Our Entrepreneurial Lives | The Struggle and Strategy of Building a Business

Our Entrepreneurial Lives | The Struggle and Strategy of Building a Business

By Jen Howat and Erica BollingerBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketing
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Our Entrepreneurial Lives | The Struggle and Strategy of Building a Business episodes

  • Behind the Build with Erin Harrigan: How Obedience (Not Hustle) Has Grown into a Thriving Business

    In this episode, I sit down with Christian business coach, Erin Harrigan, as she pulls back the curtain and shares what it really looked like to build her business. Although she was tempted to run after the latest trends and follow what others were doing, it was obedience, not overachievement, that helped her grow. Today, her business includes private coaching, a digital course, a group membership, and a high-touch masterclass that truly serves her people.

    If you've ever wondered whether a course or membership is the next step for your business—or if you've felt behind watching others scale faster—this episode is your permission slip to go at the pace God sets for you.

    In this episode we also discuss:

    • How Erin repurposed her podcast and book into a course.

    • The pivotal moment that led to her membership.

    • Why your goal determines how you approach building an online offer.

    • The myth of "set it and forget it" when it comes to online programs.

    • What Erin wishes she had done differently—and what worked well.

    Whether you're building your first online course or refining your existing membership, Erin's wisdom will encourage you to stay faithful, strategic, and aligned.

    Want to join Erin in her next masterclass? Get all of the detail here!

    Connect with Erin

    YouTube: https://youtube.com/erinharrigan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinharrigan/

    IG: https://instagram.com/erindharrigan

    FB: https://facebook.com/thehustlewithheartcoach

    Podcast: https://erinharrigan.com/redefining-hustle-podcast/

    More About Erin

    Erin Harrigan is a Christian speaker, author, and Biblical business coach for high-achieving Christian women in business and the boardroom. Through private and group coaching, speaking, podcasting, and writing, Erin empowers sisters in Christ to navigate success with Jesus. Erin hosts the award-winning podcast, Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success as a Christian Woman, and her books include: Pursuing Success God's Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle with Heart (in print and audiobook) The Redefining Hustle Journal: 90 Days To Define, Direct, Bring Discipline To, and Develop Your Business With God We Lead: Building Connection, Community, and Collaboration for WOMEN IN BUSINESS, Volumes 1 & 2 (contributing author).

    38 min
  • Smart Financial Moves to Protect and Grow Your Online Program - with Gala McCray

    Most business owners want to grow their income—but too many ignore the financial strategy that makes that growth sustainable. In this episode, I'm joined by Gala McCray, founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial consultancy that helps service-based professionals gain clarity, confidence, and control in their numbers.

    We dive into the difference between revenue and profit, what financial sustainability really looks like, and why diversifying your income streams is crucial—especially when you're building or scaling an online course or membership.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why your most popular offer could be your biggest risk.
    • The financial blind spots that keep course creators from scaling.
    • How to spot the warning signs in your numbers before they cost you.
    • What to consider if you want your program to be truly profitable.

    Whether you're about to launch or already selling, this episode will help you make smarter, more strategic financial decisions so your online program can grow and thrive long-term.

    Resources from the Episode

    The Financial Focus: Grab Gala's tool here.

    More about Gala

    Gala McCray is the founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial consultancy that provides high-touch bookkeeping and strategic financial guidance for established service-based professionals. With nearly two decades of experience across operations and finance, Gala helps business owners move from reactive to refined by instilling confidence, clarity, and control in their numbers. Through Two Arrows, she supports clients in building scalable businesses with solid financial foundations—where luxury isn't about excess, but about peace of mind.

    Connect with Gala

    LinkedIn: @galamccray

    Sign up for her newsletter.

    38 min
  • Design Drives Results: A Mid Year Review for Driven Entrepreneurs

    The first half of the year is behind us and a perfect time to stop and reflect.

    In this episode, we are being intentional to check in and make sure we are making decisions that keep us aligned with our vision. Because while taking action drives results, intentional reflection creates clarity and helps you ensure that the design of your business is created to give you the results you want.

    Don't miss this quick but powerful check-in to make sure your business is still moving in the right direction.

    Connect With Jen

    Let's connect on Instagram or LinkedIn.

    Are you wondering if you should build an online course or membership? Schedule your free discovery call with me and get clarity on what to do next.

    9 min
  • Has the Window Closed on Online Courses and Memberships?

    It's the question so many entrepreneurs are silently asking: Are people still buying online courses and memberships?

    In this episode, we get honest about the fear of market saturation, the concern that you've missed your chance, and the inner dialogue that says, "There's too much competition."

    If you've been holding back because it feels like the window of opportunity has closed, this episode is your permission slip to think differently.

    And if you want personalized help mapping out your unique course or membership, schedule your 90 minute strategy session with me and get your questions answered!

