Small Biz Babes Community Podcast

In this final episode of season 1 of the Small Biz Babes Community Podcast, I share my decision to take a step back from podcasting to pursue personal goals and new business opportunities.

Reflecting on the journey that led to this decision, I discuss the concept of pivoting in business and share my guidance on recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a pivot, along with practical tips for navigating change in your business with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. What it means to "pivot" your business and five actionable tips to help you navigate pivot in your business with confidence
2. The key signs that signal the potential need for a pivot in your business
3. My realization that my priorities and goals have shifted led me to take a step back from podcasting for a while

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
• Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE

Resources:

• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

Today, I am thrilled to host a special guest: crafting influencer and educator Amy from Amy Makes That! She is living proof that in today's world, your business can be whatever you dream it to be, thanks to the magic of social media. 

Amy spills her secrets on how she turned her creative passion into a thriving business, from rocking a YouTube channel to mentoring and selling digital templates. 

Are you curious about how she does it all and how she, as a crafting mentor, can help you start a crafting business? Join us as Amy shares her story, from the early days of her business to where she is now. Plus, she's here for the real talk on entrepreneurship, success and hard-earned lessons she learned along the way! 

In this episode, we will cover:

• Amy's inspiring journey: How she turned her creative passion into a dream business
• Crucial lessons for new business owners: What Amy learned about people through entrepreneurship
• How Amy can guide you to start and grow your crafting small business
• Real talk on entrepreneurship, success, and the hard-earned lessons Amy's picked up along the way

Amy's Resources:

The CBDP (Craft Business Digital Planner) Waitlist 

Free Niche Guide For Craft Businesses 

Ways to connect with Amy: 

AMT Blog 

Shop AMT 

AMT YouTube Channel 

AMT Instagram 

AMT TikTok 

AMT Pinterest 

AMT Facebook 

IG Broadcast Channel

More about Amy Makes That:

"Amy, also known as "Amy Makes That" is a seasoned Cricut crafter and content creator sharing unique project ideas, tips for beginners, and craft business advice. She is eager to help crafters reach their full potential with their cutting machine and hopes to inspire every person who comes across her platforms!" 

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Try my productivity system Notion for free: https://affiliate.notion.so/2bdbz1rd1jx1 
• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

How to connect with the host of Small Biz Babes Community Podcast (Michaela):

• Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Feeling the weight of "doing it all" in your business and life? Not sure what to prioritize? Working hard, yet not moving closer to reaching your big goals?

This episode is for you! Today, I debunk the myth of "doing it all," share the power of prioritization, and share how I create space for growing a business AND living a fulfilling life.

If you're ready to break free from the social pressure of doing it all and embrace a more enjoyable approach to success, then you're in the right place. Let's dive in together and discover the secrets to growing a successful business on your own terms.

In this episode, I dive into:

1. Addressing the unrealistic pressure of "doing it all" often seen on social media
2. The importance of prioritizing and letting go in business and life so you can create space for what matters the most
3. My personal experiences with "letting go" of opportunities and protecting my time so I could achieve my long-term goals
4. Actionable guidance on how to prioritize tasks/projects based on their alignment with your goals.

If you loved this episode, you will also love:

• E40: Small business success: Systems and mindset behind "getting it all done"  - LISTEN NOW

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Want or NEED better system to plan your goals and projects? Snag my Notion Goal Planner HERE
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
• Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE

Resources:

• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

We all know that consistency on Instagram is important to growing your community, driving engagement, building brand awareness, and ultimately getting sales to your business.

However, keeping up with the demands of posting regularly can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

That's why today I've got some tried and tested tips to make post creation easier for you so you can stay on track for the long term!

If you are a busy business owner and want to improve your consistency with posting on Instagram, tune in to this episode and learn how to create content smarter, not harder so you can stay consistent on Instagram for your business!

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. 7 actionable tips to help you stay consistent on Instagram for your business
2. clever hacks for boosting efficiency in Instagram content creation
3. my savvy strategies for making more posts with less time
4. how to streamline your content creation process
5. strategies for saving your time with content creation

If you loved this episode, you will also love:

• E8: 7 ways to boost your Instagram engagement that actually work- LISTEN NOW
• E18: How to stay consistent with social media for your small business - LISTEN NOW
• E35: Here is everything you'll need to start recording Reels and TikToks for your business - LISTEN NOW

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
• Need a social media planner so you can finally stay consistent on Instagram? Snag my Google Sheets Social Media Planning Calendar HERE
• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE

Resources:

• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

Is it time to rebrand your business? If you've been asking yourself this question - you are in the right place. Today, we are going to be talking all things rebranding with Alexia, a brand and website designer for creative women!

