The Simplifiers Podcast

This year, I'm rethinking quite a few things in my life. One of which is how I relate to my phone because let's face it, that little rectangular buddy hangs out with me more than my own family does, in any given day… and I'm not sure that's a good thing!

Arlene reminds us, "the phone provides an illusion of connection, but in reality, its overuse leads to isolation."

If you're itching to reshape a bad habit of checking your phone constantly, instead of plugging in to real-life, in-person connections, this one is specifically for you!

• How screens and technology have changed the way we relate with one another
• How big of a problem this is, REALLY
• How we can get back to 'Calm, Cool, Connected' through Arlene's digital habits for a more balanced life:
• • H = Hold Down the Off Button (turn off technology at regular intervals)
  • A = Always Put People First (pivot away from your phone towards others)
  • B = Brush Daily (keep your reputation stellar by not posting rashly)
  • I = I Will Go Online With Purpose (stop wasting time and increase productivity instead)
  • T = Take a Hike (harness the power of nature to rejuvenate)
• What role your spirituality could play in all of this

Arlene was recommended by Dr Gary Chapman, the author of the 5 Love Languages and I'm so glad he did. When we chatted on the podcast, Gary mentioned Arlene was the absolute expert on this subject. I loved our conversation together and I hope you're able to integrate a few of her simple, practical tips so you can take back control of your screen time to simplify your life.

Dr Chapman has collaborated on a few books with Arlene and I have a feeling I'll have her back again soon on the podcast! It was soooo good!

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/048-arlene-pellicane

This month, we are taking the core values of The Simplifiers, breaking one down each week in our Friday bonus episodes. This is so you can understand what we believe in and why... and how you can incorporate the practice of core values in to your own work this year.

The next core value I want to shine a spotlight on is…

We can do great things together… alone serves no one.

Earlier this week, you learned that I was terribly shy as a child, which may totally be a surprise to most of you. Bottomline, it was a fear that I had to overcome, in order to truly thrive in life.

And through that lifelong process of finding my own voice, I discovered my creative strengths, and what I can offer the world through my work. What I'm good at and what makes my heart sing.

The very best part of the work I get to do is when I'm working in collaboration with other brilliant people. There is only so far you can take an idea, all on your own. You need other people to breathe fresh life into it. To add skills or connections that you lack. To build on it, enrich it, and help you soar to new heights.

Plus, it's a heckuva lot more fun to do things with others than all by yourself.

Listen in for my 3 simple tips to help you create new collaborations in the year ahead: Discover, Ask and Take Flight.

No man or woman is meant to live a solitary life. Neither are you. And while it might be scary to reach out to others or pitch a new idea for collaboration for fear of rejection, I encourage you to give it shot.

If they say NO, it's not a 'no' to your character… it's simply not the right timing or not a match for them. Move on and keep asking. Keep dreaming up new collaborations that can breathe new life in to your work.

And hey, a 'no' over here might result in a 'heck yeah!' over there!

The world needs your super powers. We need you to show up, shine bright and serve others. Alone serves no one… including yourself. We are better together because I can help you… and ultimately, you can help me, too.

Together, we are unstoppable.

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/bonus-044/

Can I admit a little secret to you? I was terribly shy as a child. Like, 'hide in my closet, don't make eye contact, struggle to speak up and talk to anyone' shy. I was perfectly content playing with my Cabbage Patch dolls and journaling by flashlight, with the accordion doors of my closet closed tight. With the outside world shut out, I was 'safe.'

I remember having a profound turning point, around age 12. One day, I heard a whisper in my ear that said, "is this the life you want for yourself? It's time for a change." And I made the choice… I took one bold step forward and started to speak up, make friends, and find my voice.

My special guest would call that MOXIE.

As Alexia says, "It's time to let go of the stories we are carrying around about who we are" and discover your true moxie once again.

• What it means to 'step into your moxie' & why (some) women struggle to speak up and/or step into the spotlight
• What the difference is between fear and 'a sensation' - and how to work through both
• How to build resilience as a business leader, handling those 'bum-bum biting moments.' Alexia shares insight on how listening to your intuition can help
• How to 'Go for the Holy Yes' when it comes to sales, and how that's the secret to winning bigger clients
• How to prepare for a tricky conversation with your team and how to prepare for a Facebook Live video or live talk

Alexia was such a delight to chat with. She is forever championing women like us to speak up for themselves about issues that matter. When we do this—together as a collective helping one another—we each amplify our voices, our visibility and our influence in the world.

Remember - we are better together, alone serves no one.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/047-alexia-vernon

How can you embrace simplicity as a core value in your business?

This month, we will take one core value of The Simplifiers, and break it down for you on our Friday podcast. This will demonstrate the benefit of incorporating core values into your small business, this year.

The first core value I want to shine a spotlight on is…

Because the simplest solution is usually the best one.

It's funny. When you call your company "The Simplifiers" - your life has a tendency to become incredibly complex. (haha)

I launched my business way, way back when in 2003, initially specializing in planning and producing large-scale non-traditional events - weddings, corporate and social. We helped simplify people's BIG day, managing all the little details behind the scenes.

