Spoiler: it’s not the algorithm. It’s your energy, your expectations, and your willingness to suck before you get good.

With her signature irreverence and no-BS delivery, Colleen breaks down:

• Why “good content” is algorithm-proof and what that actually looks like
• The #1 mistake new entrepreneurs make (hint: it’s not about strategy)
• Why creating bad content is a non-negotiable step toward creating great content
• What happens when you perform for the algorithm instead of connecting with your audience
• The mindset shift that finally got her sales rolling—and how to rewire your relationship with money

Whether you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, playing the comparison game, or just pissed your Reels keep flopping, this episode will remind you that growth isn’t cute—but it is worth it.

Links:

You Are a Badass at Making Money

The Science of Getting Rich

Join DSGC and get exclusive access to ColleenGPT -- the GPT that helps take your in-person awesomeness and translate it to the small screen of social media.

Keywords:

entrepreneur mindset, content creation tips, Instagram algorithm, small business marketing, online business growth, personal branding, visibility struggles, sales confidence, money mindset for women, authentic marketing

It's her oldest's 10th birthday which means she’s been a mom for a decade, and Colleen takes a look back at her viral Scary Mommy post from ten years ago about her struggle with postpartum depression. 

This episode isn’t really about kids, though. It’s about what nobody told her when she became a mom. It’s about postpartum depression, identity loss, brain chemistry, rage crying, and the relief of finally realizing ohhhh wait, I’m not broken… I just need sleep and probably a Prozac prescription.

Colleen reads an essay she wrote 10 years ago (that went viral on Scary Mommy) called “Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me About the Darkness,” and then reflects on the human she’s become since. If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in early motherhood—or just life in general—you’ll feel seen, heard, and slightly more normal after this one.

Colleen Nichols is back with the 10th episode of Tell Me Immediately—a milestone that apparently most podcasts don’t reach (so cue the confetti 🎉). In true Colleen fashion, this episode is a mix of practical life advice, business wisdom, and a healthy dose of calling out internet nonsense.

The meat and potatoes of the episode: Why People Keep Falling for Overpriced Coaching Scams

• The rise of coaching refugees—entrepreneurs who spent $10K, $25K, even $50K on coaching that did nothing but make them feel bad.
• The problem with viral coaches selling success without proving they can replicate results for others.
• The truth about those flashy “I made $200K this month” posts (aka, let’s talk about profit vs. revenue).

Growth vs. Engagement: What Actually Makes You Money Online

• Why virality ≠ success and how chasing views can actually tank your business.
• The importance of engagement over audience size (because a room full of the wrong people = crickets, not cash).
• How to spot marketing tactics designed to impress you rather than actually help you.

Oh, and wear Colleen buys her favorite athleisure dresses for spring and summer (because, you know, priorities) 

The athletic dresses I'm talking about: 

this one

this one, too

okay, and this one

Some coaches who I think are legit AF and worth your time, energy, and money:

@abigailpeugh

@the_no_bs_newyorker

@zeeslingsby

@shannonmckinstrie

@emilyschwalbach

@shaunavanbogart

@the.jackie.richards

@contentwithelyse

@allieireeves

@danielle_onthedaily 

And @me -- because I think I'm legit AF and have the reputation to back it up. If you're ready to join DSGC, click HERE.

This episode of Tell Me Immediately is a ride—so buckle up. We're covers period parties (yep, that’s a thing), telepathic communication, and the fact that I can apparently talk to dead people. Casual.

What’s Inside This Episode?

💃 Period Parties?!  Are we celebrating or oversharing? Would teenage you have survived your mother throwing one of these? (Absolutely not.)

🧠 The Telepathy Tapes: Have you heard of this podcast? Turns out, nonverbal autistic children and young adults might be telepathically communicating with each other. Across the world. Without ever meeting. It's life changing. 

