Run Your Business Like A Boss

Are you feeling the weight of managing a business that's grown beyond recognition? Often in the messy middle, business owners feel stressed and overwhelmed by the never ending to-do list but it doesn’t have to continue this way. If you’re feeling trapped in your business and the way you’re operating your business doesn’t feel sustainable, now is a great time to consider a more minimalist business model. 

Today I’m talking about how a minimalist business model will help you simplify, streamline, and regain control of your business, creating so much more space for you to focus on the things that matter. Just as we declutter our homes in the Spring, the minimalist approach involves decluttering your business. It's all about simplifying, becoming more intentional, and boosting efficiency. Remember, a minimalist business model doesn't mean you have to abandon everything. It's about curating what matters most.

In this episode, I share some practical ways that you can begin to steer your business to a more minimalist and sustainable model. First, it's time to refine your offerings. Keep what aligns with your vision and release what no longer fits. Remember, quality over quantity. Next, focus your marketing efforts. Tailor your strategies to your strengths and the preferences of your ideal clients. This means less scattered energy and more impactful results. And don't forget about optimisation. Streamline your operations through automation or outsourcing. With the clutter gone, you'll finally have the mental space to focus on what truly matters.

You don't have to dive headfirst into minimalism and completely revolutionise your entire business. Take small steps, let go of the excess, and make room for the extraordinary. Remember, this journey isn't about discarding everything; it's about crafting a business that truly aligns with your vision and aspirations. 

LINKS:

Connect With Me:

• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

I am so excited to dive into today's conversation with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, also known as Enneagram Ashton. I've been an avid follower of Ashton’s Instagram since 2019 and have loved her insightful posts and ability to decode the complexities of the Enneagram. So today, we are diving in deeper to talk about how understanding your Enneagram profile can help you both personally and in your business. 

Ashton is an Enneagram expert who is dedicated to helping people better understand themselves and others by educating them on the Enneagram. From personal experience, understanding your Enneagram type is a profoundly uplifting journey. It offers a unique lens through which we can view ourselves, our motivations, and the beautiful tapestry of human behaviour.

In this conversation, we talk about why the Enneagram isn't just another personality test. It's an ancient system that categorises individuals into nine distinct personality types. What sets it apart is its focus on motivations and underlying fears, not just observable behaviours. Ashton takes us through each type, shedding light on their desires, fears, and typical traits.

Ashton highlights how the Enneagram goes beyond surface traits and delves into the "why" behind our actions. It's an incredible tool that helps us explore our deepest motivations, paving the way for genuine self-awareness. The Enneagram isn't about confining us to a box; it's about understanding our tendencies and working towards becoming the best version of ourselves.

We also talk about how the Enneagram can support entrepreneurs and Ashton beautifully explains that by understanding our type, we can make informed decisions about areas we excel at and where we might need assistance. 

For me, the most powerful aspect of the Enneagram is the awareness of yourself and others. It's a tool that empowers us to embrace our strengths, work on our growth areas, and foster more meaningful connections, both personally and in our businesses. I can’t recommend this episode highly enough and I know you’re going to get so much out of this conversation. 

LINKS:

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
• https://www.truity.com/

Connect with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

• Website:https://enneagramashton.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enneagramashton

Connect With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: Business Strategy Workshop | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Join the waitlist:  The Run Your Business Like a Boss Academy
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

This is a special collaboration with Maz Compton from Last Drinks.

Maz is a breakfast radio host, podcast host, psychology student, Wellness Coach and author of two books. Maz has had a long lasting media career and is a master manifestor (listen to her podcast to her why I say that).

Maz decided to take a break from alcohol on the 1st of January 2015 and hasn't looked back since. She's helped many others (including myself) on their journey to living alcohol free and continues to show up and spread her message via her podcast, books and instagram accounts.

This conversation is a relaxed collaboration (aired across both podcasts), where we talk about my journey to finally ditching alcohol and what life is like being a non drinker. We also discuss Maz's books and her process for authoring her great work!

Pop your headphones in, this conversation will feel like you're listening in on two friends having a chat!



Connect with Maz Compton:

Buy Last Drinks the book
Listen to Last Drinks the Podcast
Connect with Maz on Instagram here and here.
Visit Maz Comptons Website

I know firsthand that running a business can be like riding a rollercoaster of emotions. The thrill of landing that dream client, the overwhelm of endless to-do lists, the fear of uncertainty – it's all part of the journey. As a business owner, you're on a personal development adventure like no other, filled with highs and lows that shape your growth. But remember, you're not alone in this. That's why today, I’m talking about the power of business coaching to help you understand when or if you should hire one. 

