Today marks the end of season one of The Business Conservatory! For the past year and change, we've been iterating on this podcast, playing with the format and coming as we are. It's been one big experiment where we've gathered data, iterated, and continued showing up.

And that willingness to come as you are is exactly what I want you to sit with during this break. You don't get brownie points for ideas that you never put out into the world! So start releasing your creations and let yourself be a beginner. Not every idea will be a home run, but no chance of a home run even happens if you refuse to hit the ball.

During the break between season, please stay in touch! I'll still be active on socials and in the membership. So meet me there! I can't wait to see what you all create in the next few months. If you ever need a good dose of accountability, I'm always here. And now, you've got a whole library of content you can come back to. I'm a big proponent of returning to episodes that resonate. See what sticks the second time around!

See you soon!

Business is supposed to be easy, right? That's what you'll hear from plenty of coaches out there. And for today's guest, business was easy for a time. But what happens when inevitable friction comes up? Do you have the tools to get through?

Chelsea Abril started her business on accident, or so she says. She found herself always returning back to photography. She was surprised when it provided extra gas money at first and then later, she found herself just as surprised at 6 figures. What had landed her there? Was it repeatable? She wasn't sure. And did it even feel good?

When Chelsea realized she was in the throes of burnout and she was standing on rocky foundations in entrepreneurship, she knew she had to take herself seriously. And that meant taking her own freedom and expression seriously, just as much as the cold hard facts and data.

She knew her calling was deeper than teaching people about aperture. So after detangling herself from burnout, she knew she wanted to help others do the same. Now, Chelsea helps her clients reconnect to their creative energy. When the hum of burnout threatens to burn the whole thing down, Chelsea is there to hold space and provide a way through.

I'm so excited for you to tune into this episode. The fact is, creative burnout will hit most entrepreneurs at some point in there journey. And I truly think one of the things we need most to move through it is community. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that it's okay to play a damn video game every one in a while.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Chelsea's accidental entrepreneurial beginnings
• The moment she realized she needed to take herself seriously
• How talent can squander work ethic
• The role of gentleness in business

Connect with me:

• Website
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Pinterest

You've probably heard me chatting on Instagram about having months of content in advance. It's been such a game-changer for my business. Now, I'm super excited to spill the beans on how you can do this magic for yourself. So seriously, bookmark this episode!

Let me get real with you – 2023 was probably one of my toughest years. With my house under construction, podcasting in closets, cars, and generally dealing with life's chaos, I kept showing up. You may have seen me posting and thought "well, that's easy for you." But news flash: it's not always possible to create new content. And you shouldn't expect yourself to.

I get it; your life is hectic, juggling kids, work, and whatnot. But here's the truth: showing up correlates directly with your earnings. Unsexy reality, but there it is. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you can't be present. That's where planning months of content in advance comes to the rescue.

No more feeling like a slave to your business, and definitely no more excuses. Let's build a content fortress for 2024.

First things first, ditch the Notes app. Get yourself a project management software (I use ClickUp, but there are others like Asana or Notion). Trust me; your creative genius deserves more than the Notes app.

Then let's talk inspiration. Carve out intentional pockets of time for your creative self. Whether it's a morning ritual, a quiet night, or even during your commute – find what works for you. Get inspired and use that energy to fill your project management software with genius ideas.

Oh, and please stop overthinking repurposing. Your audience will literally forget about that reel you posted 5 minutes after exiting the app. They're definitely not going to remember you reposting it as a carousel a month later.

Feeling overwhelmed thinking about 3, 6, 9, or 12 months of content? Start small. Create three pockets of time this week, get inspired, and dump those ideas into your new project management software. Even with just a few ideas, you can create a content flow that'll make your life easier.

And guess what? If you're itching to see this in action or need a kickstart, my agency is back in business! We can build out your content for the first three, six, or twelve months. Check the link below if you want us to do the heavy lifting for you.

Imagine the possibilities for 2024 if you had your time back. More content, less burnout. I can't wait to see what you achieve. Stay tuned for more trainings in the coming weeks. Here's to a fantastic new year!

Connect with me:

• Website
• Instagram
• Tiktok

You know, those moments of clarity and creativity that hit you like a wave? Well, I'm riding that wave, and today, we're getting ready for the greatest comeback of our lives.

