The Simplifiers Podcast

Are you feeling a bit stuck when it comes to your income? Like you've hit a plateau and can't seem to surpass it? We've all been there before at some point in our journey of running a small business and the tendency is to believe the myth that we just need to work HARDER or put in MORE hours or push, push, push until our bodies break and relationships suffer. Bleh… no thanks. There's definitely a better way.

My special guest today is Amira Alvarez and she's simplifying how to make an income breakthrough. She's sharing all the inside secrets on how to master the inner game of entrepreneurship and manage your mindset to grow your business. If you've been pushing for way too long and ready to try something different, grab a pen and paper… and get ready to take notes. This episode could spark you on a new path towards tripling your income in one year like Amira did.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• What (typically) stops most female small business owners from hitting a certain threshold of income - what's really happening underneath it all
• Working more hours does NOT equal more income… she shares a better way to look at it, strategically:
• • identify your blocks
  • focus on the most essential, needle-moving actions like sales
• What the 7 questions are that you must ask every single prospective client that's going to help you get closer to 7-figure sales this year:
• • What do you want? Then, what's important to you about having that?
  • What's stopping you from having what you want?
  • So, are you saying… ???
  • What happens if you don't solve this?
  • Are you committed to solving this?
  • Great, would you like to hear about how I can help you with this?
  • Would you like to get started today?
• …and ultimately, what the 3 simple and effective ways that you can scale your work this year to significantly increase your income and how to decide which is best, when:
• • Raise your prices
  • Sell more quantity, and/or
  • Add a new channel of income

In the middle of our conversation together, she mentions something called the "Cybernetic Mechanism," a concept that originated from author Maxwell Maltz. And here's what that means, simply…

Our self-image is the cornerstone of our mental state, and therefore all the successes and failures that happen in our life are a result of our beliefs of who we are and what we THINK we can achieve… or not.

So, our ability to hit our goals is actually based on beliefs that were passed on to us by others. And these beliefs are like anchors that hold us down or sometimes, hold us back.

Keep this in mind as you listen to our conversation today…

Take a moment here and there to press pause and consider what thoughts or beliefs you hold on to as truth, right now. Which ones are still serving you… and which do you need to let go of?

Remember, until you reprogram your subconscious mind, you will not make progress here as your body, heart and mind is programmed to come back to status quo with your cybernetic mechanism. However, Amira shows us a way to break through to the other side.

Remember… you TRULY have unlimited potential and your "old conditioning" and beliefs likely need an upgrade in order to make positive change in your future thoughts, behaviors and actions.

You're on the right path… keep going!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/amira-alvarez-how-to-make-an-income-breakthrough

Do you wish you could sleep better at night? Insomnia, anyone?! Welp, relief is on the way because we're talking all about sleep on today's episode!

My special guest today is health coach Shae Leonard and she's simplifying how to sleep better at night. Whether it's stress or something else that's keeping you up at night, Shae leads us through seven simple steps to course correct that'll have you sleep like a baby in no time at all.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• How she defines "sleep hygiene" and why it's so important to focus on this right now
• What the first step is to improve your sleep hygiene to help you sleep better tonight

• What the 7 fundamentals for great sleep hygiene are and how these simple shifts can make a positive impact in the long run
• Everything we need to know about "full-spectrum light" - what it is and why we need to avoid it 1-2 hours before bedtime, plus she shares a few healthy alternatives
• Why we need to avoid amping up our brains at night and those sneaky ways we do it without even knowing it
• …and ultimately, why it is important to "quiet your digestion" at night - how to do it, starting tonight.

It's crazy to think that the majority of people are going to be fast asleep at 2am tonight in your neighborhood and city. Like the whole world powers down to rest, all at once. If you're someone prone to late night brain whirling or you seem to be tossing and turning for no reason at all, I hope today's conversation really gives you some tools to try out tonight.

