Notes in the Margin

Do you struggle with keeping focused? You're not alone. Vicky also struggles because she gets excited about doing 'all the things'. However, Joe is here to help her! He worked out a process to help her become more focused and to avoid that dreaded shiny object syndrome. On this episode, Joe breaks down his process and asks Vicky (and you!) a series of questions on where your goals and priorities are right now.

Key Takeaways:

[0:45] Vicky and Joe find themselves in Cork, Ireland right now!

[1:25] Just a heads up, sometimes Vicky is not perfect.

[1:45] Vicky has a hard time keeping focused. She just wants to do 'all the things' always! [3:30] Joe has recently come up with a process to help Vicky stay focused. It might help you as well.

[4:15] However, please bear with him as he's been drinking beer and this is the first time he has had to explain how this process works.

[4:40] First things first, what are the goals of Vicky's business?

[5:30] Vicky would like to take 3 months off every year in her business.

[7:25] Vicky would love to educate children and show them alternative ways to make money than the standard 9 to 5.

[10:15] Joe asks Vicky how she manages her time while she's doing all these essential things, like marketing and creating products, for her business.

[12:15] Vicky has an app that blocks her from using Facebook while she is working.

[12:45] What kinds of products and stuff does Vicky generate?

[14:40] What kinds of things should you be measuring in your business? Don't just focus only on the end results. It can distract you from doing the mundane tasks that actually work.

[16:30] Is the stuff you're currently doing taking you closer to your goals?

[18:10] Remember, results happen in tiny increments.

[19:40] Picture yourself having to explain yourself, and what you do, to your bank manager, your mum, your spouse, and your older yourself (who is ten years older).

[22:35] Vicky is excited! She's about to change systems that will help automate her business more and give her assistant less work to do!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Start With Why, by Simon Sinek

Freedom (App)

Lose the Flab Fast, by Phil Agostino

Vicky recently got back from her trip to Turkey and she has found herself trying to do 'all of the things'. She unfortunately couldn't record a new episode this week with Joe, so she has decided to replay episode 25 discussing, you guessed it, why you can't do 'all' of the things! Here's your chance to stop the bad habit and learn from Vicky's mistakes. We'll see you next week with a new episode!

Key Takeaways:

[0:45] Vicky just got back from Turkey, and unfortunately did not get home in time to record with Joe! So, she's going to be replaying episode 25 on why you can't do 'all' the things.

[1:00] This episode fits perfectly because right now Vicky is trying to do 'all' the things.

[3:25] Vicky has a new journal and it's extremely organized.

[6:10] People who write what they're grateful for everyday end up being happier.

[8:00] Vicky and Joe talk about being overwhelmed.

[10:30] Most people compare too much to what other people are doing.

[11:30] Today is all about listening to yourself.

[11:50] What is Snapchat?!

[13:40] Vicky talks about one of her subscribers who had been on her list for 18 months before he bought anything from her.

[14:10] You don't need your own podcast if you don't want it!

[14:50] Pick one thing and then try it. If you don't like it, stop!

[15:10] Do stuff, but don't do everything all at once.

[16:20] Vicky talks about some of the things she does personally.

[17:05] Vicky love email marketing because it's easy and cheap.

[17:50] Re-purpose your emails into blogs!

[18:55] Should Vicky turn her podcast into a book? Let her know!

[22:20] Vicky still doesn't understand Snapchat.

[25:45] Should you lead people directly to a social media platform? Vicky says no!

[27:45] Copywriting myths? Tune in next week for more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

John Cleary is a professional photographer and has taken Vicky's professional headshots a number of times. Vicky never feels comfortable in front of the camera, but she understands why it's important to have a professional representation of yourself on your website and on your business. This week's episode dives into what you need to know about getting your own professional shots taken.

Key Takeaways:

[0:55] Who is John and what does he do?

[1:45] What's the biggest complaint clients have, especially women, about photographing themselves?

[4:00] John doesn't know why women and young girls are insecure about their own photos. Maybe it's due to the media and the retouch up of every photo.

[4:35] John had a client burst into tears because she was so nervous about having her photos taken. How did he calm her down?

[8:55] What makes a good photo?

[13:35] What are some of the benefits of having a professional photo taken of you?

[15:10] Professional headshots do not need to be boring.

[17:45] What tips does John have for people about to go into their first photoshoot?

[21:40] Once clients have these great photos, where should they go to use them?

[24:35] How can someone choose a great photographer?

