Notes in the Margin

Vicky couldn't be bothered to open tonic, so she and Joe are drinking neat gin and failing to come up with good episode names for this podcast mini-series. That's right: this is the start of a podcast mini-series! All about the 7 Quirks of Super-Rich-And-Famous Business Owners. Quirk 1 lands in your ears today, and is all about finding your niche. Which you gotta do, dude. Honestly. Listen to Vicky's tale of how she should have done this years ago... and what exciting adventures she's about to embark on now. (This episode could well make you rich – maybe possibly.)

Key Takeaways:

[2:55] Episode 144! Wow. If you've listened to all of these, send Vicky an email.

[4:30] Vicky has struggled so much with the 'Niche-O-Matic'.

[5:25] Vicky recently discovered why she's struggled so hard over the years.

[6:35] So, what is Vicky's new niche?

[9:10] Why do people need to specialize and find a niche?

[11:05] Every year it gets harder and harder to get your respective client's attention.

[13:10] You get paid more when you specialize.

[17:00] There will be fewer people doing what you do, which means you will have higher conversion rates.

[19:10] Vicky shares some real-world examples of people specialising in their niche!

[25:05] Are you struggling in your niche? Come to San Diego!!!

[26:00] Any questions? Just email vicky!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Breaking Bread Mastermind

Vicky and Joe have been beaten into submission by their livers, so this post-holiday podcast is powered by peppermint tea. In it, they throw around accidental innuendos (in YOUR endo) and explain in painful detail why you can't get started. Writing your book, that is. Or anything else, in fact. Tune in and find out what's holding you back, and the simple (but maybe not easy) things you can do to get started. Oh, and this podcast also contains purring.

Key Takeaways:

[2:55] Why is getting started so tough?

[5:00] Do you consider yourself not 'qualified enough' to write a book?

[6:45] If you can easily talk about your business for more than an hour, then you are an expert!

[7:50] Who are 'you' to write a book? Beat that imposter syndrome.

[10:20] What you know is very valuable. Don't underestimate yourself.

[15:15] For example, Vicky would love to read a book about sheep keeping!

[17:10] What kind of person are you? What do you stand for?

[19:25] Who are you writing for? What problem are you trying to solve?

[22:00] Vicky shares examples of how everyday professionals can benefit from writing and selling a book.

[27:00] What are people googling or searching for? Can you answer those questions in a book format?

[28:15] Vicky offers a quick recap of what you need to do to get started.

[28:45] Any questions? Email Vicky!

[29:40] Vicky and Misty will be hosting a mastermind in San Diego! Come join them.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Breaking Bread Mastermind

Vicky and Joe are in a tent. In France. And they're worried they may have become lost in the zombie apocalypse... but they still want you to write your bloody book. Yes, even if you're a mechanic. In fact, ESPECIALLY if you're a mechanic. Listen up and Vicky will demolish all your excuses toot sweet. And drop a big value bomb on your butt.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Vicky and Joe are sitting in a tent in France right now!

[3:45] Vicky and Joe feel like they're in the Twilight Zone.

[6:20] Want to write a book? Here are some reasons why you shouldn't!

[8:45] Anything you can put in a book, your readers can go and look up for free, and that's okay!

[10:40] However, that doesn't mean it's okay to write 'just another fluff book' in a weekend.

[11:35] Would professionals like, say, hairdressers benefit from writing a book?

[14:10] If you're in the business of solving people's problems, then people will benefit from your book.

[14:50] Would car mechanics benefit from writing a book? YES!

[17:35] What happens if you're not a good writer?

[19:45] At the Breaking Bread mastermind, Vicky will break down the process of how to write a book!

[22:40] But there are already books written about your subject! What can you write that's new?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Breaking Bread Mastermind

Two girls, one mastermind: find out why Vicky and Misty are turning business get-togethers upside down – and why they're making travelling and masterminding affordable for EVERYONE. It's all very well saying you'll make a bazillion dollars from attending an event – but that's no good if you ain't got the moolah to make it in the first place. Tune in for shizzles, giggles, and the wisdom of Dr Seuss.

Key Takeaways:

[0:50] The next Breaking Bread Mastermind is upon us!

[1:35] Masterminding is one of the best ways to learn and network.

[3:25] Misty shares how the Breaking Bread Mastermind got started.

[5:00] Vicky and Misty wanted to make the mastermind accessible to anyone who might be under a budget constraint.

