The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur

If you finished this week feeling wiped out but couldn't point to why, this episode is going to make a lot of things click. There's a name for the extra cost you keep paying just for having a brain that works differently. It's called the ADHD tax and most of us only ever notice one piece of it at a time. Amber breaks it down honestly across all three layers so you can finally see the full picture without the shame spiral on top.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• What the ADHD tax actually is and why it's structural, not a character flaw or a willpower problem

• The money layer: late fees, zombie subscriptions, repurchasing things you already own and the impulse buys that end up in the graveyard

• The time layer: transition drag, the search tax, redoing lost work and the decision loops that quietly eat your day

• The energy layer nobody talks about: masking, shame management and the cognitive overhead of holding a hundred open loops in your head

• How all three layers feed each other in a loop, and why that compounding is exactly where your leverage is

• The "assess" phase, and why you have to see a pattern clearly before you can change it

• One simple assignment to try this week that starts with noticing, not fixing

This episode builds on the last one about time blindness, so if you haven't heard that yet, it's a great pairing.

Your assignment this week: pick one layer, money, time or energy, and just get curious about your own tax. Don't fix it. Don't spiral. Just notice.

Links & Resources:

• This kind of honest accounting is exactly what we do inside the Inner Circle. Claim your 50% off an annual membership here. Use code: 5YEARS50

• Email Amber at [email protected]

• Follow Amber on Instagram

If you've ever told someone "I'll be there in 10 minutes" and showed up 45 minutes later - fully believing you had plenty of time - this episode is for you. Time blindness isn't a character flaw, it's neurology. And once you understand what's actually happening in your brain, everything changes.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Why ADHD brains experience time in only two categories: "now" and "not now" — and how that one concept explains so much
• How dopamine drives the overcommitment cycle and keeps you saying yes when your plate is already full
• Why trying to manage time like a neurotypical person is exhausting (and why that's not the goal)
• Four practical strategies you can start using this week to make time more visible and manageable
• How acceptance - real acceptance - is actually the foundation for building systems that work
• Why your future self can't be your only accountability system and what to do instead

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about The Overcommitment Cure: https://amberhawley.com/courses/#overcommitcure
• Email Amber at [email protected]
• Follow Amber on Instagram

Key Moments In This Episode:

00:00 ADHD and Time Management Struggles

08:36 "Finding Balance in Scheduling"

12:18 "Planning Beats Urgency"

14:24 "Understanding the ADHD Tax"

Hey there, and welcome back to The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur. I'm your host, Amber Holly, and if you've been wondering where I've been - honestly, same. Let me explain.

The podcast went quiet for a while, and it wasn't just one thing. We had a hurricane, some health stuff, family demands piling up, and if I'm being completely honest with you - ADHD perfectionism did its thing. You know how it goes: if I couldn't do it perfectly, some part of my brain decided I shouldn't do it at all. And so... silence.

But I'm back. And I'm really glad to be here.

Starting Wednesday, March 4th, new episodes drop every single week. And I've made some intentional changes to how the show is going to work, because I've learned a few things about what actually serves you - and what serves me - in a sustainable way.

Most episodes are going to be shorter and more focused - think 15 to 25 minutes - because that's what actually works for neurodivergent brains, including mine. I'll still do longer episodes when a topic genuinely needs more space, but the default is shorter, sharper, and easier to finish while you're doing the dishes or sitting in your car in a parking lot pretending you're not avoiding going inside yet. No judgment. I've been there.

The format is mostly going to be me, solo, talking directly to you about the real stuff - the ADHD business challenges that nobody puts in the entrepreneurship books. Things like forgetting to bill a client. Or realizing you've been paying for three subscriptions to tools you stopped using six months ago. Or the way energy management, systems, and strategic planning all feel completely different when your brain works the way ours does.

I'll also be bringing in select expert interviews and occasionally sharing sessions from inside my Inner Circle membership - but only when it genuinely adds something, not just to fill a slot.