When it comes to coaching, there are two main paths – group coaching and one-on-one coaching. Group coaching is like joining a learning community, where you explore a structured curriculum together. It's an opportunity to learn not just from a coach but also from fellow participants. On the flip side, one-on-one coaching offers you a deeply personalised experience where it's all about you, your unique challenges and your business dreams. This is the type of coaching I do with my clients where we delve deep, tackle vulnerabilities, and create strategies tailored to your growth.

In this episode, I explain some of the differences between group coaching and one-on-one coaching to help you understand what might be the right fit for you. I also talk about understanding the right timing in your business and the various stages in which hiring a coach could be beneficial to you. 

Where I shine is helping business owners in that "messy middle" stage, when they have grown out of the way they did business in the startup phase. Having a coach on your team during this season will help you completely transform your business model to set yourself up for sustainable growth. I talk about how coaching not only revamps your business but also completely reshapes your life. Remember, this journey extends beyond coaching – it's about crafting a life that resonates with your vision. 

Choosing to engage with a business coach isn’t always easy. It can be tough to look at things from a different perspective so you need to arm yourself with a growth mindset during the coaching process. It's about being open to unveiling your blind spots and setting yourself on a path towards impactful change.

Boss, if you're at a pivotal juncture and you have a desire for growth, it might be the right time for you to consider business coaching. If you're ready to explore my coaching programs, I’d love to connect with you and see if we’re the right fit. 

LINKS:

Previous episode mentioned:

Building an agency model business with Jemma Mrdak

Learn more about my coaching programs:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• 6 Months Business Accelerator Coaching Program

Let's connect:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

I'm delighted to share with you an inspiring episode today where I had the pleasure of chatting with my amazing client Jemma Mrdak, the brilliant mind behind Dak and Co, a thriving social media agency. Our conversation takes you on a journey through the ups and downs of business growth, the challenges we all face, and the transformative power of intentional decision-making.

Jemma and her team work with businesses to grow their influence, impact, and brand presence through content that genuinely connects and brings their community together. What sets Jemma and Dak & Co apart is their deep care for their clients, taking a heart-centred approach that prioritises understanding their client's needs and aspirations to achieve meaningful results.

In this episode, Jemma reflects on the unexpected surge in client demands during Covid. Along with growth came the challenge of maintaining the personalised touch that Dak and Co was known for. Jemma shares how she was in a state of near burnout before we started working together. She even worked on her honeymoon!

Many of us struggle to find that elusive balance between business and personal life. Jemma candidly shares her personal journey of realising that the constant juggling was unsustainable and she needed to find a more sustainable way of operating her business, especially with the hope of starting a family in the near future. Learning to prioritise different aspects at different times and embracing self-care became pivotal in her pursuit of a more balanced and fulfilling life.

The heart of our conversation revolves around sustainability and why this has been such a game changer on both the business and personal front. Jemma shares how together we have worked on streamlining processes, establishing effective workflows, and refining operational strategies within Dak and Co. These changes allowed her to fully step back from the business and take an actual holiday, which recharged her enthusiasm for her business. It's a powerful reminder that sustainable growth requires strategic decisions and a commitment to self-care.

Towards the end of the episode, Jemma shares insights that are bound to resonate with ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to propel their businesses toward sustainable growth and impactful change. We touch on essential topics like self-care, streamlined processes, business evolution, and personal branding.

So boss, remember that sustainable growth and transformative impact are well within reach. Jemma's journey is a testament to the incredible possibilities that await when we approach our businesses with authenticity, resilience, and a vision for long-term success.

LINKS:

Connect With Jemma Mrdak:

• Website: https://dakandco.com/
• Dak and Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakandco/
• Jemma Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemmamrdak/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemma-mrdak-626ba640/

Work with me via private coaching:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• 6 month Business Accelerator Program

Grab your free  Ideal Client Avatar Workbook

Let's connect on socials:

• Instagram
• Li

If you’re like many business owners and email marketing has made its way into the too hard basket, this conversation might just reinspire you to give it another crack. I'm thrilled to be chatting with social media marketing extraordinaire, Jenn Donovan, about how to simplify the often complicated arena of email marketing. 

A seasoned marketing strategist and the host of Small Business Made Simple podcast, Jenn shares why cultivating an email list is a must-have for every business. When first starting out, many business owners start by creating an Instagram or Facebook account, but they neglect to think about the huge benefits of email marketing. 

In this episode, Jenn shares her tips on how to go about building out your email list. We talk about lead magnets and why they should provide value to the point where someone would be willing to pay for them. However, instead of paying money, your clients are paying for your lead magnet with their email address - a very high commodity. 

There’s no point in having an email list if you don’t do anything to nurture those relationships. Jenn talks about what it means to nurture your audience by sending out email sequences and how to implement a re-engagement strategy if it’s been a while since you’ve contacted them. 

One thing a lot of business owners struggle with is knowing what content to share in email marketing. Jenn talks about the power of repurposing content that you are already sharing through your social media and that even if the email doesn’t get opened every time, it still helps with brand recognition and keeping your business front and centre. 

The main thing is to stay consistent. Don’t get into manic marketing where you send a bunch of emails out for a few weeks and then go silent. Make sure you create a plan that will be sustainable for you and don’t worry about everything being perfect. The best business advice Jenn received was “ready, fire, aim”, meaning that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you give it a go. Just get started connecting with your audience, consistently showing up and nurturing those relationships. They signed up to your email list for a reason! 

LINKS:

Connect With Jenn Donovan:

• Website:https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/
• Podcast:Small Business Made Simple

Connect With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: Business Strategy Workshop | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Join the waitlist:  The Run Your Business Like a Boss Academy
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

I spend a lot of time observing businesses and I’m so curious about the moves small business owners make when it comes to their marketing initiatives. If you’re struggling to reach your ideal client or you’re not even sure where to begin when it comes to marketing, this episode is for you. Today I’m sharing 5 common mistakes that I see business owners making and what you can do instead to really connect with your audience and drive your business forward. 

When it comes to marketing, you simply cannot separate it from your business strategy because this is what sets the foundation for how you run your business overall. I share why your marketing needs to align with your business strategy and your business goals and the issues you might come up against if you focus on a standalone marketing strategy. 

Manic marketing is another mistake I see quite often. This is when a business is on-again, off-again with their marketing efforts but the trouble here is that the inconsistency can actually throw off your audience. I share why it’s important to establish a steady, sustainable marketing rhythm that aligns with you and your business. 

Every business is unique, which is why when business owners copy other people's marketing tactics, they don’t come across as genuine, authentic or unique. This certainly won’t attract your ideal client. You need to deliver your message in a way that makes your voice penetrate all the noise instead of sounding like everybody else in your industry. 

Even if your messaging is authentic and aligned with your business strategy and goals, you’re going to struggle to attract your ideal clients if you’re not meeting them where they are at. This is relevant in terms of marketing methods and platforms, but also communicating to your audience in a way that really speaks to the struggles they are facing and in a language they will understand. 

I hope this conversation is helpful to you and I really encourage you to take a close look at where your business is at before taking action. Throughout this episode, I share some reflection points for you to consider so that you can really hone in on how your business is tracking and where your marketing might need to be tweaked. 

LINKS:

Connect With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: Business Strategy Workshop | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Join the waitlist:  The Run Your Business Like a Boss Academy
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

You’re not alone if you’re tired and unmotivated after yet another non-typical start to the year. Many business owners are feeling this way, so today I’m talking about how to get re-energised and re-focused to get you back on track and ready to tackle those big business goals for the remainder of the year.

The second half of the year is a time for building and up-levelling. This is the time when you can really lay down the groundwork for an amazing year ahead.  This means that now is the perfect time for a mid-year reset, which is exactly what I’m guiding you through today. 

Often at the midway point, we can get caught in a rut, doing busy work but not really pushing the needle forward. Maybe you’re feeling unexcited about the goals you set for yourself in January or even a bit derailed by the events of the first half of the year. But taking the time to go through a mid-year reset can really help you reconnect to your vision and feel inspired for what you want to achieve for the rest of the year. 

Today I'm guiding you through the five R’s of what to consider during your mid-year reset. These are:

1. Reflect on where you’ve been to identify challenges and opportunities.
2. Reconnect to your purpose and why you started your business in the first place.
3. Refine your focus and intentions to avoid overwhelm and stay on track.
4. Reset your goals and create a plan to achieve them.
5. Restructure your time and set your calendar up for success.

In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies for each step of the reset process, highlighting the importance of clarity, intention, and balance in achieving business success. I also talk about the importance of establishing healthy habits and boundaries in order to prevent burnout and create a sustainable business that stands the test of time. 

