THE EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

THE EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

By Katja ZumbühlBusiness
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THE EMPIRE STATE OF MIND episodes

  • #34 - The Cringe-Worthy VA Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

    Ever looked back on your early days and cringed at the things you did? Ohhh, same. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most painful (and totally avoidable) mistakes I made as a Virtual Assistant—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.


    Here’s what I’m exposing in today’s episode:


    ❌ The low pricing trap that kept me broke and overworked

    ❌ The ridiculous task I said “yes” to that had me posting about a ram sale at 3 AM

    ❌ How ignoring client red flags turned my inbox into a 24/7 emergency hotline

    ❌ Why over-delivering without boundaries does not make you the MVP (it just makes you unpaid)

    ❌ The smartest way to specialize as a VA and get fully booked faster

    ❌ Why hustle ≠ success or cash in the bank (and what actually builds a profitable business)


    If you’re a VA, freelancer, or service provider (or wanna become one), this episode will save you time, stress, and sanity.


    Hit play now, and let’s make sure your VA journey is cringe-free.


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)

    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE

    21 min
  • #33 - Scared to Start? Why That Means You’re on the Right Path.

    Fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a green light.


    You know that thing you’ve been putting off? The business, the dream, the bold next move you say you want—but you’re waiting until you feel “ready”?


    In this episode, we’re diving deep into why fear is actually a lie, and why it is a proof you’re on the right path. We're talking how to move through self-doubt, and why the hardest moments always come right before your breakthrough.


    I’m also sharing a wild personal story about moving to Stockholm, breaking free from scarcity, and proving that betting on yourself is the safest investment you will ever make.


    You don’t need permission from anyone else but you. And you just need to start. 🎧 Hit play now.


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)

    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE

    21 min
  • #32 - The Human Side of Business: Why and How Connection is the Key to More $$$

    A polished branding, perfect social media posts, or needing to have aaall the answers & knowledge: As new VA's, you often procrastine due to perfectionism.


    But the truth is, what really brings results (and clients) isn’t perfection, it’s connection.


    In this episode, we’ll explore:


    💸 How focusing on relationships creates a more engaged audience

    Discover why trust and authenticity are the key to getting your audience to interact with you and stick around for the long haul.


    💸 Why connection leads to loyal clients who advocate for your business

    Learn how nurturing relationships with your clients can lead to referrals, glowing testimonials, and money.


    💸 How prioritizing connection over perfection brings fulfillment and authenticity

    Hear how showing up as yourself can transform the way you run your business and make it more aligned with your values and vision.


    💸 Practical ways to focus on connection in your business

    Get actionable tips for building trust, creating engagement, and fostering meaningful relationships with both your audience and clients.


    This episode is all about embracing what truly matters (and brings the $$$): Genuine connection over perfect appearances, and how that shift leads to more joy, easy, and cash in your business.


    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    39 min
  • #31 - Ditch the Sales Tactics: How to Naturally Attract Your Dream Client

    This week, we’re diving into a topic that so many new VA's struggle with: How to attract dream clients without being or feeling pushy, or salesy.


    Before we get into it, can I just say how funny it is that I said “thrilled” at the start of this episode? Because I can’t say that word without thinking of Emily Gilmore from Gilmore Girls and her iconic “I’m absolutely thrilled.” If you know, you know! 😅


    But seriously, I am thrilled about this conversation because it’s such a game-changer for your business. If you’ve ever felt awkward about marketing yourself or worried about coming across as pushy or salesy, this episode is going to shift your perspective, and your results.. for the better ;)


    Here’s what we’ll cover:


    - Why being pushy doesn’t work


    - The secret to attracting your dream client


    - How to build trust through value-driven marketing


    - Using social media to attract (not chase) clients


    - The power of your personality


    If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about how to market your services in a way that feels good, AND converts, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you - no pushy sales tactics required!


    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    17 min
  • #30 - Stop Chasing Likes: What to Track on Instagram for Real Growth

    If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over Instagram likes or follower counts, this episode is here to shift your focus to what truly matters.


    As Virtual Assistants and business owners, social media is one of our most powerful tools for growth and business results - but only if you’re tracking the right metrics. Today, we’ll break down how to use Instagram Analytics to grow your business and generate leads, and clients.


    Here’s what we’ll cover:


    - The problem with vanity metrics

    Find out why likes and follower counts don’t always translate to meaningful results, and what to focus on instead.


    - The Instagram metrics that actually matter

    We’ll explore the numbers that help you attract clients and grow your business.


    - How to analyze and adapt your strategy

    Learn how to track your data, spot trends, and optimize your content for even better results.


    - Quick tips to boost your most important metrics

    Get actionable advice to improve your Instagram Strategy.


    This episode will help you simplify your social media strategy, and finally see results from your efforts.


    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    20 min
  • #29 - What We’re Really Seeking in Life, and How to Get It

    In this week’s episode, we’re peeling back the layers to uncover what you’re really chasing in life - and it’s not what you might think.


    It’s easy to believe that more money, success, or material achievements are the ultimate goals. But what we’re truly seeking runs much deeper. It’s freedom. But not just any freedom, the kind that feels aligned, grounded, and alive.


    In this episode, we’ll explore:


    1️⃣ The actual desires behind money and success

    Discover why it’s not the paycheck or the dream house you truly want, even if right now, you believe it is.


    2️⃣ What life and feeling you're truly seeking

    We’ll uncover what you actually seek.


    3️⃣ How to create THAT life for yourself

    Learn how to get clear on what matters most to you and what action steps to take to get it.


    4️⃣ How to use mindset and aligned action as your keys to fulfillment

    Uncover the power of pairing belief in your vision with consistent, intentional steps toward it.


    If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing goals that don’t feel fulfilling, you're always chasing that next thing, or you’re craving a life that feels truly YOURS, this episode is exactly what you need.


    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    29 min
  • #28 - New Year, Empowered You: How to Create Intentions That Actually Align With Your Vision

    Welcome to The Empire State of Mind! 🎙️ This week, we’re diving into how to start the new year with clarity, focus, and empowered action - without the pressure or rigidity of annoying New Year’s resolutions.


    Leave behind the “all-or-nothing” energy of resolutions and embrace a mindset of alignment and intentional action.


    Here’s what we’ll cover:


    🥂 Why mindset matters more than goals

    Cultivate a mindset that is the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.


    🥂 The power of pairing consistent action with belief

    Discover how small, focused aligned actions, combined with unshakable belief in your vision, create unstoppable momentum.


    🥂 How to set powerful intentions instead of rigid resolutions

    Explore the process for your personal “North Star”, the path that aligns with who you want to become and how you want to feel.


    🥂 Practical steps to build momentum

    Turning your intentions into habits that feel good, without the overwhelm.


    ✨ Letting go of what no longer serves you

    Releasing limiting beliefs and old habits, and open the door to REAL opportunities.


    Are you here for 2025 being your BEST YEAR YET? Then you will want to tune into this one ❤️‍🔥.


    ➡️ THE 7-DAY KICKSTART CHALLENGE (FREE!)


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE


    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    35 min
  • #27 - Social Media Myths for VAs: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Focus On

    Social media can feel like an overwhelming maze for Virtual Assistants, especially when you’re bombarded with advice that doesn’t seem to work. In this episode, we’re busting some of the biggest social media myths holding VAs back.


    If you’ve ever felt like you need to post every day, be active on all platforms, or grow a massive following to land clients - this one’s for you. 🎙️


    Here’s what we’ll cover:


    - The top 3 social media myths debunked

    Discover why being on every platform or posting daily isn’t the secret to success, and what is.


    - Which platforms are worth your time

    Find out where your ideal clients hang out and how to make the most out of platforms.


    - Content that actually converts

    Learn how to create posts that attract, engage and sign your dream clients.


    - The biggest mistakes VAs make on social media

    Important pitfalls to avoid and what strategies to focus on to get real results.


    - How to measure success beyond likes and followers

    Learn what the meaningful metrics are.


    If social media has been stressing you out, this episode is here to simplify things and give you a clear plan to work smarter, not harder AND to get results.


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE

    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    ➡️ THE VA ACADEMY

    33 min
  • #26 - How to Build a Standout VA Portfolio That Gets You Hired

    If you’re a Virtual Assistant - or aspiring to become one - this episode is your go-to guide for creating a portfolio that stands out, and converts!


    Your portfolio is more than just a collection of your skills, it’s your virtual handshake and your ticket to standing out in the competitive VA market. In this episode, I’m breaking down:


    👌🏻 Why every VA needs a portfolio & What a portfolio is

    Discover how a well-crafted portfolio builds credibility and attracts dream clients.


    👌🏻 The must-have sections of a standout portfolio

    From branding to samples and case studies, learn exactly what to include.


    👌🏻 How to design and present your portfolio

    Practical tips to create a stunning and easy-to-navigate portfolio.


    👌🏻 Positioning your portfolio for your ideal clients

    Tailor your portfolio to your specific niches and industry to connect with the clients you really want to work with.


    👌🏻 Common mistakes to avoid

    Avoid the pitfalls that hurt your credibility and learn how to create THE portfolio.


    And besides all of that... some bonus tips to help you stand out even more! 😉


    ➡️ THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE WEBSITE

    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

    ➡️ THE VA ACADEMY

    23 min
  • #25 - How To Make 2025 The Year You Actually Get What You Want

    Welcome to The Empire State of Mind, where you build a bold business, lead fearlessly, and live limitlessly! In this episode, we’re diving into how to make 2025 the year you finally stop holding back and start living the life you’ve always dreamed of. I’m sharing three powerful, actionable steps to help you:

    1️⃣ Define what you really want, beyond what feels realistic.
    2️⃣ Build courage through consistent, brave action, even if you are feeling scared.
    3️⃣ Stay aligned and consistent with habits and accountability that keep you on track.
    This isn’t another New Year’s resolution; it’s the REAL change you’ve always been dreaming of.
    You will step into 2025 with clarity, courage, and confidence, and look back in December 2025 and say "I fucking made it."
    🎧 Tune in now for all the details, inspiration, and challenges to create the "pinch me, is this really my life?!" kind of life for you.
    ➡️ CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM
    ➡️ THE VA ACADEMY
    ➡️ CLICK HERE FOR YOUR VISIONBOARD TEMPLATE

    16 min

About THE EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Empire State of Mind, the podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to build bold businesses, lead fearlessly, and live life on their own terms.