I've been chatting in the DMs with quite a few people who have had their hardest year yet. In the last episode, I was in deep reflection mode, but dwelling there forever isn't the answer. So here's the scoop for a 2024 comeback that goes beyond empty resolutions.

Drawing wisdom from my friend Todd Collins, a great TikTok creator, we explore the essence of a great story. Think Rocky – his first fight wasn't a win, but the comeback? Oh, that hits different, and your victory will be ten times sweeter after hitting rock bottom.

Confession time: I was ready to throw in the towel on this year, but now I'm in a different space. I've realized that my intense feelings can be leverage for my business and dreams. If I got everything I wanted, I'd be a different person – less relatable, less real. Failure, with the ability to connect and lift each other up, is a far better path.

So we're hitting on some key principles that will take that to-do list that inevitably gets abandoned and create something so much better. In the new year, let's agree to fail forward and fail faster. It's all an experiment that we can keep tweaking along the way until we find the answers.

The second principle is recognizing that there's a solution for every problem. Wrap your mind around it – it's empowering. Operate with confidence, become a solution driver, and reject the victim mentality. Despite a history of rejection, failure, and trauma, you can self-soothe and grow. Your core confidence comes from realizing you're entirely capable.

This is the year that we let go of the old approach. I've been through cycles of productivity that only get knocked down by depressive episodes. I know that none of this is cut and dry. But that's why we're not doing it alone. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us! Thank you for tuning in to another episode of The Business Conservatory Podcast. The next year of the podcast has some super exciting things on the horizon, so stay tuned!

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Pinterest

We're ditching the polished version of me you might be used to today. This past year has been a whirlwind of growth, both exhilarating and, let's admit it, a tad embarrassing. I've made my fair share of mistakes and missteps, from investing in a direction that lacked clarity to ignoring traumas that needed to be addressed.

But here's the real gem of 2023 – you, the amazing listeners who've been by my side through thick and thin. Your support allowed me to pivot, evolve, and learn some crucial lessons. I ditched the rigid, info-heavy podcast style and found a more authentic way to connect. And it made all the difference.

Now, let's talk about taking risks. I shared some of my bold moves – diving into coaching, investing in a new website, hiring a dream team, and going all-in on a vision. Yet, amid the hustle, I was missing a crucial element: clarity. I realized my audience needed a clearer picture of what I do, and that realization came with a hefty price tag.

As we gear up for 2024, I'm making a pact with myself – more intentional joy. It's time to prioritize happiness, to savor the moments, and to live fully in the present. After all, what's the point of the grind if you're putting off joy for a later date?

So, my friends, let's step into the new year with kindness for ourselves, a commitment to mental well-being, and a deliberate pursuit of happiness. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and here's to making 2024 a year of purposeful growth and genuine joy! Until next time, stay inspired.

Check out the shownotes for more resources!

As business owners today, we're lucky to have a wealth of option when it comes to helpful apps. But sometimes it can feel like there is almost too many options to choose from. Well i've been in the game for many years now and created and maintained multiple business by using a select few stand out apps.

Today i'm sharing the inside scoop on exactly which apps have been best for streamlining mine and my millionaire clients businesses. In this day and age, we can't fall behind technologically. So let's fast track you past the point of endless youtube videos weighing the pros and cons. We don't have time to waste with more Instagram ads that having you constantly CRM shopping.

In today's episode, i'm chatting about:

• Metricool – a social media game-changer. It's not just a scheduler; it's your analytics powerhouse, giving you a clear understanding of your audience's response
• ClickUp – the project management app that keeps you on top of your content game. From idea phase to creation, ClickUp helps you plan and organize, ensuring your content is relevant, impactful, and seamlessly executed.
• Descript – a must-have for turning your podcast episodes into engaging content. Transcription and captioning made easy, bridging the gap between spoken word and captivating visuals.
• Klaviyo takes your email marketing to the next level. This powerhouse platform allows for customization and segmentation based on customer behavior, maximizing engagement and turning leads into loyal customers.
• Dubsado, the CRM that goes beyond. With unmatched customization, it's a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their processes and elevate customer experiences.
• Zapier. This automation powerhouse connects your apps, ensuring seamless communication and efficiency.
• Repurpose.io – your shortcut to being everywhere at once. Automate posting across multiple platforms, ensuring your content reaches a broader audience without the hassle.

Check out the shownotes for more resources HERE!