[28:20] Look for photographers who specialize in personal branding. That specialized eye is really worth it for your business.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

John Cleary Photography

John Cleary Photography on Facebook

People have a hard time telling their own story, they might think it's not interesting or worth anybody's time, but they're wrong! Everybody's story is unique and interesting. If you were to think carefully, who else in your life would be able to tell your story? Don't be afraid to share your story and refine it as you go. Good stories have rhythm and a 'musical' feel to them.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] If anyone wants to send Vicky and Joe a bottle of gin, please do!

[4:45] If you ever decide to go on holiday to Costa Rica, go for at least two weeks, especially if you're in the UK. It's a LONG flight.

[8:25] Also, another Costa Rican lesson: Get a 4x4 car. It is a must because the roads are awful.

[9:50] This week, Vicky will be talking about storytelling!

[10:40] Does anybody in your life know you well enough to tell your story?

[16:55] The first book that had a profound effect on Vicky was To Kill a Mockingbird.

[22:35] How can you tell your story (in an interesting way)?

[28:00] Good stories have rhythm and a 'musical' feel to them.

[30:00] Homework this week: Go forth and talk to people. Ask them about their story, especially people older than you.

[31:45] Pay attention to stories that really grip you, and then study them.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Welcome to the 100th episode of the podcast! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show. This week's episode focuses on how to entertain your customer, not just feed them boring information. People these days are overwhelmed with information, which means the best way you can stand out is by putting on a show for them!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Happy 100th podcast birthday!

[3:30] How can you grab someone's attention in this busy, busy world?

[6:45] Customers want to be entertained.

[9:00] You need to excite people as well as inform people!

[10:15] Vicky wants to be a drag queen. Wait! She has an explanation.

[11:10] There's too much of everything in the world. People are overwhelmed with information!

[14:15] Vicky would write her daily emails to literally nobody. It was just Joe and her mom subscribed to her list, but she kept at it.

[17:55] Take a look at some of the shows that are really popular right now.

[18:10] How can you make your brand marketing funny, sad, or exciting?

[20:45] Darren Ross turns up at trade shows dressed as a superhero. He does well because trade shows are boring!

[23:25] So, what can you do to put on a show for your business?

[25:50] Eye contact works! You need to use it much more while you're on stage.

[28:00] Take your next marketing piece and entertain your customer. Create a show specifically designed for your audience, and make them feel something.

[28:45] Are you struggling to find ideas on how to entertain your audience? Well, Vicky is really good at coming up with ideas like this! You can go to Borrow My Brain if you need some help!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Drunk History

It's no secret Steve McQueen was a chauvinist, a very cocky asshat, and even a huge diva. He was such a pain to work with, so why, and how, did he get so famous to the point where everyone just tolerated him? For all of Steve McQueen's faults, he knew how to do one thing correctly, which was live by his own rules. Let's find out how you can use this skillset to be the top dog in your industry.

Side note: Please do not be the chauvinist of your industry. That wouldn't be good.

Key Takeaways:

[0:50] As you can see, dear podcast listeners, Joe and Vicky are sitting next to a fire place!

[3:00] For those who are watching video, do you think video destroys Joe's 'charm'?

[5:35] Let's talk about Steve McQueen. He was a very charismatic man.

[8:35] However, Steve was a known adulterer, having slept with most of his leading ladies, and he was married three times.

[9:40] How did Steve get to be so famous where he could behave like such an ass on set?

[11:45] You know who else was a pain in the ass? Marlon Brando.

[13:20] How did Marlon Brando make so much money ($50m of today's money) when he never even bothered to learn his lines?! In the Godfather, he also refused to wear trousers throughout the entire movie!!! HOW!!!

[17:15] If you're good at what you do, you can make your own rules and no one can do anything about it except obey.

[20:20] Really think about what kinds of things you'll put up with and what kinds of things are acceptable to you.

[22:55] Tune in next week for the big 100th episode!

[23:35] Also, please join Vicky's new book club. It may or may not work depending on when you see this.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Bookaholics Anonymous

Vicky interviews Jamie Veitch, the Owner of Jamie Veitch Consulting and a PR expert. Today, Jamie discusses ways you can approach a journalist and have them quote or feature you in one of their articles. Getting featured in publications not only helps you build credibility in the work you do, but it also helps you build relevant SEO links to your website! Want to know how to seduce a journalist? Then you don't want to miss out on this episode.