👻 Oh, Also—Talking to Dead People. No, really. It started after my dad passed, and now I occasionally get full-on spirit messages for people. It happened again this week. Twice. So naturally, I’m questioning everything I know about reality and wondering how one “practices” mediumship. Do I need a mentor? A business card? A ghost hotline? (Help.)

If you’ve ever questioned the limits of consciousness, debated whether we’re really alone, or just want to hear me process the absolute weirdness of my life—this episode is for you.

Ever wondered why people hit that “unfollow” button on Instagram? Or what actually keeps them engaged and invested in your content? In this episode of Tell Me Immediately, I break down the surprising (and brutally honest) responses from my Instagram community about what makes them love or leave an account. Spoiler alert: It’s got nothing to do with having perfect skin, a size-four waist, or a laundry-free house.

We dive into:
- The #1 reason people unfollow (and why it’s not personal)
- Why too much perfection is actually hurting your brand
- The overwhelming demand for authenticity, relatability, and humor
- The small, silly things holding you back from showing up as yourself
- How naming your insecurities out loud can skyrocket your connection and engagement

If you've ever overthought what to post, worried about judgment, or wondered if authenticity is just a buzzword—this episode is for you.

Resources & Links:
📖 Don’t Make It Weird: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Being Human on the Internet
📲 Follow me on Instagram: @NoShameSalesGame
🎤 Want to sponsor my in-person retreat in October? Slide into my DMs!

💡 Join Digital Sales Growth Community

Join the Conversation:
What’s your “dandruff moment”? That tiny thing you’re overthinking that’s keeping you from showing up online? Share your thoughts in my DMs or tag me in your stories @NoShameSalesGame.

In today’s episode, Colleen dives into a highly requested topic—how to balance motherhood and a successful career. Colleen gets real about navigating different seasons of life, prioritizing herself outside of motherhood, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”

From her corporate career ambitions to becoming a stay-at-home mom (and realizing it wasn’t for her), to running a thriving business while raising three boys, Colleen shares how she structures her days, the importance of delegation, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference. Whether you’re a mom, future mom, or just someone trying to juggle all the things, this episode is your permission slip to figure it out your way.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✅ The evolving identity shifts that come with motherhood
✅ Why Colleen thought she’d be a corporate queen forever (until she didn’t)
✅ The reality of being a stay-at-home mom and why it wasn’t fulfilling for her
✅ How she manages her time as a business owner and mom of three
✅ Why delegating (and paying for help) is a game-changer
✅ Giving yourself permission to do motherhood your way
✅ The truth about different seasons of life and why they don’t last forever

Links: 

🔗  Come hang out on Instagram @noshamesalesgame

🔗 Check out Digital Sales Growth Community

In this episode of Tell Me Immediately, Colleen  breaks down one of the most common frustrations among entrepreneurs using Instagram: low story views. While many believe that links, hashtags, or the algorithm are to blame, Colleen explains that the real issue often lies in how stories are being used—and she shares exactly what to do to turn things around.

What Listeners Will Learn:

✔️ Why Instagram Stories are the most powerful tool for sales (and why ignoring them is a mistake)
✔️ The five biggest reasons Story views drop—and how to fix them
✔️ How to shift from performance-based content to a community-driven approach
✔️ The key to increasing engagement without relying on algorithms
✔️ Why confidence plays a crucial role in attracting an audience—and how to build it

Colleen emphasizes that social media is about creating connections, not just broadcasting information. For entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands and increase sales, mastering stories is essential.

Resources & Next Steps:

🚀 Join the Digital Sales Growth Community (DSGC): Colleen's membership program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to sell confidently, engage their audience, and build an authentic presence online. Members receive:
✔️ Daily social media prompts for consistent content
✔️ Weekly live coaching calls for expert guidance
✔️ Monthly expert trainings on social media, sales, and branding
✔️ A library of 100+ training replays
✔️ A thriving community of like-minded entrepreneurs

🔗 Join DSGC today → https://www.directsalesgc.com/plans/314404?bundle_token=b26859bdc5006d404d2319a5e1d8dd14&utm_source=manual

📲 Follow Colleen on Instagram → @NoShameSalesGame

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share the episode, and tag Colleen on social media. Tell Me Immediately returns soon with more insights on digital authenticity, social media strategy, and business growth.

