Tea with the Queen

Recently, my lovely friend Emma said something that stopped me in my tracks. "Everything you do at the moment is turning to gold." Initially, it made me smile, perhaps even left me feeling a bit chuffed with myself. But then I started wondering if this was truly the narrative I was living by. 

What if I dared to believe it?

I want to explore how the stories we tell ourselves can change our lives and businesses. A single phrase has the power to alter our emotions, actions, and even what we attract. A simple comment from a friend unlocked more courage, creativity, and productivity in me than I've experienced in years.

So I invite you to ask: What stories are you telling yourself? Are they fostering growth or holding you back?

If, like me, you find yourself in limiting beliefs, I challenge you to declare, just for a week, that everything you touch turns to gold. Notice the shifts in how you approach meetings, proposals, and client interactions. Sometimes, when you decide to believe in something so positively bold, reality has a way of catching up.

For more practical tips on reframing your business narrative, check out Chris Helder’s bestseller "Useful Belief." And remember, the moment you change your self-belief, everything else in your life begins to shift. 

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Emma McQueen:

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

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Cash flow pressure. Every business owner faces it, whether you've been in the game for three months or three years. That familiar tightening in your chest when a client delays payment, or the sinking feeling when you glance at next month's calendar and notice it's looking sparse. We've all been there.

Whilst it might feel like the end of the world, it's actually an opportunity in disguise. With a strategic approach, cash flow pressure can become a powerful catalyst for growth. In this episode, I talk through three practical steps you can take to turn that stress into progress.

In business, cash flow pressure will ebb and flow. But your response will set you apart. By staying calm, focused, and connected, your business remains strong through turbulent times.

Sales isn't about being pushy. It's about being proactive.

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Emma McQueen:

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

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Fifteen years ago, I made a decision that left everyone scratching their heads. I gave up alcohol cold turkey. That choice didn't just transform my physical wellbeing; it fuelled my journey into bigger rooms, helped grow my business and according to my kids, made me the happiest person they know! This is just one example of the impactful choices I call my "secret sauces," significant yet simple actions that have defined me as a mum, businesswoman, and leader.

In this episode, I'm sharing the three secret sauces that changed everything for me and helped me to create a joyful life by design. You'll discover how quitting alcohol lifted the mental fog and gave me restorative sleep and energy, why consistently being the small fish in a big pond was crucial for my growth and the intentional daily choices that made my kids say I'm the happiest person they know.

These aren't magical elixirs, but the impact they've had is huge. If you're looking for additional energy, growth or clarity in your life and business, this episode will inspire you to cook up your own secret sauces to create the life you truly want.

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Emma McQueen:

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

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Only 3% of people use video in their content. Can you believe it?? Even fewer pick up the phone to have actual conversations with potential clients. Which means, if you do both of these things, you're already miles ahead of your competition. Today, I’m giving you the secret sauce that we share on days three and four of the Business Development Sprint. I’ll admit, these days make most people squirm but I promise you, they deliver the biggest results.

Day Three: Lights, Camera, Action

In today's digital world, using video immediately makes you stand out, especially on more polished platforms like LinkedIn. Are you using video yet? If not, let's change that.

Tips for Using Video

• Practice by saying things out loud to yourself. The tongue has memory and it helps you deliver your message clearer with each attempt.
• Embrace imperfection. People crave real, unpolished, non-AI content.
• Use Instagram Stories as your practice ground. They only last 24 hours, perfect for honing your skills without the pressure.

Day Four: The Art of the Phone Call

Ugh. Phone calls. I know just the thought might make your stomach churn but they are incredibly impactful. 

Three Tips to Make Phone Calls Easier

• Start safe. Call someone you love first for a little pep talk.
• Get into state. Have a ritual that puts you in the right mindset, whether that's playing your favourite song, putting on lipstick, or striking a power pose.
• Make it easier for them. Send a quick text before calling so they can save your number.

Are You Ready For The Challenge?

As daunting as videos and phone calls may seem, they will stretch you and set you apart from the crowd. Choose to be brave, take action, and watch your business grow. If you want more in-depth help, check out the BD Sprint On-Demand. It's 10 days of structured guidance with resources to back you every step of the way.

Let me know how you go. I want to hear all about your brave steps. Are you ready to stand out?

LINKS:

BD Sprint On Demand

Previous episode mentioned:

Business Development Sprint: Here’s How I Structure the First Two Days

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Emma McQueen:

Website

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

YouTube Channel

I've had a shocker of a week. Yep, the kind where it feels like the universe truly has it in for me. It started with saying goodbye to my beloved 16-year-old Maltese, Spencer, and then things just kept piling on. Turns out, bad things really do come in threes sometimes.

In this episode, I share what happened during one of the toughest weeks I've had in a long time and the surprising lessons I learnt about showing up when life gets hard. You'll discover why I chose to host 75 women at our biggest Go-Getters Day ever instead of cancelling, and what that decision taught me about resilience, adaptability and knowing when to push through versus when to pause.

If you're in a season that feels overwhelming, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. It’s also a reminder that being human first is always the priority (yes, even over being a business owner!). Sometimes showing up is enough, and sometimes giving yourself permission to let go and cry is exactly what you need.

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Emma McQueen:

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

YouTube Channel

Are you in the right room? Not the warm, familiar one where everyone knows your name, but the room that makes you squirm because everyone else seems miles ahead of you. When I first started my business, I was earning exactly zero dollars, yet there I was stepping into a business school surrounded by people making hundreds of thousands, even millions. Did I feel out of my depth? Absolutely. Were there tears? Yes, quite a few. But that intimidating room changed me completely.

In this episode, I share what I've learnt about the true value of being the small fish in a big pond and why comfort is actually the enemy of growth. You'll discover why if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room, and how bigger rooms spark bigger ideas. I explore the sweet spot of discomfort where real growth happens and why that queasy feeling when you enter a room is exactly where you need to be.

I give you a practical three-step action plan to audit your current rooms, choose stretch over comfort, and find environments that challenge you in the next 90 days. Growth never happens when you're the big fish, so it's time to choose environments that stretch you and illuminate new possibilities. Being the small fish in a big pond just might be where your next breakthrough begins.

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Emma McQueen:

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

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Working with family isn't for everyone, but it's been one of the best decisions I've made for my business (and my personal life). I recently jumped on a call with my sister, Serena, to chat about what it’s like behind the scenes at Emma McQueen Ptd Ltd —the perks, the challenges and the crazy in between.

Initially, Serena was hesitant to join me. She worried that working together might mess with our personal relationship, especially if things got rocky professionally. Fair concern, really. But once she stepped in, she never looked back—and neither would I want her to. She’s the yin to my yang. 

For anyone considering working with family, traditional performance metrics and rigid boundaries might not apply—and that's perfectly fine. As long as you communicate effectively and understand each other's strengths and areas for improvement, you can create something that works for both professional success and personal satisfaction.

I'm incredibly grateful to have Serena by my side, not just as my sister but as a valued and irreplaceable team member. This dynamic isn't for everyone, but for us, it works like a dream. 

Have you worked with family? What's your experience been like? Whether you're considering it or already doing it, I'd love to hear your stories—they might just help someone else navigate their own family business journey.

Emma McQueen:

Website

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

YouTube Channel

Hands up if you have time in your diary to do business development. If you do, excellent! But everyone I speak to does not. It always drops to the bottom of the priority list, and here's what I've noticed: people think they're doing business development when they're writing content—they're not. You're creating content, posting regularly, but the sales aren't following. The good news? There's a way to cut through the noise and get straight to what actually works.

It's called the Business Development Sprint, and let me tell you, it works. We've run it live several times with participants collectively making over $530,000 in just 10 days—in a market where people are saying "it's hard to sell"! In this episode, I'm walking you through the crucial first two days that can change everything. You'll discover why marketing isn't sales, how to carve out that crucial hour daily for actual relationship building, and the simple paper-and-pen exercise that maps your client journey from cold to sold.

I share my exact nurturing sequence and why your client journey needs 10-13 touchpoints before clients buy from you. We're not talking automation here—we're talking systematising in a way that keeps interactions human and thoughtful. These first two days are about shifting how you think about sales and creating a foundation for real growth that aligns with who you are.

LINKS

BD Sprint

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Emma McQueen:

Website

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

YouTube Channel

Referrals have been the secret ingredient in my business for years, and they're one of the easiest ways to get new clients. If you've ever wondered how some businesses always seem to have a steady stream of new clients whilst others are left scrambling, it's rarely about having the flashiest website or biggest ad spend—the real magic happens through word-of-mouth. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other advertising method.

In this episode, I share how I keep referrals flowing year after year by building real relationships rather than just collecting business cards. You'll discover why consistency is everything when it comes to being referable, the importance of going the extra mile with handwritten thank-you notes and follow-up calls, and why you shouldn't be shy about actually asking for referrals when you've done great work.

I break down my complete 8-step referrals strategy that I've refined over the years, covering everything from identifying your key referrers and setting up tracking systems to creating personalised touchpoint plans and building a community of advocates. This isn't about hoping referrals happen by accident—it's about creating an intentional, systematic approach to nurturing the relationships that will make your business flourish!

Emma McQueen:

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

Our recent trip to New York was a meticulously planned gritty, beautiful and amazing whirlwind. My daughter Evie had her heart set on one particular treasure: a Jellycat unicorn from FAO Schwarz. If you have an 11 year old, you'll understand the obsession with these adorable, fluffy toys.

So we get to FAO Schwarz and it was packed. No unicorn in sight. Evie was disappointed and she settled for an avocado Jellycat instead. But let’s face it, she really wanted that unicorn.

24 hours later, two girls walked past holding the exact unicorn Evie wanted. Her eyes lit up. Her dream was still alive! 

We all get disappointed in business don’t we?   It's not what we do with that disappointment, it's how we bounce back.

In sales,  you don't always get to the yes straight away. Sometimes you get silence, sometimes you get a hard no. But with curiosity, with better questions, with persistence, with follow-up, things can shift.  Sometimes really really quickly.

So if you're lacking a few unicorns lately—whether in sales or broader business objectives—maybe it’s time to regroup. Gather your team, get curious and keep your sights set on that goal. You never know what can happen in 24 hours.

What's your unicorn? And more importantly, what's your plan to get it?

Emma McQueen:

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Website

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