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] What does Jamie do?

[1:40] How did Jamie get started in this line of work?

[4:45] Why are we getting fake news in the media? Don't we have journalists to discredit it?

[6:45] Can people distinguish between fake news, real news, Google ads, and organic searches? People think they can, but tests show that people actually can't.

[9:15] What kind of pressures is the average journalist under right now? How can we work with them and make their lives easier?

[11:15] Why is PR massively underused by small businesses?

[13:00] Despite the media's many faults, we still trust the media.

[15:15] How should you approach the media?

[23:50] What are some of the best ways to approach and build long-lasting relationships with a journalist?

[26:40] What is the biggest takeaway listeners need to know about PR?

[29:20] How can someone set up Google News Alerts?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Jamie Veitch Consulting.co.uk

Jamieveitch.co.uk/valuable

Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years by Tom Standage

Vicky and Joe discuss the different ways you can -stop- running out of things to say. Writer's block doesn't really exist; what exists is your lack of stimulation. Get your brain going by asking what your target audience is struggling with, consume podcasts, read books, and just keep improving yourself. When you have access to new and different things, you will be inspired to share and create new content.

Key Takeaways:

[2:20] Vicky is showing off her new leggings! You can't see, but you can imagine.

[5:35] By the way, inner circle members now get access to video! You actually visually see Vicky's neato leggings.

[6:25] This week, we're talking about how to always have something to say.

[8:20] Ask your target market how their lives are going!

[10:00] Listen to how your ideal audience talks and use those same words in your copy!

[11:10] You can always write about current events!

[14:00] You can get ideas by listening to podcasts!

[15:40] Mini how-to guides help people and get people through your door.

[27:15] Quick recap: Be interesting, read new things, learn new things, and create how-to guides to help your audience and their pain points.

[28:35] Next week, Vicky will have a guest on the show! Get ready for that!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Lotus Leggings

Earth.nullschool.net

Hidden Brain

Freakonomics

Mike Browne Photography

Vicky is feeling a bit overwhelmed over her web integration systems. It's been on her to-do list for months, but what does she do instead? Laundry, cleaning the house, caring for the chickens. Why does she do this? Why can't she just get started? She has a very common problem and that's due to the fact that she doesn't know where to start! Today's show discusses what you can learn from Vicky's procrastination and can't-get-started mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Joe has been running around like an idiot trying to get his passport.

[4:40] Do you ever struggle to start something?

[10:35] Joe is suffering a similar problem in his work right now.

[17:00] Are you good with system integrations? SERIOUSLY get in touch with Vicky because she needs help. It is eating up her time, money, and brain space because she's procrastinating it.

[19:00] What's the moral of the story? If you're struggling to start something, really look as to why you're procrastinating on it.

[21:25] If you know why you need to do it, but still don't, maybe you should outsource it.

[23:25] By the way, are you interested in joining a market workshop? Vicky is hosting an event Oct 27-28!

[25:30] Please also share this podcast!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Vickyfraser.com/Cider2017

Vicky Fraser Podcast

Vicky spends extra money on toilet rolls, and she has to wait for them to be shipped. Why on earth does she do this when she can just go to the supermarket and get them off the shelf? It's all solely due to this toilet roll brand's purpose and marketing. Here are some tips every business owner can learn from on how to charge more for an everyday product that people can get behind and support.

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] Vicky and Joe have just got back from their holiday!

[4:00] Today's episode is about….toilet rolls?

[4:40] Aren't there really only two types of toilet rolls? Acceptable and unacceptable?

[7:35] Why is Vicky so excited about these toilet rolls?

[9:40] Has anybody out there used bamboo toilet paper before? Let us know!

[9:45] Vicky reads the mission statement from Who Gives A Crap toilet rolls.

[10:00] 900 children under the age of five die every day from diarrhea-related diseases.

[12:00] This company gives 50% of all of their profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation all over the world. THIS is why Vicky pays more money for her toilet rolls!

[16:25] The Who Gives A Crap copy, especially on their website, is also hilarious!

[21:40] What are some of the key takeaways business owners can get from Who Gives A Crap branding? [26:00] What makes you stand out?

[26:45] Listen to your audience and ask them key questions, then add extra value.

[29:30] If a company that sells toilet rolls can make themselves stand out, so can you!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Businessforsuperheroes.com

Businessforsuperheroes.com/inner-circle

Businessforsuperheroes.com/borrow-my-brain

Who Gives A Crap