As my team and I make changes to our systems and processes to enhance customer care, I thought it was the perfect time to talk about the customer experience. Do your customers feel personally cared for while working for you? Do they get a sense of who you are, even over text? Or is there a barrier between you and the client that never seems to come down?

Today, i'm using principles found in the book Never Lose a Customer Again: Turn Any Sale into Lifelong Loyalty in 100 Days to lay out a step by step plan to improve your customer experience. I've personally seen how going that extra mile for a client can double the package they're buying from you and elongate the relationship way beyond a one time exchange. But how can you actually, tangibly put this into practice?

It's actually not a matter of reinventing the wheel with every client you come across. You can follow a very clear structure that leads to clients who feel seen and keep coming back for more. I can't wait for you to tune in and start putting these tips into practice!

Be sure to leave a rating/review and share the show on socials. In a world that's not revolving around an algorithm, it really means the world!

In this episode, I discuss:

• When to ditch professionalism and just...speak like a person
• Why it's important to create a personalized customer experience
• So much of the personalization comes from asking the right questions
• The eight phases of the customer experience

Check out the shownotes for more resources!

You may have heard of a business audit and wondered whether it's right for you. Am I at the "right" place in my career to invest in this? Is Ellie the right person to facilitate this conversation with me? My live business audits are here to answer those questions.

Today, we're going deep on Caela's wedding photography business. Whether you're a wedding photographer or not, I think you'll see yourself somewhere in Caela's business triumphs and struggles. She's going through a transition phase after raising her prices and grappling with the worthiness issues that come up along the way of wondering "where is my next client coming from?"

She's seeing a slow down of inquiries and a frustration with Instagram as it feels highly curated and disconnected from her core values at the moment. First, we use her current numbers to determine whether she's experiencing a marketing issue or a sales issue. Once we've arrived at the root of the problem, I give her actionable steps to become the highly selective, sought after wedding photographer that she wants to be.

I'm excited for you to tune in because I think every business will have something to glean from Caela's breakthroughs!

• How many inquiries Caela got from Ads vs. Instagram this month
• Are inquiries leading to sales?
• Getting really clear on what Caela's dream work life looks like
• A framework for focusing her marketing more on the transformation her clients are experiencing

Connect with Caela:

• on Instagram

Check out the shownotes for more resources!

Have you ever asked yourself, "If not for money or the opportunity to work for myself, why did I start this business?" That is often the beginning of your brand story. Today's guest, Christina Hall, is the owner of Super Lunar Design Co. She helps brands build an online presence in a comprehensive experience that goes way beyond simply creating graphics.

For her, the key to unlocking a new level of visibility online came from finally feeling comfortable enough to share a silly story about her childhood. Sometimes, all we need to do is give ourselves permission to be full of human beings in the online space. Why are we abiding by stuffy rules of professionalism if we're deliberately creating a life and business outside of the nine to five? That's the question we're grappling with on today's episode.

I truly think you're going to walk away from this episode with a newfound excitement to find your brand story and get loud about it online! 

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Christina was able to escape the "boring" projects and get to the heart of what she actually wanted to do
• The story that blew up Christinas online presence
• Embracing multiple brand stories
• Picking your battles with haters online
• How she took her earning potential from 2K/month to 20K/month

For more resources, check out the shownotes HERE!

What happens when moments of profound grief strike and completely change the trajectory of your life and business? Today's guest, Hailey Roper of Studio Kinship & Creative Kin Lounge, found a new depth to her work after going through the darkest days of her life.

Hailey takes strategy and design beyond the process of simply creating beautiful images. How can an image tell a story? How can a color theme strike a chord and stand out as a unique aspect of your brand? The answer lies in integrating empathy into the entire process. Hailey is generous with sharing her story of grief and allowing design to carry her through.

In her process of healing, she found a new way to incorporate profound symbolism into her design. Now, she's committed to making each client feel seen and heard by putting their story into ta visual format. One definition of branding is "to mark indelibly," and that is absolutely what Hailey is doing in her work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A turning point in Haileys life and business
• How Hailey used design to move through her grief
• The importance of hierarchy in branding
• Why one logo isn't going to do much for your business

CW: Child loss

• The Color Guide, a free guide to help you choose the most impactful colors for your brand!
• Creative Kin Lounge

Check out the shownotes for more resources!