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

There have been some big changes this month to do with the rules that govern your contracts in business. And I know - listening to facts about Australian Consumer Law can be dry. However, staying up to date with this is crucial to ensure your business avoids the risk of any legal pitfalls. In this episode, I talk you through the recent amendments to the law and how these impact small businesses - and trust me, you can’t afford to get this wrong.

A new piece of legislation came into effect on 9 November, which brings in some new rules that apply to every small business. Those with less than 100 employees or under 10 million in annual turnover are regarded as small businesses. So, if this is you and you’re issuing agreements to your clients, you need to take great care to ensure that the terms you include in those agreements aren't unfair.

The new penalties for unfair contract terms are huge - and should someone be unhappy with what’s in your contract, the court can absolutely impose them. I dive into real-life contract scenarios to illustrate what constitutes an unfair term, making it easier to identify and rectify similar issues in your own contracts. The key takeaway? Both parties in a contract should have equitable rights and opportunities, and contracts should be flexible enough to adapt to changing business or client needs.

If you’re a long-time listener of this podcast, you’ll have heard me say a lot that prevention is better than cure. And with these recents changes in the law, it couldn’t be more relevant. Whether you used a template, consulted Google or engaged a professional to draw up your legals, it’s time to do a review and check that they’re compliant. Having confidence in your legal documents will give you that much-need peace of mind, knowing that they will stand up in court and protect you if ever challenged.

LINKS:

Connect with Tracey: 

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

Today, I'm joined by my dear friend and incredible business strategist, Michelle Broadbent to share a conversation about the value of community for entrepreneurs. The life of a business owner can be lonely, but you certainly don’t have to do it alone. I see a lot of women craving face-to-face connection these days, but others like me are happy working from home with mostly virtual interactions. Regardless of your preference for connection, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace community so that you feel supported as a whole person.

I can't stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in business. Whether it's advisors, team members, or mentors, identifying and connecting with the right individuals is critical for your growth and success. This is true both professionally and on the personal front because you’re not just a business owner. You are a whole person and we all need to have a safe space to connect, share, and grow with others. 

Throughout this conversation, both Michelle and I emphasise the significance of community for entrepreneurs. While running a business can sometimes be isolating, having a community of peers who understand your challenges and successes can be immensely beneficial. A supportive community offers a space for learning, growth, and mutual support. 

Michelle shares how many women in business try to do all the things on their own. Yes, they are capable and able to achieve incredible things, but trying to do everything by yourself is not sustainable. It’s also vital that we surround ourselves with people who have different perspectives so that we can be challenged to look outside our paradigm.

This need for community is why I’m such a big fan of Michelle’s exciting new venture, The Accountability Circle, which offers a unique space for peer-to-peer mentoring and a supportive community for women in business. Michelle shares a little more about this venture and how to get involved. 

LINKS:

Previous episode mentioned:

Is HUSTLE a dirty word? with Emma McQueen

Connect with Michelle:

• Download Your Winning Week here
• Websites:https://www.accountabilitycircle.com.au/
• https://www.michellebroadbent.com.au/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michbroadbent/

Connect with Tracey: 

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

There’s a common misconception that having a logo and a website equates to having a personal brand. However, these elements are only a small part of a much larger and important concept. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Tory Archbold to talk about what a personal brand really comprises and how to build an extraordinary one.

With a strong background in PR and having started her first business at 24, Tory has achieved remarkable success in her career. From launching fashion giant Zara in Australia to representing celebrities like Drew Barrymore, she has known what it is to be at the top of her game. However, a switch in passion and purpose led to her to found Powerful Steps in 2019, with the vision to help female entrepreneurs step into their power and live with a happy heart.

In our conversation, Tory brings clarity as to what personal branding truly is, highlighting that it acts as each person’s business card. It’s what we’re known for and answers the question of how we show up, what we say and who we are. We talk about owning our own story as the first step in building an extraordinary brand, and Tory encourages us to take the time to understand who we truly are - which includes the good, the bad and the ugly.

She steps us through the framework she uses with her own business and clients to create the powerful messaging that is communicated by a strong personal brand. We talk about the value of investing in your brand upfront, and Tory gives us practical advice on bringing some of that work in-house as your brand evolves.

We hear her strategies around consistently sharing our story and values in a way that brings variety to our audience, while staying in alignment with our primary message. For many female entrepreneurs, this isn’t always an easy task. We feel judged, worried about how we show up and whether we’ll be able to please everyone. However, Tory encourages us to step out with confidence in our personal brand, knowing our perspective as leaders has the ability to change others’ lives.

If you’re looking to elevate your brand and make a meaningful impact, then this episode is for you. Tory is a wealth of knowledge and shares priceless insight into showing up as confidently and authentically as possible. Be sure to check out her book Self-Belief is Your Superpower via the link below to learn even more secrets on building your extraordinary personal brand. 