[7:10] Misty shares why she believes music can help awaken you.

[10:25] Get out there and try an open mic night to help build your 'cadence'.

[12:45] Home cooked meals and drinking wine (or whatever) are what's in store at this mastermind.

[17:35] Breaking Bread is all about creating intimate connections.

[20:20] In the UK and worried about the flight costs? It's less than what you might think.

[22:45] There are limited seats available. Only 4 left, actually!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Breaking Bread Mastermind

Jack's Flight Club UK

Vicky's in Cork (not court) without Joe, so she replaced him with a jetlagged Posh Punk: Julian Northbrook, aka Blossom. Julian teaches English as a second language, and has built a VERY successful business you can model – if you dare. Find out how he's making a grand a month with Kindle books – and how that's just the start of his business-building plan.

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] What does Julian do?

[3:15] How can Kindle help grow your business?

[4:15] What books has Julian published?

[5:30] The lead quality is very, very high after someone has purchased one of Julian's books.

[5:55] Julian shares how YouTube has also helped his business.

[9:15] How does Julian structure his Kindle books?

[11:45] Julian started selling Kindle books only about 12 months ago and they've been gradually increasing month-by-month.

[13:45] How does Julian market his Kindle books?

[18:30] Each one of Julian's books are an advertisement for his inner circle.

[20:55] Julian has even written a book called Magnetic Chit-Chat, and the entire introduction is about Vicky!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Doing English

Breaking Bead Mastermind

Julian Northbrook on YouTube

This week, Vicky and Joe load up on damson gin and hurtle off in a totally different direction. Tune in for an aural tour of The Dingle, find out why Vicky is running this business of hers, and what she does when she's not podcasting or writing. This podcast also contains super-cute sheep and a VERY angry cat (seriously, the cat totally stomps on Vicky's profound idea and basically kills the podcast deader than a T-Rex). You'll get to pry into the secret life of The Dingle, and you'll learn the biggest lesson Vicky took from her brain melt-down of a few weeks ago.

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] Vicky and Joe share what they've been up to at The Dingle!

[4:50] When you're a little too comfortable, you have no incentive to do anything.

[6:20] Vicky is starting to work with a life coach to help her get to the next step.

[8:00] When Vicky and Joe moved into the The Dingle for the first time, it needed...some work.

[11:50] You think you know what it's like to renovate a house, but when you actually do it, you realize it's a huge money pit.

[14:15] Vicky and Joe do a quick tour of The Dingle.

[19:30] What kind of animals do Vicky and Joe have?

[22:40] Did you know birds can go into shock?

[25:45] You don't have to be 100% busy all the time, because that's no way to live or do your best work.

[28:00] It's okay just spending time enjoying life.

[29:40] Do you have any questions about The Dingle, Vicky's business, or even her melt-down? Send her an email!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Vicky and Joe are out of tonic, so they're on the white wine – and ranting about rules. Specifically, why we're all overgrown toddlers who crave rules and boundaries. Want to run a business you actually enjoy, with clients you actually like? You'd better start setting some rules – and sticking to them. Or people will make up their own rules and stomp all over you. Oh, and Vicky says a heartfelt thank you to the lovely listener who sent her goodies.

Key Takeaways:

[1:35] Thank you lovely podcast listener for sending Vicky a gift via the post!

[3:25] Today's topic dives into setting rules for your business.

[8:55] Set expectations as to when your clients should contact you.

[10:10] What are some of Vicky's rules?

[12:15] Do not answer the phone whenever it rings. It destroys your train of thought.

[13:15] Let people know when you respond to emails!

[16:00] Be diligent with who you talk to and avoid people who waste your time.

[17:35] If you can't meet with the decision maker, then cancel the meeting.

[19:55] If a client cancels on you at the last minute, send them an invoice.

[24:05] Set a timeline for client feedback, and charge them for it too! That way you're not waiting months and months to get something done!

[25:15] How do you communicate this with your customer?

[30:55] Always under promise so you can over deliver!

[32:10] Have questions? Feel free to message Vicky!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

mailto:[email protected] on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Joe is back, and Vicky gets all mushy about the podcast lovin' she's been getting. Gin is back on the menu too, so excuse the slurping. Scrooge McDuck makes an appearance, and Joe schools Vicky on McDuck's shameless behaviour with the filthy lucre. Also: Why is our attitude to money so screwed up? Why is the internet so full of haters? Why do we all think we're champion mind readers? Find out in the latest episode of The Business For Superheroes Show.

