Tea with the Queen

As entrepreneurs, there is so much to think about in the running of a business. From making sales calls to keeping up with endless admin, it can get challenging to keep on top of everything required of us. 

So today, I’m sharing my top software tools that I simply cannot live without. By helping me stay on top of admin and enhancing productivity and communication, these tools have become integral to my daily workflow.

1. Marco Polo: The Game-Changing Video Messaging App

This is one of my absolute favourite tools - a video messaging app that allows users to send video messages either live or to be watched later. This app has actually become the one I use most on my phone. In fact, it’s the number one thing that uses most of my battery!

2. Xero: Your Business Finance Ally

Next up is Xero, an accounting software that I started using early in my business journey. It’s more than just an accounting tool; it's also a statement that you’re serious about business. Unlike traditional spreadsheets, Xero offers a comprehensive suite of features that no serious business can afford to overlook.

3. Audible: Feeding the Mind Constantly

A constant companion in my life has been Audible, the audiobook subscription service. With a book always ready on my phone, I’m able to learn and grow on the go. I share a recent read that impacted me lately and encourage you to integrate it into your every day if you’re looking to consume knowledge efficiently and effectively.

4. Big VU: The Teleprompter App to Keep You on Track

Big VU is an amazing teleprompter that helps me keep my video content organised and professional. It’s almost like a security blanket for me, where I can stay on track and consistent with my socials. It’s fairly affordable and I love the ease of use. If you want to get better at videos, this is the tool to download.

5. Insight Timer: Meditation for Mental Clarity

This is a meditation app that has been part of my daily routine for seven years. Used every morning after my 5am walk (I know, 5am - let’s not go there!), it’s a soothing start to my day, keeping me grounded and focused.

Bonus Recommendations

Bonus round! I share a couple of extra goodies on high rotation for me: the Notes app on my phone and the Oura ring. 

So, these are my go-to tools that help me stay productive, organised and focused. I highly recommend you check them out. Have any software tools you can’t live without? I’d love to hear about them. Drop a comment or DM me to share yours!

LINKS:

Resources mentioned:

Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me 

Xero: https://www.xero.com 

Audible: https://www.audible.com 

Big VU: https://www.bigvu.tv 

Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com 

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Increasing profitability can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.

Today, I thought I'd share three ways to increase the profit of your business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these tips can help you maximise your revenue and improve your bottom line.

 1. Dive Deep into Your Numbers

The first step to boosting your profitability is a thorough analysis of your numbers. It might sound really simple, or even silly but I see way too many women burying their heads in the sand because they lack confidence or financial literacy. 

2. Increase Your Prices

Another simple often neglected strategy for increasing profit is to raise your prices. Women, in particular, tend to undervalue their services and hesitate to charge what they're worth. If inflation and business costs rise, so too should your prices. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your prices to reflect the market conditions and the value you provide is crucial.

3. Create New Offers

 Introducing new, high-margin offers is another effective way to increase profit. This doesn’t mean pushing out offers with no margin—instead, focus on those with good revenue and strong profit potential.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

 One of the most common questions I get asked as a business coach is, "How do I price my services?" It causes stress and anxiety for many entrepreneurs so today I want to talk about value-based pricing and how value-stacking can make your offerings irresistible.

Value-based pricing is a strategy where the price of a product or service is determined by the perceived value to the customer rather than the cost of production or historical prices.   

Adopting a value-based pricing strategy allows you to communicate the unique advantages and value-adds your product or service offers. This helps you stand out in the market and escape the price wars.

 How to Implement Value-Based Pricing

1. Understand Your Client’s Perceived Value: Dive into the minds of your customers. What problems does your offering solve for them? What benefits do they value the most? 

2. Stack the Value:  When customers feel they are getting substantial value, they are less likely to question the price. To achieve this, provide additional resources, access to tools, or exclusive content that complements the rest of the package and addresses your client's needs.

Remember, the first sale you need to make is to yourself. If you're not thoroughly convinced about the value of your offer, it's time to reassess and add more value!

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

“People just aren’t buying right now”.

It’s a phrase I’ve heard many times over the last 6 months at least, and I understand how difficult it can be to make sales right now. 

With rising interest rates, a housing crisis, ads becoming more expensive and generally sluggish social media engagement, we know the market has changed. 

But to say that people aren’t buying right now without looking at the bigger picture, I feel needs some further investigation. People are still spending money, and sales are still happening.

Here are three things you can do to keep selling through challenging times:

1. Get Creative and Stand Out

Don't just offer the same old thing everyone else does. Think about what makes you unique and how you can deliver exceptional value.

2. Your Energy Check In

People are drawn to positive energy. Do an honest self-assessment. Are you bringing the enthusiasm you need to connect with potential customers?

3. Be Proactive

No more waiting for leads to fall into your lap. Be intentional about your business development efforts. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Build Your List: Having an email list is crucial. It allows you to nurture leads and share your offers directly.
• Offer a Valuable Freebie: Incentivise people to sign up for your list with a freebie that solves a problem they have.
• Craft a Sales Process: Do you even have a sales process? Map it out to ensure you're consistently following the right steps to convert leads into customers.

While the sales landscape may seem harder right now, remember that people are still spending money. By implementing these key strategies – getting creative with your offerings, radiating positive energy, and taking a proactive approach to sales – your business can thrive.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

As we approach the end of the financial year, small business owners need to reflect on their financial position and make strategic decisions for the year ahead. That’s why today I’m sharing 10 key questions you can ask yourself to ensure financial preparedness.

1.      Have I maximised all my tax deductions?

2.      Are my financial records up to date?

3.      Do I need to make any last-minute purchases?

4.      Is there any income I should defer?

5.      Have I reviewed my business plan and budget?

6.      Am I on track with my retirement contributions?

7.      Should I adjust payroll withholdings?

8.      Do I have any outstanding invoices?

9.      How is my cash flow management going?

10.  What are my financial goals for the next year?

Preparing for the end of the financial year involves more than just crunching numbers—it requires strategic foresight, meticulous planning, and a proactive approach to financial management. By asking yourself these 10 crucial financial questions and taking action based on the insights gained, you can set your business up for success in the upcoming financial year.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Let's face it, running a small business is tough. There are days when the endless to-do list feels overwhelming, and there is a distinct lack of motivation.

I've spoken to many small business owners recently feeling this exact way. Words like "lacking motivation" and "no mojo" are all too common.

But here's the good news: you're not alone! Even the most successful entrepreneurs experience dips in motivation. The key is understanding why you're feeling this way and having some strategies to get your spark back.

Self-reflection is Key

The first step is to identify the root cause of your lack of motivation. Grab a cup of tea and ask yourself some key questions:

• What energises you? 
• When are you in flow?
• Are you bored or burnt out? 

What Drains Your Mojo?

For me, I’ve discovered that mojo depletion often comes from three main culprits:

• Working too many hours
• Family time neglect
• No "me" time

Five Ways to Reignite Your Mojo

• Physical Activity & Self-Care
• Embrace Creativity
• Connect with Biz Friends
• Mindfulness & Meditation
• Change Your Scenery

Remember, resurfacing from a lack of motivation is an ongoing process. Experiment with these tips and find what works best for you.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

I’ve had many conversations with exhausted entrepreneurs feeling totally stuck in business.

They’ve hit a wall. 

They’re sick of making decisions and they’re just in a giant rut.

If you’ve been there too (or you’re currently navigating this) you're not alone. Every entrepreneur hits this rut at some point, myself included.

The good news is, there’s a way out of the mess. In this article, I'm going to share some practical tips that helped me break free from feeling stuck in business and get back on track.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Where am I? Be honest about your current business situation.
• Where do I want to go? What are your long-term goals?
• What's the gap? Identify the areas keeping you from achieving those goals.
• Am I aligned? Are your current actions supporting your goals and values?

Taking Action to Break Free:

• Update Your Strategy: Review what's working and what's not. Be willing to ditch what isn't bringing results.
• Focus on Clarity: Analyse your client journey. What experience are you creating? Are there areas for improvement?
• Collaboration is Key: Network with others in your industry. Share your expertise and build relationships.
• Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Mentors, coaches, and industry experts can provide valuable insights and keep you accountable.

Remember, feeling stuck is only temporary, but it takes action on your part to break free. By taking these steps, and most importantly, by believing in yourself, you can get your business unstuck and feel better about where you’re headed.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

If you’re drowning in a busy schedule, it's time to hit pause and start setting boundaries with the mighty to-don't list.

The to-don’t list identifies activities that waste your time, create distractions, or don't align with your priorities so you can consciously avoid them. This frees up time and brain power so you can focus on what really matters to you. 

In today’s episode, I’m going to share tips about how you can create your own to-don't list:

1.  Identifying Timewasters: Take a look at your daily schedule and identify activities that are wasting time. This could be excessive social media browsing, unnecessary meetings, or ineffective multitasking. 

2.  Setting Boundaries: For your to-don’t list to be effective, you need to establish clear parameters for yourself

3.  Communicating Your Boundaries: It’s essential to communicate your boundaries with others to ensure they understand and respect your choices. 

4.   Hacking Yourself: Reinforce your to-don't list by establishing consequences or rewards for yourself. This will help you stay motivated and committed.

5.   Review and Adjust: Your to-don't list should not be static. Regularly review and adjust it to ensure it remains relevant to your goals

If this episode has inspired you to make your own to-don’t list remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate your victories, and stay committed to the habits that serve you best. 

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Did you know that the average adult makes 35000 decisions every day?

It’s an overwhelming number and it blew my mind when I first heard it. 

From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, our brain makes decisions that shape our actions and define our paths in life. If we aren’t making good decisions how will that impact us, and if we could improve our decision-making what effect would that have on our lives and our businesses?

Today I want to share the four questions I ask myself when making big decisions. They help me look past conflicting desires and responsibilities to see what choice is best for me.

Question One: Do I want to do it? This might seem simple, but I think it’s a crucial step as you can often fool yourself into thinking you want something you actually don’t. I find journalling is incredibly helpful for working through this.

Question Two: Is it good for me? Decisions can have consequences that aren’t immediately apparent. Take time to think through a course of action and what positive/negative effects it will have.

Question Three: Is it good for my family? Even if a decision is great for you, it can affect the people around you negatively. I need to consider how things will affect my three children and my husband. Is it a good choice for us? Is it even feasible for us?

Question Four: What does my gut say? Too often in business, I’ve made choices based on logic that go against how my gut feels. These seem like great decisions at the time but sometimes they cause a lot of trouble I could have avoided if I’d listened to my gut.

I’ll also share a difficult choice I was faced with at the end of last year and walk you through how each of the questions helped me prioritise my health, energy, and family despite the incredibly tempting opportunity.  

In the end, decision-making is not just about making choices; it's about understanding yourself, aligning with your values, and nurturing your well-being. So, the next time you're faced with a tough decision, make sure you take the time to understand how you feel, and don’t forget to listen to your gut.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/

Are you currently feeling scattered in your business?

When you sit down at your desk to start your work day, is the list of tasks insurmountable?

You’re feeling so overwhelmed by all the things you need to do, you have a million tasks on your plate and no clear direction on how to tackle them.

If you’re currently feeling scattered in your business, here are a few practical tips that I often share with my clients:

1. Step Away and Refresh: Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to step away from the keyboard! Take a break, go for a walk, or simply have a cup of tea to clear your mind. Even a few minutes away from your desk can give you the mental headspace that you need.

2. Prioritise Tasks: Instead of tackling your entire to-do list at once, identify the tasks that will truly move the needle in your business and prioritise them. I like to plan my week on a Sunday afternoon, and then pull from that list just three tasks to focus on per day.

3. Eliminate Distractions: Distractions can worsen the scattered feeling. Turn off notifications, leave your phone in another room if you have to and set specific work periods using techniques like the Pomodoro method. 

4. Focus on One Thing: Identify the one key task that will propel you forward and dedicate your efforts to it. Stick to it until you see results. If you have too many things to focus on at once (especially if they’re all decent-sized projects), your ability to finish any of them will be diminished.

5. Script Feedback: When giving feedback or addressing issues, use a structured approach like the SBI model (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) to keep emotions at bay and ensure clarity in communication.

Navigating through moments where you feel scattered in your business is a common challenge. But with the right strategies, you can regain your clarity and focus. Remember, it's often about stripping away the noise, identifying the core tasks that matter, and committing to them with intention and purpose.

LINKS:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/