She is going to share with us her expertise, along with what are signs that you might need to rebrand your business when it's the best time to rebrand, as well as when it's NOT the time to be rebranding. 

Alexia will also share with us what a rebranding process looks like, what your options are and how she, as a brand and web designer, can help you with your rebranding process.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• Knowing When Your Business Needs a New Look: Signs It's Time for a Rebrand
• When Not to Change Your Brand: Instances Where Rebranding Isn't the Best Move
• How to Give Your Brand a Fresh Makeover: Understanding the Rebranding Process and the Help You Can Get from a Brand Designer

Ways to connect with Alexia:

Instagram: @studioalexiaxo

Pinterest: @studioalexia

Website: studioalexia.com

More about Alexia:

Alexia is an English Literature major who turned into a self-taught brand and web designer, running a sweet little studio solo with the help of copious London fogs and an immeasurable love for what she does. Alexia is passionate about the loveliness of words, appreciating beautiful things, and seeing all of the good in humans. And she’s always ready to make more friends. 

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE

Resources:

• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

How to connect with the host of Small Biz Babes Community Podcast (Michaela):

• Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, you probably know that making the most out of your week can be a challenge.

And if you're like me and you're constantly striving to improve your time management and productivity, you are in for a treat!

In this episode, I am diving into my weekly productivity system, including the nitty-gritty of my weekly smart scheduling. 

I'll be sharing with you how I time block my week as an owner of a multi-six-figure online business. 

No secrets here - this is what works for me and how I plan to make space for deep work as well as managing day-to-day operations. I will also share how I prioritise where I spend time in my business, introduce you to my daily work themes and how I plan for the week ahead! 

So, if you need a refresh to your weekly planning, maybe you can try a thing or two from my system! 

In this episode we will cover:

• The importance of time-blocking uninterrupted hours to work on projects dedicated to long-term business growth
• Deep dive into my exact weekly schedule, why it's set up this way and the daily themes you can implement to continuously make progress in your business
• How I batch time-consuming tasks in my business for increased productivity
• The power of weekly reflection and getting clear on your schedule for the week ahead on Friday so you can avoid being overwhelmed when it's time to do the work

If you loved this episode, you will also love:

• E38: My daily routine for productivity as a full-time business owner - LISTEN NOW

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
• Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

Do you sometimes find yourself juggling pile of tasks and ideas for your business, struggling to make meaningful progress on the main project? 

Perhaps you might even be losing sight of what the main project actually is because you always get too excited about a new idea or opportunity that comes your way.

I used to look at other business owners on social media and see them doing all the things - running a digital shop, running a product shop, running a print-on-demand shop, offering consulting and launching membership - I'd felt like I needed to do all of it too. Ideally, start right away!

I'd hear people saying - you need to be on TikTok. Others would say you can't rely on social media - you also need to have an email list. Others would say you need to go on Pinterest because Pinterest is so hot right now. And the list of opportunities goes on and on.

On the outside, all of it may look like a good idea, potentially an opportunity to earn more, and it might even be important to implement for your business - at some point.

But what we don't realize is that the social media world of distraction can be a recipe for disaster for your business. That is if you fall into shiny object syndrome and don't protect your priorities, time and resources.

I had my fair share of shiny object syndrome, and at some point, I wasn't even aware of it! That's why, in today's episode, I am sharing with you what it is, the symptoms and practical tips that helped me to overcome the nasty "distraction syndrome" for good! 

In this podcast episode, you'll learn:

• The importance of focusing on your main project if you want to grow your business
• Learn to identify if shiny object syndrome is hindering your success through common warning signs
• Practical steps to help you prioritize effectively and stay focused on making progress in your business
• How shiny object syndrome can hinder your business growth

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Save 15% off my social media Canva templates and website template from Tonic site shop (CODE: MICHAELAF15) - SHOP HERE
• Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
• Try my Instagram hashtag helper Flick (affiliate link): TRY HERE
• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Outsource part of your social media delegation process with Fiverr - EXPLORE HERE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

Are you a small business owner learning how to use Instagram to get customers or clients to your business?  

Well, hold onto your smartphones because today, we're putting the spotlight on the time-wasting pitfalls that many entrepreneurs stumble into on Instagram.  

