It started off as an experiment and now it’s time to conclude this season of Simply Biz Besties (cue soppy music!). But not before we do some reflection and analysis! We’re also going to be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to produce the podcast — from tech to editing to promotion — and a whole lot more!

And while doing this podcast has been an absolute blast and we’ve grown so much as business owners, we’ll have you know that it was not all sunshine and rainbows. Yip, producing a co-hosted podcast had its fair share of conflict and a few disagreements — so we’re going to be sharing a bit more about how we dealt with the conflict and how the podcast ultimately came out stronger for it!

One of our big wins, looking back, was to establish a workflow that effectively repeated every week. This really helped us to “walk the talk” and keep things simple and flowing! In the episode, we also take a moment to celebrate the many wins that we achieved during this season.

There’s something in this episode for everyone, whether you’re considering starting a podcast, doing a joint venture with a business friend, or experimenting in your business in 2021. So tune in!

As for the Simply Biz Besties podcast, we don’t have plans to do another season at this stage, but this season will continue to be available wherever you listen to podcasts for the foreseeable future. Thank you so much for your support! And before 2020 is over, please take some time to celebrate your wins and reflect on your accomplishments this year — we’re certain there are way more than you think!

For show notes, go to Simply Biz Besties.

What activities ENERGIZE you? Can you think of a few? Great! Now you have the answer to the question: What is self care?

And that’s a really important question for you as a business owner.

Over the last season, the Simply Biz Besties have shared a lot about what it takes to start, run, and grow a business. But the reality is that all of the strategies, tips and tactics we’ve shared up to now are going to be useless if YOU, the very heart and soul of your business, are lying on the couch, completely burnt out.

So in today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season of Simply Biz Besties by talking about self care for business owners—with the hearty encouragement for you to prioritize self care. It really is a non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling like self care is selfish, then just listen to the show, because we’ll convince you that self care is probably the most selfless thing you can do for your family, your community, and your business.

So in today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season (well, just about)* of Simply Biz Besties by talking about self care for business owners—with the hearty encouragement for you to prioritize self care. It really is a non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling like self care is selfish, then just listen to the show, because we’ll convince you that self care is probably the most selfless thing you can do for your family, your community, and your business.

Now just in case you’re wondering, self care doesn’t have to be about bubble baths and pedicures—especially if these activities don’t energize you. Because remember, self care is any activity that energizes you. As such, self care activities in your business could include things as seemingly mundane as creating a schedule that honors your natural energy levels, doing a budget, or outsourcing work that falls outside of your Zone of Genius.

We’ll also be sharing each of our own self care routines and how self care has even been embraced by every member of our families—big and small.

So if professional development and being part of a community of biz besties energizes you, tune in—you’ll be practicing self care as you listen!

* Yes, this is our last official episode of this season, but we will be back next week with a reflection episode, where we’ll be sharing what it’s been like to launch and record a co-hosted podcast. There’ll be some practical podcasting tips and also some behind-the-scenes of our successes and challenges along the way.

For show notes, visit Simply Biz Besties.

For show notes, visit Simply Biz Besties.

“I have time for all my priorities.” What springs to mind when you hear that mantra? Because if you’re like us—or many of the creative, heart-centered business owners we know—it often feels like there is not enough time in the day (or the month or the year!) to achieve your beautifully ambitious goals.
That’s why in this episode, we’re going to unpack this mantra, word by word, so that we can all break through some of those mindset blocks that come up around TIME in our lives and businesses.
We focus first on prioritization, because you’ll notice that this mantra doesn’t say: “I have time for all the things” or “I have time to do it all” (a trap that many of us over-enthusiasts could fall into!). So setting clear priorities is—yes—a priority…
Then we dive into the concept of time and we’ll share some mindset shifts that we’ve made to make time feel more abundant and less pressured. There’ll also be some practical time management tips and we’ll share quite a few recommendations for books and courses that we’ve enjoyed (this is a topic we can really nerd out on!).
And on that note, we nerded out so much in this episode that we’ve had to split the episode into two parts. In next week’s episode, we’ll be zeroing in on how you can apply this mantra to your business more specifically.
We believe you can unlock so much power and energy when your priorities are clear and aligned with your vision. It’s at that point that time stops feeling like a ticking clock or an hourglass draining—instead it feels like a gift that keeps on giving.

For show notes, go to Simply Biz Besties.

Do you find yourself mentally drained when you think of all the things you have to do in a day for your business?
How about decision fatigue—do you find yourself overwhelmed with options and exhausted because of all the decision-making you have to do?
Are you struggling to find your flow in business—and in life?
Are you just sick of having to think all the time?!

If that’s how you’re feeling, then you need to make friends with ROUTINE. Having a set of routines that you can regularly just queue up and execute in your business is going to save you so much mental energy, rid you of decision fatigue, and finally get you to that place of ease and flow—even if you’ve got a lot on your plate right now.

And if you’re thinking that routine sounds a little… routine (a.k.a. boring and uncreative), then Francesca is going to convince you otherwise in this episode! She’s coached Shelley, a self-proclaimed rebel and routine-sceptic, and the result is that Shelley has now embraced routine in her life and business (she may even quite like it!).

So tune in and get ready to get into the CEO Flow as you incorporate simple, but powerful routines into your business and life.

For Show Notes, got to Simply Biz Besties.

We’ve dropped a few truth bombs in the last few episodes of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast. One of those is that you don’t need a website when you’re just getting started your business (GASP!!). In this episode, we’ll tell you why setting up a simple Sales Page is a way better use of your time. We’ll also dive into how you can get a Sales Page set up quickly and easily — from the copywriting to the tech to the design.

And of course, Sales Pages are not only awesome for new businesses. You might be coming off of our last episode, totally pumped to build a digital product, but now you need a simple place to sell it and deliver the product online. Well, hello Sales Page!

Whatever you’re launching, we believe that each offer needs its own Sales Page, it’s own place to shine and show off all of its fabulousness — free from the distraction of anything else. Your Sales Page will become the home of your launch, and if it does its job well, it’s going to save you heaps of time and have those sales numbers soaring!

So tune in to find out how setting up a Sales Page can simplify your launch, get some awesome Sales Page copywriting tips, and find out what tech options are available without getting googly eyes from all the Googling

If you’re an online business owner, you’ve probably heard that creating an online course is a great way to “make money in your sleep” by sharing your knowledge and expertise with your audience! But you may have realized that creating an online course is a big time and money investment — if you want to do it well. And so “Create My Online Course” continues to languish on your To-Do List!

Today on the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, Shelley and Francesca are talking about Small Digital Products. And if you find the idea of teaching your audience appealing, but have found online course creation a bit intimidating or too much of an investment of time and money, then this one’s for you!

Small Digital Products are also a great idea for service providers who are offering one or more high-ticket offers, and are consistently getting the objection that people can’t afford their offers, or they don’t want to commit to a 4, 6, or 12-month program.

Why? Because a Small Digital Product starts the customer journey. People are actually handing over their money (rather than just claiming a freebie), so they legit become your customers. And once a customer has bought from you and likes what you have to offer, they are very likely to buy a second time.

There are tons more reasons why a Small Digital Product is a great product offering, and the Simply Biz Besties go through all of these and how you can use Small Digital Products strategically in your business.

And in true Simply Biz Besties style, we’ll break down all the things you DON’T need for your Small Digital Product (we’re keeping it simple, people!) — and the few things that you actually DO need to get your Small Digital Product out into the world. Pronto.

For show notes, go to Simply Biz Besties.

As a solo business owner, do you find yourself thinking things like:
“What strategy should I be using?”
“Is this the right website builder / billing software / online course [insert “thing” here!] to choose?”
“I don’t know if I’m doing this right. Can someone just give me the answer?!”

The truth is that there are very few “right answers” in this ever-changing online business world — even though the gurus would have you believe otherwise. But the good news is that you can find the right answers for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS. Want to know how?

Experimentation. Specifically by running small experiments in your business (and even in your life in general) and intentionally learning from the process.

In this episode of the Simply Biz Besties Podcast, Francesca and Shelley dive into the mindset and practice of experimentation in business. They share how experimentation has helped them to build momentum and get results in their own businesses by taking action — one small step at a time. Emphasis on small.

And if “experimentation” feels too sciency for you, then don’t worry (there’s no need for a lab coat!). Experimentation is really more about playfulness and about applying a bit of intentional reflection on what you’re already doing — so that you can get the answers you need to move forward with confidence in your business. So it’s just as much for the creatives and dreamers as it is for the data junkies and math nerds amongst us ;)

For show notes, visit Simply Biz Besties.

As a business owner, you’ve got to be prepared to hustle, pour in the hard work now (the rewards will come later), and not settle for anything less than 6 figures in annual income. You’ve got to have 100% belief in yourself and your business, you’ve got to walk in with the mindset of a CEO, and know all the right answers — if you hope to be successful.

Do you believe this? ^^ We don’t.

It’s a juicy episode that we think will challenge you to “think about how you think” — but there’s so much power in that entrepreneurial brain of yours. Let’s harness it!

For Links and Show Notes, go to Simply Biz Besties.

Feeling overwhelmed or totally STUCK as you start your business or launch a new offer? You're probably doing a whole lotta things you don't need to do. In this episode, we're taking a swipe at all the things you DON’T need when starting a business or launching a new offer. Like a website. Or being on social media. Or having an opt-in freebie. Yip, there are some surprises in our lists of don't-have-to-haves!

For Links and Show Notes, go to Simply Biz Besties.