LINKS:

Tory’s book: Self-Belief Is Your Superpower

Connect with Tory: 

Website:https://powerful-steps.com/

LinkedIn:https://au.linkedin.com/in/tory-archbold-b8542715 

Connect with Tracey: 

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

If you’re a long-time listener, something you would have heard me say over and over again is that prevention is better than cure. And I say this for good reason. Having supported business owners for over 20 years now, I’ve seen time and time again when business owners find themselves in difficult situations that they can’t get out of. It takes a toll not only on their businesses but on their mental and emotional states as well. But the tears can be avoided and today I’m sharing how.

In this episode, I’m taking you through some real-life examples of clients who have come to me recently with very similar problems. Each of these women had clients with misaligned expectations and unfortunately, they didn’t have properly tailored legal documents in place. Some had patched together agreements, others copied templates, but none of these documents effectively protected their interests. Without properly tailored legal documents in their businesses, they were left with a significant aftermath.

Let’s be real, if you’re in business, you’re going to face challenges. No matter how positive you are and how much work you do to set yourself up for success, you will inevitably have clients who are disgruntled, customers who want a refund or not want to pay their invoice at all. But misunderstandings with clients don't just have financial consequences; they have a profound ripple effect.

I share how the situations my clients found themselves in impacted their client retention, business growth, relationships and not to mention the sleepless nights, overwhelming stress, and the sinking feeling that comes with it all.

Now, I can offer guidance and support, but I can't control the timing of resolving these disputes. What I can control is ensuring that you understand the importance of prevention. It's about having the right legal documents and robust processes and systems in place to minimise the chances of disputes and provide a clear roadmap for addressing unexpected situations.

It's not just about having legal documents; it's about having the right ones that align with your business and knowing how to use them effectively. With the proper legal foundations, you can confidently navigate challenges and avoid unnecessary tears, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.

LINKS:

Connect with Tracey: 

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

If you're anything like me, self-care is the first thing to go when the plate gets full and everything in life just gets busy. We often don’t prioritise ourselves nearly as much as we should in fear of being selfish. However, self-care is crucial to not only our own health, but the health of our business.

This week, I’m joined again by Emma McQueen. If you’ve been following along with our recent conversations on the podcast, you’ll know Emma as one of my business besties and a coach who helps women achieve incredible results in their businesses. I just had to have Emma back on the podcast so that we could have another meaningful conversation in hopes of sharing real value. 

Today we’re talking about why self-care is so important, exploring what it really means and how it can be tailored to suit each person. 

We share what taking care of ourselves means to each of us, demonstrating how it can vary from person to person. While I always thought self-care was about indulging in things like massages and pedicures, I discuss the practices I’ve now implemented into my everyday life that truly align with who I am. From journalling in infrared saunas to ensuring I take a lunch break, prioritising my own wellbeing has been an absolute game changer for me.

Emma shares the tools she uses to regulate her nervous system, lower her stress levels and maintain her health and wellbeing. While her daily naps and meditation seem like impossible practices for someone like me, it’s interesting to hear how effective these routines are for her when designed for how she specifically works. 

As women in business, we tend to leave ‘me’ time to the end of the day - that’s if we give ourselves any kind of time in the first place. We even see ourselves as selfish to want to prioritise it. However, rest is a responsibility, not a reward, and it’s time to change the narrative that we’re defective if we need it. 

Self-care is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to explore what resonates with you, so that you’re giving yourself the best chance at maintaining your health and boosting your productivity. 

So, tune in and grab some gems from this delightful conversation on taking the actions you need to make sure your cup stays full! 

LINKS:

Previous episodes with Emma:

• Is HUSTLE a dirty word?
• Year's End: Glide or Grind

Connect with Emma McQueen:

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

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

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

Connect with Tracey:

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

I often get asked by my clients as to what they need to have in place to protect their business legally, what their obligations are and where to start. Today, I take you through the annual legal health checklist that I've developed, so that you can safeguard your business and have that much-needed peace of mind.

In business, things inevitably evolve and change. Our team grows, we create new offerings or perhaps we decide to take a completely different direction. When these things happen, it’s crucial that we ensure that everything currently happening in our business is reflected in our documents, systems and processes.

So how do you know where to start? In this episode, I take you through the various areas of your business you should cast your eyes over for an effective legal health check, including:

• Business structure review
• Website terms and conditions
• Employment and contractor agreements
• Intellectual property and trademarks
• Your commercial lease
• Insurance 
• Debt management
• Any outstanding Legal Disputes 

Whether you’ve changed things up or your business is ticking along nicely, I encourage you to ensure you have in place what you need for the legal health of your business. This can be done at the beginning of either the calendar or financial year - whatever works for you is fine, so long as it gets done!

Remember, prevention is better than cure, and addressing legal matters proactively can save you time, money and stress in the long run.

LINKS:

Annual Legal Checklist

Connect with Tracey: 

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

Does the idea of selling feel icky to you? Do you feel hesitant to sell, or think of yourself as not being ‘salesy’? If so, you’re certainly not alone, and many of my clients have expressed feeling this way to me. Today, I’m joined by special guest, marketing and mindset coach Ellie Swift, who is here to change your mind by sharing her approach to selling with soul.