And let us know what worked! I'm always keen to hear from listeners on what you're learning from the podcast, testing out in your own life, and seeing results in simplifying… reach out on Instagram @thesimplifiers, tag us, DM me… I'd love to hear from you!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/shae-leonard-how-to-sleep-better-at-night

Are you ready to step up and be the CEO of your well-being? If last year taught us anything at all, it reminded us of how incredibly important it is to take good care of our body, mind, and spirit in order to stay grounded through big change. Self-care is no longer a "should" but a "must-have" priority to maintain your well-being as an entrepreneur.

My special guest today is author Naz Beheshti and she's simplifying how to be the CEO of your well-being. Like a CEO, you're setting the vision for the year ahead, making calculated predictions that will hopefully pay off in the months to come and equally, making cuts where necessary. All of this requires a whole new vantage point on how you live your life and a possible shift in your mindset to level up.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• What she learned while working as Steve Jobs' executive assistant, inside the pressure cooker of Silicon Valley… how this brilliant person took great care of himself and equally grew the Apple brand simultaneously
• Her book is called "Pause. Breathe. Choose." - we take a deep dive into all three sections and she defines what mindfulness could look like through a pandemic
• How to make better choices that will help us manage our stress and build resilience, using the ACE Method: acute, chronic, eustress
• …and ultimately, what the "3 P's to well-being" are - pain, prana and purpose, understanding how we can tap into all three areas to our advantage, through our work. We also do a breathwork exercise together to build that prana life-force energy.

It was fascinating to hear her stories of working with Steve Jobs early on in her career, to really get an insider's peek into that world when Apple was booming.

And it certainly rings true for me… when I take good care of myself, get enough sleep, drink more water than coffee, move my body, take time to focus in on my breath, rest, reflect and prioritize it into my daily schedule, I become a better CEO for The Simplifiers. Opportunities (magically) open up and I achieve flow state for longer periods of time.

This is truly living a simplified, joy-filled life. And I hope today's conversation sparks something new for you, as well.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/naz-beheshti-be-the-CEO-of-your-well-being

Do you need to write and deliver a compelling keynote speech soon? What about a sales pitch? Or do you need to formulate the words to really motivate and empower your audience? If yes, you're in the right place.

My special guest today is professional public speaker Robbie Crabtree and he's simplifying how to write a compelling keynote speech. This is part 3 in our series this month focusing on writing and a perfect topic to cap things off with. Writing a compelling speech takes skill, a bit of wit, and a mastery of the craft of storytelling.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Why it is important to sharpen your skills as a compelling communicator, especially now in 2021
• What he learned as an attorney that helped him become a better keynote speaker and communicator
• He reveals his "Performative Speaking" framework and how to create your "go-to" story for your keynote speech. Here are the secrets...

5 ingredients to a good story:

• identify your characters
• define their relationships
• describe the environment with all 5 senses
• create a conflict that needs to be resolved
• have a clear resolutions that ends the story with impact

4 stages of the "Performative Speaking" framework:

• adventure
• adversity
• triumph
• humor
• How to create emotion and captivate your audience in a compelling way
• …and ultimately, we talked about utilizing the power of video - what are some ways you can deliver a keynote speech (or tell your story) online, rather than in person?

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/robbie-crabtree-write-a-compelling-keynote-speech

Have you ever wanted to become a published nonfiction author? If yes, have I got a treat for you! That's the topic we are simplifying today as we continue our focus this month on writing.

My special guest today is book coach Jennie Nash and she's simplifying how to become a published nonfiction author. And I don't mean to alarm you, but she throws a bit of a curveball into the mix, right at the beginning of the conversation that you don't want to miss. It's all about writing your book proposal. What? You don't have one yet? No biggie, she simplifies that as well.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• When starting to write a nonfiction book, what the most overlooked, yet critically important first step is.
• Why you need to write a book proposal before you dive in and invest too much time into writing the entire book
• What the very best way is to structure your book proposal… what parts do you need and what you can simplify down
• How to tell if your book idea is commercially viable (or not) and what makes you attractive to a literary agent and a publisher
• …and ultimately, what it (actually) means if you get a book deal - what you can expect and what myths you need to dispel.

If the world of book publishing is an absolute mystery to you, don't worry… you are not alone. It's a machine all into itself. I highly recommend going back and listening to Elizabeth Kracht's episode 104, how to write your first book, as a preamble to today's conversation. Grab your notebook and pen, there are lots of tips and tricks shared in today's talk as well.

If becoming a published author is on your bucket list for this year and beyond, you'll definitely learn one or two new things today.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/jennie-nash-become-a-published-nonfiction-author

Maybe this is the time to write a memoir with truth and grace? For the first half of January, we are going to focus on writing. 2020 was one helluva a year and if yours was anything like mine, I bet you've got a story (or two) to tell! Better out than in, I say… and this is a brilliant time to write down the hard earned stories from your work and life, and what all that happened to you in 2020.

My special guest today is Elizabeth McCain and she's simplifying how to write a memoir with truth and grace. If you've got stories bubbling up inside of you that may be of value for others to read and learn from, you'll want to take notes during today's conversation. Hey, maybe it's time to become a memoir writer for a season?

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• How to determine if the book inside you is a memoir or if there is a better format to tell your story
• What the single most important lesson was that she learned as she wrote her memoir
• Where to find people that will hold you accountable during the writing process
• How to write about people who are still alive that are key to your storytelling
• …and ultimately, we talked about telling "the truth" - what, why and how when telling your story. Why it is so important to find your own unique, authentic voice through the writing process.

Elizabeth's poignant memoir is a pleasure to read and hear. If you remember, she was a recommendation from Laura Zam (e146 - How to create more pleasure in life)… and I'm so glad we're now connected!

My hope is that this episode inspires the creative writer inside you and that you find the courage to share it with the world, whether it's on your blog, as a self-published author or even get a book deal. Here's where to begin.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/elizabeth-mccain-how-to-write-a-memoir

Are you ready to plan for the year ahead? We're in that in-between time this week… the holidays are over and the new year is right around the corner. It's nearly time to say ADIOS to the helluva year… 2020! So let's kick things off with a bang.

My special guest today is Maggie Craddock and she's simplifying how to plan your year ahead. We lead you through a simple process to reflect on all that happened in 2020, so you can start the new year on the right foot.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• We talked about how to reflect on everything that may have happened to you this year, so you are better equipped for the year ahead
• Why she recommends that you need to "look at your career track as a portfolio of assets" and how when you do this audit, it'll guide you, moving forward
• If a major career change is necessary, how to know when it's the right move
• Relationships are everything in the year ahead - how to invest in them and deepen existing relationships as well to build community
• …and ultimately, how to use the lessons learned from 2020 to navigate 2021 without being risk-averse or freezing in place.

If you remember the last time Maggie was on our podcast, she shared her learnings from studying the Titanic and its survivors. It might seem a bit extreme to compare the pandemic to the Titanic, but in many ways for many people, there certainly are parallels.

So if you're listening to this conversation now, I'm pleased to say you made it through 2020. I really hope you're able to take time this week to rest, reflect and soak in this episode between two business coaches, so it'll spin you in the right direction in 2021. You've got this!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/maggie-craddock-plan-for-the-year-ahead

What a year, what a season of greatest hits it's been on the podcast! In the infamous words of Kamala Harris… "We did it. We did it, Joe!" Well, we certainly did… That's another 47 interviews and 11 more bonus episodes for the books, helping people simplify their work, life and everything in between. Besides grappling with a pandemic, we've also simplified how to set healthy boundaries, boost your immune system, and bounce back stronger after a massive life change. (umm, hello COVID-19). And through this work, I've learned a few things about you…

You (once again) loved the episodes where I simplify these four cornerstone topics:

• Self-care and simplifying down to get back to thriving
• Gaining clarity by setting laser-focused goals
• Time management skills, doing less to accomplish more
• Sales mastery, deepening relationships with clients and vendor partners to create long-lasting collaborations

And especially in a year like 2020 where we all needed these foundational skills now more than ever. Juggling homeschooling and online events… finding space to have a quiet moment alone to reflect… getting back to center as you re-prioritize what projects and tasks are most important and when. The Universe shook our proverbial Etch-a-Sketch in a massive way and each of us are looking to make sense of it all.

