The Simplifiers Podcast

Thoughtful gift giving is a way to both nurture relationships with new prospects, and strengthen existing client relationships. Author John Ruhlin calls it 'Giftology' and he's here to simplify how to get it right as a business owner. You'll never send someone a shirt with your logo on it, ever again.

Today's episode builds on two previous conversations we've had on the podcast, one on How to Simplify the 5 Love Languages - with Dr. Gary Chapman and the second was with How to Apply the 5 Love Languages in the Workplace with Dr. Paul White.

In doing this, you'll learn how to cut through the noise, increase referrals and strengthen your client relationships that'll ultimately, help you grow and scale your business. All of this, simply by developing (what John calls) a 'Gifting & Relationship Strategy' plan.

John believes there's a better, simpler way… and it's all about having a gifting strategy.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/john-ruhlin-master-thoughtful-gift-giving

In our device-driven culture, screen time and scrolling social media can (totally) take over our waking lives. If you're feeling a bit maxed out, it might be time for a mini digital detox to get back on track.

Here's how.

Earlier this week, I spoke to Arlene Pellicane, the co-author of the book, Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World.

Arlene simplified how to manage screen time with your kids, and this conversation got me thinking…

Maybe it's time for me to re-evaluate how much time I'm spending on my phone, laptop and TV as well.

Maybe it's time (once again) to simplify.

So, if you're up for the challenge, I'd love for you to have a mini digital detox alongside me this weekend. Just two days, 48 hours of unplugging from your devices and reconnecting with yourself.

You in?

Create your boundaries Identify your rewards Tell your peeps

If anyone gives you a hard time, simply smile, say 'Thank you for your feedback' and don't let it sway you one single bit.

Just #Dothething.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/how-to-digital-detox

If you've got kids, you know how frustrating it can be to peel them away from their screens these days. I mean, at times, it seems like they are total zombies who can't take their eyeballs off the blinking lights and ridiculous cat videos… wanting more, more, MORE! (Note to self: have I just described myself or my kid? Carry on.)

As a parent of children who've grown up in this tech-driven, digital age, how do we manage screen time without losing our own (darn) minds?!

Note, the operative word here is "with" - not "for" as Arlene believes this is something you do together, as a family… not top-down management. If what you've been trying lately isn't working with your kids, this episode is for you.

Arlene Pellicane, is the co-author of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World and author of Calm, Cool, and Connected: 5 Digital Habits for a More Balanced Life.

• The average amount of time a child spends in front of a screen per day, and how (exactly) this affects their brain and emotional development
• What the five "A+ emotional skills" we could instill in our kids that will help them break the addiction
• • The Skill of Affection – How do you show real love to another person?
  • The Skill of Appreciation – How do you cultivate a grateful heart?
  • The Skill of Attention – How do you focus and be a good listener?
  • The Skill of Anger Management – How do you express anger in a productive way?
  • The Skill of Apology – How do you mend a relationship after you make a mistake?
• Additional ways you can take back your home from an over-dependence on screens. This includes:
• • How to set healthy boundaries
  • Ideas on how to create meaningful family time together
• What to do when you're working from home or just need to get stuff done
• • Arlene shares healthier ideas to engage and entertain - without a screen

Arlene co-authored the book, Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World, with Dr. Gary Chapman, so I'm sure you'll see undertones of The 5 Love Languages woven into our conversation today, as well.

It's not about banishing screens from your household… but rather, becoming screen savvy as a family, and learning how to raise relational kids in a screen-driven world.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/arlene-pellicane-how-to-manage-screen-time-with-kids

I want to talk about how to run your team meetings more effectively. No matter if you manage a few interns, a handful of virtual assistants, or you've got a gaggle of people who call you 'Boss,' today's episode simplifies it all down for you.

I mean, there's nothing worse than sitting in another pointless meeting where nothing seems to get accomplished. And what's worse, is if you're the one running the meeting, it feels like a waste of time and money (because you're paying them to be there).

Surely there's a better way, right? (Spoiler alert: YES. There is.)

Listen in to get all of the details on each of these steps.

That was my secret formula to keeping my in-house team on-track, feeling supported, and getting stuff done.

#Dothething.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/run-team-meetings-effectively

If you're a big fan of the book, The 5 Love Languages (like me), you know how this simple principle starts to open up BIG revelations about the people in your life… your partner, your kids, your parents, your friends, everyone. But have you ever thought about how the 5 Love Languages could translate to the workplace?

My guest, author Dr. Paul White simplifies how to apply the 5 love languages at work

Dr. Paul White co-authored The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with Dr Gary Chapman. And today, he's simplifying how to apply the The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts whilst at work.

He believes this is the secret to creating a healthy work culture where everyone on your team feels truly valued and appreciated.

• What the 5 Love Languages are and how they translate into the "5 Languages of Appreciation" when in the workplace
• Why appreciation is so (darn) important at work… (spoiler alert: not everyone is motivated by more money!)
• What the difference is between employee appreciation vs. recognition
• What the warning signs are that a team member is not happy and what you can do to course correct the situation
• How to apply this principle when working with Millennials and Gen-Z team members. Plus how to effectively manage remote and long distance teams
• How to (ultimately) create a vibrant workplace and not a toxic one

Just the same as the 5 Love Languages, don't expect your co-workers to feel appreciated in the exact same way as each other.

Dr. Paul teaches us how to express genuine appreciation to each of your co-workers and staff, even if you're working on a tight budget. And over time, he believes this will increase loyalty, reduce cynicism and create a more positive work environment. All fascinating stuff!

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/dr-paul-white-5-love-languages-in-workplace

Today is the day to CELEBRATE as we officially cross over the one year mark for The Simplifiers Podcast!

You know, so many times in life, we are just go, go, go… chasing the next big thing in life. We forget to slow down and celebrate how far we've come.

And so, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on this past year, the lessons I've learned in launching this podcast and sprinkle in a few messages from our 'gospel choir' of listeners just like you, from around the world.

Listen in on today's episode for details on:

#Dothething.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/celebrating-one-year

Okay, I'm curious… what's your process when you're making a big life decision? For me, it's all about gaining clarity as quickly as possible. So, I clear my entire desk off, grab a giant piece of white paper, flip on the kettle and get to work mapping it all out visually.

Maybe you're a spreadsheets gal? Or you like to jot down the pros and cons? Or your go-to is to speak to a trusted friend or coach for advice?

My guest, Tiffany Han simplifies when to say 'YES' in life… and when to say 'Heck no'

As Tiffany says, "it's time to stop saying yes to everyone else's ISH and start saying yes to yourself. Life is too short for you to wait any longer."

Here are a few simple, practical tips to help you make better decisions in your work and life.

• about the revelations Tiffany had during her recent break from social media, and how that helped refine her decision making skills and focus
• Tiffany's process for making decisions in work and life, plus the framework she follows to get to YES or NO, faster
• what part 'truth-telling and discernment' each play in decision making
• why it's important to focus internally as much as externally, when facing change in life
• how to begin to take 'bold, inspired action towards your dreams'

I love, love, LOVE Tiffany's core message of helping us to say YES to those things you want to do, be, and say.

To say yes to the vision you have for your life. To say yes to yourself. No more hitting pause on your life for the sake of what everyone else wants and needs.

This is powerful stuff here, so you might want to just download this one and listen to it again to catch all the tips she shares. This might be exactly what you needed to hear today, my friend… and it could change EVERYTHING.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/tiffany-han-when-to-say-yes-in-life

I want to talk about how to set a bedtime ritual that'll help you chill out. And I couldn't think of a more perfect person to help us with this topic than my own daughter, the queen of sleep, Miss Zoe. (Say hello, Zoe!)

In the episode earlier this week, I spoke with Carly Pollack, all about how to make sleep part of your 'non-negotiable' self-care practice. Which got me thinking about how kids have such great nighttime routines, why don't us adults have them, too??

In this episode, Zoe teaches us about what's working for her these days, and answers her Mum's questions...

1. Zoe, what are some of your favorite night-time rituals as a kid? 2. How do you feel when you've gotten a great night's sleep, the night before?

3. What about when you DON'T get a great night's sleep?

4. What am I like when I don't get good sleep, as your parent?

5. How early do you start your bedtime ritual every night?

Remember, the very best you that you give your clients is one that knows when to have work time, exercise time, play time and yes, good quality sleep time. That's the secret to get back to thriving.

Don't get stuck in the work zone for too long and risk burning out.

You can do this, I believe in you.

It's time to SIMPLIFY.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/chillout-bedtime-ritual

Can I ask a silly question? How good at sleeping are you?

I read a fascinating poll from the National Sleep Foundation, and it stated…

"only 10% of American adults prioritize their sleep over other aspects of daily living such as fitness/nutrition, work, social life and hobbies."

As we all know, when we get a great night's sleep we feel unstoppable. We're sharper, clearer and more productive. We are less likely to get triggered by what others say, or when things don't quite go how we hoped.

Great sleep helps us live better lives.

So, how do we make it a priority?

Carly Pollack is a nutritionist, author, and business owner.

• About the science of sleep, and what happens to our minds and bodies when we sleep
• Why sleep so important to our health and stress levels
• How to set your bedroom and nightly habits up for success
• The 4 questions Carly asks herself nightly that help her take a daily inventory of her life and make simple refinements
• • How did I overcome resistance today?
  • What did I do today that was great?
  • What can I improve?
  • What am I going to do tomorrow to put this improvement into action?
• How to train the mind and build better discipline around sleep… so you can get back to thriving

This is part 2 in a series of 5 episodes, where Carly Pollack talks about how to make self-care a 'non-negotiable' in your work and life. Make sure to listen to part 1 - episode 037, where Carly shares simple, practical tips on cooking and meal prep.

I love her, and Carly's new book - Feed Your Soul: Nutritional Wisdom to Lose Weight Permanently and Live Fulfilled - is a must-read if you're done with dieting, and want to learn how to have a better relationship with food and your body.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here:https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/carly-pollack-self-care-through-sleep

If you're drowning in admin work and your to-do list never seems to get done, you'll want to pull out your pen and paper and take notes.

The topic is about how to hire your first VA (psst, that stands for Virtual Assistant!)

I'm going to simplify it all down for you, demystify what to look for, how to ensure a good fit, and how to know the difference between which tasks to delegate, and which you should hang on to.

There comes a time where your small business hits a turning point… where you MUST grow your team, or else agree to stay small forever.

The GOOD NEWS is that it's never been easier to build your team without massively growing your payroll. A virtual assistant is NOT a 40-hour a week employee, and that's a good thing. Here's why:

• They get the work done faster. No downtime, no paying someone who's just scrolling through Instagram while on the clock.
• They are highly skilled talent who are specialists in 2-3 areas.
• And since you hire them for a small handful of hours per project or task, you've now got access to this talent without blowing the bank. You don't have to pay for insurance, benefits or vacation pay.

I have to be honest, the first time I hired a Virtual Assistant, it was a wee bit scary.

Bottomline, I have trust issues. "Who can really do it as good as me?", and "I'm the one who turns the crank on this business, I've got to DO IT ALL or something will drop."

NEWS-FLASH MARY: when you tried to do it all, you DID in fact drop super important balls! How silly was I!!?!

Don't be like me.

Well, don't be like OLD me.

3. How to ensure you've got a good fit

When you hire a FT employee, you sink tons of cash, training and resources into one person. That's why so many dread having to hire an employee… it's a pain to have to find a new person, you waste cash and most importantly, you waste your time. And say it with me… ain't nobody got time for that!

Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with The Simplifiers. Let's jump on a discovery call and chat about your upcoming tasks and projects. I'll give you my advice of how many hours you'll need, and if we've got someone on our team that can help you. If there's a better resource out there, I promise to point you in that direction. Visit thesimplifiers.com/VA to book a call with me. I'm here to simplify your life, so let's get going, friend!

#Dothething.

You can do this, I believe in you.

It's time to SIMPLIFY.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/how-to-hire-a-virtual-assistant