In this week’s episode of Tell Me Immediately, Colleen dives deep into the bittersweet process of leaving behind something good to pursue something even greater. Inspired by her own journey—from network marketing to building her multi-million-dollar business (Digital Sales Growth Community)—she shares the highs, the doubts, and the undeniable magic of betting on yourself.

With her signature wit and relatable storytelling, Colleen opens up about:

• Why she’s panicking over leaving her dream house (hint: it’s about more than the seven bathrooms).
• The gut-wrenching fears that come with stepping into the unknown—and why it’s worth it anyway.
• The hard truth: You can love where you are and still know it’s time to move forward.
• How the last time she graduated from “good” led to unimaginable success (spoiler: $75k/year turned into $75k/month).
• Why “graduating” doesn’t always feel glamorous, but it’s the necessary leap toward greatness.

Whether you’re considering starting your own business, leaving behind a comfortable but unfulfilling situation, or simply navigating your next life chapter, this episode will speak directly to your soul. Colleen doesn’t sugarcoat the fear of change, but she reminds us that trusting the process (and yourself) can lead to life-changing opportunities.

Are you ready to graduate from good? Colleen wants to hear about the leap you’re contemplating. DM her on Instagram @noshamesalesgame or tag her in your stories.

And hey, while you’re here—if you know someone who’s stuck in “good enough” but secretly dreaming of great, send them this episode. It might just be the push they need.

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, leaving comfort zones, leveling up, network marketing, mindset shift, business growth, overcoming fear, personal growth, trusting the process, women in business, chasing dreams, taking risks, leadership, redefining success

In this episode, Colleen discusses her recent experiences as a keynote speaker, emphasizing the significance of discipline over motivation in achieving goals. She shares her journey of public speaking, the challenges she faced, and the unexpected success of her book signing event. Colleen reflects on her personal growth, the importance of celebrating achievements, and the value of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in sharing her story.

takeaways

• Discipline is more reliable than motivation for achieving goals.
• Public speaking can be a daunting but rewarding experience.
• Celebrating personal achievements fosters confidence and growth.
• Vulnerability in sharing experiences resonates with others.
• Facing fears can lead to unexpected successes.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for connection.
• The journey of writing a book is filled with ups and downs.
• Overcoming anxiety in new situations builds resilience.
• Support from others can make challenging experiences easier.
• Every challenge faced contributes to personal development.

keywords: discipline, motivation, personal growth, public speaking, book signing, overcoming fear, self-improvement, confidence, storytelling, authenticity

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Colleen Nichols ditches the script to share her thoughts on everything from unexpected water crises to her newfound obsession with Wicked. Get ready for a whirlwind of relatable moments, entrepreneurial truths, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

What’s Inside:
Life Imitating Oregon Trail: Colleen’s survival guide to a water boil advisory in Richmond, Virginia, and how it feels to relive history—in the least glamorous way possible.
Parenting Real Talk: 26 days of no school, sick kids, and the chaotic blend of boredom and overstimulation. Moms, you’ll feel this one in your soul.
Wicked Wonders: How Wicked (and Cynthia Erivo) turned a musical skeptic into a full-blown fan—deep dives, life lessons, and all.
The Success Question: Does everyone have what it takes to succeed? Colleen gets brutally honest about the work, discomfort, and sacrifice behind building a multimillion-dollar business.
Why No Kids Online?: A candid look at why Colleen chooses to keep her children off the internet—safety, consent, and some wild real-life examples included.

Hot Takes & Takeaways:

• The difference between wanting success and doing the work it takes to achieve it.
• Defining your version of success—and why it’s crucial to tune out the noise online.
• Permission to say “no” to things you don’t want to do (like skiing!) without guilt.