As we step into a fresh year, there's often an energy, a spark, a readiness to tackle the things we've previously put off. And if you’re anything like me, one of those things you’ve been delaying getting stuck into is your digital presence. Specifically, LinkedIn. 

For years, I eyed LinkedIn from a distance, slightly overwhelmed and uncertain about how to start, until the end of last year when I decided it was time for a change. And today, who better to help guide us in navigating these sometimes murky waters than Amy Smith, an online business coach for service-based business owners and someone whose insights I hold in high regard.

Amy also happens to be a LinkedIn marketing specialist, helping business owners, coaches and consultants to grow their businesses and brands online. She has personally grown her own LinkedIn profile to over 30,000+ 1st degree connections and has had over a million interactions on her content on the platform.

One of Amy's key pieces of advice is to niche beyond the niche. By narrowing your focus, you position yourself as the go-to expert in that space, attracting the premium clients we all desire.

Once your profile is polished and primed, the next step is content creation. Think of them as content lanes – themes around which your expertise and message revolve. Amy uses the analogy of bowling with bumper guards, ensuring your content stays on track rather than veering off into every trend that catches your eye. Stay in your lane, and talk to your dream client as though they’re the only one listening.

Is success measured by connections, engagement, leads, or conversions? Amy cautions against getting too caught up in numbers like total connections. Instead, focus on building quality connections with people directly relevant to your niche.

Amy has been a treasure trove of information, and these insights are just the beginning. If you've been holding back, unsure where to start with LinkedIn, now's the time to dive in. Her full guide and more can be found on her website amylsmith.com, and she's also active on LinkedIn for more real-time tips and support.

So, drop me a line or shoot me a DM to let me know your thoughts on how you’ll make the most of this powerful digital platform.

Will LinkedIn form part of your strategy this year? 

LINKS:

Connect with Amy: 

Website: https://amylsmith.com/ 

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

Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/the-power-of-linkedin-for-service-based-businesses-with-amy-smith

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

As we step into the new year brimming with potential and opportunity, I find myself reflecting deeply on the lessons that have shaped my journey. I hope your festive season was everything you wished for, filled with joy, relaxation, and precious moments with loved ones. As we transition back into the hustle and bustle of business, I want to share a revelation that has been pivotal for me—a lesson that even after nearly six years in my current business and over a decade earlier in litigation, I continually revisit. It’s a lesson in boundaries and the complex dynamics between business and friendship.

As accidental friends—those we perceive as more than mere contacts due to regular business interactions—the line between professional relationships and personal friendships can blur all too easily. For years, I found myself repeatedly grappling with the notion that business partnerships meant true friendship. It was a cycle that led to misunderstanding whenever those connections inevitably shifted once the professional tie ended.

Perhaps you, too, have felt the strain of relationships built solely on business endeavours. Rather than exhausting you, understanding this lesson can be empowering if used as a catalyst for personal growth. Acknowledging this challenge doesn't diminish your care or moderation but rather enhances the quality and sustenance of both your work and personal relationships.

As we embrace this year, let's enter it with newfound awareness and openness to learning. Establishing clear boundaries in business helps not only in thriving professionally but also in managing personal energy efficiently. This clarity can transform disappointment into gratitude for the lessons learned, guiding healthier interactions.

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

As we near the end of another year, it's a time filled with joy and festivities that naturally lend themselves to reflection and renewal. I've managed to create a smooth transition into this season, and while it hasn't always been seamless, I've learned to cherish this time as an opportunity to reset and prepare for the year ahead. 

Today, I’m sharing with you my process for doing just that. This reflection process is something I hold dear and has been a key component of my personal and professional growth. Reflecting on past experiences, it's evident that a year-end reset didn’t happen by accident. It’s a meticulous process I’ve cultivated over nearly six years since starting my business, focusing on reflection and resetting to bridge the gap between where I am and where I want to be. 

As a business owner juggling various responsibilities, my life is not only about work but also about maintaining harmony between business and personal commitments. Practices like journaling allow me to explore ideas and understand the meanings behind my actions, helping me achieve clarity and purpose. It provides the grounding I need, especially during my reflection periods.