The first episode of the new season is called "Why Your ADHD Brain Treats Time Like a Suggestion - And What to Do About It." It's a good one, and it's coming at you March 4th.

And speaking of the Inner Circle - we are celebrating five years. Five years of this community showing up for each other and building businesses that actually work with their brains.

To celebrate, I'm offering 50% off an annual membership. If you've been curious about it, this is a really good time to take a look.

50% off link

Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the new episodes, and if you know someone who's been trying to build a business while also managing an ADHD brain - or a suspected one - send this their way. The more the merrier.

I'll see you Wednesday.

AmberHawley.com

Time Stamps:

00:00 Life Update and Hiatus

00:56 Podcast Is Back

02:10 New Episode Format

03:46 Topics You Can Expect

05:06 First Episode Preview

05:26 Inner Circle Origin Story

07:05 Anniversary Offer Details

07:24 Subscribe and Share

07:46 Wrap Up and PSA

This episode dives into the critical but often overwhelming world of marketing for entrepreneurs, particularly those who are neurodivergent. We explore practical strategies to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, ensure consistency, and build sustainable marketing plans.

Jen, now our Chief Marketing Officer with over 20 years in marketing and tech, shares invaluable insights on making your website customer-friendly, the importance of email marketing, and balancing multiple business tasks without succumbing to burnout. We also discuss the difference between sales and marketing, the pitfalls of trendy tools like Clickfunnels, and the need for simplicity and clarity in your marketing approach.

Join us as we uncover actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and the vital role of external support in overcoming marketing challenges to achieve business growth. Plus, don't miss out on our upcoming events and special offers to help you stay on track! Tune in to gain clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose in your marketing efforts. Let's dive in!

Links Mentioned:

amberhawley.com/innercircle

Timestamped overview:

00:00 Back after hiatus; revamped business for clients. 05:19 Focus on consistency and manageable actions in business. 07:29 Marketing is overwhelming due to complexity and uncertainty. 10:11 Former tester learned restraint; avoids unnecessary software testing. 15:21 A mentor helps overcome business barriers. 17:13 Made email series more personal and compelling. 20:44 Emotional attachment complicates personal tasks and marketing. 23:37 Clear priorities essential before pursuing marketing efforts. 26:37 Own your website; control your messaging effectively. 30:41 Sunil's success: charisma, networking, personal connections made. 36:03 Email marketing yields high returns for small businesses. 38:57 Prioritize and focus social media for small businesses. 40:20 Elon Musk's changes make account access difficult.

Meet Jen McFarland

Jen McFarland is the CEO & Principle Consultant at Women Conquer Business, a small business marketing consultancy in Portland, OR. Her most notable SEO accomplishment is increasing traffic by 250% for the City of Portland Revenue Bureau (yes, a tax agency!), using customer-centric design and content. Today, she helps service-based businesses increase leads through marketing and SEO strategy.

womenconquerbiz.com

In this episode Amber Hawley and Dr. Liz Slonena delve into the fascinating world of mindful hypnosis and retreats tailored for entrepreneurs with ADHD. They explore the neuroscience behind creativity, stress management, and hypnosis, and discuss authentic ways to overcome common entrepreneurial hurdles like perfectionism and fear of rejection. This enriching discussion offers valuable insights and practical strategies, especially highlighting the upcoming GSD retreat where Dr. Liz will be our resident flow facilitator and her approach to using alter egos for enhanced performance.

In this episode, you will learn about:

* Utilizing mindful hypnosis to enhance focus, creativity, and productivity.

* Overcoming perfectionism and fear of rejection through authenticity and mindful practices.

* The benefits of retreats specifically designed for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.

* Developing an alter ego to improve confidence and manage social media interactions.

* The neurological foundations of creativity and the therapeutic effects of clinical hypnosis.

About Dr. Liz Slonena

Dr. Liz Slonena (slow-nih-nah) is an ADHD psychologist, speaker, and business consultant located in Asheville, NC. She empowers perfectionistic business owners to overcome doubt and banish burnout with mindful hypnosis so that they can stress less and live more while earning more.

Dr. Liz is the co-creator of Brief Mindful Hypnosis, a science-backed way to rapidly overcome stress to help you feel more calm, creative, and confident in 7 days. Her transformative meditations have been featured on YouTube, Aura, InsightTimer, BetterSleep, Thrive360, and Mooditude.

You can learn more on Dr. Liz's website, follow her on Instagram, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Links & Resources:

• GSD Retreat happening May 16th – 18th, 2024 in Asheville, NC

• Get 30 days of free premium access to Aura, an all-in-one meditation and hypnosis app HERE
• Register for free for creating your perfect work week workshop

• Connect with Amber Hawley

Key Moments In This Episode:

00:00 Therapist entrepreneur coaches business owners for success.

04:52 Experience with hypnosis leads to unique perspectives.

09:31 Interest in self-hypnosis and discomfort with performance.

10:36 Connection to energy healing through visualization experiences.

15:22 Therapy voice, power pose shift perception.

20:15 Embracing calming techniques for centering and relaxation.

22:45 Controversial NLP like hypnosis for selling persuasion.

25:58 Interest in mindful hypnosis for neurospicy health.

28:26 ADHD brain feels like swirling puppies, overthinking.

30:41 Embracing neurodiversity; strengths, challenges, and creativity.

36:16 Overcoming fear and wearing a new persona.

39:54 Met through social media, admired confidence and balance.

42:45 Validating permission to embrace authentic, quirky selves.

46:50 Building confidence through repeated affirmation and experiences.

48:38 Finding growth and success despite challenges faced.

53:26 Join the May GSD retreat in Asheville.

54:24 Encouraging creativity and focus through experimentation.

Finding the right team for your business can feel burdensome, especially when you're juggling the role of entrepreneur with personal life demands. Lesley Pyle joins Amber Hawley to explore strategies for lightening this load, from hiring an online business manager to creating an enticing job post that draws in the right talent. Through the blend of experiences shared, this episode equips entrepreneurs with the wisdom to expand their teams effectively while maintaining balance in their lives.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The benefits of an online business manager in streamlining operations and aiding hiring.

• Strategies for recognizing when it's time to hire help and how to begin the process.

• Keys to crafting a compelling job post to attract the best candidates.

• The importance of pacing your hiring process and focusing on one role at a time.

• Tips for conducting meaningful interviews that reveal if a candidate truly fits your business.

• How to leverage freelancers' diverse experiences for the growth of your business.

• Techniques for preventing team member burnout through proper workload management.

About Lesley Pyle

Lesley Pyle is the Founder and CEO of HireMyMom.com, a service connecting Small Businesses with Virtual Professionals across the country since 2007. Pyle began her work from home journey in 1995 after having her first child and started her first online business in 1996 - HBWM.com. She serves on the Board of Directors for Mighty Oaks Foundation and is a contributing writer to Entrepreneur.com. She and her family reside in Texas.

You can learn more on Lesley's website, follow her on Instagram, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Links & Resources:

• GSD Retreat happening May 16th – 18th, 2024 in Asheville, NC

• Connect with Amber Hawley

Key Moments In This Episode:

03:36 Join us for valuable hiring advice.

09:13 Attitudes towards work have changed over time.

13:01 Hiring part-time or virtual assistants benefits businesses.

16:47 Reviewing tasks, assigning based on skills and needs.

20:23 Focus on team's strengths, foster loyalty.

23:22 Single motherhood is tough but honesty is crucial.

25:48 Prepare interview questions to assess candidate compatibility.

27:29 Virtual work: value, skills, disruptions, pros/cons. Compatibility.

32:28 Align values, attract the right candidates, share benefits.

35:44 Follow job instructions, stand out from competition.

38:55 Virtual assistant supports multiple aspects of business.

42:32 Delegate tasks to focus on business growth.

44:16 Free resources, short course, concierge program available.

Join me and my special guest Dr. Liz Laskey, as we dissect what is needed in 2024 to grow and monetize your business. The conversation also explores the difference between being a business owner and an entrepreneur, the significance of action over perfection, and the value of investing in coaching for sustained business success.

About Dr. Liz Lasky

Dr. Liz Lasky, PhD, LCSW, is the founder and CEO of The Lasky Institute of Coaching™, The Coach Training Program For Helping Professionals™ and lizlasky.com. She has a commitment to helping people get what they want in business, life, and love. She is the author the book "Get What You Want"©

You can learn more on Liz's website, follow her on Instagram, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Links & Resources:

• 2024 Therapist Summit

• GSD Retreat happening May 16th – 18th, 2024 in Asheville, NC

• Connect with Amber Hawley

Key Moments In This Episode:

00:00 Welcome to the Easily Distracted Entrepreneur

00:39 Introducing Dr. Liz Laskey and the Power of Summits

03:40 The Essence of Entrepreneurship vs. Business Ownership

07:50 Personal Journeys and Entrepreneurial Intelligence

18:09 Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Challenges

23:03 The Importance of Motion in Business and Life

26:30 Balancing the Scales: The Who and the What in Coaching

28:10 The Power of Simplicity in Business and Coaching

28:57 Crafting Your Signature Offer: The Foundation of Success

30:32 Expanding Your Impact: Courses, Talks, and Beyond

34:17 Monetization and Movement: The Key to Business Growth

42:01 The Importance of Coaching and Advice for Entrepreneurs

If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because you can't seem to close deals and build meaningful relationships with potential clients, then you are not alone! You may be spending hours cold calling and sending out generic emails, only to be met with radio silence or rejection. Instead of seeing your sales numbers grow, you find yourself constantly questioning your approach and doubting your abilities. But fear not, because there is a better way to master the sales process and achieve the confidence and effectiveness you desire.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the sales process to close deals with confidence and ease.

• Discover the power of defining your sales and marketing strategies for business success.

• Build strong relationships with your target audience and watch your sales skyrocket.

• Unlock the secret to authentic and genuine connections that lead to loyal customers.

• Develop a resilient mindset to overcome objections and achieve sales success.

About Dora

As a master coach, she provides high level support for women who want to live their purpose and create wealth. Dora customizes her coaching for women in all stages of business, from high level corporate women starting consulting companies to venture backed startups. Her programs include money mindset, sales strategy, growth planning, capital planning and are delivered with genuine authenticity and a sincere desire to impact change.

Connect with Dora:

https://gypsysoulcoaching.com/

https://www.instagram.com/doralrankin/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doralrankin/

If you want to find more about the GSD Retreat happening May 16th - 18th, 2024 in Asheville, NC.

https://amberhawley.com/retreat

Find out more about the Inner Circle for the easily distracted:

https://amberhawley.com/innercircle/

In today's episode, Amber is joined by her dear friend Edwin Ruiz, a filmmaker, live streaming event producer, and all-around Renaissance man. Edwin shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent business owner, offering a unique perspective on harnessing neurodivergent strengths for success. With his tech background and love for problem-solving, Edwin's story highlights the power of embracing one's neurospiciness and finding fulfillment in constantly evolving challenges. His ability to dive deep into subjects, make connections, and create innovative solutions showcases the creativity and innovation that can arise from neurodivergence. Join Amber and Edwin as they delve into the world of neurodivergence and discover how to leverage these strengths in business.

Connect with Edwin Here:https://www.instagram.com/mondomachine/

Connect with Amber Here: https://amberhawley.com/

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:11 - Finishing the Year Strong 00:02:10 - Edwin's Story 00:06:00 - ADHD Flavor of Life 00:09:18 - Neurospiciness 00:16:11 - The Temptation of Knowledge Hoarding 00:17:27 - Learning through Observation 00:19:08 - Learning Preferences and Technology 00:22:02 - The Power of a Diverse Community 00:23:01 - Balancing Learning and Business Responsibilities 00:32:06 - The Value of Learning from Others' Stories 00:32:40 - Judging Our Value Based on Output 00:33:23 - Consistency and Identifying What's Important 00:34:52 - The Potential of AI in Problem Solving 00:39:41 - Finding Joy in Personal Problem Solving 00:48:50 - Explaining Tech Jobs to Children 00:49:19 - Trusting the Process 00:50:11 - ADHD as a Superpower 00:51:10 - Finding Your Own Way in Entrepreneurship 00:52:57 - Honoring Biorythms and Setting Boundaries 01:05:10 - The Importance of Neurodivergent Individuals 01:05:29 - Ways to Connect with the Guest 01:06:01 - Appreciating Neurodiversity

Ever wondered what's truly holding you back from financial success? Meet Hilary Hendershot, the financial planner whose unexpected twist on overcoming limiting beliefs about money will leave you speechless. In a world where scarcity mentality reigns, Hilary challenges entrepreneurs to unravel their deeply held beliefs about money and embrace abundance. But here's the twist: it's not just about changing your mindset. Hilary reveals the secret to achieving greater financial success lies in understanding the inputs and outputs of your business. Are you ready to break free from your limiting beliefs and unlock the path to financial freedom?

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the power of a positive money mindset and change your beliefs about wealth to attract financial success.

• Learn the importance of financial planning and how it can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

• Analyze your profitability and leverage data to make informed decisions that drive the growth of your business.

• Plan for a secure retirement as an entrepreneur and ensure a comfortable future for yourself and your loved ones.

• Overcome your limiting beliefs about money and unlock your full potential for financial abundance and freedom.

My special guest is Hilary Hendershot

Hilary Hendershot, the CEO of Hendershot Wealth Management and the host of Profit, Boss Radio, is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to all things money. Her no-nonsense and straight-talking approach to finances is both refreshing and inspiring. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Hilary has become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs looking to overcome their limiting beliefs about money and achieve financial success. Her ability to break down complex financial concepts into simple and actionable steps makes her advice highly practical and accessible. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Hilary's insights and expertise will undoubtedly leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer any financial challenge. Tune in to this episode of The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur and prepare to be motivated by Hilary Hendershot's wisdom and passion for helping entrepreneurs thrive financially.

Connect with Hilary Here:

www.hendershottwealth.com

www.moneyblueprintprogram.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarythecfp

https://www.instagram.com/hilary.hendershott/

Register for the free Perfect Work Week Workshop

https://www.theeasilydistractedentrepreneur.com/workweek-oct-23/

https://amberhawley.com/

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:09 - Money Mindset 00:07:32 - Money Operating Systems 00:09:44 - Unraveling Money Beliefs 00:12:17 - Confirmation Bias 00:14:53 - The Vanity Number Conspiracy 00:16:04 - Using Data to Make Strategic Choices 00:18:36 - The Importance of Profit Generating Activities 00:19:48 - Being Strategic as the CEO 00:21:25 - Simplifying Financial Analysis with Profit First 00:29:11 - "The Balancing Act of Pleasing Others" 00:29:47 - "The Importance of Having a Budget" 00:31:09 - "The Need for Financial Success in Business" 00:33:09 - "The Lack of Retirement Preparation" 00:36:47 - "The Importance of Saving and Planning for Retirement" 00:44:22 - The Power of Words 00:45:06 - Affirmations and Personal Growth 00:46:27 - Unconventional Routes to Wealth 00:46:59 - Self-Reflection and Uncovering Limiting Beliefs 00:48:37 - Acquiring Financial Skills