Key Takeaways:

[1:35] Thank you so much for all your responses to the burnout/ anxiety episode!

[3:10] Vicky has recently decided to decrease her income.

[4:30] Business owners have really messed up attitudes towards money.

[6:25] Vicky shares a story about one of her clients and some of her limiting beliefs.

[8:40] What causes people to believe they don't deserve money?

[11:40] Money is a tool and a lot of people use it for good.

[12:40] If your business is not profitable, there's no way you can even begin to help others around you.

[17:10] How do you -really- know how much your clients are willing to pay you?

[20:25] Vicky answers a listener's question about asking for a deposit upfront before any work has been done.

[24:30] If Vicky is working on a massive project, she will charge a third upfront.

[29:15] If you charge a lower price, will your reputation become ruined for it?

[31:45] Joe gives a quick summary of what today's podcast was all about.

[32:25] Would you like some of your questions answered? Send Vicky an email!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Andy Maslen

The Andy Maslen Copywriting Academy

No B.S. Books

Vicky is joined by a real-life TechnoWizard, who walks her through how to use technology without having it explode. (Seriously, a projector started smoking while she was using it once.) Kyle Heath talks about how business owners can use technology to save time, money, and effort – and how to not get incredibly frustrated. He also talks about our impending robot overlords, the rise of AI, and ultimately how all this amazing tech is going to help bring people together and live better lives. Especially those who might be marginalised or have difficulty accessing the "normal" world. This episode is powered by tea, not gin, because we made it at 10am and that's a bit early even for Vicky.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] Who is Kyle and what does he do?

[4:30] As a business owner, you want to be able to run 80% of your business from your mobile phone.

[5:35] Kyle gives a couple of examples of the types of things you can do to conduct business with your phone.

[8:15] Today's AI on our phones has really, really advanced. So you can actually write your articles through Speech-To-Text and edit them later.

[11:15] Can you attach your bluetooth keyboards to your phone?

[13:15] What do business owners struggle the most with when it comes to technology?

[14:40] Leverage Facebook groups! There are a lot of helpful and techy people in there.

[15:45] Kyle highly recommends subscribing to a couple of feeds in Feedly to get up-to-date info.

[17:10] If you're a total tech illiterate, where do you start?

[20:30] Sometimes when people are fearful of the future and where technology/ AI is going, they think it's going to be a complete dystopian nightmare. Actually, quite the opposite!

[24:50] Kyle shares some common problems he helps his customers with.

[25:40] Don't be afraid to experiment!

[27:35] Look into buying refurbished products to save on business expenses.

[30:00] Kyle recommends a couple of apps for you to check out!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Feedly

Streetbank

Shapr

Waze

LastPass

1password

Get ready for a depressing woe-filled dirge as Vicky and Joe discuss the bane of business owners: burnout. Just kidding: it's not a woe-filled dirge – but be warned. There is some self-indulgent, self-deprecating ranting going on. Nobody ever talks about this shit, and silence breeds misery, so this week we're tackling depression, burnout, and anxiety – and how to avoid it. Fun fun fun! There's also a lot of love for Vicky's Superheroes, clients, and friends. And, of course, Joe and The Dingle Menagerie. In all seriousness, if this podcast helps one person, it was worth it. Take care of yourself.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Vicky and Joe give a quick update on some of the things that have been happening at the cottage.

[7:15] Vicky has dealt with depression and anxiety throughout her whole life. Some days are harder than others.

[10:55] Social media doesn't show you the real side of life.

[12:10] Sometimes, you can feel so alone and like you're the only person going through it, but that's not true.

[15:55] What are some of the signs you're getting burned out?

[18:30] By the way, this is not a pity party for Vicky at all. It's to bring awareness to these issues.

[22:00] Lately, Vicky has had a hard time even getting out of bed.

[27:00] If you need help, please go get help and talk to someone about it.

[29:15] Thank you to everyone for being so supportive, especially Joe!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Vicky Fraser

Vicky's Podcast

Vicky's Blog

Join the Superheroes

Vicky's Business For Superheroes Book

The Inner Circle

Borrow My Brain

Vicky's Book Club

Vicky's new book!

Email Vicky

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast