The marketing world never stands still, does it? For years, we've relied on the classic marketing funnel: awareness at the top, nurturing in the middle and conversion at the bottom. But that's evolving. 

In 2025, there's a twist – the nurturing phase is becoming more significant. People are taking their time, exploring their options more thoroughly before committing. It's all about choice and being discerning about where they spend their money.

Today, I want to chat about some exciting changes coming to marketing funnels in 2025 – changes that could really impact how you connect with clients as personal brand coaches, mentors and consultants. 

Adapting to the 7-11-4 Rule

You might be wondering how to adapt. Google researchers have highlighted something called the 7-11-4 rule: people need around 7 hours of engagement across 11 touchpoints in 4 different places before they're ready to trust and buy. Sounds a bit complex, but it means we should be visible in various places – think podcasts, social media and emails.

So, how do we handle this shift? I'm breaking it down with a few straightforward strategies:

1. Boost Your Credibility with Case Studies

2. Embrace Your Unique Perspective

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

With these changes, adjusting your content strategy is key. Focus on building trust, highlighting your expertise and encouraging timely decisions. It’s all about helping potential clients move through their journey with you comfortably.

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Having the right team of people alongside you is fundamental to the success of your business. From the very beginning of Swift Ventures, I’ve been intentional and strategic about who I have supporting me, both in the business and at home now that I’m a mama. 

 I've been really fortunate to have a team who have been with me for a number of years - something I value very highly. As the business has evolved, the structure of my team has shifted so today I’m sharing my exact team as a 7 figure mastermind model business. 

I’m a big fan of keeping my team as lean as possible and the business as automated and systemised as possible so that I can spend the majority of my time doing what I love - coaching and creating.

I’ve always run my business this way so whether you’re bringing in 50k or 150k months, you could absolutely use the same structure in your business.

Behind the Scenes

At the heart of my business is Nivek, my business manager and co-coach for the Scalable Freedom Mastermind. Nivek has been an integral part of Swift Ventures for six amazing years and has come alongside as a contractor for very intentional reasons. 

A lot of people ask me why I have a contractor in such a key role and the reason is because Nivek thrives in her role as a business owner and entrepreneur. It shapes the way she thinks about my business and also the way she thinks about our client's businesses in her role of co-coach. The main factor here is that I found the right person for the role. 

Another key person on the team is Tammy, our brilliant customer service manager and marketing assistant. Tammy joined us just before my maternity leave and her efficiency and dedication to handling our support inbox and virtual assistance are unparalleled, making her a pivotal member of our lean team.

Outsourcing 

Beyond the core team, our operations are significantly bolstered by outsourcing to professionals like Jacqui Naunton and her design team at White Deer, who have been with us for nearly four years, bringing grace and consistency to our design needs. 

We also have our accountant Diana Todd along with the bookkeeping expertise of Susannah Piek at Santosha and of course our podcast producers, Bamby Media.

Coaching

Client support is front and centre, with Niv extending her support as an incredible co-coach. We also have Tahryn, a marketing strategist and messaging maven, who adds immense value with her copywriting expertise. I am so fortunate to have this incredible longterm team that supports Swift Ventures in the most amazing way.

Late last year, I formed a strategic partnership with Jane Day from Webonize so that all my Scalable Freedom Mastermind clients gain access to her Abundant Ads Academy membership. This provides incredible value to my mastermind clients in addition to my legacy clients in the Inner Circle.

Home Front Support

On the home front, I have Lauren, my wonderful nanny who is with Sunnie two days a week plus my mum supporting one day each week. My husband Chay also has one day a week with Sunnie and although he doesn’t have a direct role in Swift Ventures, he is a key part of my advisory board, being an expert around all things leadership, strategy, marketing, and sales.

I also have my coach, Lacey, who I personally have worked with for the last six years. Lacey is not only a key advisor in the business with her incredible strategic guidance but has also been an incredible personal support and mentor to me over the years. 

Having team members who've journeyed with me for the long haul is no accident. It's rooted in a leadership style where mutual respect and support are paramount. By prioritising the needs of my team—be it through financial incentives, growth opportunities, or leadership mentoring—my business fosters a nurturing environment conducive to longevity and excellence. I've always treated my team as co-collaborators where people can take ownership of parts of the business as though it’s their own.

The Lean Team Advantage

Keeping our team lean isn’t just strategic; it's about ensuring our business remains nimble. By automating processes and retaining a selective team, we maintain high profitability and focus on coaching and creating—areas I truly love. A lean team also allows us to pivot really easily, giving me the opportunity to do things like taking maternity leave like I did last year.

So, no matter where you’re at with your team right now, I hope this sneak peek into behind-the-scenes of Swift Ventures has inspired you to think about how you might like to structure your team moving forward.

LINKS

Resources mentioned: FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook



Connect with Ellie: 

Website:      https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:   @elliehswift

Facebook Group:    www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Is your life a whirlwind of meetings, nappies, and occasional spilled coffee? 

Mine too! 

As a CEO and mama to a 7 month old, it can be overwhelming to balance all of my responsibilities. But, through trial and error, I’ve managed to create a schedule that works brilliantly for us.

Today, I’m excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how I've structured my days, weeks, and months to keep both my business and family thriving. 

My Monthly Routine: 

About two years ago, I realised I was on a non-stop treadmill of back-to-back calls. The only break was during my Christmas hiatus. So, I asked myself, “Why should every week be the same?” My solution was to allow for a “no-call week,” every fourth week. It serves as a breathing space that rejuvenates me, whether it’s for deep work, family travel, or simply self-care.

My Weekly Routine: 

My weeks follow a specific rhythm that aligns with the needs of my family and my clients:

- Mondays: Every Monday is reserved for deep work so I can start the week on the right foot. I’ve got not calls scheduled and my mum looks after Sunnie, so I can focus on strategic planning and content creation.

- Tuesdays and Thursdays: With our amazing nanny Lauren taking care of Sunnie, these are my main call days. I maximise my call time, ensuring no more than three hours a day to still engage in team communication and creative tasks. 

- Wednesdays: This is my husband Che’s day at home with Sunnie, and my day to immerse in creative work and content creation. It not only helps balance the childcare but helps to create a varied rhythm in my weeks. 

- Fridays: This is my dedicated Sunnie day. I step away from the desk to spend time with her, only dipping into work while she’s napping and if necessary. 

My Daily Routine

Our mornings vary depending on when Sunnie wakes up. If we're up early, we might go for a walk, and if not, we enjoy some playtime together. I start my workday once Sunnie is settled with her nanny or caregiver.

In the evenings, we follow our family routine with Sunnie’s dinner, bath, and bedtime. I often find the time after Sunnie sleeps to be productive, allowing me to wrap up the day's work tasks.

I wouldn’t manage this without my incredible support system. From invaluable childcare by my mum and our nanny to fortnightly help from a cleaner and Che's role as the head cook in our house—these contributions are indispensable.

Next week I’ll be sharing more about this amazing team that helps me achieve the balance between business and family, so make sure you come back for that.

But for now, I hope this glimpse into my life provides some inspiration, comfort, or even a few ideas to try!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

“A huge part of my success is that I’m somebody who tries and I’m not afraid to try and I’m not afraid of how I look when I’m trying.”

This quote from influencer Valeria Lipovetsky has really stuck with me, and it inspired me to share more of myself with you.

Today that means my plans for my business over the next 12 months.No highlight real, no glamorised version of reality. Just the honest truth of what I’m changing and why.  

And we’re not talking little changes, this year I’m turning our traditional model (focused on live launches) on its head. Why? Because it no longer aligns with my life and business priorities.