Ellie has left an indelible mark on the world of entrepreneurship and business, being known for her authenticity and ability to seamlessly merge marketing and mindset, a combination we'll be delving into today.

With a solid background in corporate marketing spanning a decade, Ellie made a transition into the entrepreneurial realm almost 7 years ago. Starting with one-on-one coaching, she quickly became fully booked, with a growing waitlist of people wanting to work with her. Recognising the need to scale, she ventured into creating masterminds and refined her approach based on client feedback.

Today, Ellie successfully runs various masterminds and teaches others how to implement her proven model. She emphasises the Swift marketing method, focusing on strategy, marketing and mindset for coaches, creatives, and consultants. Her track record includes helping numerous clients scale their businesses to six, multi-six, and even seven figures. It's a journey rooted in service and support, and Ellie's authenticity shines through in every aspect.

In our conversation, Ellie shares her revolutionary concept of "soulful selling." She debunks the myth that selling is sleazy and in fact, argues that viewing selling in this light is actually the selfish perspective. Reframing selling as a conversation rooted in service, Ellie provokes us to imagine that we hold the solution to our ideal clients’ problem, and by not sharing it, we’re actually doing them a disservice.

By focusing on service with a genuine design to help people, we have the opportunity to make potential clients feel seen, prioritised and valued. This perspective shift can lead to more meaningful interactions and ultimately better outcomes for you and your clients.

Sales isn't a dirty word. By embracing soulful selling, you create a pathway to serving your clients better and opening up opportunities for growth.

We also talk about Ellie’s upcoming workshop “Sold Out Masterminds” on October 26th, where she will share her strategies for consistently selling out her masterminds. So, be sure to click the link below to find out more and register your spot!

Enjoy!

LINKS:

Ellie's Sold Out Masterminds masterclass

Connect with Ellie:

Website:        https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:    @elliehswift

Connect with Tracey: 

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

It's Quarter four of 2023 and, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to make sure you’re set up for a restful and rejuvenating break at the end of the year. This looks like a challenging task but with proper planning and forethought can be easily achieved!

I’m joined again today by special guest and seasoned entrepreneur, Emma McQueen, to talk about the importance of managing your work well as the year comes to a close.

Emma is one of my business besties and a coach who helps women achieve incredible results in their businesses. Through her coaching program, Thriving Women, Emma has cultivated a spirited community. Here, standout women come together, sparking creativity, fostering deep connections, and setting forth on a path of perpetual growth. She is also a woman who is not afraid of hard work, with ‘hustle’ being her favourite word. 

In the past, both Emma and I had to drag ourselves over the finish line each year. It was a grind and we were never able to properly recover before the next year began. Now we’ve made changes to our lives and businesses that allow us to glide through this last quarter. 

In this episode, we share the lessons and decisions that have shaped our approach to managing our end-of-year. Emma advocates for the importance of taking regular, refreshing breaks throughout the year, ensuring both mental and physical well-being. 

I share one of the biggest lessons I learned, and that is the importance of energy management. Managing your energy instead of rigidly managing time, can help you achieve optimal efficiency and wellness. 

I hope this episode provides you with tangible strategies and actionable advice to help you over the transition to 2024! 

LINKS:

Connect with Emma McQueen:

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

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

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

Connect with Tracey: 

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

Today, I want to delve deep into the heart of my business ethos – empowerment. In this episode, I'm sharing what empowerment means to me, why it's so essential in the world of business, and how empowerment can transform your business.

Having spent the first 12 years of my legal career in litigation and dispute resolution, I've seen countless business owners entangled in disputes and legal battles that could have been avoided. These experiences ignited a passion within me to empower business owners with the knowledge and skills they need to steer clear of such pitfalls. And my mission is crystal clear - to empower and enrich the lives of other business owners to achieve long-term sustainable success.

Empowerment, as I see it, encompasses five essential pillars: trust, access to information, support, confidence, and innovation. In this episode, I’m breaking each of these down:

1. Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of all business relationships. When you have your clients’ trust, you can provide value and make a lasting impact. Developing thought leadership and being trusted in your field opens doors to opportunities to create real change.

2. Access to Information: Empowerment involves knowing where to find reliable, relevant information – not just relying on Google. It’s about having access to the right knowledge at the right time.

3. Support: Having a strong support network, whether it's a team of advisors, a reliable community, or a trusted client base, is crucial. The right support will equip you to reach your business goals.

4. Confidence: With trust, information, and support in place, confidence naturally follows. Confidence empowers you to make impactful decisions and drive change within your business and your wider community.

5. Innovation: Empowerment is inseparable from innovation. As a business owner, you need to adapt, grow, and identify trends.

Empowerment isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in the world of business and it’s the key to long-term success. So, what does empowerment mean to you? After this episode, I hope you view it through a different lens and recognise the profound impact it can have on your business. 

LINKS:

Connect with Tracey: 

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