Reflecting back on previous years, I identify areas of struggle or imbalance, such as the enormous guilt associated with taking personal time away from work. In overcoming this, I now permit myself guilt-free joy and relaxation, understanding that personal wellbeing directly impacts business health. This year, I even avoided the pitfalls of past burnout phases by recalibrating my expectations and redefining success metrics to focus more on personal satisfaction and less on rigid, financial achievements.

My reflection and reset process isn’t a once-a-year exercise but an ongoing series of check-ins, a connection with my soul’s goals and life priorities. I've poured a lot of thought into sharing this process with you, and hope you find it enriching and applicable as you reflect on your own journey.

Thank you for joining me in this reflective space. If you’ve found value in my journey, I encourage you to share this reflection with a friend or colleague, helping to spread inspiration and insight. Until next time!


LINKS

Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/my-end-of-year-reflection-reset-process

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

The end of the year is a time of celebration and joy, but as a business owner, it's important to remember that your legal responsibilities don't take a holiday. One aspect that requires careful consideration is the end of year Christmas party. In today’s episode, I'll provide you with some tips and tricks to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

The most important thing to remember is that your Christmas party is still a work event. This means that you have legal responsibilities towards your employees, even if they are not being paid for attending the party, and it's essential to be mindful of this fact throughout the planning and execution of the event.

If you choose to serve alcohol at your end of year party, extra precautions are necessary. To ensure the safety of everyone, you need to provide a controlled environment for alcohol consumption. The best way to do this is to have someone with the appropriate qualifications serving drinks at your event. 

I’ll talk about what to consider when choosing a venue. Opting for a venue outside of your premises can be a great way to ensure a safer environment. However, it's crucial to do your due diligence and understand the details of the venue so that you can mitigate potential risks and liability.

It’s important to clearly communicate to your team that the standard of behavior expected at the party should be no different from what is expected in the workplace. It's also helpful to establish a clear end time for the event, setting boundaries and allowing employees to plan accordingly.

Secret Santa can be a source of potential issues in the workplace. To avoid any conflicts or uncomfortable situations, it's important to make it clear to all team members that the gifts exchanged should be G-rated and neutral. The gifts should be suitable for opening in front of family members to prevent any potential cases of discrimination or harassment. Humorous gifts, in particular, should be avoided, as humor can differ greatly from person to person, and what may be funny to some can offend others.

Ultimately, the goal of an end of year celebration is to foster a sense of appreciation and joy while keeping your business and employees safe. By taking a proactive and mindful approach, you can create a positive and safe environment for your team, allowing everyone to ring in the new year with a clean slate and without legal headaches.

Wishing you a joyful and risk-free end of year celebration!

LINKS:

Get your copy of my Annual Legal Checklist here

Check out my Getting Paid Made Easy course here

Website:tmsolicitor.com.au

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tmsolicitor/

Book a Strategy Session with me here

  What separates a flourishing business from a floundering one? 

It’s the often-overlooked systems and processes that run in the background. 

This week I sat down with Beth Bieske, of More Time To Design, to share how you can design processes that don’t just support your business, but elevate it to the next level. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of tasks your juggling, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

Many people think of systems as merely a 'nice to have’, but, as Beth pointed out, success is often lost without them. Whether it's expanding your team or gaining more personal time, the key is your systems and processes. Without them, you may very well be stuck in a loop, never quite advancing.

If this sounds overwhelming, systems don’t need to be elaborate of complicated to be effective. In fact, the simpler the better. Take for example the "pre-client process," which smooths out the process from initial inquiry to a signed contract.  This often neglected step won't just save time; it reduces the mental strain of overthinking every new client engagement.

Picture this: an inquiry lands in your inbox. With a strong system in place, you're armed with ready-made templates that guide the potential client journey smoothly from discovery to contract signing. Beth shares that knowing your next step, at every stage, brings an incomparable peace of mind and boosts productivity.

Importantly, these systems are not just about improving efficiency—they are about elevating client experience. When you roll out the red carpet for clients and exceed their expectations, they become your biggest fans and recommend you to their crowd. Who wouldn’t want that?

Many designers Beth encounters tend to overcomplicate their processes. Instead, she suggests keeping it simple and clear. Start by thinking about how you'd explain your process to someone else, and avoid reinventing the wheel. Say your process out loud—does it sound too convoluted? If so, it's time to streamline.

So as the holiday season draws in, take a moment to think about the processes in your own business. If there's a task that you dread or one that seems disorganised, that’s your signal to implement a streamlined system, or possibly even outsource it. Time saved here can be used to focus on the creative aspects you love.

LINKS:

Connect with Beth

Instagram: @more_time_to_design

Website:    www.moretimetodesign.com/

Episode Website:  Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/design-dreams-not-disasters-with-beth-bieske

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

As we approach the end of another bustling year, I find myself reflecting on the ever-persistent drive we all feel to finish the year on a high note - that need to grind, achieve and finally collapse into the festive season.

It’s a cycle we’re all too familiar with, yet one that Emma McQueen, my brilliant friend and business coach, and I are determined to disrupt. Emma, who many of you might remember from our previous conversations, joins me again to chat about how we can aim to glide instead of grind as the year wraps up.

I’m sharing my wins in terms of setting myself up for success at this time of the year and Emma shares some insight and little tips and tricks on how she achieves the glide over the grind.

We talk about strategic planning in advance: while I found my own tactic of starting my planning for the coming year in September, Emma maps out her 2025 goals way back in July! It all goes towards creating that all-important feeling of spaciousness.

As business owners, the hustle can be real - and constant. Incorporating joy into our daily routine is crucial. Emma uses the delightful phrase “pockets of joy” to describe these sprinkle moments that lift our spirits. 

Emma’s BD Sprint, a fresh initiative, was another highlight of my year. This experience was catalytic, reinforcing my focus on business development rather than allowing it to slip to the bottom of the priority list. I share how maintaining consistency in this area has created a renewed energy for my business, ensuring each client interaction remains a joy, not a chore. 

Whether you’re focusing on lining up your future business strategies or simply seeking daily joy, the key is to maintain that glide. Ditch the race to year-end burnout and embrace a balanced and fulfilling approach.

Here’s to finishing strong, not fast, and making the glide your new norm.


LINKS

Previous episode mentioned: #135 Year's End: Glide or Grind, with Emma McQueen

Connect with Emma:

Instagram: @emmarmcqueen

Website:https://emmamcqueen.com.au/

Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/the-year-end-balancing-act-gliding-over-grinding-with-emma-mcqueen

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

We all know cashflow is the cornerstone for every small business. So having processes in place to reduce your risk when it comes to setting your business up for success and getting your invoices paid is more important than ever.

Let's face it: no one wants to go down the path of debt recovery because the time, energy and money associated with chasing unpaid debts usually far outweighs the value to the business.

As you know, I'm all about prevention being better than cure in business, and about taking proactive steps to avoid having to call a lawyer later when something's gone wrong.

So, today I'm sharing with you three tried and tested strategies that will protect your creative business and ensure you’re getting paid on time, every time. 

We'll discuss the importance of tailored client service agreements to clearly outline what services you're providing and set expectations from the get-go. We'll explore having rock-solid processes and systems in place to follow through on the terms in your agreements, and how to give yourself the ability to stop providing services if invoice remain unpaid.

By implementing these strategies, you position your creative business for consistent cash flow and prevent the messy, often costly, debt recovery process. I hope you find these tips invaluable in helping you stay focused on your creative genius, delivering stellar services to clients who are excited and willing to pay on time.

LINKS:

Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/3-ways-to-ensure-you-get-paid-in-your-creative-business

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

So, you want to work with a business lawyer. Or at least, you think it’s something you should do.

Where in the world do you start? There are so many different areas to consider when running a business, it’s understandable business owners hesitate to invest their time and money into their legals. 

In my opinion, getting your legal documents in order and tailored specifically for your business is non-negotiable - and should be done with a professional. Like I always say: DIY is for Bunnings, not for your legals.

So, let’s explore why you should work with a business lawyer and where to begin when you decide to take the leap. 

I'll step you through the key areas that should be addressed:

- Getting your client agreements in order
- Knowing your processes
- Getting your website documents right
- Addressing the privacy policy
- Contractor or employee agreements

Ideally, you want to reach out to a business lawyer proactively—to set up systems before challenges arise. However, if you find yourself in a pickle, legal help is essential. Once any urgent issues are resolved, focus on building a proactive defence with strong contractual foundations.

I trust this guide makes it more straightforward for you to start collaborating with a business lawyer. Should you want a more personalised conversation, feel free to reach out—whether it's through a message on the contact page of my website or a DM on Instagram. I'm here to help in any way I can!

LINKS:

Essential Legal Checklist

Episode Website:  https://tmsolicitor.com.au/rise-up-in-business-podcast/where-to-start-when-working-with-a-business-lawyer

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Do you really need website terms and conditions? 

You might have been told that these are just a “nice to have” or something you can copy from a template, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you have a website, which I’m guessing you do, Website Ts & Cs are non-negotiable for protecting your online space. 

They're more than just text at the bottom of your page; they're your shield as part of your core legal documents.

Your terms are what help people understand what they can and can't do on your website. It’s about setting crystal clear boundaries and expectations—kind of like a digital set of house rules. 

1. Intellectual Property Protection: Imagine someone screenshots your beautifully curated portfolio and passes it off as their own. Without the right IP provisions in your T's and C's, you could find yourself in a sticky situation. It's essential to make it clear: "Look but don't copy."

2. Disclaimers and Liability Limitations: Your T's and C's should make it known that your site provides general information—not professional advice— and you're not liable if someone misuses it.

3. Third-Party Links & Content Sharing: Whether it's affiliate links or sharing course content, clarity is key. Your terms should articulate what’s permissible with third-party content and what's not.

4. Mailing List Compliance: If you're building a goldmine of a mailing list—great! You just need to ensure that you are compliant with anti-spam laws, which should be reflected in your T's and C's. 

Your business, and therefore your website, is unique in its offerings and needs. So it goes without saying that tailoring your website T's and C's to fit your specific business model is a must. 

A beautifully tailored set of website terms and conditions will safeguard your brand and protect your intellectual property. This includes your portfolio work, your course content, your blog, your podcast content - everything and anything you create. With the right terms in place, you can confidently showcase your services, share your content, and build meaningful connections without fear of misuse or misunderstanding. 

So if you're serious about steering your business toward success, make sure your website T's and C's are as unique and robust as your brand itself.

LINKS:

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here

Engaging independent contractors can be a fabulous way to help you serve your clients, offering flexibility and specific expertise to meet the unique needs of your business. 

But are you certain your contractors are truly that? Or could they be deemed as employees under the law? 

It's a tricky distinction with significant legal and financial implications and this is a topic that has increasingly come into the spotlight in recent years. Just because an arrangement is labelled one way doesn't necessarily mean it holds legally.

Understanding Contractor Criteria

The law considers various factors to ascertain whether an arrangement is genuinely that of a contractor:

• Delegation: Can your contractor delegate their duties? For someone to be classified as a contractor, the possibility of delegation must exist, even if it's theoretical. 
• Do they use their own equipment? Genuinely independent contractors run their own businesses, using their unique set of skills and materials to provide a service to your business.
• ABN and insurance: Anyone who runs their own business must have their own ABN and insurance in place. Make sure you check this.
• Exclusivity: Does a sense of exclusivity penetrate your agreement? If so, your contactor might resemble an employee in the eyes of the law.
• Payment: Contractors typically issue invoices rather than being on your payroll. 

All of these elements must be crystal clear in a strongly tailored, independent contractor agreement that reflects your real-life arrangement. It’s important to note that getting the distinction between contractor and employee wrong can lead to significant consequences. 

Confusion with Superannuation Benefits

One particularly complex area is superannuation obligations. Under certain legislation, even genuine contractors might be eligible for superannuation benefits, meaning that if you’ve been treating an employee like a contractor, you might have to backpay all the superannuation benefits you’ve missed. For a small business, this has a huge impact on cash flow. 

Ultimately, as a business owner, understanding the distinction between contractors and employees is your responsibility. As I always say, prevention is better than cure so making sure you have the right agreements in place is the best way to protect your business and grant you peace of mind, saving you from potential pitfalls later on.

Above all, I strongly encourage you to seek specialist advice from your business lawyer or accountant to make sure you are meeting your legal obligations concerning employees and contractors. As I always say, prevention is better than cure. 

LINKS:

Discover the Masterclass Series here

Check Your Legals with the Essential Legal Checklist here

Book a Free 20-minute Initial Consult with me here

Join me on Instagram here