 Live launches, though thrilling, are less appealing now that I'm a mum. They’re unlikely to go away completely, but we’re shifting our focus to evergreen strategies. It allows us to manage business growth in a consistent, sustainable way, rather than being at the mercy of the launching cycle.



 To support this shift, I’m adopting three key habits:

1. Batching Content: I’ve been pretty good with content-batching around my launches, but honestly pretty lax outside of that. This year, I'm setting up a robust scheduling process to streamline content production and delivery!
2. Consistent Writing Practice: Writing fuels my creativity and thought leadership, but I haven’t made it the priority it deserves to be, until now. In 2025, I’m dedicating time to maintain a strong, regular writing practice.
3. Structured Schedule: With a set schedule tailored to my roles as both a mother and CEO, I aim to reduce decision fatigue and maintain productivity without sacrificing personal time.

My word for this year is 'overflow' – being able to hold more without doing more. For me, this means embracing my expanded role as a mother and CEO, equipped to handle increased attention, potential criticism, and ever-present industry changes.

I hope sharing these insights inspires you to consider what leadership means for you and your business this year.

Here's to a year of authenticity, boldness, and scalable freedom for all of us!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

 What do buyers really want from masterminds in 2025?

I believe there are key decisions as to why people choose certain masterminds over others, and that it’s important to upgrade your mastermind to give your ideal clients what they’re most looking for. 

If you are creating a mastermind this year, or already running one that you're looking at upgrading for 2025, I have a pocket-sized guide for you to use as a reference point as you map out your offer for the year. 

I’m taking you through three key pieces that you can take and run through your own filter for your own 2025 mastermind:

The Importance of Community

In 2025, the community element is more crucial than ever. With the digital expanse creating endless seas of information, our clients crave that sense of belonging and interaction. Whether through active channels like Slack or encouraging supportive interactions during calls, creating an inclusive space is quintessential.

Embracing Individualisation

On the flip side of community, individualisation stands as a spotlight for personal attention. Clients today are wary of cookie-cutter experiences. They desire bespoke approaches that cater directly to their unique needs—an expectation that will only grow with time.

Stepping Forward as Leaders

In your role as a facilitator or coach, showcase your dedication to learning and transparency about your progress. The courage to try, fail, and try again is not something to shy from; instead, it embodies the grace of true leadership. As we face the future filled with rapid changes together, demonstrate your commitment to evolving alongside your clients and share these experiences to inspire them.

 I hope these tips inspire you to not only keep up to date with trends and consumer behaviour, but embody the person who continues to evolve based on the true desires of your ideal clients. 

Happy planning!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook



Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

$360k in seven days. 

It might sound too good to be true, but with the right sales strategy, it’s entirely possible.

I recently achieved this for myself, and today I want to share some of the powerful steps that made it possible. 

My number one tip? Build a waitlist. Even though my mastermind is evergreen, having a waitlist ensured that when spots opened up, we had a pool of eager clients ready to fill them.

It's not just about collecting names but nurturing those leads until they become raving fans. If you're not already using a waitlist strategy, I highly recommend implementing one.

My next instrumental move was using the same reliable funnel strategy that has served me well since I started my business. That means generating leads through a lead magnet, and then hosting a live event to seal the deal.

For this launch, I promoted a lead magnet detailing my biggest income streams and schedule. Over 600 webinar registrations rolled in, but live attendance is difficult to secure so I didn’t stop there.

I included special incentives for attendees, like a potential one-on-one session and exclusive resources. This boosted the attendance and engagement rates, and in turn my conversion rate. 

My final tip is to take an application-based approach to your selling.  Particularly for high-ticket offerings, this approach empowers potential clients to self-assess their compatibility with your program. No more selling focus, no more pushy tactics, just meaningful conversations leading to meaningful, long-term client relationships.

So if you’re heading into a launch soon, I hope these tips will help you feel motivated and confident to make it the best it can be. 

Here's to an incredible 2025 ahead. As always, thank you for being part of this journey!

LINKS



Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! I hope you've had a restful break and are recharged for this exciting new year.

 I fully anticipate that you’ve done a lot of planning already, but what you might not have done yet is created a detailed plan for your vision that is rooted in action, getting things done and essentially mapping out your projects.

So today, I’m taking you through the plan that I use with my clients. The reason it works so well is because it allows the opportunity to do really big visioning around what it is that you want. 

We’re going to look at things like your revenue goals and getting really clear on your overall objectives for your business for the new year. We'll explore:

• Mapping Your Financial Aspirations
• The Art of Sales Mapping and Launch Calendars
• Conducting a S.W.O.T Analysis
• Crafting Your Six-Month Strategy
• Aligning Your Marketing Strategy
• Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Plan
• Implementing and Budgeting Successfully
• Finding Balance as a Business Leader

If you’d like access to my planning document,  come over to my Instagram and DM me the word ‘plan’. I’ll send you a copy! You might want to begin filling it out as you listen to this episode, or utilise it later on when you’re ready to plan. 

As you know, my word for this year is peace, and doing things like planning in this way really supports that process for me. I hope it does the same for you.

Here’s to creating an incredible year ahead!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

As the year comes to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood, looking back at the highs and lows that shaped my business journey in 2024. It's a tradition I hold dear, taking stock of what went well, what didn't, and how I plan to make improvements in the year ahead. I love planning for a new year and hope that my experiences might offer some valuable insights for you too.

The Best of 2024

1. Three Glorious Months of Maternity Leave

This year, one of the best things that happened for me personally and professionally was taking three full months of completely unplugged maternity leave. Seven years into my business, I reached a milestone where I could step away entirely, knowing my team would keep everything running smoothly and profitably. It was a profoundly emotional experience. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients during this time was the icing on the cake. They praised how well the team, especially Niv, handled everything, ensuring our standards remained high. If you're considering taking a similar break, know that it is possible. With intentionality and robust systems in place, you can enjoy this kind of freedom too.

2. The Success of Our Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The Scalable Freedom Mastermind continued to outperform expectations. We started the year with a phenomenal 93% retention rate, which was truly inspiring. Even after downsizing, we maintained an impressive 60-70% retention rate. Our systems have tightened up, and our clients are achieving incredible results. I'm endlessly grateful for the opportunity to work with such sophisticated and committed women. They constantly remind me why I started this journey.

3. A Record-Breaking Launch

Upon returning from maternity leave, I braced myself for a rebuilding phase, but to my pleasant surprise, our Scalable Freedom Mastermind launch exceeded all expectations. We sold out in just seven days—the fastest we've ever accomplished a launch. This accomplishment reaffirmed my position and boosted my confidence as a business owner and new Mum. It showed me once again the power of credibility and trust built over time in this industry.

The Worst of 2024

1. Lower Revenue Year

While it’s been an incredible year in many ways, 2024 was not a million-dollar year for us, mainly due to my maternity leave. Despite reducing client contracts by half during that period, the decision felt right. Our focus wasn't revenue this year but on profitability and sustainability, ensuring both my family time and business needs were met. It was a conscious choice that I believe was pivotal to our success and peace of mind.

2. Working Late Hours

I underestimated how much time would be needed to plan for maternity leave and subsequently reintegrate into the business. Although setting things up more efficiently could have been possible, I wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly for my team and clients. Balancing work demands with being a present Mum to Sunny took extra hours, but knowing I can rely on newly established systems in the future is a relief.

3. Challenges with Ad Costs

At the beginning of the year, we faced increased ad costs during a launch, which required us to adjust our messaging multiple times. At the end of the day, it led us to bring in Jane Day to manage our ads, laying the foundation for even more strategic growth in 2025.

I truly hope sharing these this with you from my year resonated. Understanding what worked and what didn’t has been instrumental in shaping how I plan to tackle future challenges. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here's to a prosperous and balanced 2025! 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Curious where the digital business realm is heading in 2025? Well, I’ve got some predictions for you! I’ve been doing business forecasting for the last 15 years, and I’m going to own it and say that rarely have I made a prediction that I haven’t seen come into fruition in some way. 

Now, these predictions don’t come from looking into a magic crystal ball - they’re always based on trends that I'm seeing online, things I'm seeing move in a certain direction, statistics and data. And my predictions for 2025 are no different.

So, let’s dive into the 5 major predictions that I believe will shape online business in 2025:

1. AI is Going Mainstream

While AI has been in the picture for some time now, its integration will be deeper and more transformative. I believe that the businesses adopting AI by the beginning of 2025 are going to see the most growth. AI isn’t just for optimising our marketing; we can use it to streamline our operations, revolutionising our workflows and core systems.

2. The Human Factor in an AI World

While AI will revolutionise information access, it won't replace the unique value of human interaction. The future will see people seeking more than just data; they’ll crave connection. The insights and personal touch provided in a mentoring relationship cannot be replicated by even the most advanced AI.

3. The Rise of Omnipresence

Omnipresence will be key across digital platforms in 2025. Unlike past advice to focus deeply on a few select channels, the future demands a broadening of presence. With AI's ability to facilitate content repurposing, being consistently visible across multiple platforms will be crucial. It’s all about leveraging AI's efficiency to construct a more pervasive digital presence.

4. Specialists Over Generalists

As we move forward, there’ll be a distinct preference for specialists over generalists. The demand for coaches or consultants with verified expertise and specific skills will rise. Consumers will become more discerning, prioritising substantial experience and concrete results over trend-based popularity.

5. Revaluing Community Connections

Lastly, we’ll witness a renaissance of community-driven business models. More than ever, people will long for community and authentic interaction to counterbalance the impersonal nature of technology. As digital communication grows, so too does a sense of isolation. Businesses that embed genuine community engagement in their strategies, such as small, intimate groups or masterminds, will thrive.

I encourage you to consider how your business strategy for 2025 stands up against these predicted trends. Are you equipped to adapt and innovate? This isn't about a radical overhaul but ensuring your business is robust and prepared for these shifts. Lean into a steady commitment to your core strategies while remaining aware of evolving trends, and I know you’ll see the needle move forward in an incredible way in 2025.

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

My word for 2025 is Peace. 

After honing in on Discernment in 2024, I’m reflecting on how that played out for me and am also keen to share how I’m choosing to value peace at all costs next year. 

This year was a pivotal year as I became a mother and I spent a lot of time evaluating what truly matters to me. Journeying into motherhood while running a seven-figure business meant I had to make a lot of decisions about my time and energy. It was about letting go of things that no longer served me and embracing those that did. 

Of course there have been challenges, but focusing on discernment truly allowed me to make room for meaningful moments, especially those precious first months with Sunny.

Now as we’re about to launch into 2025, my focus has shifted towards peace and simplification. For me, it’s about deliberately protecting the beautiful life I've worked so hard to cultivate. This means boundaries and systems within my business and family life and guarding this peace when modern life says it should be otherwise.

Practically in the business, my main priority will be growing and scaling the mastermind through strategic collaborations and an evergreen model. I’ve done live launches for a long time and love it but it’s just not the season for it now and it feels really good to know this. 

I’m also choosing to stay in my lane. Nothing good comes out of comparing myself to someone else because I trust and know that my path is unique to me. Just because I work in the online space doesn’t mean I need to scroll endlessly to see what’s working. This season is about confidently knowing my lane and protecting my peace at all costs.

Don’t get me wrong. Peace doesn’t mean boring. I’ve got so much travel and fun things planned for next year but I plan to embrace every moment fully. Peace is a state of mind and in 2025, I’m choosing for peace to infiltrate every decision I make for my life and my business. 

So, what about you? What’s your word or theme for 2025? 

LINKS

FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/