Human Design to do what is aligned with your values (07:17)
• Areas where entrepreneurs unconsciously operate in scarcity (10:20)
• How to look beyond the “I can’t afford that” lens (15:35)
• Transforming the competition mindset into expansive collaboration (21:21)

Quotes:"There are ways that we are programmed and conditioned to think that emerges from a place of scarcity, and this can be holding us back." -Melanie Benson
"Not every decision we make that's going to catapult us, feels good instantly." -Melanie Benson
"It's important to remember that what got you here, won't get you there. There are things we need to do to notice the little blocks so they don’t blindside us." -Samantha Riley
"The universe is popping little opportunities in our lap all the time. And it's up to us to decide what we’re going to do with them." -Samantha Riley 
Resources:

• The 7-Step Proven Framework to Leverage Other People's Audiences www.amplifywithmelanie.com 
• The Million Dollar Plan - Discover The 9 Key Growth Areas For Your Business That Will Give You More Income, More Freedom And More Impact.  https://samanthariley.global/plan/ 
  
  

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

Having co-founders and business partners can be a strategic way to leverage other’s resources, capabilities and create unique solutions for mutual benefit. However, forming successful partnerships require careful consideration of each partner’s vision and what can possibly make a business venture fail.  
Although partnerships are a powerful tool for businesses to expand reach, increase profit and gain new markets, recent studies show that 70% of business partnerships are bound to fail. The major underlying cause of this is the friction between business partners. 
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson chat with Tanis Jorge and Anne Lackey about what happens behind the scenes to sustain successful business partnerships.
Whether you’re starting a business with a colleague, significant other or a friend, it’s important to set the intentionality of your partnership and commit to making sure there is a healthy business relationship.
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• How each panelist started their partnership (02:25)
• The catalyst for going down the business partnership route (05:20)
• One tip to ensure a thriving business partnership (10:15)
• Business challenges that can make partnerships thrive (19:15)
• How to nurture partnerships outside the business (27:30)

Quotes:

"We always think of partnerships like a 'set-it' and 'forget-it' element within our business. Unfortunately, that is how resentment, mistrust, and failure to reach each other's expectations arise." -Tanis Jorge

"Having all of us row the boat in the same direction was super important. A partnership tip is to know your lane, stay in your lane. And let everybody else stay in theirs." -Anne Lackey

"There is a very different dynamic when you're in business with your life partner. So get to know yourself very well, and learn to control your emotions." -Samantha Riley


"Businesses thrive with the right kind of partnerships. But we also need to be aware of what can derail a partnership, because getting into a partnership that's failing can make the business ultimately fail." -Melanie Benson


Resources

The Cofounder’s Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Starting, Building, and Exiting a Successful Business Partnership
Multiply Yourself: Increase Your Productivity & Profits Using Virtual Assistants
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High
Connect with Tanis Jorge

• https://www.tanisjorge.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanisjorge/  
• https://www.instagram.com/tanisjorge/ 

Connect with Anne Lackey

• https://hiresmartvirtualemployees.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelackey/ 
• https://www.facebook.com/AnneLackey/
  
  

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

There are many challenges in taking your coaching business to 7 figures and beyond. These challenges can affect all areas of your business - not having enough time to build your authority, marketing your brand, and hitting an income ceiling. 
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson dive into a topic that they’re both passionate about - how to coach at 7- figures and beyond. Many coaches feel like they're stuck or not making progress, and that makes them really want to make their business even more successful.
As coaches focus on their primary growth catalyst, they tend to pivot towards strategies that allow them to grow revenue, and not so much on scaling the delivery of their coaching.  However, there also needs to be a focus on the transition from having one-on-one clients to group coaching, so the business is scalable.
Join Samantha and Melanie and discover how you can make a smooth and effective transition in your coaching business, so you can achieve your 7-figure income goal.
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• Knowing the best time to introduce scalable programs (02:03)
• What inspired Melanie and Samantha to transition their coaching programs (03:08)
• How to guide people to shift from one-on-one to group coaching (08:25)
• Group coaching models (12:32)
• The difference between one-on-one coaching and training a group (14:47)
• The biggest scalability traps and how to avoid them (22:05)
• The false assumption of people wanting on- on-one coaching (26:40)

