The Road to Seven

“Just because there is economic turmoil all around us, it doesn’t mean we have to be affected.”

- Shelagh Cummins

If you’ve become worried about and preoccupied with what COULD happen during the recession, then this episode will help you refocus on your next power moves and set yourself up for your best-case scenario!

Cards on the table: there WILL be an economic downturn. That is a fact. In fact, the recession has already begun — you may have already noticed an effect on your own finances or on the finances of those close to you. But focusing on the things that you can’t control takes your attention away from those you CAN.

Tune in to learn the moves that you can make right now to recession-proof your business, how lessons learned during the pandemic will help you stay on track during the downturn, and why the looming recession holds a secret silver lining for entrepreneurs!

Remember — if you survived the pandemic, then you’re already strong enough to get through the recession!

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• Why being a small business owner at this moment is actually advantageous  
• Two questions that can help drive every decision you make during a time of crisis
• When you should decline offers or upgrades when it comes to new loans or lines of credit — and when you should accept

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:03  Intro

02:20  What is a recession?

03:30  Our advantages

04:41  Pandemic lessons

06:22  Cash flow & stockpiling

08:13  Releasing dead weight

09:49  Monitoring your accounts

11:17  Taking on new debt

14:04  Why me?

16:02  Why now?

18:26  Recap

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌

Capital Access Program

https://www.theroadtoseven.com/capital-access-program 

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

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https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

“If I have the right mindset, I can deal with anything… part of my growth has been to learn how I can switch from one mindset to the other quickly.”

- Emily Chung

Emily Chung has always been driven to succeed, even if her road to success has had the occasional speed-bump! Emily is a licenced Automotive Service Technician and the owner of AutoNiche, a family-friendly auto repair shop. Emily founded AutoNiche to offer her clients a friendlier and less intimidating auto repair experience, providing non-judgmental and empowering client service from reputable mechanics.

Dive into this fascinating conversation to discover Emily’s experiences as a woman in the automotive industry, the biggest lessons that she has learned along the way, and the benefit of throwing yourself a “structured pity party” (it really works)!

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll learn:‌

• What led Emily down the road to owning an auto repair shop after earning a Psychology in Business degree and starting a career as a psychometrist
• How she has grown a business that is strongly and unapologetically shaped by her values
• Powerful reframes and mindset shifts that you can start implementing right now!

About Guest: Emily Chung owns and operates AutoNiche, an auto repair shop in Markham. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician and teaches in the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College, while currently completing her Executive MBA. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario, has appeared on various media including Breakfast Television and Cityline, and is a proud mom of two teen boys.
  

Highlights:‌

01:02  Intro

02:59  Meet Emily Chung

06:11  Path to entrepreneurship

07:31  Gender & automotive industry

12:23  Leading with values & intention

17:47  Mindset & adaptability

21:17  Opportunities & pity parties

24:30  Making decisions

27:56  Skills are key

29:39  Perceptions

31:31  What she knows now

33:36  What’s next

Links:‌

Emily Chung

https://autoniche.ca

https://www.facebook.com/AutoNiche

Twitter: @autonicheinc

Instagram: @autonicheinc

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!

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Twitter: @shelaghcummins

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https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

“Your business is not about you.”

- Shelagh Cummins

Have you been hiding away when you should have been showing up, speaking out, and selling your offers? If you’ve been hoping that your offers will sell themselves, then you definitely want to listen to this episode!

It’s no secret that many entrepreneurs consider sales to be their least favourite part of running their business — and often their weakest skill. “Selling” can conjure up the image of a sleazy, pushy salesman, but letting others know about the incredible transformation that your offer can provide is actually a service. 

Think about it: if you see someone struggling and you know that your offer could help them thrive, then aren't you doing them a disservice by not sharing it?

You should be selling your program wherever you are, whenever you can, whether you’re on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, email, LinkedIn, or bumping elbows at a conference or networking event. Press play to discover a powerful way to reframe the act of selling — and what you must understand about the word “no”!

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll learn:‌ ‌

• Why building your marketing around avoiding a “no” prevents you from truly serving your audience 
• Why it can actually be a GOOD thing to lose newsletter subscribers through selling to your list
• A great rule-of-thumb when it comes to including your products in your content 

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:02  Intro

03:23  Your business is bigger than YOU

04:54  Selling to your mailing list

06:09  Content creation

07:23  Spread the word everywhere

09:16  Speaker example

11:34  My program example

12:39  Recap

15:43  Feelings aren’t permanent

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

“We were committed to making a great living doing what we love, as women and as proud moms… don’t underestimate us. We’re killers, even from our kitchens!”

- Erica Ehm

Ever wondered what’s it like to live nine lives? Erica Ehm is an entrepreneur, interviewer, author, playwright, awarding-winning songwriter, sought-after speaker… and an absolute trailblazer when it comes to content marketing and social media. If you’re musically-minded, you may know Erica as one of the original MuchMusic VJs and host of the Reinvention of the VJ podcast.

As the CIO of digital marketing agency Ehm & Co, she currently helps connect brands with moms, but knowing Erica, this is far from the final chapter of her entrepreneurial story!

Before Erica found success in each of the areas she’s ventured into, she first had to make her mistakes, both big and small, and learn valuable lessons in turn. In this episode, we explore the challenges that she faced along the way and how she has been able to successfully reinvent herself, time after time.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• How a request from a would-be advertiser led Erica to launch an entirely new venture 
• The worst business decision Erica has EVER made — and how she recovered 
• When she knew that it was time to sell her business

About Guest: Erica Ehm is Chief Innovation Officer of Ehm & Co, an award-winning digital marketing agency that helps brands connect with moms, as well as Publisher of YMC.ca, a platform created for moms by moms. Her collaboration with health researchers earned her a Governor General’s Innovation Award nomination. 

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:01  Intro

01:35  Meet Erica Ehm

03:04  Yummy Mummy Club

07:38  Ehm & Co

08:29  Building a team & vision

12:09  Business finances & big mistake

18:41  Red flags & credentials

21:18  Feminine leadership

26:20  Business loan

28:24  Time to sell

32:28  What she knows now

34:16  What’s next

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌

Erica Ehm

www.linkedin.com/in/ericaehm 

https://www.facebook.com/EricaEhmIsHere 

Twitter: @EricaEhm

Instagram: @EricaEhm 

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: 

“You have to have a price that honours the cost and the value of what it is that you’re bringing.”

- Shelagh Cummins

Have you been asked for a discount or been told that your fees are “too high” lately? As the pandemic drags on and our economy becomes more unstable, you may have found that people are becoming more comfortable trying to negotiate lower pricing for your offers — even if your pricing has remained consistent throughout.

Perhaps you’ve even started to wonder whether your prices ARE too high… but I’m here to tell you to stay firm. Lowering your prices simply out of guilt is the kiss of death for your business, because you cannot light yourself on fire in order to keep someone else warm. Remember: you chose your pricing for a reason. It needs to not only cover your operations, taxes, and salary, it needs to create profit! 

This episode dives into the psychology and practicalities behind money, including the emotional story that you have attached to your pricing, why you MUST feel confident in your pricing, and what can happen when you create any wiggle-room in what you charge.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• How your own money behaviours influence the way that others approach you and your business
• Why you need to be secure, comfortable, and confident in your pricing in order to avoid being challenged or taken advantage of
• Why you absolutely need to OWN the true value of your product — and then make sure that you always sell it with integrity! 

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:04  Intro

01:50  YOU set the money terms

03:14  The story behind your price

04:22  Why your pricing is what it is

05:21  Feel comfortable with your pricing

06:28  Why shouldn’t you lower your fees?

08:13  Sell with integrity

11:13  Own the value of your product

14:33  It costs money to run a business

16:02  Role modelling

18:13  Recap

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Micro v. Macro Pricing Episode 87

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

 Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

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“There was lots of evidence that I was not going to work as a solopreneur… I wanted to be a CEO of an organization.”

- Heather Nelson

Sometimes you need to rewire a few of your deepest core beliefs if you want to scale and grow your business to its fullest and most lucrative potential. Heather Nelson, founder of boutique fundraising consultancy BridgeRaise, did just that — and has since grown her business beyond her wildest dreams.

Heather started her business in 2017 with the simple goals of being self-employed and having a travel fund. Embracing a larger vision and dramatically expanding her goals were absolutely key to developing her ability to build a business that is not only aligned with her values and zone of genius, but is also profitable. 

In this conversation, we discuss Heather’s evolution from self-employed to CEO, and the mindset shifts that led her to incredible success!

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• Two pivotal decisions that allowed Heather to make major shifts in her business 
• Why you must be able to align your integrity with the value that you bring to your clients
• The financial model that enabled Heather to begin building an amazing team

About Guest: Heather Nelson is a corporate partnership and sponsorship expert who founded and leads a boutique fundraising consultancy, BridgeRaise. Heather and her team help nonprofits raise more money from companies through a practical and strategic approach that fits organizations of all sizes. Having been around for over 5 years, BridgeRaise has

worked with hundreds of charities helping them build aligned corporate partnerships.
  

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:01  Intro

04:04  Meet Heather Nelson

05:05  Shifting beliefs

07:57  Finding evidence

09:44  Aligning your integrity & your value

11:35  From self-employed to leader

14:27  First hire

15:59  Cashflow & hiring

18:48  Biggest challenge

22:35  “What if this doesn’t work?”

24:41  What she knows now

26:04  What’s next

Links:‌ ‌

Heather Nelson

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

https://www.bridgeraise.com 

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!

Instagram: @shelaghcummins

Twitter: @shelaghcummins

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

“The gratitude for what you have already and the desire to keep growing is literally what’s going to keep you going!”

- Shelagh Cummins

When it seems as though your goals are out of reach, no matter how hard you work, it’s easy to feel frustrated — and even to consider throwing in the towel and heading back to the corporate world. If that’s how you feel right now, you’ll want to tune into this episode!

If you feel as though you’re constantly falling behind when trying to reach your goals, the problem may lie in the timelines that you attach to them, rather than in your efforts. 

Tune in for a frank and honest discussion about the importance of being patient when pursuing your goals, knowing when to adjust your timelines, and having the courage to make the right choice between “easy” and “fulfilling”.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• My own 14-year journey to success — and the driving force that has kept me going all this time
• Why you won’t always see the progress that you’re making at first glance (and the importance of taking the time to reflect)
• Why falling behind on your timeline should NOT mean the end of your ambitions! 

Highlights:‌ ‌

01:07  Leaving teaching

07:43  Back to school

09:14  Privilege & motivation

11:21  14 year journey

12:45  Why I didn’t stop

15:27  Adjusting your timelines

16:38  Gratitude exercise

19:01  Just keep going!

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

 You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

 Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins  

“Figure out what you love doing so much that you don’t mind that you’re not getting paid, and then figure out how to get paid.”

-Christina Flach

When celebrity makeup artist and fashion commentator Christina Flach was unable to find a flattering lip gloss that was long-lasting and moisturizing enough, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create her own formula — even though she had ZERO prior experience with product development.

The result? Christina is now the CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup, a brand that offers clean, vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics that are made with simple, natural ingredients!

Listen now to learn about Christina’s journey through the product development process, how and why her marketing has evolved throughout the years, and how she balances her professional success as a single mother.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• How Christina built up her brand without Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter 
• Why Christina decided to bring in investors after successfully self-funding her business 
• How she keeps herself on track to meet her goals while feeling positive and balanced

Christina Flach is a single mother with four kids and the creator and CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup. Christina has worked with some of the most recognizable faces, brands, and publications, and her company continues to grow. Additionally, Christina is a fashion commentator for the publication Soap Opera Digest.
  

Highlights:‌

00:53  Meet Christina Flach

01:45  Christina’s journey

05:12  Product development 

06:11  Marketing with & without social media

09:04  Bringing in investors

11:46  Motherhood & entrepreneurship

13:46  Charity work & advocacy

16:31  Biggest challenges

19:11  Keeping on track

23:25  Fear, gratitude & self care

26:17  What she knows now

28:03  What’s next?