Get ready as we delve deep into seven Instagram mistakes that might just be hindering your growth and, more importantly, your ability to attract customers.

But we are not here to just point fingers. We are here to give you actionable tips so you can learn, improve and see your Instagram efforts pay off! 

In this episode we'll cover: 

• The seven most common Instagram mistakes that often trap new business owners
• How to spot the subtle signs of 'desperate energy' in your Instagram strategy and understand its impact on your results
• Why sending your audience to your bio link might be costing you potential customers and what to do instead
• The importance of nurturing authentic relationships and trust within your Instagram strategy

If you loved this episode, you will also love:

• E18: How to stay consistent with social media for your small business - LISTEN NOW

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Join the waitlist for Social Media Planning Masterclass - JOIN HERE

Resources:

• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

Are you a service-based business owner trying to figure out how to get your first client online? 

You are in luck because today, I have a special guest for you - Sophie from Simply Sophie Designs - a small business mentor and businesswoman behind a marketing and design agency that helps brands tell their unique story through eye-catching designs and powerful messaging. 

Today, Sophie will be sharing with us her secrets to getting clients online, as well as her inspiring story of how she turned her passion for design into her dream business!

In this episode, we'll cover the following:

• How pitching yourself and building relationships can help you book your first (or next) client online
• The power of not letting fear prevent you from showing up for your business
• Sophies, the vulnerable story behind what it REALLY is like growing an online business and walking forward even if you don't have all the answers

More about Sophie:

Sophie is the designer behind Simply Sophie Designs, a marketing + design agency that help brands tell their unique story through eye-catching designs and powerful messaging. Simply Sophie Designs started with Sophie selling custom portraits from her college dorm room to classmates in 2019. Her business has since grown and evolved into a service-based business, which allowed her to quit corporate and pursue her own dreams full time in 2022. When she’s not creating one of a kind pattern designs, beautiful illustrations, social media posts, or writing and designing marketing emails for her clients, she can also be found teaching a module in her signature course, the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program a live, cohort-style class for business owners.

Sophie is also the co-host of creative entrepreneurship podcast, The Art of Small, and has had her illustration work published in magazine spreads and books alike. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her husband and their bernedoodle, Dolly (affectionately named after Dolly Parton).

How to connect with Sophie:

Instagram:

Facebook

Youtube

Pinterest

Website

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Try my email marketing platform (affiliate link): Flodesk 30 days free trial + 50% off your first year
• Get Sophie’s freebie: The Client Magnet Blueprint: 5 Power Moves to Score Your Next (or First) Client
• Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
• Join the waitlist for Social Media Planning Masterclass - JOIN HERE

How to connect with the host of Small Biz Babes Community Podcast (Michaela):

• Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.

If you are planning to sell your products or services on Instagram in 2024 and are not really sure how to do it, this episode is for you.

Growing business on Instagram is NOT the same as just growing your Instagram account. As business owners on the platform, we are not just looking at likes and followers numbers, but we want to make sure that the effort we are putting into our account will not only attract potential leads and customers to our business but also generate revenue for our business.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of Instagram, uncovering essential marketing strategies and highlighting specific features that can help you get more customers/clients from Instagram!

In this episode, we will cover:

• How to attract followers that want to buy from you
• Actionable tips to apply on Instagram if you want to get more customers/clients from your Instagram efforts
• Must-know marketing strategies for business owners on Instagram
• Specific Instagram features to elevate your business game

If you loved this episode, you will also love:

• E4: Instagram profile makeover for your business - LISTEN NOW
• E39: What to post on Instagram stories for your small business to convert your followers into customers - LISTEN NOW

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• Want more help growing your business on Instagram? Join Instagram for Small Business Academy HERE
• Try my Instagram automation tool ManyChat (affiliate link): TRY FOR FREE HERE
• Join our private Facebook group here
• Start for free in my productivity system Notion - START HERE
• Join the waitlist for Social Media Planning Masterclass - JOIN HERE

Resources:

• Branding checklist for your small business - FREE GUIDE
• Instagram profile makeover for your small business - FREE GUIDE

Let's connect:

• Follow me on Instagram: @‌smallbizbabescommunity
• Join our podcast-exclusive private Facebook group
• Visit my website: https://michaelafong.com/smallbizbabescommunitylinks

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Some of the links in resources are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link I shared (at no additional cost to you). This helps me to continue creating this podcast and share more valuable resources with you.