Quotes:"There's a lot of people that are afraid to make the transition to group coaching, and this can have a really big impact on the growth and the scalability of their business." -Samantha Riley

"I prefer to be part of a group coaching program. I love to be surrounded by people that are going through the same challenges and transitions as I am, and with the same energy of success that I'm looking for." -Samantha Riley

"I work very hard to create a place where everybody benefits from the coaching of somebody in the hot seat. I also set very powerful containers about how to show up if you're a listener, and you're not the person in the hot seat." -Melanie Benson
"There are people who join coaching programs with very little intention of actually getting a result, but they make the investment to be surrounded by the energy of other people." -Melanie Benson
Resources:

• Develop And Distill Your Thought Leadership -  The 4 Frameworks You Need To Stand Out From The Crowd https://samanthariley.global/thoughtleader/ 
  
  
  
• Learn the 7 Step Proven Framework for Getting Booked as a Guest Expert on the Hottest Stages and Podcasts to Attract High Ticket Clients (And Add Another 6 Figures To Your Business!) www.amplifywithmelanie.com

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

Running a business can easily become overwhelming and all-consuming, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Entrepreneurs may find themselves feeling uninspired and stuck in moments where everything in business feels draining. 
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley tackle one of the topics that they are both very passionate about - the importance of taking time away from your business. 
Most business owners, especially those who are new in business, often feel guilty of taking time off. Hustling too much is identified with unbreakable commitment, purpose and drive. However, if this continues, your physical, emotional and mental state will demand a break and you’ll see the consequences bleed through your business. 
Taking a step back from the business provides an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It relieves you from the stress and pressure, allows you to think outside the box and look at things with a different perspective. 
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• The negative impact of not taking time away from your business (01:23)
• Understanding your unique Human Design (03:40)
• How to schedule time away from your business (06:59)
• The detrimental effects of not holding strong boundaries (08:35)
• Melanie's Freedom Weeks and how it transformed her life and business (09:55)
• Samantha’s Freedom days and getting clear on what she’s tolerating (13:43)
• The value of taking little yet frequent vacations (15:39)
• Preparing for timeaway (20:10)
• How Melanie and Samantha recharge (23:10)

Quotes:
"For me to be at my best, I have to take some time away and unplug." -Melanie Benson

"One of the things that we do that's a disservice to ourselves is not honoring the scheduled time for the other things that are important to us." -Melanie Benson 

"Taking small times out on a week-to-week basis are sometimes even more important than the big vacation times." -Samantha Riley 

"There are no rules in taking time away from business and we can make it work however we want." -Samantha RileyMelanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

Achieving 7-figure success in business is no easy task and entrepreneurs consider this a major turning point. It’s often an indication that the right decisions were made at every level of business dilemma and success. 
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson share their reflections from episode 36, a panel interview with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis. 
During the discussion, it became clear that a common thread in everyone's experiences was the need to make decisions that aligned with their desired identity and values in order to achieve a seven-figure business.
In the long run, these decisions led to unapologetically owning who they are and becoming aware of present and potential opportunities and challenges that could affect how they run their business. 
Join Samantha and Melanie as they share valuable insights that can help you continuously create forward momentum and make the decisions that drive you toward achieving your business goals.
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• Decisions that made the greatest impact on Samantha and Melanie (03:45)
• Why entrepreneurs need to be unapologetic in life and business (05:40)
• The invisible bottleneck of getting stuck in the “how” (10:25)
• Bottlenecks of making big decisions (15:20)
• The importance of being surrounded by the right people (16:51)

Quotes:
"Our business is an extension of who we are and if it energetically doesn't match who we want to be, then there will always be friction." -Samantha Riley 

"We need to lean into unapologetically owning what we want." -Samantha Riley

"If you find yourself asking lots of “how” questions, it's time to up-level who you're having conversations with." -Melanie Benson

"It's not about perfection, it's about progress." -Melanie Benson


Resources:

• The Million Dollar Plan™ by Samantha Riley
• Authority Quiz by Melanie Benson
• Next Level Influence Episode 036: Unlocking Seven-Figure Success

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

In the world of entrepreneurship, there's no doubt that achieving 7-figure success is a significant milestone. It's a sign that your business has reached a level of profitability that many aspiring entrepreneurs only dream of. But how do you make the transition from 6 to 7 figures?