As you can imagine, when you're hosting an event for 1000 people, there is NOTHING simple about that. The catering, the crowd control, the 80 billion moving parts. We had a knack for making it all look simple, so the client sparkled, and the attendees had the time of their lives.

But the essence of simplicity really comes down to this:

• Helping clients make wise decisions on how to use their money for maximum impact
• Deciding to work with the very best professionals in town; matching integrity and design aesthetic with expectations
• Holding true that the simplest solution is usually the best one. Putting the right systems in place to track all the details, and cutting out the NOISE.

Flash forward 16 years, and the same core value resonates. As a business coach, podcaster and a public speaker.

One of my favorite things to do is help a client simplify down a big challenge, stripping back the layers and getting to the core.

Bigger isn't always better.

More is not always the right answer.

I'm a big believer in doing less to accomplish more. Putting documented systems and processes in place to automate and replicate success. Hiring the right people to close the gaps. Stepping back and letting others shine.

In order to embrace simplicity as a core value, there is a certain level of faith required on your part. Once the important elements are in place, you can learn, re-build, and measure. Pivot when necessary. Distill down to the essence. Simplify, always.

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/bonus-043/

Happy New Year, superheroes!

My hope is that you are well rested, recharged and ready to tackle the new year with renewed spirit and super-boosters turned to full blast!

This episode officially kicks off season two for The Simplifiers Podcast, and I'm excited to shine the spotlight on my special guest, Kendrick Shope.

She's a superstar and an undercover superhero in sales. You're going to absolutely LOVE her as she simplifies how to sell with authenticity without sacrificing one ounce of integrity.

AND she shares how to kick the new year off right...

• How to overcome your fear of selling
• How to reframe the word 'sales'. Repeat after me: 'Selling is helping.'
• The six foundations to Authentic Selling® - Kendrick's signature process
• Subtle nuances for selling as an online business, vs. a brick/mortar company
• How to overcome objections and when you hear the word 'no'

What I love about Kendrick's core message is that she believes as women, we value the connection we have with people we buy from. So, let's unpack this truth and understand how to implement this in reality. I think part of it, is about strengthening our relationships with our existing clients, as well as those lurking around the edges - on the verge of reaching out to you.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/046-kendrick-shope

Setting a one word intention for the year ahead is a little ritual I put into place a few years back. It's powerful, yet simple.

You see, I'm a natural born entrepreneur, an ideas person.

If given the chance, I would launch a new business every week, bringing to life another million dollar idea with every chance I get.

I don't know if it's the same for you, but ideas whisper into my ear everywhere… in the shower, on the train, in my sleep.

While this is exciting, I realized I needed a way to keep on the path set out in front of me, instead of getting pulled in 80 different directions.

And here's how I did that; I began setting a one word intention for my year ahead, both personally and professionally.

That one word becomes my compass, my north star, my beacon when I want to do ALL THE THINGS… but need to remember to slow down and focus on (actually) doing the right things.

Before I start setting goals, before mapping out my cash flow forecast, before creating my programming calendar, I set my one word intention.

In years past, my word has been… Reach, Amplify, Soar. This word set the theme for the year ahead, giving me breathing room to create opportunities in work and life.

It brings me a sense of simplicity.

My goals are determined by my one word intention. And as my business mentor Danielle LaPorte has taught me, my 'core desired feelings' are always aligned with my one word intention. They work in perfect harmony, so how I want to feel matches where I want to focus. This helps me decide what I'm going to do (daily) to bring this to reality.

Listen in for some ideas if you're inspired to #DoTheThing with my

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/bonus-042/

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, friends!

It's been a simply fantastic year for The Simplifiers, if for no other reason than this was the year we launched The Simplifiers Podcast. And what a HUGE response we've gotten from you… a great big thank you to each and every one of y'all who's tuned in every week and shared our podcast with your friends. There are people in 64 countries around the world that are listening to us alongside you right now! (How cool is that!?!)

Many of you guys reached out and told us that you didn't want to miss an episode on Christmas day, (because let's face it - you might want to pop in your earbuds and get outside for a little walk and some fresh air soon, eh?) so we made a special one - just for you.

Looking back, we've had an incredible year together on the podcast. As you know, we find super smart people all around the world who can take one topic either in business or in life… and SIMPLIFY it for us.

Well, we've stitched together a few of the very best conversations from our top 5 episodes of season one 2018, to make this one extra special. If you haven't heard them all, here's your chance to go back and have a listen. Have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to helping you simplify in 2019.

And don't forget to #Dothething.

How to Simplify the 5 Love Languages - with Dr Gary Chapman

The 5 Pillars of "Non-Negotiable" Self-Care - with Carly Pollack

How to Grow Your Small Business in Simple Ways - with Nigel Collin

Simplifying Marketing Funnels for Creative Entrepreneurs - with Michelle Evans

How to Unlock Your Inner Undercover Superhero - with Mary Baird Wilcock

Thank you, thank you, thank you for tuning in for season one of The Simplifiers Podcast! If you're an avid listener, you probably know a few things about me… like my obsession with breakfast tacos or my weird cat named Talia. Or my love for RuPaul's Drag Race or watching Riverdale on Netflix. But you also know (by now) my passion for simplifying things in life.

My quest is to take topics in business and in life and SIMPLIFY them for you. So, the next time you're at a networking event or a dinner party and someone's talking about marketing funnels or cash flow forecasting or even conscious parenting, you can chime in confidently with your 2 cents. Like a HERO!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/045-greatest-hits-2018/

It's tricky, isn't it? When you've got a regular 9-to-5, clock in/clock out sort of job, there's always a big hustle to get everything done. There comes a time when you throw your hands up and say, "enough!" and leave it behind until after the holidays. Not a work-thought crosses your mind until you've had your fill of pie and afternoon naps.

Is it the same when it's your company?

I say no.

There's more skin in the game.

These are YOUR clients we're talking about.

If you disappoint them, what if they don't come back? What if you miss a detail that royally screws you in the coming months? What if, what if, what if?

Has this feedback loop started in your brain yet?

Okay, pause. Stop.

Let's flip it, stick it, and simplify it.

This little exercise will help you manage your work over the holidays so you can get the REST your body, mind and spirit desperately needs to be replenished:

Flip it

It's time to get it all on paper. Every last bit of stuff you think needs to be done before you break for the holidays, big or small. Once you've got your list, flip it to someone you trust who can help you figure out which things desperately need to get done and which can wait.

Stick it

Now that you've prioritized what's urgent and important and everyone agrees what needs to be done before we clock out, you've got to stick to the plan.

That means, NO. NEW. IDEAS. UNTIL. 2019!

Simplify it

Phew! It's nearly time to shut it all down and hibernate like bears for the winter. Simplifying means singular focus, one task at a time. Time block it in your calendar until it's all done. Simplify means doing your best, but not getting obsessed with perfect.

Take a break. I'm giving you permission. You need space to breathe. To relax. To reset.

A well-rested, refreshed and recharged you.

Ready to take on the new year with vitality and brilliance.

Give yourself this gift. Make it a week. Hey, why not two weeks, what the heck!

You've got big adventures coming up in 2019.

Now is the time to rest.

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/bonus-041/

One thing you should know, is that my coaching clients are small business owners and solopreneurs around the world. And what I find fascinating is that my British clients sometimes struggle with telling the story of who they are, and what they do.

They say things like, "Yikes Mary, it's a moment of CRINGE that I have to sell myself" or "I'm pretty rubbish at tooting my own horn… can't I just do the work that I love, and clients just come to me?"

Gosh, wouldn't that be nice?!

The trouble is… that's not how business works. No matter how big or small your company is, you need to be actively marketing yourself.

So yes, you do have to talk about yourself.

Commence horn tooting now. Because it bears repeating…

No sales = no business.

In episode 036, we asked some questions to help clarify your brand's message:

• Who are you?
• Who do you serve?
• What benefits would clients have if they worked with you?

And now, we are simplifying how to be a storyteller for your business. This involves how to get the word out in a way that feels right for you.

This can be a powerful tool in selling your products and services in an authentic (non-icky) way.

• What it means to be a 'storyteller' and why it's such an important skill for small business owners to cultivate
• Simple, practical tips on storytelling in business; setting people at ease, and sharing deeper insight and emotional connection with your stakeholders
• How much (or how little) you should share - the rule of thumb
• How to tell the story authentically without it being too glossed over or filtered, but still staying positive and uplifting

Plus, you'll learn about her latest photography creation - Sibling Revelry Project, what it taught her about creative storytelling and revealing the messy (and beautiful) layers of life. It's inspired Liz to fundamentally change how she approaches work she does for her other clients.

#DoTheThing!

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/044-elizabeth-mcguire

As they say in the UK, you may be "having a bit of a wobble" right now. I feel ya, girl. We've all been there, no matter if you're an introvert or an extrovert. A newbie in your career or a seasoned professional.

At times, our confidence sneaks right out the door when we least expect it, leaving us feeling a little bit 'less than'.

Or maybe you've started something new and it's gotten you feeling a bit nervous? It makes perfect sense… change is tricky and you're stepping in to the great unknown.

So, how do you begin to reframe this exciting, new journey ahead and rebuild your confidence along the way?

I've got a few ideas…

Make it a gameApproach this new change in your life as a game.

There's an excellent book called The Lean Startup: How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries.

It talks about the Feedback Loop, which is an approach that startups use to test a new business idea. It allows you to see if an idea is viable, and pivot quickly without too much time, money or resources spent.

Everyone needs a trusted confidant in life.

The confidence you seek already sits inside you now.

Something recently might have knocked the wind out of your sails, or something didn't go as planned. Maybe your self-esteem is feeling a bit bruised or the winter blues are starting to creep in.

Hear me out, friend. This too shall pass. In fact, I can guarantee it.

What is your fear trying to say? Listen and journal it out. Reread and process.

Acknowledge those voices and then choose to step out in bold faith by continuing to take that very next step forward in your work and in your life.

You are brilliant.

Know and trust your innate strengths.

Please know you're worthy of love, connection, and everything you desire.

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/bonus-040/