    18 min
  • 3 Easy Ways to Launch Your Course or Membership

    Every successful launch needs a live event. It's what signals to your audience that you're ready and it gives them a clear invitation to take the next step. In this episode, I'm sharing why including a live event is a must and three simple options you can choose from to make it happen.

    Connect With Jen

    Let's connect on Instagram or LinkedIn.

    Are you wondering if you should build an online course or membership? Schedule your free discovery call with me and get clarity on what to do next.

    19 min
  • The Future of Your Business Depends on What You Do Today

    Have you ever had a big idea for your business that never made it past the planning stage? If you're holding onto future programs, services, or projects but haven't taken the first step, this episode is for you.

    In this conversation, we talk about the power of present action and how small, intentional step, even in slower seasons, can shape the future of your business. We'll explore why many entrepreneurs hesitate to move forward and shares practical encouragement to help you finally take action.

    If you're ready to move beyond dreaming and start building the course, membership, or digital offer you've been thinking about, this is the reminder you need. Your future starts with what you choose to do today.

    Connect With Jen

    Let's connect on Instagram or LinkedIn.

    Are you wondering if you should build an online course or membership? Schedule your free discovery call with me and get clarity on what to do next.

    12 min
  • The Real Reason You Feel Stuck Even Though Your Business is Growing

    Have you hit a brick wall in your business even though everything looks like it's working? In this episode we'll explore why so many successful coaches and service providers still feel stuck, exhausted, and on the brink of burnout. Spoiler alert: It's not about trying harder, hiring more people, or figuring out how to manage your time. It's actually your business model...the same business model that brought you to your current level of success. If you want to create more time, freedom, and sustainability in your work but you've been feeling like there's no more of you to give...this conversation offers clarity and perspective on a better way forward.

    Connect With Jen

    If you believe it might be time to shift your business model and want to process what that could look like, let's connect. Schedule your complementary discovery call with me and get clarity on what to do next.

    20 min
  • Take Your Workshop Online: The Easiest Way to Get Started With Digital Products

    Want to test the waters with online programs without completely overhauling your business? In this episode, I share the easiest and fastest way to get started—by taking a popular in-person workshop and offering it online. You'll learn how this simple shift helps you reclaim your time, reach more people, and add a new revenue stream—all without sacrificing the impact of your live experiences.

    I'll walk you through:

    • Why turning your in-person workshop into an online version is a smart first step.

    • How this move benefits both you and your participants.

    • Simple strategies for translating your workshop content into an engaging online format.

    Whether you're burned out from doing events over and over or you want to reach beyond your local market, this episode will help you get started online with what you already know and love.

    Connect With Jen

    Let's connect on Instagram or LinkedIn.

    Are you wondering if you should build an online course or membership? Schedule your free discovery call with me and get clarity on what to do next.

    22 min
  • Start Strong: Why Onboarding Is a Secret to Success

    You've poured your heart into your course or membership. You've welcomed new people in. You've created something truly valuable.

    But… have you helped them start?

    Because that's where the breakdown usually happens. Not in your content. Not in your value. But in those first few moments after someone joins—when they're wondering:

    "Where do I go? What do I do first? Am I already behind?"

    And if they don't get answers fast, they fade. Quietly. Without ever really giving your offer a chance.

    Here's the good news: You don't need to overhaul your content. You just need to guide them.

    🧭 Tell them exactly where to start. 📩 Anticipate the questions before they ask. 💬 Encourage them like they belong—because they do. 📦 And surprise them with something unexpected, even small.

    An intentional onboarding experience doesn't just feel good—it keeps people engaged, committed, and connected.

    And the best part? Most of it can be automated.

    If you want your members to feel encouraged, equipped, and ready to stick around for the long haul, you need an onboarding sequence. If you're ready to build your own, download my free guide.

    15 min
  • Order Bumps vs. Upsells: What They Are and How to Use Them Wisely

    Order bumps and upsells. What are they? Should you be using them? What's the best strategy to incorporate them into what you have to offer. In this episode we break down the these two commonly confused terms in the online business world.

    In This Episode You'll learn:

    • What an order bump really is (and why it must be a low-dollar, highly relevant offer).

    • Why a poorly positioned offer can actually derail a sale.

    • The right time and place to introduce a higher-dollar upsell to maximize trust and conversions.

    • How simplicity (not complexity) leads to more clarity and better results for you and your customers.

    Whether you're just launching your first online course or looking to optimize your sales process, this episode will help you make smart, simple decisions that will help you increase your impact and your income.

    20 min

About Our Entrepreneurial Lives | The Struggle and Strategy of Building a Business

From the publisher's feed

Go behind the scenes with agency owners and friends Jen Howat and Erica Bollinger as they have candid conversations about the struggle and strategy behind building and growing a business and life you love.