In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley speak with Jennifer Longmore, Isa Herrera, and Elizabeth Purvis about how to unlock your seven-figure success. They discuss the key strategies and insights entrepreneurs can apply to take their businesses to the next level.

Taking your business to 7-figures requires strategic planning, smart decision-making, and a willingness to take calculated risks. It's important to build a solid foundation for your business, including establishing your brand identity, defining your target audience, and developing a solid marketing strategy.

Ultimately, achieving 7-figure success is about making more money and creating a business that aligns with your values so you can impact the world positively. 

By following the tips and strategies these successful entrepreneurs share, you can take your businesses to the next level and achieve long-term success.

Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• The biggest learning that helped them reach the seven-figure mark (05:10)
• The decision question (10:03)
• What needs to shift to break through the seven-figure barrier? (13:03)
• Failing - why you should not be afraid of it (15:22)
• The golden thread through everyone’s story (18:19)
• The importance of having a mentor (23:03)
• Advice for people who are afraid to make the leap (26:20)
• Transitioning from high touch to high-caliber service (27:10)
• Are you the bottleneck in your business? (29:15)

Quotes:

“Competence is all stuff you can delegate.” -Jennifer Longmore

“Whether it happens or not, it doesn't matter as long as I give it my best shot.” -Isa Herrera

“When we can be unapologetic about what we want, we can change our narrative.” -Samantha Riley

“You have to let go of being a bottleneck so that your business can grow.” -Melanie Benson

“Just because we can do it doesn't mean that we're the ones who should do it.” -Jennifer Longmore


Connect with Jennifer Longmore

• www.souljourneys.ca 
• https://www.facebook.com/SoulPurposeExpert 
• https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlongmore/ 
• https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniferLongmoreSoulJourneys 
• https://www.souljourneys.ca/prosperitycodes

Connect with Isa Herrera

• https://www.facebook.com/IsaHerreraPelvicHealer/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaherreraphysio/ 
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowAmESp6j7obTUnCn531JA 
• https://twitter.com/IsaPelvicHealer 
• https://www.pelvicpainrelief.com 

Connect with Elizabeth Purvis

• http://www.7figuregoddess.com  
• http://www.femininemagic.com  
• https://www.facebook.com/elizpurvis/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpurvis/  
• https://www.instagram.com/elizpurvis/ 
  
  

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, more and more entrepreneurs are seeking  guest spots on their favorite shows. However, many are pitching in a way that is unlikely to get them booked.  While having a good story or expertise in a particular subject is important, there are other qualities that podcast hosts look for in their guests. 

In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley discuss the traits of a great podcast guest, and how you can increase your chances of being invited to appear on a podcast. They also delve into the importance of respecting the podcast host and their audience and building strong relationships.

Becoming a podcast guest can be a great opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your story, and reach a new audience. However, it can also be a competitive field, with many people vying for a limited number of guest spots.

By preparing and building relationships with podcast hosts, you can position yourself as a valuable guest and increase your exposure to new audiences. So if you're interested in becoming a podcast guest, don't miss this episode!

Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• What are the elements of a good pitch? (02:55)
• How is podcasting a form of collaborative media? (06:07)
• How to say no to a pitch (08:50)
• The right way to approach a podcast host (11:25)
• Is podcast guest swapping effective? (13:03)
• How to have podcast hosts reach out to you (16:10)
• What is the diamond factor? (18:28)

Quotes:
“Remember that a podcast host is a real person.” -Samantha Riley

“If you enter into the conversation with the intention of creating a relationship, you never know what could happen.” -Samantha Riley

“The success of the show's reach has a lot to do with how both people share it.” -Melanie Benson


Resources:

• The Podcast Guest Advantage by Samantha Riley

17 Mistakes You are Making as a Guest Expert by Melanie BensonMelanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

Letting go and surrendering to the unknown can be scary. We can get so accustomed to staying within our comfort zones that the thought of venturing beyond them can feel intimidating and resistance can show up in a big way.
In this episode of Next Level Influence, Samantha Riley and Melanie Benson speak about perfectionism vs progress: How to let go and move forward. Hitting the next level of business growth is usually masked in fear and confusion which cripples many entrepreneurs to move forward.
Although surrendering to the unknown is terrifying, it can also be incredibly exciting. It can potentially be far more rewarding; it teaches us to push boundaries, experience new opportunities, and see the business from different perspectives.
Letting go of what you know and embracing the unknown transforms your life and business. It creates the space to ponder what needs to happen next, how to do things differently and explore the best way to reach your next level of success.
Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• The impact of stuck energy on personal life and business (02:23)
• The power of surrendering and letting go to achieve business growth (03:43)
• Melanie's story of being stuck and how she moved through this time (06:05)
• The three distinct phases of letting go, and recognising which phase you're in right now (08:19)
• Why it's important to trust the path of your evolution (09:22)
• Being clear on your future vision to help you move out of stuck points (11:55)
• Acknowledging different modes of growth and how to grow when faced with the unknown (18:55)

Quotes:
"We need to understand that by doing something which may not seem "correct" gives us the learning to move forward with new clarity." -Samantha Riley
"If we've reached a certain level of success and we know everything that's happening, we need to surrender and let go of that to go to the next level." -Samantha Riley
"I don't need to know what the whole path looks like, but I have to trust that it will be revealed as I need it." -Melanie Benson
"We don't have to know all the things, but we need to realize the one tiny thing we can do today to move forward." -Melanie Benson
Resources:

• Discover The 9 Key Growth Areas For Your Business That Will Give You More Income, Freedom and Impact  https://samanthariley.global/plan/ 

Learn the 7 Step Proven Framework for Getting Booked as a Guest Expert on the Hottest Stages and Podcasts to Attract High Ticket Clients (And Add Another 6 Figures To Your Business!) www.amplifywithmelanie.comMelanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge 

When it comes to getting things done, the conventional wisdom is that perfection should be the goal. We’ve been taught to take the time to plan and then slowly execute to get the best results.. But while this kind of delayed perfection may seem like a no-brainer move, there's something to be said for messy success as well. 

In this episode of Next Level Influence, Melanie Benson and Samantha Riley talk about messy success and why it can be a great place to start. They explore why taking an imperfect approach—with plenty of trial and error along the way—isn't such a bad thing after all. 

We’ve all been there – we let perfection get in the way of our success. We obsess over small details and wait until every last angle is polished before expecting to see results from our efforts. But when it comes down to it, is delaying progress for perfect outcomes really worth it? 

While a well-planned approach offers an attractive idea of what’s possible in the long run, aiming for messiness rather than perfection can kick start a much faster path towards your desired destination.

Here are some of the highlights of this episode:

• What is the power threshold and how does it affect you (01:50)
• The unconscious pattern of being bored (04:12)
• Why a perfect zone isn’t sustainable in the long run (08:46)
• Two things that starting messy tells you (10:30)
• The problem with not having enough time (14:45)
• What to expect when bringing on new employees (18:39)
• Recognizing the mess before recording a system (22:07)
• Make your energy work with you, not against you (25:05)

Quotes:
"Just because you're bored doesn't mean you should stop doing what you're doing and start something new." -Melanie Benson
"Sometimes, there's a certain amount of messy growth required to get an idea out before you move into the zone of more flow and ease." -Melanie Benson
"I'm a big believer that starting messy is the right way to go." -Samantha Riley

Resources:

• The Highly Paid Authority Quiz https://melaniebenson.com/authorityquiz/ 
• Discover the 5 foundational principles to position yourself as the Stand Out Expert https://samanthariley.global/checklist/ 
• Shape Up by Basecamp

Melanie Benson, host of Amplify Your Success PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Samantha Riley, host of Influence by Design PodcastInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Produced by Your Podcast Concierge