After listening to this episode, I really encourage you to take the time you need to go through this mid-year reset process. On the other side, you'll have a fresh perspective of what lies ahead for you and your business and be ready to take action on those big goals you’ve set for 2023. 

LINKS:

Previous Episode Mentioned:

Episode 80: Add power to your purpose, a ‘why’ process you've never heard before

Connect With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: Business Strategy Workshop | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Join the waitlist:  The Run Your Business Like a Boss Academy
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

As a business owner, navigating through uncertain economic times can be challenging and overwhelming. But during times like this, it's important to remember that you have already weathered many storms and proven your resilience. In this episode, I’m sharing some tools, tactics, and strategies to help you thrive in the current economic climate, not just survive. 

One crucial thing to understand is that money is still circulating. Yes, buyers are becoming more discerning in their investments but this is not the time to panic or bury your head in the sand. On the contrary, we as business owners can take this as an opportunity to really dig in and do the work necessary to adapt and thrive.

In this episode, I talk about the importance of getting smart with your money but also making sure that you don’t scrap important investments that support and drive your business growth. Be intentional about where you cut costs. 

While avoiding marketing during uncertain times may be tempting, it’s important to remember that many successful businesses have flourished in challenging economic conditions. I talk about aligning your messaging and marketing to the current needs and problems of your ideal clients. This is where it’s important to get out there and really pay attention to what is going on. 

Now is also a really crucial time to review your business strategy. Relying on outdated tactics and strategies won’t cut it. I talk about why it’s important to take the time to conduct a strategic review, considering the current state of your market and the impact of changes on your business. This will help you understand if your messaging is still relevant or if your offerings need to be adjusted to meet the needs of the market. 

A solid mindset is foundational to business success at the best of times and even more so now. In this conversation, I encourage you to focus on solutions and opportunities rather than problems and let go of areas that aren’t within your control. We might not be able to control the global economy, but we can take care of ourselves and make sure we are surrounded by supportive communities to help us thrive, not just survive. 

LINKS:

Previous Episode Mentioned:

Episode 114: Cherie Clonan: How to build and foster a strong brand online (Part 1)

Work With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• 1:1 Business Accelerator Program

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Today I’m thrilled to be sharing Part 2 of my incredible conversation with Cherie Clonan. If you haven’t already listened to last week’s episode with Cherie, I urge you to dive into that before you tune into today’s episode. We chatted about building a strong online brand, and Cherie shared her insights on authenticity in business as a proud autistic woman.

In this episode, Cherie and I discuss all things neurodiversity. We talk about creating a safe space for neurodivergent people in and out of the workplace and how neurodiversity plays out in small business. 

As CEO of The Digital Picnic and leader in neurodiversity advocacy online, Cherie generously shares with us her own journey of being diagnosed as autistic. She talks about the sense of freedom and empowerment she felt upon finally understanding the way she is wired, and how it informs the way she runs her business. 

We now live in a digital world, which gives us every reason and opportunity to get ourselves educated. Cherie and I discuss the importance of being proactive in our own learning, rather than solely relying on autistic folk to educate us on their experience of living. We talk about having transparent discussions with those around us at work, and how understanding the way we each function not only creates healthier relationships, but mitigates the potential for conflict.

Cherie runs us through her approach to creating a safe space for both neurodivergent and neurotypical people in her business. She talks about her no-compromise attitude when it comes to her own boundaries, as well as protecting her team members from any damaging behaviour that may arise.

At the end of the day, making assumptions about someone else’s way of being can cause so much divide. We are responsible to get curious about one another and find a deeper understanding of our differences. This not only makes us better business leaders, but more empathetic and connected humans.

I could barely bring myself to end this fascinating conversation with Cherie, and I know you’ll find it as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did. May we all do better to truly educate ourselves about others, take what we learn and put it into practice. 

LINKS:

Sydney Opera House show mentioned: All About Women

Connect with Cherie:

Website: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/ 

Instagram: @thedigitalpicnic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-digital-picnic/ & https://au.linkedin.com/in/cherie-clonan 

Connect With Me:

• 90 minute Business Strategy Intensive
• Free Download: Ideal Client Avatar Workbook
• Work with me: Business Strategy Workshop | 1:1 Business Accelerator Program
• Join the waitlist:  The Run Your Business Like a Boss Academy
• Instagram
• LinkedIn