Links:

Christina Flach

http://www.christinaflach.com

https://www.prettygirlmakeup.com [Discount code: PRETTYGIRL]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-flach-1185825

Instagram: @christinaflachmakeup,  @prettygirlmkup

Twitter: @prettygirlmkup

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business!

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

Follow me

Instagram: @shelaghcummins

Twitter: @shelaghcummins

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https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

“Being able to really make decisions in accordance with my soul and my intuition as opposed to what is ‘logical’ — that’s when I really started to see growth in my business.”

- Andrea Henry

They say two heads are better than one — but what does that mean for a professional partnership?

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Henry and Irena Brooks, two incredible lawyers who help individuals and business owners at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey build wealth with confidence. After growing their own successful legal careers separately, Irena and Andrea teamed up to launch Henry Brooks LLP, a WOC-owned firm that pairs legal insight with business instinct. Listen now to learn about their journey to merge their firms and what they’ve learned along the way!

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• How they knew when they were ready to begin hiring full-time employees 
• Why they decided to join forces to launch their firm and the challenges they faced
• The big hires and systems that they put in place to facilitate growth 

About Guests: Andrea Henry is a Cambridge-educated lawyer with over a decade of experience. Having seen way too many entrepreneurs taking unnecessary risks and not going after killer opportunities because they didn't have the right legal advice, she started her firm, Henry Business Law and her e-commerce contract template site, TheSecureStartup.ca. Irena Brooks is an American-trained real estate lawyer who decided to return home to Toronto in 2014 to commence her Canadian legal career. She is skilled in completing real estate transactions, advocating for her clients in court, and representing them in administrative law matters.

Highlights:‌

00:01  Intro

02:22  Meet Andrea Henry 

05:09  Meet Irena Brooks

08:21  Challenges & tipping points

12:01  Creating a partnership

17:41  Systems & hires

21:34  Marketing

24:26  What would they do differently?

29:48  What they know now

33:22  What’s next?

Links:‌

Andrea Henry & Irena Brooks

https://henrybrookslaw.ca

Instagram: @andreahenry.lawyer, @brookslawpc

Curate Concierge

https://www.curateconcierge.com

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!

You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I'd also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!

Instagram: @shelaghcummins

Twitter: @shelaghcummins

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

“I think entrepreneurs just naturally grasp the idea of always having support and investing in themselves as the main asset in their business.”

- Lisa Mitchell

When it comes to the impact that we create, there’s no reason not to dream big! This episode’s guest is working toward the lofty and inspiring goal of transforming the working lives of 10 million North American professionals — and I have absolutely no doubt that she will accomplish her mission! 

Green Apple Consulting founder Lisa Mitchell supports talent leaders through transformational coaching, consulting, and training that helps them realize their organizational goals and redefine their organizational culture. Lisa’s success stems from a combination of strategy, determination, and mindset work. During our conversation, Lisa drops countless golden nuggets on topics such as the self coaching practices that allow her to maintain an abundance mindset, the importance of having a biz bestie, and how to know when you’re ready for coaching.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• What Lisa put in place to facilitate the flexibility and time freedom to step away from her business as needed
• Powerful questions to ask yourself when you feel overwhelmed in your business 
• Why conversation and networking are still valuable arts in the age of social media and digital events

About Guest: Lisa Mitchell is the Founder of Green Apple Consulting and host of the Talent Management Truths podcast. As a talent management thought partner and results coach, Lisa helps talent leaders embed programs that drive results and elevate organizational culture.

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:01  Intro

03:43  Meet Lisa Mitchell

05:07  Networking & the evolution of Lisa’s work

08:35  Biggest challenges

12:24  Enabling flexibility

15:15  Abundance mindset 

20:13  The corporate world & inner work

26:15  Strategic hiring (& firing)

33:34  What she knows now

36:45  What’s next?

 ‌

Links:‌

Lisa Mitchell

https://www.greenappleconsulting.ca

Instagram: @greenappleconsulting

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

https://the1thing.com/book

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com

Stay Connected

Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes with tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!

Join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” I’d love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!

Instagram: @shelaghcummins

Twitter: @shelaghcummins

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https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins