The Other 99%: A Podcast for Small Business Owners and Direct Sellers

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the importance of fundraising throughout the year, sharing personal experiences and successful strategies. They emphasize the significance of local connections, setting goals, and the emotional impact of giving back. Susan shares specific fundraisers she has organized, including the Pink Healing Balm, Adopt a Grandparent, and Freedom Feet fundraisers, highlighting the joy and community spirit that comes from these initiatives. The conversation encourages listeners to find their passion in fundraising and to start small, integrating their products into charitable efforts.

Takeaways

• Fundraising can happen any time of the year.
• Local organizations are more likely to engage with fundraisers.
• Setting a clear fundraising goal increases success.
• Using social media can help reach potential donors.
• Unexpected gifts can have a profound impact on recipients.
• Involve your community and local schools in fundraising efforts.
• It's okay to earn income from fundraisers.
• Document your fundraising efforts for future promotions.
• Find personal connections to causes for more impactful fundraising.
• Start small and grow your fundraising initiatives over time.

#DirectSales #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Grab Susan's Fundraising Tips

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

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Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Explore Lisa's Course Email Marketing Made Simple

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss effective goal setting and planning strategies for 2026. They emphasize the importance of using both paper and digital calendars to map out marketing focuses and avoid last-minute chaos. The conversation covers proactive planning, the significance of holidays, quarterly goal setting, and managing taxes and fundraisers. The hosts encourage listeners to create a structured approach to their business planning while maintaining a light-hearted perspective.

Takeaways

• Using a paper calendar can help visualize your year.
• Transitioning to a digital calendar is essential for reminders.
• Proactive planning reduces stress and chaos.
• Identify key holidays to focus your marketing efforts.
• Break down yearly goals into quarterly and monthly tasks.
• Utilize community engagement for fundraisers.
• Plan for personal commitments alongside business goals.
• Create a digital repository for past marketing materials.
• Don't overwhelm yourself with every holiday; choose wisely.
• Engage with your audience through social media for feedback.

#DirectSales #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Explore Lisa's Course Email Marketing Made Simple

Download your Printable Planner

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss how to prepare your business for 2026 by focusing on your mission, vision, and a guiding word for the year. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on past successes and failures to set clear goals, crafting a mission statement that aligns with your business values, and envisioning what you want your business to look like by the end of the year. The hosts also encourage listeners to choose a word that will guide them throughout the year, ensuring that all elements align for a successful 2026.

Takeaways:

• Focus on your mission, vision, and word for 2026.
• Reflect on past successes and failures to inform future goals.
• Craft a mission statement that empowers your business direction.
• Envision what you want your business to look like by December 31, 2026.
• Choose a guiding word that resonates with your goals for the year.
• Use tools like ChatGPT to help formulate your mission and vision.
• Ensure your mission, vision, and word align with each other.
• Set big goals that may extend beyond the year 2026.
• Planning is essential for business growth and success.
• Share your mission, vision, and word with an accountability partner.

#DirectSales #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Explore Lisa's Course Email Marketing Made Simple

Download your Printable Planner

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Download the Mission, Vision and Focus Worksheet

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer introduce a new framework for business planning called the Three Rs: Reflect, Release, and Restart. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year, identifying what worked and what didn't, and making space for new ideas and systems as they prepare for the upcoming year. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, goal setting, and the need to let go of outdated practices to foster a more productive and fulfilling business environment.

Takeaways

• Reflecting is about collecting information, not criticizing.
• Identify what energized you in the past year.
• Look at your calendar and past events to assess success.
• Release systems and practices that no longer serve you.
• It's okay to let go of things that are stale or unproductive.
• Ask yourself if anyone will notice if you stop doing something.
• Make space for new ideas and systems in your business.
• Focus on what works for you, not what others are doing.
• Feel the excitement for new initiatives you want to start.
• Engage with your audience to share your reflections and plans.

#DirectSales #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Explore Lisa's Course Email Marketing Made Simple

Download Your Printable Planner

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this celebratory 100th episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer reflect on their journey, share behind-the-scenes insights, and engage with their audience. They discuss the origins of the podcast, memorable moments, and the evolution of their format. The episode highlights the importance of community and listener engagement, while also looking ahead to future plans and opportunities for growth. The hosts express gratitude for their audience and the connections they've made along the way, culminating in a fun prize giveaway.

Thank you so much for tuning in to our 100th episode. This milestone would not exist without listeners like you who show up, share the show, and make this community feel like home. We also want to send a special thank you to our top sponsors for donating prizes that make this celebration even sweeter. Be sure to click the link below for your chance to win.

Top Sponsors:

Melina Dixon - melinadixon.com

Diana Winsor - beagelesswithdiana.com

Cindy Ortiz - cindyortiz.net

Evelyn Abernathy - purpleessencebyevelyn.com

Lisa Duck - lisaduck.com

Susan Larimer - susanlarimer.com

#DirectSales #100thepisode #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Thanks for joining us for our 100th Episode.

Enter here for a chance to win a gift from one of our amazing sponsors. Entries close January 23rd, 2026

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Explore Lisa's Email Marketing Made Simple Course

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99% Podcast, Lisa and Susan chat with Jennifer Johnson, founder and CEO of CinchShare. Jennifer began as a busy small business owner juggling a pottery studio, network marketing, and motherhood. To make life easier, she created a simple scheduling tool for herself and quickly discovered a major gap in the market.

That tool became CinchShare, a social media scheduling platform that now serves over 400,000 users and has helped schedule more than 300 million posts across multiple platforms. Jennifer’s mission is to help entrepreneurs save time, show up consistently, and grow their business without being glued to their phones.

Tune in for her inspiring story and practical tips for simplifying social selling.

Find CinchShare on social or visit cinchshare.com

#DirectSales #CinchShare #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Learn more about CinchShare - cinchshare.com

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer dive deep into the world of leads. They discuss the importance of understanding what a lead is, the value of lead magnets, and how to effectively collect and nurture leads through email marketing. The conversation emphasizes the need for automation in lead generation processes and offers practical tips for reconnecting with dormant leads. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on building relationships with leads to foster business growth.

Takeaways: 

• A lead is someone who provides their contact information.
• Lead magnets should offer valuable information to attract leads.
• Email marketing is highly recommended for nurturing leads and growing a business.
• Follow-up systems are essential to prevent leads from going cold.
• Tracking analytics helps understand lead sources and improve strategies.
• Building a personal connection with leads enhances business relationships.

Memorable Quotes:

“These are people who want to hear from me. They gave you their email address.” -Susan Larimer

“You need to have this in your business to grow.” - Lisa Duck

“Your comfort comes first. All messages and conversations are treated with full discretion and respect.” - Susan Larimer

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Leads and Lead Magnets

07:39 The Importance of Email Marketing

14:42 Collecting and Nurturing Leads

21:01 Automating Your Lead Process

28:26 Re-engaging Cold Leads

#DirectSales #EmailMarketing #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast #BusinessLeads

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits | Oh My Hi

CHECK OUT Lisa's Email Marketing Made Simple Course

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this heartwarming episode of The Other 99% Podcast, Lisa and Susan chat with Kim Smith of Lemongrass Spa about her creative “Guys Gift Service.” Kim shares how a single customer request turned into a thriving annual tradition that helps men shop easily for the women in their lives. She walks listeners through how she personalizes each basket, collaborates with local makers, and uses simple systems like Project Broadcast to stay organized. The conversation highlights practical ways to simplify seasonal selling, connect with customers year-round, and make gift-giving effortless for everyone.