So, here are a few of the very best conversations from our top 5 episodes of season three. It's like the Cliff's Notes version of The Simplifiers Podcast, to remind you of how far we've come and what we've learned together. And if this is the first time you're tuning in, welcome! I'm so glad you're here and I can promise you more of this awesome goodness coming to you in the year ahead.

110: How to structure your 5-hour workday - with Trevor Blake

121: How to transform your life + start over again - with Alicia Haywood

124: How to strengthen your relationships through COVID-19 - with Dr. Gary Chapman

100: How to get sober + overcome addiction - with Laura McKowen

BONUS 104: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs - with Mary Baird-Wilcock

Enjoy and I look forward to helping you simplify in the new year and beyond.

And don't forget to #Dothething!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/greatest-hits-2020

Do you want to learn how to budget like a pro for your business? I want to encourage you to join me and for the rest of this month, aim to put the foundational building blocks in place, so your business is set to succeed in the new year ahead. One of those areas of focus is your accounting.

My special guest today is Mark Butler and he's simplifying how to budget like a pro (for your business). With a curveball year like 2020, some have felt the pinch… while others have soared. In today's conversation, we are breaking down the fundamental principles in bookkeeping, budgeting, and business finances in simple, simple terms, so you can feel empowered for the 12 months ahead.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• What the first step is to budgeting like a pro is, especially if you don't have a degree in finance and how to determine where the money is leaking out from
• Looking back at how unpredictable 2020 was for most, how to plan wisely for the year ahead with our budgeting… it's a plan A vs. plan B mentality
• What role 'luck' plays in budgeting and in running a small business… and how to use this knowledge to your advantage
• Many times people ask him to "figure out the money piece" for them, but actually, here's what it all boils down to, most times
• …and ultimately, we talked about the current "hustle & grind" mentality out there and how there's a better way to work, as it relates to how you budget and manage your business finances

Look, I realize budgets and bookkeeping isn't a very exciting topic for some… and as you dip, duck, and dive through the holiday season, the tendency is to say, "oh, I'll look at that later." But I really want to encourage you to focus a little time this week specifically to this aspect of your business.

30 minutes or an hour, whatever you can lock into your calendar will be time well spent to get your books in order and start mapping out the new year with a financial plan in place. When you do that, you'll feel more calm, more centered, and ready for whatever may come. The opportunity is yours for the taking!

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/mark-butler-budget-like-a-pro

What does it take to become an excellent public speaker? My snarky friends would quickly say, "a voice and an audience, right?" Wrong, wrong, wrong. Obviously, there is so much more to it and that's what I'd like to uncover, especially if the art of public speaking has been a mystery for you.

My special guest today is Michael J. Gelb and he's simplifying how to become an excellent public speaker. No matter what role you play in your work, honing the skill of public speaking will be a critical factor in your success. I can almost guarantee it.

Here's how.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Why he believes that public speaking is the #1 skill you can cultivate that'll supercharge your career
• How to "set the stage" before you speak and what role your nervous system plays in all of this
• Why he uses mind mapping to structure his message and how it helps him have better empathy with the audience
• What the Alexander Technique is and how it'll help you become an excellent public speaker
• …and ultimately, you'll learn a few ways you can take today's conversation and translate it into virtual meetings and online events, detailing a few of the challenges you must overcome.

While lately, in-person meetings have turned into Zoom calls and conferences have gone online, now more than ever, we must be effective communicators to motivate our teams, inspire others, close sales, and drive business forward. We all must become excellent public speakers if we want to not only survive in this day and age, but also thrive. Michael shows us a way.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/michael-gelb-become-an-excellent-public-speaker