Takeaways:

• Listen for Opportunity

• Make Shopping Effortless

• Collaborate Locally

• Use Simple Systems

• Don’t Limit Spending

Memorable Quotes:

“Let them finish before you add them up and say anything else — what else can I get for you? We don’t know what people have in their back pocket.” – Kim Smith

“We need to stop worrying about spending other people’s money; if they want what’s being offered, they’ll buy it.” – Lisa Duck

“I love being the easy button so people can get what they actually want instead of perfume or a sweater they’ll never wear.” – Susan Larimer

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kim Smith and Her Journey

02:30 Innovative Gift Solutions for Men

07:05 Understanding Customer Preferences

11:17 Expanding the Gift Service

13:46 Memorable Gift Experiences

15:56 Engaging Men in Shopping Events

19:52 Leveraging Technology for Business Growth

28:22 Final Thoughts and Advice

Be a audience member on the 100th Episode - https://lisaduck.com/100th-episode/

Find Kim on social: Facebook | LemongrassSpa

#DirectSales #ConferenceHigh #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, host Lisa Duck and co-host Susan Larimer welcome Bethany Berry, a successful direct seller with Pampered Chef. Bethany shares her journey through 12 previous direct sales businesses before finding success with Pampered Chef. She emphasizes the importance of community support, innovative sales strategies, and effective host coaching. The conversation covers her unique approaches to Facebook and texting parties, customer care, and the use of technology to streamline her business. Bethany concludes with valuable advice for aspiring direct sellers, highlighting the significance of consistency in achieving success.

Takeaways:

• Support from her upline was crucial to her success.
• Pampered Chef has a strong community that feels like family.
• Texting parties are a unique and effective strategy.
• Host coaching is essential for successful parties.
• In Facebook parties engaging posts keep customers interested and involved
• Post-party follow-up is key to maintaining customer relationships.
• Consistency in outreach leads to better results.

Memorable Quotes:

"Do your reach outs, do your follow ups, be consistent, be persistent. And when you do that, the results are going to come." - Bethany Berry

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bethany Berry and Pampered Chef Journey

28:18 Host Coaching: Strategies for Success

33:31 Introduction and Gratitude

33:59 Engagement and Community Building

Be a audience member on the 100th Episode - https://lisaduck.com/100th-episode/

#DirectSales #FacebookParty #BusinessGrowth #TheOther99%Podcast

Connect with Bethany - bethanyberry.com

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the importance of customer appreciation in direct sales. They share creative and unique ways to show gratitude to customers, emphasizing the significance of personal touches and community building. The conversation covers various strategies, including hosting events, sending thank-you notes, and partnering with local organizations for charitable causes. The hosts encourage listeners to focus on genuine appreciation and to implement one or two ideas effectively to enhance customer relationships.

Takeaways:

1. Customer appreciation is essential for building loyalty.
2. Creative gestures can significantly impact customer relationships.
3. Spotlighting customers publicly can boost their morale.
4. Hosting no-strings-attached events can strengthen bonds.
5. Focus on gratitude and giving back to create lasting connections.

Memorable Quotes:

“It’s gonna get your name out there anyway, word of mouth will travel back to you, you’ll always get the referral and in the end, you’ll see your business grow.” - Lisa Duck

“Just take one idea and run with it.” - Susam Larimer

“I always used to say to my customers, it’s a leave your wallet at home event.” — Lisa Duck

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Customer Appreciation

03:33 Creative Ways to Show Gratitude

06:28 Personalized Thank You Notes and Gifts

09:41 Building Community Through Customer Engagement

12:37 Innovative Digital Thank You Messages

15:32 Gifts with Purchase and Special Offers

18:42 Partnering with a Purpose for Community Support

22:42 Community Care Through Donations

24:34 The Power of Giving Back

27:39 Customer Appreciation Strategies

30:12 Creative Customer Engagement Events

33:21 Innovative Reward Systems

39:10 Final Thoughts on Customer Gratitude

40:07 Introduction and Gratitude

40:36 Engagement and Community Building

#DirectSales #TheOther99%Podcast #CustomerAppreciation

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode and stay inspired in your direct sales journey!

Plus be sure to follow The Other 99% Podcast on YouTube

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find Lisa on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Explore Lisa's Toolkits

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Explore Susan's Toolkits

Susan talked about Jib Jab

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!